Open-World Games That Are Best For Long-Term Roleplay

Open-World Games That Are Best For Long-Term Roleplay

Key Takeaways

  • Modern open-world games thrive on rich lore for engaging gameplay.
  • Sandbox-style games offer fantastic roleplaying opportunities.
  • Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield provide immersive roleplay experiences.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these games truly embody the spirit of roleplaying in unique and captivating ways.


As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the vast, immersive worlds that open-world games create for me. Every nook and cranny seems filled with tasks, puzzles, and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Some games strive for historical authenticity or intricate political landscapes, while others weave captivating tales and meticulously designed storylines to keep me hooked.

A key feature found in numerous sandbox-style open-world games is the opportunity for immersive roleplaying, serving as an impressive stage. This could involve assuming characters predefined by the game, or players creating their own distinctive personas within the game environment, consistently adhering to these roles throughout gameplay, despite potential challenges in completing the game.

7 Cyberpunk 2077

From Disaster To Open-World Greatness

As a die-hard fan, I must confess that the initial release of Cyberpunk 2077 was far from perfect. Yet, over the past couple of years, it has been polished and refined into something truly remarkable. The latest Phantom Liberty DLC has been an exceptional expansion, elevating the game to new heights for cyberpunk enthusiasts like myself. It’s safe to say that there is no other roleplaying game in this genre that can rival the immersive experience offered by Cyberpunk 2077.

Despite taking on the persona of V in Cyberpunk 2077, players have significant freedom for role-playing, thanks to a flexible dialogue system and the ability to personalize their character. Additionally, gameplay elements like the skill system further expand the possibilities for immersive role-playing experiences.

6 EVE Online

Be Whatever You Wish

EVE Online, a renowned MMORPG, boasts two decades of operation and remains active with tens of thousands of daily players. It holds a prestigious reputation for breaking world records in the number of participants in a single online conflict. The game stands out as exceptionally unique in numerous aspects.

In the context of EVE Online, players don’t merely roleplay; they embody the characters they’ve selected. CEOs of player-managed corporations carry out duties similar to those of real-life CEOs. Space pirates are allowed to plunder other players under threat of force, while traders must stay attuned to market fluctuations, much like in reality. The game’s entirely player-controlled political landscape and economy provide ample opportunities for immersive roleplaying experiences.

5 Starfield

Space Is The Background Not The Playground

Initially, upon its release, Starfield garnered a variety of opinions. Many gamers were displeased as they anticipated a full-fledged space game only to discover it’s primarily a role-playing game set on the ground, with space serving as a swift travel option and occasional combat sequences. This misalignment led to a slower acceptance within the gaming community that despite these differences, Starfield is still an exceptional game.

In Starfield, roleplaying provides an aspirational experience, brimming with numerous possibilities that foster a deep connection with the game’s immersive universe. Players are free to choose their romantic interests, shape their backstory, and define their moral compass. The dialogue options they select can have enduring, decisive consequences, granting players the power to align themselves with different factions in specific situations, and determine who they assist and when.

4 Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA Online)

A Vibrant Online Community

As a dedicated fan, I’m diving into the heart of Grand Theft Auto Online, one of the engaging gameplay options nestled within the epic world of Grand Theft Auto V. Initially, GTA Online faced some challenges. It was a magnet for explorers and cheaters, often shunned by the broader GTA V community. However, when GTA V transformed into a live service platform, the popularity of GTA Online skyrocketed.

Players have the option to engage in Grand Theft Auto Online on either the official servers or private ones. Regardless of their choice, they’re given the freedom to explore an alternate lifestyle within the city of Los Santos. Some players prefer to adhere to the common Grand Theft Auto code of lawlessness by committing crimes, while others create unique roles for themselves in this virtual world.

3 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Historically Accurate Roleplaying

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an RPG that’s set in a historically authentic open-world version of Bohemia. The game strives to immerse players in a convincing portrayal of a medieval era, and it does this quite effectively. Rather than sticking with the overused sword-and-sorcery formula, it delves deeper into the political landscape.

In this game, players have the liberty to choose a character they find appealing, crafting a convincing persona equipped to navigate the political hurdles presented within the game. Given the emphasis on authenticity, this choice often results in an immersive and fulfilling role-playing adventure.

2 ARK: Survival Evolved

Form A Tribe And Wage War

Initially, it might appear that Ark: Survival Evolved doesn’t align with the list, but if we consider its multiplayer aspect, particularly the PvP-enabled gameplay, it actually showcases its roleplaying elements more prominently.

In many community servers, they impose rigorous role-playing guidelines, which keep players from straying beyond their defined roles and engaging in actions like discussing meta gameplay in public forums. These virtual environments feature an intricately designed open world where players can establish tribes, construct settlements, and engage in conflict with rival tribes.

1 The Elder Scrolls Online

Long Running MMORPG Based On The Elder Scrolls Lore

Leading the pack is “The Elder Scrolls Online,” often abbreviated as ESO. This is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), richly steeped in the extensive lore from the Elder Scrolls series. The game offers an expansive, open-world environment that becomes even more engaging due to the numerous dynamic events a player can initiate.

In a play-acting sense, the player should choose a character within their chosen group or groups in the game. Character race, morality, and class are significant elements for roleplaying in ESO. The game offers numerous expansions to keep it engaging, and new content and activities are consistently added. Essentially, ESO places great emphasis on the RPG element of MMORPG gaming.

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2024-10-18 06:34