Open-World RPGs With The Best Questing

Open-World RPGs With The Best Questing

Key Takeaways

  • Open-world RPGs offer immersive gameplay in diverse settings with rich side quests.
  • Horizon Forbidden West: an action-packed adventure with stunning visuals and challenging enemies.
  • Elden Ring: a successful open-world game with no hand-holding, rewarding exploration, and epic battles.

As a seasoned gamer who has traversed countless virtual landscapes, I must say that the open-world RPG genre has truly come into its own in recent years. The sheer variety of experiences these games offer is nothing short of breathtaking, and I’ve found myself lost in their richly detailed worlds for hours on end.


As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the open-world RPG genre. These colossal worlds provide me with endless hours of engaging gameplay, set against breathtakingly vast landscapes. Whether it’s exploring bustling cities, desolate post-apocalyptic lands, medieval villages, or dense forests, these games are designed to draw you in and keep you hooked.

In open-world RPGs, it’s all about delving into adventures that spark excitement. A seemingly minor side quest could turn into a captivating journey lasting for hours. You might find yourself trekking across distant lands, encountering fresh characters, or stumbling upon concealed wonders. These escapades breathe life into the open world.

1 Horizon Forbidden West

A Colorful Action Epic

Titled Horizon Forbidden West, this highly anticipated sequel to the 2017 release Horizon Zero Dawn transports gamers to a post-apocalyptic world, where nature has reclaimed dominion and robotic dinosaurs reign supreme. In the game, players assume control of Aloy as she embarks on an expedition into the enigmatic Forbidden West territory.

Players in Horizon Forbidden West possess a diverse collection of weapons, tools, and different fighting techniques, all of which can be enhanced and refined. Whether it’s setting up traps, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, sneaking around, or focusing on ranged attacks, players have ample room to decide their approach when tackling the threats that populate the game world. A significant aspect of the game is exploration, with many non-player characters (NPCs) tasking the player, Aloy, with side quests scattered across the map. This expansive game features breathtaking visuals, smooth movement mechanics, and demanding robotic foes, making it an exciting choice for fans of action role-playing games (RPGs).

2 Dying Light 2: Stay Human

Survive The Zombie Apocalypse

The follow-up to the 2015 hit zombie movie is set 22 years on in the fictional town of Harran. The THV virus has drastically reduced the world’s population, leaving survivors huddled together in small communities. Players take on the role of Aiden Caldwell, who is on a mission to find his lost sister in Villedor, one of the last remaining bustling cities. Dying Light 2 amps up the parkour action from the original game and introduces a variety of weapons and skills that can be improved and unlocked for more exciting gameplay.

In Dying Light 2, players are given the freedom to roam and investigate an extensive, decayed city, assisting various factions in increasing their power. The choices made by the player, whether favoring one faction over another, can significantly alter the city’s dynamics and how its inhabitants respond to the player. This engaging, fast-paced action RPG is certain to captivate fans of the original game.

3 Cyberpunk 2077

Explore A Sprawling Cityscape

Initially facing numerous problems at launch with bugs and performance issues, Cyberpunk 2077 has since experienced a renaissance in both quality and praise. This cutting-edge open-world RPG invites players to delve into the kaleidoscopic and perilous metropolis of Night City, where they can confront the assortment of gangs and unsavory characters that thrive within its busy urban landscape.

The core narrative immerses players deep within the heart of the city, but it’s the additional tasks, missions, and chance interactions that truly breathe life into this digital realm. With a variety of weapons, outfits, and character roles to choose from, each playthrough offers a distinct adventure. Although Cyberpunk doesn’t quite match the groundbreaking standard set by CD Project Red in their previous game, The Witcher 3, it remains a must-play for enthusiasts of first-person shooters and open-world exploration.

4 Outward

A Challenging Hidden Gem

In simple terms, “Outward” is an independent role-playing game (RPG) set in an open world that offers a challenging experience with complex combat and survival elements. Players are free to traverse vast landscapes ranging from verdant coastal mountains to treacherous swamps and scorching deserts. The game provides minimal guidance, and there are no save points. Dying frequently may lead to being rescued by non-player characters (NPCs) or waking up in a different location, requiring the player to find an escape route. Moreover, the map does not show the player’s current position, forcing players to familiarize themselves with the regions through visual exploration.

In “Outward,” you embark on an authentic journey where the perils of the world could potentially end your character. There are numerous sub-quests to accomplish, secrets to uncover, and potent magic to master. Though its challenging gameplay might deter more relaxed gamers, “Outward” is a concealed treasure that hardcore RPG enthusiasts will surely appreciate.

5 Dragon’s Dogma 2

High-Fantasy Adventuring

In the upcoming sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2, players assume the role of a personalized protagonist, referred to as the Arisen, who explores a sprawling world, its power struggles, and encounters various mythical beasts. The story unfolds amidst the backdrop of two dominant kingdoms locked in conflict on a massive continent.

In the game, known as Dragon’s Dogma 2, players are given the freedom to embark on a variety of missions, ranging from slaying monsters to assisting Non-Player Characters (NPCs). The approach taken for each mission is left entirely up to the player, with multiple paths and choices available. This title has achieved significant success upon its release, broadening the series’ appeal. Fans of fantasy RPGs such as Dragon Age and Elder Scrolls should find this game particularly appealing due to its high-octane adventure and epic fight scenes.

6 Fallout 4

A Vast Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland

In simple terms, “Fallout 4” is a massive role-playing game set in a post-irradiated Boston landscape. You take on the role of a dweller from a vault who’s been asleep for 200 years and sets out to rescue their kidnapped son. Alongside the main storyline, “Fallout 4” offers numerous side missions and unexpected encounters. Power struggles among different factions and the need for assistance in settlements keep you occupied. As you explore this post-apocalyptic world, you’ll find yourself managing multiple narratives to progress.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t deny the allure of exploring every nook and cranny in Fallout 4 – an expansive open-world game that’s brimming with undiscovered spots teeming with enemies and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. The sheer amount of captivating content in this game means I’ve easily sunk countless hours into it, making it one of the finest open-world RPGs out there even today. And let’s not forget the massive success of its TV adaptation, propelling the Fallout series to the forefront of gaming franchises that dominate the modern era.

7 Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

The Definitive Version Of A Classic

As a dedicated fan, I can confidently say that Dragon Quest 3 holds a special place in my heart among the finest JRPGs ever created. Despite multiple remakes in the past, the release of its HD-2D version has breathed fresh life into this timeless classic, captivating a whole new generation of gamers with its updated graphics and gameplay experience.

In a lively, vividly colored fantasy realm, Dragon Quest 3 unfolds where adventurers are richly rewarded for their exploration with hidden gems and potent treasures. Players have the liberty to roam the open world at will, encountering side quests in every nook and cranny. The game’s captivating environment sparkles with color, though novice players might find the complex, retro-style turn-based battles a bit tough. However, for RPG enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic gaming experience, Dragon Quest 3 is an essential play.

8 Elden Ring

A New Era In Open World Gaming

In a departure from their usual action RPG style, Elden Ring represents FromSoftware’s initial venture into the expansive world of open-game design. This groundbreaking release has propelled the studio to new heights, making it their most successful game yet and solidifying their position as a dominant force in the gaming industry. The game offers a breathtaking open-world adventure, with rewarding exploration leading players to secret spots and concealed territories.

True to the style of FromSoftware, players need to put in effort for their side quests in Elden Ring. Unlike other games, there are no mission markers or quest logs here. Instead, some of Elden Ring’s most memorable moments can be discovered by chatting with various NPCs and delving into their stories. The game emphasizes adventure, exploration, and overcoming challenging bosses that will truly test a player’s skills. Elden Ring is an exceptional recently released title that every fan of open-world games should experience.

9 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

The Classic That Keeps Going

Initially launched in 2011, the fifth edition of the Elder Scrolls series has been consistently popular thanks to remastered versions, maintaining a substantial player community. Known as Skyrim, this classic open-world RPG invites players into a snowy landscape teeming with rival factions, wandering beasts, and concealed mysteries.

This game, Skyrim, stands out as a remarkable milestone in the realm of open-world RPGs. It boasts an intricate map brimming with distinctive locales. These range from sprawling metropolises, fortresses, and encampments to a multitude of quaint towns and hamlets, each teeming with adventures yet to be uncovered. The backdrop is steeped in a rich tapestry of history, featuring old ruins and temples that conceal untold tales and enigmas. Skyrim’s allure is hard to replicate by other games due to its unique appeal.

10 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

A Living Breathing World

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt marked a significant milestone in the open-world RPG genre, establishing a new benchmark for games within it. The expansive game world teemed with countless enemies, locations, and hidden treasures. One of its most notable features was the diverse range of quests available. These ranged from straightforward tasks like locating a missing NPC’s pet goat, to engaging monster-hunting missions, all the way up to substantial side stories that enriched the game’s setting and key characters.

In every expansive sector of the game, there’s a distinct historical background and physical terrain, brimming with undiscovered mysteries. Ranging from concealed caverns to spooky structures, exploration in this game is generously rewarded. The Witcher 3 offers an abundance of side quests that are detached from the primary narrative. Each mission carries a unique flavor and sense of belonging to the world, offering players precious loot and unforgettable gaming experiences.

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2024-11-17 02:54