Upcoming Open-World Games That Will Let You Do Anything

Someday, a game will come out offering complete freedom – players will be able to explore any location and do absolutely anything they can imagine. This could even be possible with virtual reality: picture putting on a VR headset, logging in, and instantly being able to experience an entire city like Paris, perhaps even doing something fantastical like riding a unicorn, all in a single day.

While a truly limitless open-world experience is still a ways off, several upcoming games offer impressive freedom and choices. They might not have everything players could want just yet, but they look very promising and are worth adding to your wishlist now.

Crimson Desert

Pillars Of Eternity

Planned Release Date: 3/19/26
Planned Systems: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X

After a long wait, the action RPG Crimson Desert is scheduled to release next March on most popular gaming systems. It takes place in the same world as the earlier game, Crimson Desert Online. Gameplay footage highlights exciting movement options, including riding horses and dragons, commandeering vehicles, and scaling buildings and natural environments.

Okay, so the combat is awesome, but honestly, there’s so much else to do in this game! I can fish, play the flute, even arm wrestle people. And you can pet all kinds of animals, which is a nice touch. They’re promising even more stuff will be added before launch, too. The coolest part? I can pick up entire pillars and use them as weapons, just like in the Yakuza games! It looks absolutely crazy and I can’t wait to try it.

Grand Theft Auto 6

The Biggest Game Of 2026, Probably

Planned Release Date: 5/26/26
Planned Systems: PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

Everyone is incredibly excited for Grand Theft Auto 6, particularly now that Hollow Knight: Silksong is out. It appears Rockstar Games is aiming to make this their best game ever, offering a wide range of things to do beyond the classic driving and shooting gameplay.

The game’s trailers have already shown a wide range of activities, including dirt bike rallies, kayaking, mini-golf, scuba diving, and swimming. Rockstar hasn’t done much advertising yet, but fans are confident the game will be amazing when it releases next May.

Ananta

GTA With Spider-Man

Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: Mobile, PC, and PS5

Keep an eye on Ananta, a new game similar to Grand Theft Auto. While Grand Theft Auto 6 will cost money, Ananta will be free to play, and its anime-inspired design should appeal to fans of the genre. Like Grand Theft Auto 5, players will be able to unlock and switch between different characters while exploring the game world.

Players can get around the city in exciting ways, like swinging from buildings similar to Spider-Man, or by driving cars and motorcycles. They can fight enemies with shooting or hand-to-hand combat, use stealth and gadgets to sneak past them, and even participate in fun side activities like quick challenges and basketball.

Aniimo

The Wildest Pokemon Clone Yet

Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: Mobile, PC, and Xbox Series X

Aniimo appears to be a new game similar to Palworld, but inspired by Pokemon. It’s not just about collecting creatures, though – it offers a lot of other activities and will be free to play, with a more action-packed combat system.

In this game, players battle monsters, but they can also become the monsters and use their abilities – even turning into them to create powerful attack combinations! The monsters aren’t just enemies; they’re tools for getting around the world, offering options like gliding, riding on shells, and even surfing. The environments are interactive too, with things like grass burning and rocks breaking, suggesting even more gameplay possibilities are on the way.

ArchAge Chronicles

Into The MMO Blue Yonder

Developer: XLGames
Publisher: Kakao Games
Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X

ArchAge Chronicles appears to be a new action role-playing game that plays like a massively multiplayer online game, letting you battle enemies up close, from a distance, or with magic. It will feature a large, open world to explore, and players will be able to get around on horseback.

Beyond the main story, the game offers many other things to do. Players can collect resources and create items through crafting skills like blacksmithing and farming, and even personalize their own home. You’ll start by sailing to a new world as an explorer working for a trading company – a solid foundation for a large, activity-filled open-world experience.

Chrono Odyssey

Time-Based Exploring

Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S

Chrono Odyssey is an open-world game similar to many MMORPGs. From what we’ve seen, it shares a lot of visual similarities with ArchAge Chronicles, but it also includes a special feature that makes it stand out.

The game lets you pause or even rewind time, adding a unique twist to battles. Outside of combat, you can enjoy a variety of activities like fishing, mining, logging, and crafting. Plus, dungeons and raids are designed for cooperative play, letting you team up with friends.

Tanuki: Pon’s Summer

An Adorable Courier Game

Planned Release Date: TBA
Planned Systems: PC, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X

If you loved getting lost in the world of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and enjoyed the whole delivery aspect, I think you’ll really like Tanuki: Pon’s Summer! You play as a little tanuki – basically a raccoon dog – and your job is to deliver packages between four different towns. It’s super charming and gives off those same cozy, open-world vibes.

Players will be able to make friends with town residents, earn money to repair and personalize their shrine, perform bike tricks, go fishing, play baseball, and enjoy many other activities. While the current target release is late 2025, a specific date hasn’t been announced yet, which is typical for games like this.

2025-10-31 07:35