The Best Open World Games for Fans of Exploration and Adventure

16 May 2025

Have you ever wanted to wander through a mysterious forest, scale a towering mountain, or traverse a sprawling city without a single invisible wall holding you back? Open-world games let you do just that. They’re like a digital playground where you call the shots—your journey, your pace, your story. For fans of exploration and adventure, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of uncovering hidden secrets, stumbling across unexpected moments, and getting utterly lost in a virtual world. Whether you're slashing through enemies, soaking up the environment, or just aimlessly riding a horse into the sunset, open-world games deliver experiences that stick with you long after you’ve turned off the console.

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. So grab your controller (or mouse and keyboard), because here’s my take on the best open-world games that will satisfy your thirst for adventure.

What Makes a Great Open-World Game?

Before we dive into the list, let’s take a second to appreciate what makes these games so special. A great open-world game isn’t just about having a massive map. Bigger isn’t always better. What really matters is how much life is packed into that world—how much freedom and meaningful stuff there is to do.

Exploration should feel rewarding, like every corner of the map holds a treasure chest (figuratively… or literally). The world itself should feel alive, whether it’s through dense forests teeming with wildlife, bustling towns filled with quirky NPCs, or dynamic weather systems that make you feel like you’re really there. And let’s not forget the stories—whether they’re epic quests or tiny, personal moments that you stumble upon, a great open-world game knows how to hook you emotionally.

Alright, now let’s get into the good stuff!

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

When people talk about open-world games, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild almost always comes up—and for good reason. This game redefined what it means to explore. The magical land of Hyrule is your oyster, and there’s virtually no place you can’t reach if you’re willing to climb, glide, or swing your way there.

Every inch of the map feels handcrafted, from the windswept plains to the haunting ruins. Breath of the Wild encourages curiosity. See a weird-looking tree? Go check it out—it might hide a Korok seed. Spot a mountain in the distance? You can climb it, and there’s probably an ancient shrine waiting for you at the top. It’s a game that rewards you for breaking the rules, for thinking outside the box.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a backpacker in a fantasy world, this one’s for you.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

What if the Wild West was more than just tumbleweeds and shootouts? Red Dead Redemption 2 proves that open worlds can feel like living, breathing ecosystems. Rockstar Games went all out to create a world that feels authentic—a sprawling frontier filled with dense forests, snowy peaks, and steaming swamps.

But it’s not just about the landscapes. The characters you meet along the way all have their own stories, and the choices you make in the world ripple out in ways you won’t expect. Will you help a stranded pioneer or rob him blind? Will you hunt for food to feed your gang, or spend hours bathing in the atmosphere of the nearest saloon?

This game isn’t just about exploration—it’s about immersion. When you’re riding your horse through the wilderness as the sun sets, it’s easy to forget this isn’t the real world.

3. Elden Ring

If you’re a fan of rich lore, mysterious landscapes, and unforgiving challenges, then Elden Ring is the perfect adventure for you. Think of it as the lovechild of Dark Souls and open-world design—intense, mysterious, and utterly captivating.

The Lands Between is unlike any other game map. It feels ancient and alien, full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. From crumbling ruins to glowing caves, every area feels different and brims with the kind of detail that makes you stop and just… stare.

But beware: this isn’t a game that holds your hand. The joy of Elden Ring lies in the hunt—stumbling upon a hidden dungeon, piecing together its lore, and braving its deadly traps. If you’re up for a challenge and love the thrill of discovery, this one’s a no-brainer.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Let’s be real—you can’t talk about open-world games without mentioning The Witcher 3. It’s not merely a game; it’s an experience. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter traveling through a war-torn land filled with moral dilemmas, bickering kings, and plenty of supernatural drama.

What sets this game apart? Its world feels alive. Villages have their own struggles, forests feel haunted, and every side quest has a depth that puts other games’ main quests to shame. You might start off intending to hunt a griffin, only to end up embroiled in a tale of love, betrayal, and curses.

Oh, and did I mention the game changes depending on your choices? You’ll never play the same game twice.

5. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

If you’ve ever wanted to live out your ancient Greek fantasies, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey has you covered. This entry in the long-running Assassin’s Creed series embraces the open-world formula like never before.

The game transports you to a stunning recreation of ancient Greece—a land of sun-soaked islands, towering statues, and awe-inspiring temples. You’ll sail the Aegean Sea, uncovering buried treasure, fighting naval battles, and maybe even encountering gods and mythical beasts.

Exploration is the name of the game here. Want to climb the Parthenon and take in the view? Go for it. Feel like diving into the ocean to see what’s lurking beneath? You’re free to do that too. Odyssey is all about the journey.

6. No Man’s Sky

What if “open world” didn’t just mean one world? What if it meant an entire universe? That’s exactly what No Man’s Sky offers. Initially, the game had a rough start, but thanks to years of updates, it’s grown into an absolute masterpiece of exploration.

You hop between planets, each of which is procedurally generated and completely unique. One minute, you might be wandering a lush planet full of alien creatures; the next, you’re standing on a barren moon staring at two suns on the horizon. There’s no set goal—just you, your ship, and the endless possibilities of space.

For those who crave a sense of endless wonder, No Man’s Sky is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences out there.

7. Horizon Forbidden West

Giant robot dinosaurs in a jaw-droppingly gorgeous post-apocalyptic world? Yes, please. Horizon Forbidden West continues the story of Aloy, a warrior navigating a world that’s both ancient and futuristic at the same time.

The game’s world is lush with detail, from deserts scattered with ruins to underwater cities teeming with life. But what really makes this game stand out is its focus on storytelling. Every new area you explore comes with its own mysteries, and Aloy’s journey is one of discovery, growth, and survival.

Plus, who doesn’t want to fight robot animals with a bow and arrow? It’s just cool.

8. Minecraft

Okay, hear me out—Minecraft might not fit the traditional mold of an open-world game, but its sandbox nature means you’re free to create your own adventures. Whether you’re spelunking in caves, building castles, or wandering into the unknown, Minecraft gives you the freedom to explore on your own terms.

What makes it truly magical is its sense of discovery. One minute, you’re digging for diamonds; the next, you stumble across a village or a creepy abandoned mine. The simplicity of its blocky visuals belies the sheer depth of what you can do and find.

It’s a game that feels limitless, especially if you let your imagination run wild.

Wrapping It Up

Open-world games are a genre that truly lets you lose yourself. Whether you’re taming the Wild West, climbing mountains in a fantasy kingdom, or literally hopping between planets, they offer an escape unlike anything else. They’re not just games—they’re adventures, stories, and memories waiting to happen.

So, which of these should you dive into first? Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Each one offers something different, a unique flavor of exploration and adventure. And who knows? Maybe the next great open-world game is just around the corner.