22 Best Open World RPGs 2026: Worlds Worth Losing Yourself In

Dune: Awakening

and chased bounties through Cyberpunk 2077’s neon sprawl.

This guide rounds up timeless classics and newer releases that still deserve your time in 2026.

Every entry made the cut based on real playtime, checked against critic and player scores.

How I Ranked the Best Open World RPGs

Although I’ve also included Metacritic scores in the respective game sections, my rating is based on a variety of factors based on my time playing a game. These include graphics, story, whether there are any immersion-breaking bugs/glitches, the overall performance, and most importantly, how much fun something is to play.

Our Top Picks for the Best Open World RPGs

In recent years, open world games have taken over the gaming scene. They give players the freedom to lose themselves in worlds built for exploration. I’ve tested dozens of them and swapped notes with friends and colleagues along the way. Three titles stood out above the rest based purely on my own time with them, and they deserved a shoutout before the full ranking begins.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Action Adventure

A reactive frontier and detailed survival systems make Arthur Morgan’s journey one of the easiest open worlds to disappear into.

No Man’s Sky

Space Exploration

An enormous procedural universe gives exploration almost no ceiling, with upgrades and free updates keeping long-term progression rewarding.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Action

Raids feed directly into settlement growth, while Eivor’s skill progression gives its huge version of England a steady RPG loop.

Not exactly the trio you’d expect topping a best open world RPGs list? That’s exactly the point. These three earned it through hours actually spent playing them. Scroll down for the full ranking of every open world RPG worth your time.

22 Best Open World RPGs: Epic Journeys Without Boundaries

The best open world RPGs have evolved, and they have grown well beyond simple exploration. Each one on this list handles that exploration differently, whether that’s a single sprawling kingdom or an entire galaxy to lose yourself in. Which one has already claimed a spot in your library, and which are you saving for later?

Red Dead Redemption 2

Best Open World RPG for Western Storytelling Excellence

My Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Metacritic
PC, PS4, Xbox One
Year
Developer / Publisher
Rockstar Games
What I Love About It
Ultra-realistic world, emotional story, unmatched immersion
If you’ve ever dreamed of living as an outlaw in the dying days of the American frontier,

Red Dead Redemption 2

helps take you through that fantasy.

As the protagonist Arthur Morgan, you’ll experience a game with one of the most realistic open world mechanics ever created.

You get to experience hunting that requires tracking and clean kills, horses need brushing and feeding, and your campmates react to how often you contribute.

Combat felt heavy and deliberate when I played. Every shot had weight, with the Dead Eye system letting you slow time for cinematic shootouts. The visual style is nothing short of stunning, from snow-capped mountains to swampy bayous, all designed with obsessive attention to detail.

The emotional depth is impeccable.

As the Van der Linde gang’s story flows through the Wild West, it encompasses tragedy, loyalty and change. Arthur’s personal journey stands as one of gaming’s greatest character arcs.

Why we chose it Hunt, fight, and survive in the most realistic Western game with a massive open world that you’ll love to get lost in.

For open world fans, this is the ultimate sandbox. You can choose to be an honorable gunslinger helping townsfolk or a vicious outlaw robbing trains, the choice is yours. The slow pace might test some players’ patience, but those who embrace the rhythm will find an experience unlike any other.

No Man’s Sky

Best Open World RPG for Procedural Space Exploration

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic 61 (PC), 91 (Switch 2)

PC, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 Year Developer / Publisher Hello Games What I Love About It Infinite procedural universe, free content updates since launch, light RPG-style progression

No Man’s Sky

drops you into an infinite procedurally generated universe, and “huge” undersells it.

Hello Games built a universe of over 18 quintillion procedurally generated planets, each with its own weather, wildlife, and resources to catalogue.

It’s not a stats-and-classes RPG, but exosuit, ship, and multi-tool upgrades give real progression over time. The game’s four core loops, exploring, fighting, trading, and surviving, feed that same growth. I’ve lost entire weekends to base-building alone, terraforming a plot on some radioactive moon just because the view was worth it. The Xeno Arena update added creature taming and turn-based battles.

The newer Swarm content adds a genuine threat hanging over the sky that’s finally pulling players into working together.

Hello Games has kept every update free since the game’s rocky 2016 launch, and 2026 marks its tenth anniversary.

Why we chose it

A survival-crafting sandbox more than a strict RPG, but its scale and light progression earn it a spot for anyone chasing pure exploration.

If you’re the type of player who needs a game that never truly runs out of places to go,

No Man’s Sky

rewards that patience with a decade of free content and a universe that’s still growing.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Best Open World RPG for Viking Conquest and Settlement Building

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S Year Developer / Publisher Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft What I Love About It Viking raiding, settlement building, Norse mythology, dual-wielding combat You’ll land on England’s shores as Eivor, a Viking warrior chasing a new home for a struggling clan.

Ubisoft Montreal built one of the series’ most sprawling worlds, stretching from Norway’s fjords to England’s fractured kingdoms.

I sank real time into the skill trees and gear upgrades, and they actually change how Eivor plays. Norse mythology threads like Asgard add a supernatural layer, while dual-wielding combat gets better once you unlock more abilities.

Wrath of the Druids adds Ireland, and Dawn of Ragnarök sends Odin into Svartalfheim, the mythic dwarven realm.

Around hour 40 I noticed the side content starting to repeat itself, and I’m not alone in that criticism.

Ubisoft closed out story support with The Last Chapter update in 2022, so what’s here now is the complete experience.

Why we chose it

A sprawling Viking RPG that trades some pacing for scale. It delivers raiding and settlement building alongside a heavy dose of Norse myth like no other.

Fans of Norse mythology and slow-burn RPGs will get the most mileage here, and

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

rewards that patience with one of the biggest worlds on this list.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Best Open World RPG for Player Choice

My Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Metacritic
PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Year
Developer / Publisher
Bethesda
What I Love About It
Endless replayability, freedom to roleplay anything, massive dragons

You didn’t think I’d ignore this, did you?

Skyrim might almost be old enough to drive, but thanks to years of updates it’s as playable as ever. True to form, you take on the role of a prisoner, but this time your execution is stopped not by an emperor asking for help (as in Oblivion) but thanks to a massive dragon.

The huge beast starts burning down the village you’re in, setting everything into chaos and giving you the chance to escape. From there, you’re completely free to go anywhere and do practically anything, whether that’s steal everything that’s not nailed down or build yourself up into a fearsome monster slayer.

Bethesda has rightly made a name for itself by offering players huge open worlds, and Skyrim’s is rarely rivalled: while the map size of roughly 14–15 square miles is small by modern standards, it’s packed with arguably a lot more content than contemporary open world titles. Basically, if you can see something, you can probably find a way to reach it.

Why we chose it The world of Skyrim still looks magnificent in all its wintry glory, but it’s the sheer level of player choice that helped it win multiple awards.

Bethesda games are also known for their jank, which Skyrim isn’t immune to. However, the good news is this is usually funny (like having NPCs spin on the spot for no reason) rather than game-breaking. There’s also nothing that stopped Skyrim from winning multiple Game of the Year awards. Travel to the icy mountains and see for yourself, I guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself.

Days Gone

Best Open World RPG for Horde Survival and Motorcycle Escape

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, PS4, PS5 Year Developer / Publisher Bend Studio / Sony Interactive Entertainment What I Love About It Freaker hordes, skill-tree progression, motorcycle customization, camp trust system The first time a horde of a few hundred Freakers boiled out of a cave near Crater Lake, I dropped my controller for a second.

Bend Studio built Oregon’s wilderness around these swarms, and running from one on foot is a death sentence.

Deacon’s growth runs through three skill trees, one for survival, one for melee, one for ranged combat, so every point I spent actually changed how a fight played out, and that’s genuine RPG weight. Trust with camps like Copeland’s or Lost Lake shifts what jobs and resources open up, and it works more like a reputation system than a checklist.

Your bike doubles as a character in its own right, and upgrading its engine and storage matters just as much as any gear on Deacon’s back.

I finished the story around hour 35 and still had side content left over. The 2025 PS5 remaster added a horde-focused mode called Horde Assault, worth revisiting Oregon for even if you already beat the original.

Why we chose it

A horde-survival RPG built around motorcycle escape and camp reputation, with skill and gear progression deep enough to carry the whole campaign.

If you want combat that escalates into genuine panic once a horde notices you,

Days Gone

delivers that better than almost anything else in this list.

Death Stranding

Best Open World RPG for Delivery-Based Exploration and Connection

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Year Developer / Publisher Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment What I Love About It Terrain-based traversal, cargo management, asynchronous player structures, cinematic storytelling Balance is the core mechanic in

Death Stranding

, and that alone makes it unlike anything else on this list.

Kojima Productions built a game around carrying cargo across broken terrain, where a bad step can send Sam and his packages tumbling downhill.

I’ll be honest, there’s no traditional RPG structure here.

Progression comes from unlocking gear and vehicles as the story moves forward.

Deliveries and Likes raise Sam’s transporter reputation and Porter Grade. The Social Strand System separately brings other players’ structures into your world.

Structures other players left behind, ziplines and climbing anchors mostly, saved me constantly, and building my own became a strange kind of generosity toward strangers I’d never meet.

The Director’s Cut added combat trials and a racetrack, small additions that don’t change the core loop.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrived in June 2025, so the original still holds up as the cleaner introduction to Kojima’s strand-type idea.

Why we chose it

Barely an RPG by any traditional measure, but its traversal and connection systems reward patience in a way nothing else on this list attempts.

Give

Death Stranding

a real chance past the first few hours, and its slow rhythm turns into something closer to meditation than most open worlds ever manage.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Best Open World RPG for Active Combat and Creative Party-Building

My Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Metacritic
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Year
Developer / Publisher
Capcom
What I Love About It
Pawn system companions, dynamic combat, climbing giant monsters

Dragon’s Dogma 2

has a vocations (classes) system that’s deeper than in the first game. You can choose to rain arrows as an Archer, weave spells as a Mage, or create chaos as the new Trickster. The Trickster uses illusions to turn enemies against each other.

The Pawn system stands out as the game’s most unique feature.

Your custom AI companion learns from your playstyle. Then, it finds its way into other players’ worlds to gather knowledge and loot before returning to you wiser than before. It’s a clever twist on multiplayer that brings your party to life. Even if the AI can be a bit odd, like when a Pawn walks off a cliff during battle, it’s always hilarious.

Why we chose it

Your party’s your weapon, the world’s your enemy, and every step is a fight to survive.

Nights are deadly, and limited fast travel means danger is everywhere. Wolves can drag you into the woods. If you wander into the wrong area too soon, you’ll need to run for your life. It feels wonky, and the camera feels like it’s against you sometimes, but even with all that, it’s still one of the best RPG games out there.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Best Open World RPG for Cooperative Ecological Battles

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Year Developer / Publisher Capcom What I Love About It Massive ecosystems, co-op hunting, evolving monsters After hours of exploring huge worlds and joining in wild co-op battles, I thought I knew what to expect from a Monster Hunter game, but this one surprised me pleasantly.

The main gameplay is still about defeating huge monsters, but the loops are smoother now.

You no longer retreat to town after every hunt, and everything you need to craft, cook, and regroup is all right there with you in the wild.

The change between zones is stunning. What blew me away was the reactive ecosystem, as weather shifts, monsters migrate, and terrain changes around you. Here, the environment plays a key role in the battle. Fighting in a desert that becomes a lightning storm and then a blooming field? Wild.

Why we chose it

What could be more challenging than battling colossal beasts in worlds that breathe?

Some reviews say the game isn’t very challenging. But if you want the adventure, exploration, and to team up with friends,
Wilds
offers a fun, vibrant co-op experience. It captures that
Monster Hunter

feel and is easy to enjoy.

Elden Ring

Best Open World RPG for Breathtaking Discovery and Challenge

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 Year Developer / Publisher FromSoftware / Bandai Namco What I Love About It Massive open world, brutal combat, mysterious lore, freedom in exploration From the moment you step into the Lands Between, you’re hit with this breathtaking world that feels alive in ways most games only dream of.

Every swing of your sword, every dodge, every spell matters because combat is all about timing and strategy. The visuals are also absolutely beautiful – from the golden glow of the Erdtree to the nightmare wasteland of Caelid, every area has its own vibe, its own secrets, with its own dangers lurking around the corner. For those exploring similar RPG games like

Elden Ring

, few match this level of environmental storytelling and challenge.

What puts

Elden Ring

on my Mount Rushmore of open world games is how it treats exploration. It’s just you, your curiosity, and a world that rewards you for wandering off the beaten path. You’ll stumble into hidden dungeons, face off against bosses that feel impossible at first (until they don’t), and uncover lore that’s as deep as it is mysterious. It’s more than just surviving, but mastering the world and carving your own path through it.

Why we chose it

Brutal, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable gaming experience, and something every gamer must experience at least once.

For open world RPG fans who somehow haven’t played this game yet, this is the game you’ve been waiting for.

Elden Ring, as a game, respects you as a player. You’ll sneak into eerie ruins lit by ghostflame, and end up fighting a dragon you didn’t see coming. And if you die (and trust me, you will die), it never feels cheap. It’s fair, and it actually pushes you to pay attention to your next trial.

Fallout: New Vegas

Open World RPG with Best Story

My Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Metacritic
PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Year
Developer / Publisher
Obsidian / Bethesda
What I Love About It
Best RPG writing, faction choices, branching endings
Obsidian
had already built a strong RPG reputation with games such as
Neverwinter Nights 2
before
Bethesda
handed it the
Fallout
license. With
New Vegas
, the studio built a standalone Mojave story on the foundations of
Fallout 3

New Vegas inherits plenty from Fallout 3, including its general structure and visual style. Look beyond those similarities and you’ll find a story-rich RPG packed with branching quests and player choices that carry real weight.

You take on the role of a Courier whose delivery goes badly wrong. Your path eventually puts you between the NCR, Caesar’s Legion, Mr. House, and the option to back an independent New Vegas, with major choices shaping the future of the Mojave.

Why we chose it Although it starts off feeling like an inferior Fallout 3, it soon becomes evident New Vegas has better writing than that game. A must-play for fans of deep narrative RPGs.

New Vegas was kind of the Fallout series’ little brother at release, but thanks to the second season of the Fallout TV series (which used it as a setting), the game’s drawn renewed attention. I recommend trekking through the digital Mojave to see for yourself why the game’s worth playing.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Best Open World RPG for Creature Design

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, PS4, PS5 Year Developer / Publisher Guerrilla Games / Sony What I Love About It Robot dinosaurs, strong protagonist, beautiful open world Look, if the phrase “robot dinosaurs” doesn’t sell you on this game then I don’t know what will.

Set in a future version of Earth ruled by animal-like Machines, you control Aloy in her quest to find out the secret to the robot beasts.

Horizon Zero Dawn

spawned multiple sequels, spin-offs and DLC, but the original game still holds up. If you’re a fan of action RPGs with a story worth caring about, then I can easily recommend this game.

The world itself, too, is worth exploring. Plenty of games offer an open world but fail to pack much content into it. This isn’t an issue with

Horizon Zero Dawn

as there’s always some Machine to hunt or area to explore, and it all looks gorgeous.

Aside from the environment, the combat feels meaty and I especially like the variety of weapons you can use. These range from different bows through to the wonderfully-named Ravager Cannon, which fires a high-damage projectile. A remastered version was released in October 2024, but to be honest the original graphics still hold up very well.

Why we chose it

You get to fight giant mechanical dinosaurs and cool-looking robot animals. Enough said!

Although there are newer games in the series, the original earns a place on this list for being the first to do everything they do. You’ve got weighty combat, a beautiful open world, RPG progression, and did I mention robot dinosaurs? It has plenty of those!

Starfield

Best Open World RPG for Spacefaring Freedom

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Year Developer / Publisher Bethesda Game Studios What I Love About It Space exploration, ship building, massive scale freedom If you’re familiar with either the Skyrim or Fallout series,

Starfield

feels like stepping into familiar territory, only this time, in a distant sci-fi future of an open world game.

At its core, this is classic Bethesda RPG action. You can loot abandoned bases and gradually turn your starter ship into a space cruiser.

Starfield

spans more than 1,000 explorable planets, while its cities and faction questlines provide much of the hand-authored story content.

Why we chose it

A galaxy of stories with you as an endless explorer is beyond exciting. Among other immersive sci-fi games, Starfield stands out for delivering vast exploration and rich narrative depth.

The faction questlines feel like some of Bethesda ‘s best writing in years, especially the Crimson Fleet storyline that lets you go full Firefly. The cities are jaw-dropping. New Atlantis, Neon, and Akila each feel like distinct living hubs. If you enjoy open world RPGs,

Starfield

offers the depth, freedom, and wonder you want…but in space!

Dune: Awakening

Best Open World RPG for Harsh-Sand Survival with Intrigue

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Year Developer / Publisher Funcom What I Love About It Survival MMO on Arrakis, sandworms, faction politics As a huge fan and consumer of all forms of Dune media, it’ll be hard to review this without any form of personal bias.

Dune: Awakening

feels like a game focused on politics, set in a harsh desert survival nightmare. The plotlines are familiar in your usual scavenge, craft, and build, but with a brutal Dune twist. For players exploring RPGs with survival game elements, the

Dune: Awakening

title stands out with its intense player-driven politics and unforgiving world.

Dune: Awakening

stands out to me for two reasons: its interesting political depth and a story that diverges from the books, movies, and TV shows. While playing Dune, you have to scheme to survive. Join factions, trade spice (the most valuable resource), and manipulate councils to gain power.

In multiplayer, guilds can clash over territory and shifting alliances give the endgame a political edge. Since the September 2026 console update, the full story can also be played in dedicated single-player with scalable difficulty and custom gameplay settings.

Why we chose it

Few games blend survival, exploration, and power struggles this seamlessly.

For open world RPG fans, this is a unique blend of survival grit with high stakes, as Arrakis is brutal and doesn’t forgive mistakes.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Best Open World RPG for Emotional Narrative Adventures

My Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Metacritic
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Year
Developer / Publisher
CD PROJEKT RED
What I Love About It
Rich storytelling, meaningful side quests, monster hunting, living world
I’ve spent hundreds of hours playing open world RPGs, from
Assassin’s Creed
to
Genshin Impact
. Still,

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

stands out as one of my best experiences in the genre. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter. He has two swords, a gravelly voice, and a surprisingly soft heart for romance. For players searching for similar top RPG games with romance options, this title sets a high bar with its deep character relationships and heartfelt storylines.

The combat may take some time to master, but it feels purposeful.

You will dodge, parry, and cast magic signs. Also, you’ll prepare for battles by studying monster weaknesses and brewing potions.

I’ve played on PS5, and I can say the game looks amazing. Every place, from the war-torn swamps of Velen to the fairytale charm of Toussaint, shares its own tale. The stunning visuals and strong atmosphere show that the creators paid close attention to detail in their world-building.

Why we chose it

Storytelling that cuts deeper than any sword, with even the smallest side quests offering a much deeper narrative than it may appear on the surface.

What truly captivated me after I first played the game was the character-driven story.

It features layered quests and moral choices that add interesting depth. Characters felt like real people with authentic problems, motives, and pasts. Also, when you make a choice, you feel it.

Sometimes the consequences don’t show up until hours later, but they hit hard. For RPG fans who want rich characters, real choices, and a lively world, The Witcher 3 is perfect. It lets you shape your story, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Best Open World RPG for Storytelling Freedom and Consequence-Driven Depth

My Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Metacritic
PC, macOS, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Year
Developer / Publisher
Larian Studios
What I Love About It
Deep reactive narrative, D&D freedom, meaningful choices, cinematic companions
If you love open world RPGs,

Baldur’s Gate 3

is one of those games that gets what makes the genre special. At its core, it’s a
turn-based adventure inspired by D&D

where every choice matters. This includes simple actions like picking dialogue options or fighting enemies. It also covers more complex tasks, such as exploring the vast world.

I found the combat tactical and deeply varied – there’s always another way to approach a fight. You can use spells, stealth, and the environment to outsmart your foes. And the visuals? Stunning. Each place, from eerie dungeons to lush forests, feels designed with purpose.

What sets

Baldur’s Gate 3

apart, aside from winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2023, is the extent to which your decisions shape the game. The story reacts to what you do, and the writing gives its memorable characters plenty of room to change across a playthrough.

Why we chose it

Very few RPGs let you shape the world so deeply, with choices that truly matter and storytelling that rivals the best in the genre.

This game is a dream for open world fans. It offers freedom to explore and has D&D roots. These features add strategy and player choice, which few games can match. If you love open world RPGs with rich stories where you can shape your own journey, you’ll remember Baldur’s Gate 3.

And if you’re on the lookout for other top RPG games like

Baldur’s Gate 3

to dive into after, there are several worthy contenders that capture a similar spirit of storytelling and exploration.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Open World RPG for Switch

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 Year Developer / Publisher Nintendo What I Love About It Pure exploration freedom, physics-driven gameplay, emergent solutions There are few games as limitless and unique as

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

, even when talking about the RPGs and open world games. The game actually feels alive, as it’s brimming with beauty and mystery wherever you turn. Every area is packed with secrets waiting to be uncovered, and it’s always incredibly exciting to go after them.

Yet, the part that shines most is its freedom. You can take on side quests or simply wander until something catches your eye. The climbing and gliding systems open up Hyrule vertically, while runes let you experiment with physics-based solutions to puzzles and traversal.

Why we chose it

It’s a very fairy-tale-like RPG adventure with near-unlimited freedom to explore and interact with the world however you see fit.

Even if it’s now a few years old, Breath of the Wild is undoubtedly still one unmissable on Switch. If you love open world RPGs, there’s almost no excuse good enough to justify missing out on it.

Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition

Best Post-Apocalyptic Open World RPG

My Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Metacritic
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Year
Developer / Publisher
Bethesda
What I Love About It
Open world sandbox, base building, exploration loop
For open world RPG fans who love the vibe of post-apocalyptic dystopia, it would be hard to find a more perfect game than
Fallout 4

. Even though it takes place in a complete wasteland, the game’s world is not only massive but actually alive, filled with interesting locations to explore, from ruined cities to underground vaults.

Combat, with Fallout ‘s trademark V.A.T.S. system, is super fun, and the customization options for weapons, settlements, and even your own character add a ton of depth. The main story is actually good, yet it’s incredibly easy to get sidetracked, whether you’re building settlements, helping people, or going on your own little mission.

Why we chose it

It’s a highly immersive post-apocalyptic world full of both danger and various opportunities, all of which can lead to very interesting outcomes.

Fallout 4 is really an adventure that makes you feel like you’re truly part of its ruined world. If you love post-apocalyptic settings but would rather not have to live in one in real life, this is as close as it gets without stepping over that line, and honestly, it’s quite perfect.

The Outer Worlds 2

Best Open World RPG for Witty Sci-Fi Role-Playing

My Score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Metacritic
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Year
Developer / Publisher
Obsidian
What I Love About It
Humor, player choice, branching dialogue, space RPG satire
The Outer Worlds

is really quite a gem among the RPG and open world games alike. It may not be as limitless as some other picks on this list, but a little narrower focus field is exactly what makes the best parts of this game shine.

It takes place in a huge, retro-futuristic cosmic colony in a distant solar system on the edge of the explored space. The game’s open world is a blend of gritty corporate control and space-faring adventure, all wrapped nicely in a cleverly written satire.

There is a ton to explore and choose from, with decisions that impact your story, your companions, and the whole colony alike. Each planet you visit offers a fresh batch of surprises. Plus, it improves upon the first game in a number of ways, with a stronger focus on role-playing.

Why we chose it The Outer Worlds 2 is a satirical retro-futuristic RPG that hits all the right notes and is perfect if you ever wanted to take the Fallout vibe and add space travel to it.

The Outer Worlds 2

simply has a great balance between freedom and immersive narrative, which is incredibly satisfying. And while it may not be perfect, it’s a super fun experience worth having, especially for gamers who enjoy RPGs that focus on the role-play element.

Avowed

Best Open World RPG for Immersive First-Person Fantasy

My Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Metacritic PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S Year Developer / Publisher Obsidian What I Love About It First-person fantasy RPG, magic combat, deep lore world

Avowed

is the kind of game that reminds you why you fell in love with open world games in the first place. This first-person fantasy adventure blends Obsidian’s legendary storytelling with fast-paced combat and vibrant, handcrafted zones.

This open world game is filled with several dense, interconnected regions, each packed with secrets, side quests, and environmental puzzles that reward exploration. If you’re hunting for fantasy games that captivate with world-building and discovery,

Avowed

sits comfortably among the elite.

One thing that’s unique about

Avowed

is how deep the magic and story go.

From casting black holes to deciding the fate of entire towns,

Avowed

lets you leave your mark. My dialogue choices actually mattered; I watched an entire town’s fate change based on one conversation.

Why we chose it Obsidian took a big swing with deep lore and magic that feels alive.

In a genre crowded with sandbox RPGs that often feel like being surface-level or needlessly complex, Avowed finds a balance that works. It’s not reinventing the RPG, but for fans of Pillars, Skyrim, The Outer Worlds, or even Hogwarts Legacy, it’s worth a look.

22 Best Open World RPGs Compared

The best open world RPGs on this list approach exploration in very different ways. Some lean into survival or simulation, while others put combat, role-playing freedom, or story first. This table gives you a quicker way to compare all 22 by open-world style, release year, and the type of player each one suits best.

Game
Open-World Style
Release Year
Best For

Red Dead Redemption 2

Reactive Western sandbox
Deep immersion and character-driven storytelling

No Man’s Sky

Procedural space exploration
Near-limitless exploration and long-term progression

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Viking conquest and settlement RPG
Raiding, progression, and large-scale exploration

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Fantasy sandbox
Role-playing freedom and replayability

Days Gone

Horde-survival open world
Motorcycle exploration and high-pressure combat

Death Stranding

Traversal-focused open world
Slow exploration and unconventional progression

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Party-based fantasy action RPG
Dynamic combat and AI companion systems

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Medieval simulation RPG
Realistic role-playing and grounded immersion

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk action RPG
Build variety and dense urban exploration

Monster Hunter Wilds

Ecosystem-driven hunting RPG
Co-op battles and monster hunting

Elden Ring

Dark fantasy Soulslike
Difficult combat and discovery-led exploration

Fallout: New Vegas

Faction-driven wasteland RPG
Branching stories and meaningful faction choices

Horizon Zero Dawn

Post-apocalyptic action RPG
Machine hunting and beautiful exploration

Starfield

Space exploration RPG
Ship building and large-scale sci-fi exploration

Dune: Awakening

Survival MMO sandbox
Harsh survival and faction politics

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Narrative-driven fantasy RPG
Rich quests and meaningful story choices

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Classic fantasy sandbox
Open-ended questing and traditional RPG systems

Baldur’s Gate 3

Turn-based CRPG exploration
Reactive storytelling and tactical freedom

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Physics-driven exploration
Creative traversal and player freedom

Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition

Post-apocalyptic sandbox RPG
Base building and open-ended exploration

The Outer Worlds 2

Satirical sci-fi RPG
Dialogue choices and role-playing freedom

Avowed

First-person fantasy RPG
Magic combat and dense handcrafted regions

Final Verdict: Which Open World RPG Should You Play?

The best open world RPG depends on what keeps you exploring after the main objective stops pulling you forward. This list covers very different kinds of worlds, so the strongest pick changes depending on whether you value immersion, freedom, combat, or story most.

For pure immersion →

Red Dead Redemption 2

Its reactive world, detailed survival systems, and character-driven story make exploration feel purposeful even when you ignore the main missions.

For endless exploration →

No Man’s Sky

Procedural planets and years of free updates give it more room to wander than anything else here, especially if discovering new places matters more than following a tightly scripted campaign.

For difficult combat and discovery →

Elden Ring

The Lands Between constantly rewards curiosity, while its bosses and build variety give exploration a sense of danger that few open worlds can match.

For story and meaningful choices →

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Its quests give even minor characters real weight, and decisions can affect events hours after you make them.

For role-playing freedom →

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Few games give you this much freedom to ignore the intended path and build your own version of the adventure.

If I had to point most players toward one starting place,

Red Dead Redemption 2

offers the strongest all-round mix of world detail and immersion in this ranking. Players who care more about traditional RPG systems should look first at
The Witcher 3
,
Skyrim
, or

Elden Ring

, depending on how much they value story, freedom, or challenge.

FAQs What is the best open world RPG?

The best open world RPG is

Red Dead Redemption 2

for its reactive world, detailed systems, and character-driven story that makes exploration feel consistently rewarding.

What is the biggest open world RPG?

The biggest open world RPG is

No Man’s Sky

, with a procedurally generated universe containing more than 18 quintillion planets to explore.

What is the difference between an RPG and an open world game?

An RPG focuses on character progression, builds, and role-playing choices. An open world game focuses on free exploration across a large environment. Many games combine both structures.

Is Elden Ring an open world RPG?

Yes,

Elden Ring

is an open world RPG that combines character builds, weapon progression, difficult combat, and free exploration across the Lands Between.

What is the best open world RPG for story?

The best open world RPG for story is

Fallout: New Vegas

if you value branching quests, faction choices, and endings shaped by your decisions.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

is also a standout for its character-driven quests, moral choices, and consequences that can surface hours later.

What is the best open world RPG for player freedom?

The best open world RPG for player freedom is

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

, which lets you explore freely, choose different questlines, and build your character around your preferred playstyle.

What is the best open world RPG for exploration?

The best open world RPG for exploration is

No Man’s Sky

, especially if you want procedural planets, long-term progression, and a universe built around constant discovery.

Elden Ring

is another top choice if you prefer handcrafted exploration packed with hidden areas, unexpected bosses, and rewarding detours.

What makes a good open world RPG?

A good open world RPG combines meaningful character progression with exploration that rewards curiosity. Strong quests and flexible builds also help the world feel worth revisiting.