The open-world subgenre refers to games with non-linear map designs, as opposed to a focused linear design. There are few borders in open-world games and virtually no loading times between regions. You can walk a unique path, completing quests in an idiosyncratic order.
open world games online
This listicle refers to online open-world games and not massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Online open-world games have the power to immerse players, bar none. For those who like exploration and realism, online open-world games are a close match. There are numerous PC open-world games out there, yet only a few are online without being massively multiplayer.
Updated on August 9, 2022 by Russ Boswell:Developers continue to push the envelope when it comes to Open-World games. It seems that more and more franchises are looking to craft titles that fit into the explorative genre, with even Sonic the Hedgehog receiving his own grandiose open-world release in the near future. Some of these releases find their way to consoles exclusively, but PC gets it fair share of dynamite releases and usually sees the exclusives at some point later on down the road. To better showcase the best open-world games for PC, the following list has been updated and includes even more entries.
This is an online open-world game that has players banding together in a bid to survive the zombie apocalypse and fight through a weekly attack that might cause most people to rage quit. 7 Days to Die is an excellent game with deep mechanics that can keep players entertained for hours or end.
Those that are looking for something open-world and supremely chaotic should check out Sunset Overdrive. The release from Insomniac Games flew well under the radar for many gamers when it was released back in 2014, but developed its own cult-following thanks to critical acclaim. Now even more fans are getting their hands on the entertaining and wacky romp thanks to a re-release on PC.
It's hard to believe at this point that Final Fantasy 14 started as one of the biggest disasters in the franchise's history. Nowadays, it is one of the best online open-world games of all time with hundreds of hours of engaging content.
Terraria is so much more than just 2D Minecraft. It's one of the most detailed and enjoyable online open-world games of all time, featuring the perfect amalgamation of numerous genres to create something truly remarkable that will keep players entertained for hours on end.
In the conversation of MMORPGs, the praise for The Elder Scrolls Online was fairly muted early on. As time passed, people slowly started noticing the presence of this online open-world game as it grew into an excellent title with constant support and updates.
Since the rocky launch of No Man's Sky, developer Hello Games has since done a turnaround. Unlike other online multiplayer games where players host servers, No Man's Sky features a shared universe. Regardless of your hours logged or skill level, you can join any player's adventure. Hello Games listened to the outcry in the community and adjusted accordingly.
Now fans are enamored by the journey of Aloy, as she fights her way through massive machines and technologically-driven enemies. The latest release continued the story on PlayStation but the franchise's beginnings can now be played on PC. Consider it a must-experience for open-world enthusiasts.
A truly open-world affair, Elden Ring sees players progressing through areas and tackling goals however they see fit, with multiple endings and tons of things to collect. Gamers can easily spend over 100 hours in the Lands Between.
Red Dead Online is surging in popularity now that the mode is out of its beta stage. The open-world design is on par with the single-player game. For new players, playing Red Dead Redemption 2's online component is worth it.
Although the game can be criticized for not improving enough on Forza Horizon 3, Forza Horizon 4 is arguably the best arcade racer to date. It contains more cars, a more massive open-world, and is more user friendly.
Grand Theft Auto V is a complete package with a robust set of online missions and character progression. The game could be considered an RPG because of the amount of player customization. Its release inspired several clone games, but few live up to Grand Theft Auto V.
The Saints Row series is the perfect antidote to the traditional modern open-world game. Volition took the template set by Grand Theft Auto 3 and cranked up the ridiculousness. Things were fun enough with Saints Row 2 and 3, with insane missions such as diving in front of traffic to make money off insurance, but Saints Row IV took it one step further and added superpowers.
In a world where Grand Theft Auto 5 exists, releasing another modern, open-world city-based game can be difficult. But Ubisoft found a way to freshen up the formula by adding hacking, Dark Souls-like game invasions, and sharper social and political commentary. Watch Dogs 2 does all that in a slightly condensed, caricatured, but believable recreation of San Francisco.
The best open world games list is probably due for a shake up in 2023, as there are some excellent-looking open worlds already pencilled in to launch this year. But, for now, there is still a fantastic opportunity for foraying into digital wildernesses that entice you further in with every step.
What we will say is that only true open worlds can feature on this list, so something like Pokemon Legends: Arceus doesn't make the list, and unfortunately the emptiness of Pokemon Violet and Scarlet's open world also means it doesn't make the cut - but for different reasons than Arceus.
What we can guarantee though is that these top open world titles are here to absorb all your free time, with such rich digital worlds that you won't mind getting lost in them completely. We've played all of these through ourselves, and can guarantee you a good time with any and all of them, so take a look.
Death Stranding may not be for everyone when it comes to its narrative, but Kojima's latest is a compelling open world. As much as walking sim as it is an action game, you'll be walking around it for many hours to come, delivering packages, working with the other players to rebuild and create, and watching what they've left in their wake. It's definitely unique, and utterly beautiful, particularly when the music kicks in.
Okay, okay, so Minecraft (opens in new tab) is technically a sandbox game but hey, that still counts as an open-world game. Punch trees, mine deep into the mountains, and try to avoid falling in lava in this phenomenally large exploration extravaganza. Your imagination is truly the limit in Minecraft, as people have created entire cities, working computers, towering statues and so much more on its blocky landscape. Achievable, er...achievements provide a loose framework in case you want a bit more structure in your games, and when you start to get bored with the ordinary world you can start to explore the Nether and make your next stronghold there. So technically there are two open-world environments at your disposal. Talk about value for money!
Far Cry 6 takes us to the fictional locale of Yara, someone in South America, where you're charged with becoming a guerrilla fighter called Dani, and toppling the dictatorship led by the Castillo family - namely a chap called Anton, played by Giancarlo Esposito. But, it's also a huge open world with plenty of activities to tick off while you're doing all that politics stuff. Mysteries to solve, races to complete, companions to find, citizens to help... there's a lot to do in Yara.
The sequel to the original infected killing, parkouring melee title is here and delivering just as compelling an open world as the original. The world of Dying Light 2 is a huge place to explore - just try and stay out of the shuffling hordes' way - with regular incentives to keep peeking around the next corner. While the story may not have been quite as choice-based as many were hoping, this is still a fantastic open world title for those looking for more of a survival-horror spin.
Halo Infinite really did put the infinite in Halo. Well, not literally, but the wide open world really works for Master Chief and co. It's not open world isn't huge, but it encourages you to explore and progress through, unlocking new areas along the way. It's a really great world to exist in, between the set pieces, with plenty of reasons to keep coming back. It's the best Halo world yet for a reason.
Days Gone is another fantastic horror-filled open world, with horde of literally hundreds of zombies en masse just ready to jump you. You play as Deacon St John, and although it's a terrible name, this biker has quite the story to tell. It's an alluring, although bleak world, with human stories to balance out the horrors of the zombies (or freakers as they're known). Poke into every corner and you'll be rewarded, just as you'd hope from a well-crafted open-world game.
The only racer on this list of best open world games, but Forza Horizon 5 more than earns its spot. This arcade racer has you exploring Mexico as the lastest Horizon festival, a huge celebration of all things on four wheels - oh and occassionally some special guests too. It's stunning, has a banging soundtrack, and constantly offers you something new to do. And of course, the range of cars on offer is staggeringly huge.
Sea of Thieves offers you an open world playground, which is just waiting for you to create your own stories within it. Become a legendary pirate, build your crew, discover treasures, and more. This is a game that's come a long way since it first launched in 2018, with ongoing updates and additions coming along all the time. It's also got a stellar community, which only aids to the pirate fantasy.
It's also worth adding that the more recent Spider-Man: Miles Morales title is set in the same open world and continues this story. It's shorter and more compact, but equally compelling, so also worth seeking out. 2ff7e9595c
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