Open-world games have grown in popularity over the last decade, offering players vast, expansive worlds to explore, storylines to uncover, and countless hours of gameplay. From sprawling cities to fantasy landscapes, open-world games have become a genre that allows players to lose themselves in indulging environments. Here are some of the best open-world games of the last decade, each providing a unique experience for fans of exploration and freedom.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Arguably the crown jewel of open-world RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers an expansive world filled with rich narrative depth and an incredible amount of content. Players control Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, as he journeys across the war-torn lands of The Continent, facing moral choices, exploring vast forests, swamps, and cities, and hunting terrifying beasts. With exceptional side quests that rival the main storyline, a captivating narrative, and beautifully crafted environments, The Witcher 3 remains one of the greatest open-world games ever created.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia
Set in the American frontier in the late 1800s, Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world masterpiece that indulges players in a world of cowboys, outlaws, and the declining days of the Wild West. The game offers a richly detailed environment, from snowy mountains to dense forests, vibrant towns, and deserts. Players can engage in a variety of activities like fishing, hunting, gambling, and even bonding with their horse. The game’s narrative, set against the backdrop of Arthur Morgan’s journey with the Van der Linde gang, is a standout in modern video games, combining storytelling with deep gameplay systems.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
Breath of the Wild revolutionized the Zelda franchise with its open-world approach. Unlike previous Zelda games that had more linear designs, Breath of the Wild lets players roam freely across the kingdom of Hyrule. Players can climb any surface, glide across vast landscapes, and engage in puzzles, combat, and exploration at their own pace. With its minimal hand-holding, incredible physics engine, and stunning art style, Breath of the Wild set a new standard for open-world games and is widely considered one of the best games of all time.
4. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Stadia
Grand Theft Auto V brings the chaotic, open-world antics of Los Santos, a fictional city inspired by Los Angeles, to life. In this critically acclaimed entry, players can switch between three protagonists—Michael, Trevor, and Franklin—each with their own stories and motivations. With a massive world filled with things to do—from car chases to heists and a robust online mode—GTA V offers a wide array of content and freedom. Its online counterpart, GTA Online, has evolved into one of the most successful multiplayer modes in gaming, keeping the world of Los Santos thriving for years.
5. Minecraft (2011)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Mobile, and more
Though Minecraft was released over a decade ago, it continues to dominate the open-world genre, offering an unmatched level of creativity and exploration. Players can build structures, mine resources, enemies, and explore procedurally generated worlds made of blocks. Whether you prefer to play in survival mode, where you survive for your life, or creative mode, where you can build anything you can imagine, Minecraft has endless replayability. Its sandbox nature allows for an incredible variety of experiences, from massive player-built cities to personalized worlds filled with custom mods.
6. Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)
Platforms: PC, PS4
Set in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic creatures, Horizon Zero Dawn is an action RPG that blends exploration with compelling combat. Players control Aloy, a skilled hunter, as she navigates the world, uncovering its secrets and mechanical beasts. The game features a stunning open world with forests, deserts, and mountains, all rendered with breathtaking visuals. The story’s narrative, which revolves around humanity’s fall and the rise of AI-controlled creatures, is rich and engaging. Horizon Zero Dawn offers a blend of action, exploration, and hunting that few other open-world games can match.
7. Far Cry 5 (2018)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Far Cry 5 is set in the fictional county of Hope County, Montana, where players must against a doomsday cult that has taken over the region. The game offers a vast, open-world environment where players can engage in various activities, from hunting to crafting and taking on main missions or side quests. The dynamic gameplay allows players to approach challenges in different ways, using everything from firearms to vehicles and even animals. The game’s narrative, filled with dark themes and radical ideologies, is both compelling and thought-provoking.
8. Ghost of Tsushima (2020)
Platform: PS4, PS5
Set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion, Ghost of Tsushima offers a beautiful open-world experience. Players assume the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai who must protect his homeland from foreign invaders. The world of Tsushima is a breathtaking landscape filled with lush forests, rolling hills, and quiet villages. The game focuses on sword combat, stealth mechanics, and exploration, blending Japanese culture with modern gameplay design. Its visuals, particularly during combat and exploration, are nothing short of stunning. Ghost of Tsushima is a love letter to samurai films and the open-world genre.
9. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Cyberpunk 2077 launched with much anticipation, and while its initial release was marred by technical issues, it’s since been patched and improved into a fully realized open world. Set in the futuristic Night City, players control V, a mercenary caught up in a chaotic world of corporate espionage, gangs, and high-tech intrigue. The game’s detailed open world is alive with neon-lit streets, towering skyscrapers, and interactive NPCs. Its narrative is driven by player choices, with multiple story paths and endings. If you enjoy futuristic worlds and cyberpunk aesthetics, Cyberpunk 2077 is a must-play.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Switch, and more
While it’s pushing a decade of release, Skyrim remains one of the best open-world RPGs ever made. Set in the snowy region of Skyrim, players take on the role of the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero destined to save the world from an ancient dragon. The game features an expansive world filled with dungeons, towns, and forests, and provides near-limitless exploration and questing opportunities. With its vast modding community, Skyrim has lived on far beyond its initial release, offering a world that players can revisit time and time again.
Conclusion
The open-world genre has evolved significantly over the last decade, with developers pushing boundaries and offering new experiences. These games stand out not only for their expansive worlds but also for the depth of their narratives, intricate gameplay mechanics, and the freedom they give players. Whether you’re looking for an epic RPG like The Witcher 3 or a more action-packed experience like Red Dead Redemption 2, these open-world games will provide endless hours of exploration, discovery, and adventure. If you haven’t played them yet, now’s the time to dive in!