The open world genre has come a long way over the past few years. Thanks to new technologies and developer tools like Unreal Engine 5, developing open world games is easier than ever. But despite these advancements, there are a handful of open world titles that have remained virtually untouchable over time, and they continue to prove that surpassing them is no simple matter.
Every open world game that comes after uses it as a benchmark for excellence, recording how that open world was brought to life and trying to recapture that same magic once again.
Red Dead Redemption 2
A masterclass that makes life an open world
Rockstar has a long history of creating era-defining games over the years, and perhaps the best example of this is: Red Dead Redemption 2Highly anticipated sequel to a beloved title RDR This number surpassed even the most optimistic predictions for the game. The game offers an unparalleled level of detail and realism, with a living, breathing world that reacts to player choices in ways that don't seem scripted.
Immersion is Red Dead Redemption 2is the core focus of . What makes characters feel real isn't just because they have great dialogue or react organically to the player, but because of their mannerisms. Everything moves naturally, from the smallest rodent caught underfoot to random NPCs appearing on the street. The attention to detail in these subtle mannerisms makes the game world feel alive in a way that few other games have achieved.
cyberpunk 2077
Benchmark for building an in-game SF worldview
The world-building of Night City is as follows: cyberpunk 2077's crowning achievement, elevating a good game to a great one. Sci-fi settings are not very common in the open world genre. That said, for players looking for something to scratch this particular itch, nothing else can come close.
This is a visually stunning game filled with characters filled with believable NPCs that feel alive and not just there for the player's benefit. There is depth and variety to the gameplay, allowing players to pick and choose between different play styles depending on their preferences. Not only are these factors combined; cyberpunk 2077 It's a complete package, but standard for the open world sci-fi genre.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The standard for open world storytelling
Based on Andrzej Sapkowski's book, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt It tells the story of Geralt of Rivia, the White Wolf, who roams the land as a monster hunter, traveling from village to village and taking on contracts to kill monsters. The open world is a dense, lovingly hand-crafted map filled with secrets, treasures, and surprises. Combat is addictive and action-packed, with deep customization, a variety of builds, and tons of weapon choices for Geralt.
Surprisingly, the most interesting thing is The Witcher 3The story of is not about griffins flying overhead, vampires hunting creatures, or magic systems, but the ugliness of human nature revealed in all its grotesque glory. Geralt's adventures are grim, harsh, and sometimes tragic, which makes them all the more fascinating. In terms of narrative storytelling that players will remember years after they stop playing the game altogether; The Witcher 3 There are few equals.
grand theft auto 5
An open world with 10 years of history that refuses to disappear
Released back in 2013, grand theft auto 5 It is considered one of the most impressive open world games ever made. This satirical recreation of Los Angeles feels as if it was created to scale. Characters walk and talk like real people, and it feels like living in a big city, not just characters that the player controls or heavily interacts with, but even random NPCs on the streets.
As if that wasn't enough, gta online Adds unprecedented realism to Los Santos. Now multiple real players can live in the same city, work as a taxi driver or burger flipper, take part in a bank robbery, or patrol the streets as a police officer. Cultural Influence and Longevity GTA 5 It's not something we've seen before, even in previous games in the franchise.
The most influential fantasy realm ever created
Few open world games have been more influential than Bethesda. The Elder Scrolls 5: SkyrimConsidered by many to be the most successful game overall Elder Scrolls franchise. What makes it Skyrim But it's not just the game itself that's hard to keep up with, it's also the very active modding community devoted to the game.
While playing the bass Skyrim The game is certainly impressive for a 2011 title. If it weren't for the hundreds of thousands of people playing it, it would have been long forgotten by the majority of gamers by now. Skyrim A mode that allows players to continue reinventing the single-player experience in an endless variety of ways.
Elden Ring
An open world that redefines challenge and discovery
Elden Ring Despite FromSoftware's first fully open-world Soulsborne game only being released in 2022, the game has essentially no competitors that come close in this category. A combination of slow and intense combat dark soul It's an absolutely massive world full of secrets, something that hasn't been replicated with any kind of success since. Elden RingAnd that will remain true for years to come.
Many people were skeptical. Elden RingBefore release, the concepts of open world and Soulslike seemed like contradictory genres to combine in a single game, but FromSoftware proved that it was possible and could be done well. Mysterious, confusing, and often frustrating. Elden Ring It set a new bar for open-world exploration and combat upon launch, and there's a high bar future titles will have to surpass to surpass it.
outside wild
A secret world waiting to be discovered
outside wild An indie game that redefines what the term “open world” means. Players explore a miniature solar system in a spaceship, discovering secrets, solving puzzles, and uncovering mysteries. The game rewards curiosity and critical thinking above all else, and doesn't hold the player's hand, especially when solving puzzles.
It's hard to explain. outside wild Suffice it to say that it makes clever use of time loops to tell a narrative that has a huge emotional impact, without spoiling the experience for anyone who's never played it. There's nothing like it in the gaming industry, and it's not something players hear every day.
Subnautica
An underwater world full of wonder and fear
Open world games live and die by the quality of exploration, and few game worlds come close to the majesty and wonder of an open world game. Subnauticaunderwater space. Exploring the ocean for the first time feels like discovering a whole new world, and the sense of wonder and awe increases as players go deeper.
There are no NPCs. Subnautica; Just the players, the ocean, and the creatures that call it home. The solitary experience is sobering and cathartic, and exploration is essential as survival mechanics force players to slow down and explore the game world one section at a time. Few open world games feature underwater exploration. Subnautica In the subgenre, I am mostly alone. The only title that comes close to this is: breathoften “Subnautica in Space' was released by fans, but even that doesn't surpass the original.
