Long ago, Steam became almost synonymous with PC gaming. Many players ignore games available elsewhere (such as Uplay or the Epic Games Store) if they aren't available for purchase through Steam. Because of this loyalty to Valve's platform, Steam user reviews are now one of the most important factors for many PC gamers. Steam scores aren't always completely accurate, especially over time. Review bombing happens for a variety of reasons, and some reviews are just jokes. Nonetheless, players will quickly get a sense of the general consensus, while others highlight highs and lows, technical issues, etc.
6 Best Open World RPGs with Deep Progression, Ranked
Players of all genres will appreciate the depth of character and gear progression in this massive open-world action RPG.
Of course, when it comes to personal preference, it's not wise to rely solely on the average scores of thousands of players. Everyone's preferences are different, and one person's flaws may be another person's favorite feature. Sometimes a game's rating improves slowly after a rough launch due to various issues. That's why some really great games can still be underrated and have lower user ratings than they deserve. Today we're taking a look at a great open-world game on Steam that may be a lot better for certain players than its “generally positive” score suggests.
Here are Steam user reviews for: Available in English only As of February 2026. “Mostly positive” means: 70%-79% positive User reviews.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Steam Rating: 72% positive
Ghost Recon Breakpoint It's the lowest-rated open world game on this list, and it's easy to see where the game stumbles, but it doesn't match up in some areas. badlands (Currently very positive on Steam) As diverse as the world is, there is no other game as flexible and expansive as this one. breakpoint today. A true paradise for open world fans who value realistic, tactical gunplay, with countless possibilities and a truly vast playground.
5 Open World RPGs Where Your Mistakes Can Ruin an Entire Region
By implementing choices and consequences like any other game, players can wreak havoc on the world in these open world RPGs.
Ghost Recon Breakpoint We've made a lot of progress, including implementing changes based on fan feedback and offering two game modes. One is a mode for looter fans and the other is a more traditional game mode. ghost recon experience. Today, the game has established itself as an incredibly flexible title that every player can adjust to their preferences, from the shooting mechanics to the difficulty and survival elements. breakpoint The massive map offers over 100 hours of playtime, so you can enjoy it at your leisure or for intense gameplay sessions completely alone, with AI bots, or with up to three players in a squad. Don't expect strong stories and narratives.
Stalker 2: Heart of Cornobyl
Steam Rating: 77% positive
Stalker 2: Heart of Cornobyl The rating will likely be higher over time, as most of the game's negative reviews stem from the game's somewhat problematic launch, which was marred by technical issues and a poor implementation of AI enemy respawning. This was a far cry from the high A-Life system expectations of the original. Several major patches have been made since then. stalker 2 It's a much more satisfying situation. More importantly, it's a unique open-world shooter with engaging gameplay and the impeccable Zone atmosphere and feel that stays true to the legacy of the legendary series in almost every aspect.
7 open world games that make you feel alive even without doing anything
Just being in an atmospheric open world and soaking up the atmosphere can be just as much fun as actually playing it.
When everything works as intended, exploring and surviving the Zone can be a real blast, with constant danger, unexpected discoveries, exciting quests, and vivid characters. The UE5-based visuals are amazing. Stalker 2: Heart of Cornobyl It's one of the best-looking open world games of this generation, giving Zone a special, unmistakable feel of a rusty post-apocalypse. It's a world where countless players can't put it down even after 100 hours, continuing to search for all the artifacts and best gear hidden in abandoned lockers.
external final version
Steam Rating: 73% positive
For a special open world externalAccording to Steam players, this game's ranking is surprisingly low. Not just another open world RPG, but an immersive survival experience that embodies the rare principle that every play is completely unique, complete with dynamic defeat scenarios. external The very deep world of Aurai is full of its own rules and will be very interesting to explore and learn about. everything is dangerous externalThere are lurking predators as well as dangerous environments, diseases and neglected basic needs, but persistent auto-saves prevent players from making mistakes, forcing them to accept and live with each decision, good or bad.
5 Open World RPGs with Loot That Actually Matters
These games approach itemization very differently, so forget about the tons of pointless loot you have to sort out every now and then.
Naturally, the game is very challenging in nature. Fully understanding all the mechanisms requires survival in harsh conditions for hours, and the high entry threshold could potentially explain its current rating. Because some players will probably come away expecting a more traditional open world adventure. Even if it's not everyone's favorite car, external It's particularly flexible, making it perfect for solo adventurers or co-op travel with friends, including local split-screen.
Rearranges covers into correct US release order.
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Rearranges covers into correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Difficult (10)
Assassin's Creed Shadow
Steam Rating: 78% positive
Launched during one of the most difficult times in Ubisoft's history. Assassin's Creed Shadow It's a much better game than the loud skeptics would like. Of course it's not perfect Assassin's Creed Any games from the last 10 years? That's all that matters AC shadow brings a truly next-gen feel to detailed, dynamic Japan, is technically perfect, and is a lot of fun to play. The idea of the two playable characters, Shinobi Naoe and Samurai Yasuke, having different and unique play styles paid off, resulting in these skills being put to the test through equally exciting combat and stealth across expansive maps.
Upcoming open-world RPG promising hundreds of hours at launch
If you're looking for your next big obsession that you can sink your teeth into for hundreds of hours, keep an eye out for an open-world RPG when it comes out.
AC shadow While it fixes some of the big problems from its predecessor, for the most part it makes progression feel more like a sandbox, as players are free to go anywhere and kill targets as they see fit in the open world. On the other hand, it somewhat hindered the central narrative of the game, which isn't the strongest in the series. Still, you can easily enjoy it Assassin's Creed Shadow What it is — even if someone always comes along and tells you that you're wrong for liking it.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Steam Rating: 73% positive
Mass Effect: Andromeda After the masterpiece that was the original Shepherd trilogy, something really big had to be done. Needless to say, andromeda It failed to match the epic heights and narrative stakes of its predecessor, not to mention the fact that it was released in an unpolished state. But after the dust settles, when viewed as an exciting open-world adventure led by new blood in its own right; Mass Effect: Andromeda You deserve better than your current reputation. Fortunately, the game has already been re-evaluated by players who revisit it years later.
6 Overhyped Open World Games That Are Better Than Their Reputations
These titles may not be perfect, but in many cases their reputation is much worse than it really is.
Many people will discover here a huge new galaxy with many different worlds to explore. Relatable, mostly green characters that are fun to spend time with. It has a variety of strengths, including exciting combat (the best in the series) and visuals, sound, and music. Mass Effect: Andromeda Like the drivable rover, all the defining elements of the original game have been revisited with a unique twist, making it feel fresh and familiar. only in many cases Andromeda's Rather than feeling like filler between epic main missions, the side quests are more memorable.
Tom Clancy's The Division 2
Steam Rating: 79% positive
If there's an open world game that falls squarely into the universally positive Steam camp, it's Division 2 —And it looks like we're already one step closer to getting there. After many years, Division 2 is still one of the best open world looter shooters, offering an exciting story mode that's perfectly suited to solo players (if you're up for a serious challenge in the final game) and a variety of cooperative PvE and PvP game modes. There is so much content and so many reasons to play. Division 2 Players can easily expect hundreds of hours of play when they boot up the game for the first time today.
division 2 Everything about the core gameplay loop, combat and gear is top-notch, but what's especially surprising is that for a live service game, the world-building is incredibly compelling, with every location, building, room or laboratory hiding its own story. The world is enriched with creative missions and scenarios. A variety of factions and expeditions allow you to explore the outskirts of Washington DC in the post-pandemic United States. Division 2 It's more than just another passable open world grindfest.
An open-world RPG that could define the next console generation
Let's take a look at some of the most promising open-world RPGs that are still years away from release but are still full of potential.