For many players, exploration is one of the most enjoyable aspects of genres ranging from open-world action RPGs to Soullikes. The thrill of discovering a new location or hidden reward along with a captivating story cannot be overstated. This often acts as the main motivation to keep playing the game and discover other features it has to offer, sparking interest for hours.
Several game series and studios are so closely tied to the rich and rewarding exploration that fans look forward to with each new game release. Here's a look at the upcoming games most likely to make exploration a prominent feature. Some have only been introduced briefly so far, but are expected to provide satisfying worlds to explore based on the series' history or previous entries.
The Witcher 4
Explore new corners of the Witcher universe
CD Projekt Red has already revealed the studio's concept vision. The Witcher 4. Although it's not an accurate representation of the gameplay, it gives us a glimpse of what to expect from this open-world RPG starring Ciri for the first time. As expected, The Witcher 4 Looks like it will follow witcher 3 It offers a vast and diverse world worth exploring.
Even after all these years The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt It remains a blueprint for similar games, with a world full of discoveries and points of interest that continually divert players from the main path. The Witcher 4 We aim to capture that same sense of wonder while elevating visuals, world design, and NPC responsiveness to new levels. Dynamic events, unexpected encounters, and countless stories will make your journey through the land an unforgettable experience.
Dusk Blood
Hidetaka Miyazaki's new original world
Hidetaka Miyazaki and FromSoftware's next game is expected to deliver everything fans love about the studio's creations, with combat and exploration once again highlighting its core strengths. but Dusk Blood Although it's described as a multiplayer-focused experience, it's likely to focus more on exploration than a multiplayer-focused experience. Elden Ring NightlaneIt gives players the opportunity to freely roam a new Victorian world without time pressure.
interestingly, Dusk Blood It's already showcased the characters' unique traversal abilities, potentially introducing new methods of exploration and allowing developers to make the world more layered and vertical. It's one of the most exciting 2026 titles announced so far, but its only drawback is Dusk Blood It is currently said to be a Switch 2 exclusive, and will most likely never release on other platforms.
crimson desert
The vast continent of Pywel retains its mysteries.
On the surface, crimson desert I think I get a lot of inspiration from. The Witcher 3Much like many later open world games. This ambitious title positions itself as a next-generation medieval-style action RPG that players rarely encounter these days, and offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. Exploring the vast continent of Pywel, with its diverse biomes and bustling cities, is a thrill, especially given the glimpses of unique and non-traditional locations seen so far.
crimson desert The focus is on freedom, exploration, and fast-paced action, and the world is filled with activities, collectibles, and stories to uncover. Fierce bosses lurk around every corner, providing tough combat challenges and valuable rewards for Kliff and his allies.
Will it surpass Skyrim's freedom of exploration?
It's too early to imagine anything. The Elder Scrolls 6 It would look something like this, especially since the settings haven't been confirmed yet: Regardless, it's safe to assume the game will take its cue from: SkyrimIt's still incredibly popular and continues to outshine Bethesda's more recent releases, such as: star field.
Freedom and smooth navigation should be the key. tes 6And there's no doubt that the studio understands what fans expect from the long-awaited game. Let's hope Bethesda takes over everything players love. Skyrim Or improve it and consider fan feedback from other titles to avoid repeating past mistakes.
gothic remake
Experience a new, beloved compact world
text Gothic It is prized for its compact and living world. make again Above all, you should aim to capture. Every individual location gothic The world holds a special place in the hearts of fans, make again Committed to being as faithful as possible to the original, the opportunity to rediscover these familiar locations is truly exciting.
It would also be refreshing to see an RPG with a smaller, more focused world that avoids unnecessary bloat and emphasizes the quality of iconic areas, memorable characters, and non-linear quests. gothic remake It feels like a welcome return to the golden age of the genre, something that stands out even more by today's open world standards.
fallen lord 2
The dual world mechanic is back with a twist.
Fallen Lords (2023) It already has one of the strongest exploration elements among non-FromSoftware Souls enthusiasts, and since this aspect has been widely praised, it's likely that the sequel will expand on this even further. The developers have confirmed that the first game's dual world mechanic will return in 2019. fallen lord 2This time there was a twist. Two realms are in conflict: Umbral and Axion.
This setting opens the door to exciting new possibilities for unique exploration rarely found anywhere else. if fallen lord 2 It maintains an interconnected world design reminiscent of . dark soul Exploration fans will have real fun by taking the dual world concept even further, with more reasons to switch between areas to find paths, puzzles, and hidden treasures.
movement
Mass Effect fans should rejoice
movement Among most medieval fantasy titles on this list, mass effect The series introduces a fresh worldview and original story. Not a sandbox-style space exploration game, movement It appears to follow the approach of . Mass Effect AndromedaIt features large open areas designed for exploration focused on a strong narrative. Space exploration will still play an important role, and players will likely travel and explore many unique planets in search of a new home for humanity.
side by side movementnext mass effect A game is also in development, but BioWare has only shared a brief teaser so far. It's too early to tell whether the new entry will be similar. andromeda, Dragon Age: VeilguardAlternatively, it would almost certainly be closer to the original trilogy but with a strong exploration component and new worlds to discover.
