The best open world games this winter

Ah, winter, the season to slow down, hibernate, and take it easy. It's a time when you don't feel motivated to go outside and the days become shorter and darker. Is there a better way to spend that time dealing with the game backlog? Well, if you're behind on something, be sure to read it. But if that's not the case and you're looking for a grand open world to immerse yourself in during these cold months, then read on.

Here are a few games I recommend playing this winter. Some of these were on sale during Steam's winter sale, but keep an eye out for additional post-holiday sales for these titles. These aren't necessarily snowy or winter-friendly games, but they are games that are relevant right now or fit the current mood and trends. It's a mix of RPG, survival game, and sandbox, so you're sure to find something to suit you here.

Subnautica

With the sequel delayed, it's time to return to the first installment

There was bad news in 2025 Subnautica Pan: Subnautica 2 We have been hit by delays. There's been another drama swirling around the franchise for a while, with KRAFTON declaring itself an AI-first company and three founding members coming forward. Subnautica The game was fired.

All of this means that the fate of the franchise is up in the air, which is a huge shame considering how fun and addictive the first entry was. even below zero It has its advantages, but in my book it won't have the same magic as loading your first game for the first time. If you're still hesitant about taking the plunge Subnautica But if you're interested in open world exploration and survival craft gameplay, just go for it. Get ready for the fact that it's not just a cute and cozy sandbox game. There are truly terrible things lurking beneath the surface of the alien ocean, and there's a good chance this game will give you a newly developed and diagnosed form of chlorophobia.

Fallout: New Vegas

The new show is bringing more love to the franchise

amazon fallout The series is now airing its second season. fallout Fans, this is a fantastic show to jump into if you're into sci-fi or post-apocalyptic entertainment. that fallout The series is currently in a bit of a dead zone and there's no real word on this from Bethesda. fallout 5 And when we can expect to see something, in the meantime, we highly recommend diving into the best entry in the series from Obsidian Entertainment. new vegas.

Sure, it may be a bit dated and out of date, and older games like this can crash, so you'll probably need to quick save frequently if you're playing on Steam. But the game's level of roleplaying and the freedom to create whatever type of Courier you want are so ahead of their time that it's easy to look past its dated graphics. Plus the mod is great. I think if there's one place you can get into the franchise, if you don't mind playing the older games, this is it. otherwise, fallout 4 This would be a good introduction.

where the wind meets

The hottest MMORPG these days

If you haven't taken the plunge yet where the wind meets Hype Train in November 2025, what are you waiting for? Try it now. It's free! Set in 10th century China, despite some localization and UI stutters, it's one of the more unexpectedly impressive games we've had in 2025. The visuals are truly beautiful, and it's the perfect open world adventure game for players who really value character customization.

The world is also the perfect backdrop for aesthetically pleasing photos, and you can traverse it all. Assassin's Creed style. Because the game is full of side quests, you'll see and experience new things wherever you go. You could almost say it's too much. It is an MMORPG after all. This means co-op gameplay mixed with tons of build-making, combat, and PVP. I highly recommend jumping into this game with friends and checking out what's going on. But give it some time to cook, because a new MMORPG will always feel a little overwhelming at first.

Bethesda RPG for a Winter Mood

If you are a player who chooses games based on seasonal themes, and winter is a time when you enjoy games with a lot of snow, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim You just have to play it. A member of the open world RPG hall of fame, this game has come a long way over several releases and continues to be a favorite of many. The main quest isn't the best offering, but some of the DLC and side quests are so good that I think you'll find yourself playing the game again without resorting to mods. In true RPG fashion, you build your character from scratch.

Do you want to be a fierce Nord who crushes enemies with a two-handed axe? You can do that. Want to cast spells on your enemies while your allies handle the melee combat? It's completely possible. Or are you the stealthy type who wants to defeat your enemies before they even realize what's happening? Stealth Archer is the way to go. And don't worry if you get tired of the battle. The game lets you farm, fish, get married, and even settle into a home you buy or build yourself. It all takes place in a picturesque northern open world with biomes ranging from snow-capped mountains to autumn forests. It's truly the perfect winter RPG.

no man's sky

The game is the best it's ever been

There are two examples that come to mind of games that were hugely successful. cyberpunk 2077 and no man's sky. Both games had completely disastrous releases that put the final nail in the coffin, but through hard work they rose from the ashes. no man's sky It's expanded a lot since launch, and if you're one of those people who was disappointed by how shallow it was at launch, this winter is finally the time to get back into it.

Whether you enjoy a cool, cozy game in creative mode where you can freely explore, or a grueling survival game where death is permanent, there's something here for every type of player. All you need is curiosity as you travel from planet to planet, gather resources, build outposts and bases, and continually upgrade your equipment. There are tasks and quests to complete and, of course, exploration. This is a nice, challenging touch for those who want something less open-ended. And that's the real charm no man's sky: Decide what you want to do and how you want to do it.

The Long Dark

Enjoy harsh winters in the virtual world too

Going back to the topic of winter, Skyrim It's a little too fantastical and I highly recommend giving it a try if you want to test your true survival skills in a safe cozy room. The Long Dark. Now I'm warning you. This is a survival game that tests your limits, including permadeath. It's not all sunshine and rainbows though, as you'll also have to deal with cold, hunger and cabin fever. There are many lands to explore in this world too. There's a vast frozen wilderness to hunt and scavenge if you plan to make it out alive.

In true survival game fashion, there is a wide variety of activities to choose from, including hunting, trapping, and fishing. Make sure you have all the equipment you need and enough food to fill your stomach. Calories are a real consideration here, as not consuming enough calories will greatly limit your activity. For players who love a good challenge and are interested in the survival genre, this is the perfect combination of tough exploration and strategic survival gameplay.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

A 2025 open world RPG that needs more love

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Many people have heard of RPGs, but not many have actually tried them. You might be a little intimidated by the prospect of playing a game that is essentially a sequel, but I promise you. The first game is still worth it today. As for the sequel, I think this is a game that deserves a little more love than it's currently getting. Combat may strike players as a bit scary at first, but once mastered, it's incredibly rewarding.

The depth of the roleplaying features is also really impressive, and it's very clear that a lot of love and passion went into creating this world and all of its systems. It's hard to find a title with that level of detail, from how NPCs actually react to a world that feels truly alive and immersive. The fact that you can become an alcoholic, participate in horse races, and the townsfolk will comment that you defile the place already proves to me that this game is at another level of medieval style immersion. Remember: combat takes practice.