20 Open-World Games You’ll Get Lost In
There’s nothing quite like an open-world game that draws you in and makes you lose track of time. These worlds are massive, detailed, and brimming with things to discover, from hidden treasures to side quests, and rich stories that pull you into every corner. For those ready to wander, here are 20 open-world games that invite you to get completely and delightfully lost in their immersive, sprawling environments.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Set in a beautifully detailed fantasy world, The Witcher 3 follows Geralt of Rivia as he searches for his lost ward, Ciri. Every corner of the map is filled with vibrant towns, dangerous monsters, and lore-rich quests that create an unforgettable experience. Each area is dripping with atmosphere, and even side quests feel like mini-novellas. It’s easy to get lost in this world for hours, especially with the game’s intricate choices that lead to different outcomes. You’re not just exploring; you’re a part of the world.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild gives you a massive version of Hyrule to explore at your own pace, encouraging you to climb, glide, and cook your way through countless landscapes. Unlike previous Zelda games, this one allows complete freedom, letting you decide how to tackle the story. The game’s dynamic weather, clever puzzles, and diverse biomes make every journey feel like an adventure. The world reacts to you, making exploration as rewarding as it is exciting.
3. Red Dead Redemption 2
Set in the waning days of the Wild West, Red Dead Redemption 2 provides an authentic, breathtaking look at a changing America. Every town, river, and mountain feels like part of a living, breathing world, with random encounters that add depth to the experience. Arthur Morgan’s journey is gripping, but there’s a seemingly endless list of side activities and characters to meet. From hunting wildlife to visiting bustling saloons, this game’s open world is a marvel of detail.
4. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim is the gold standard of open-world fantasy games, offering players an entire Nordic-inspired realm filled with dragons, dungeons, and ancient ruins. The sheer number of quests, factions, and mysteries make it possible to wander for hours and still find something new. The game allows you to become anything, from a master thief to a powerful mage, and every choice feels meaningful. It’s the type of game that’s always worth revisiting, even years later.
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5. Horizon Zero Dawn
This game’s post-apocalyptic world is lush, beautiful, and filled with mechanical beasts that roam the wilds. Playing as Aloy, you explore diverse landscapes, from snowy mountains to dense forests, while uncovering the mysteries of a lost civilization. The combination of futuristic tech and natural landscapes makes every area feel unique. The sense of discovery in Horizon Zero Dawn is addictive, and with the unpredictable wildlife, every journey feels like a true adventure.
6. Grand Theft Auto V
Los Santos is a sprawling, bustling city filled with chaos, crime, and opportunity. GTA V offers one of the most diverse open-world experiences, with countless activities, from pulling off heists to simply driving along the coast. The game’s three protagonists each have their own storylines, adding layers to the experience. It’s a satirical yet realistic world where you can be as chaotic or as relaxed as you want.
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7. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Set in Ancient Greece, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey brings to life a rich world full of ancient cities, mythical creatures, and legendary battles. As either Alexios or Kassandra, you can sail the seas, fight Spartans, or explore vast landscapes dotted with historical monuments. The RPG elements allow you to craft your own path, and each region offers unique lore and secrets. It’s a feast for anyone who loves history with a side of adventure.
8. Ghost of Tsushima
This samurai epic takes you across the stunningly beautiful landscapes of feudal Japan. As Jin Sakai, you roam lush fields, snow-covered mountains, and ancient shrines, each area vibrant with Japanese culture and history. The game’s dynamic weather and seasonal changes make Tsushima Island feel alive. With options to approach battles either as a stealthy “Ghost” or a fearsome samurai, the gameplay is just as engaging as the world itself.
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9. No Man’s Sky
An entire universe is at your fingertips in No Man’s Sky, with procedurally generated planets that offer endless exploration. After a rocky launch, the game has been massively improved, now featuring a richer, more vibrant galaxy with bases, multiplayer, and more structured quests. Every planet is different, offering unique flora, fauna, and resources. It’s a sci-fi dream come true for those who want a truly vast and open-ended world.
10. Far Cry 5
Set in the fictional Hope County, Montana, Far Cry 5 throws you into a region overtaken by a doomsday cult. With wide-open landscapes filled with forests, rivers, and towns, the world feels eerily authentic. The freedom to approach missions in multiple ways, combined with the unpredictable wildlife and enemy encounters, makes for an open world that’s as chaotic as it is beautiful. It’s an American wilderness that’s easy to lose yourself in, even as you try to bring down the cult.
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11. The Outer Worlds
This space-based RPG combines humor and exploration in a vibrant galaxy filled with quirky characters and corporate satire. Each planet offers its own story and aesthetic, creating a diverse experience that’s brimming with choice. With its clever dialogue, moral choices, and memorable characters, The Outer Worlds feels both grand and deeply personal. It’s a compact yet richly layered world that’s as fun to explore as it is to influence.
12. Just Cause 4
If you’re looking for a world where chaos is the main activity, Just Cause 4 has you covered. Set in the fictional South American country of Solís, the game gives you a giant playground of destruction, with weather effects like tornadoes and lightning storms. Rico Rodriguez’s arsenal of gadgets and weapons lets you experiment with different ways to cause havoc. It’s a vast, unpredictable world that encourages you to go wild.
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13. Watch Dogs 2
Set in a vibrant, tech-driven San Francisco, Watch Dogs 2 lets you play as a hacker in a world where everything is connected. You can hack vehicles, drones, and security systems, using the city itself as your tool. The combination of a modern, recognizable setting and hacking mechanics gives the game a unique edge. The freedom to approach missions creatively makes for a world that’s as interactive as it is immersive.
14. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Transporting players to the time of the Vikings, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is set in England’s vast countryside, dotted with small villages and Norse settlements. You play as Eivor, leading your clan and exploring open landscapes while raiding, crafting alliances, and uncovering the mysteries of an ancient order. The world feels rich with history and mythology, blending nature and conquest. It’s a sprawling adventure that brings the Viking era to life.
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15. Days Gone
Set in a post-apocalyptic Oregon, Days Gone follows Deacon St. John as he navigates a world filled with zombies, called Freakers. The open world has a unique, haunting atmosphere, with dynamic weather and changing threats that keep you on edge. The game’s focus on survival, combined with Deacon’s emotional story, makes for an immersive experience. It’s a world where danger lurks around every corner, making every journey feel like a battle to survive.
16. Elder Scrolls Online
This MMO brings Tamriel to life, offering massive open areas with new content regularly added. Each region is rich with lore, quests, and unique cultural details, making it a world that’s always evolving. The ability to team up with friends or explore alone gives you flexibility in how you experience the game. From massive cities to eerie dungeons, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
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17. Cyberpunk 2077
Night City is a neon-lit dystopian sprawl that offers an incredible open-world experience (especially with recent updates that have improved gameplay). Playing as V, you dive into a gritty cityscape filled with gang wars, corporate espionage, and cybernetic enhancements. The city is vibrant, with towering skyscrapers, dark alleys, and endless quests that make it feel alive. With its immersive environments and complex storyline, it’s a thrilling dive into a futuristic world.
18. Fallout: New Vegas
Set in a post-apocalyptic Nevada, Fallout: New Vegas is full of factions, unique characters, and moral choices that impact the wasteland around you. From the neon lights of New Vegas to the barren Mojave Desert, every area is filled with history and danger. It’s a complex world that balances humor with grit, where every decision has weight. The freedom to shape the story based on your choices makes this open world unforgettable.
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19. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
This game offers a historically accurate open-world experience set in 15th-century Bohemia. You play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son who gets caught up in a brutal civil war. Without magic or monsters, Kingdom Come focuses on realism, offering survival elements, period-accurate combat, and moral choices. It’s a slower-paced experience, with an emphasis on historical accuracy that creates an immersive medieval journey.
20. Immortals Fenyx Rising
This vibrant, mythologically inspired game takes players through the Golden Isle, where gods and monsters roam freely. The game’s humor, puzzles, and combat make for a lighthearted but challenging adventure. With inspiration drawn from Greek mythology, the world is filled with gods, mythical creatures, and mysteries. It’s an open world that encourages exploration and creativity, delivering an experience that’s both fun and fantastical.
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