For players who value unmatched freedom, nothing’s better than an open-world role-playing game. Good news – there’s plenty to choose from!
At their core, the best open world RPG games demonstrate the essence of gaming – unlimited freedom, unrestricted exploration, non-linear adventure, omnipresent secrets, and unforgettable encounters. There’s no better choice for players who want to shape their experience.
It’s amazing how a bunch of simple pixels can turn into the most cherished memories, especially when devoid of annoying gacha features and microtransactions. It’s just you and a massive open world to explore at your own pace. Sounds like a dream come true! Luckily, the desire to enjoy such an immersive journey doesn’t have to remain in the dream realm. Here, you’ll find the ultimate list of the best open-world video games for hours of memorable fun!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ghost of Tsushima | 2024-05-16 | Action-adventure | Sucker Punch Productions | |
 | Assassin's Creed: Valhalla | 2020-11-10 | Action role-playing | Ubisoft Montreal | |
 | Kingdom Come: Deliverance II | 2025-02-04 | Action role-playing | Warhorse Studios | |
 | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | 2025-01-23 | jRPG | SQUARE ENIX | |
 | Elden Ring | 2022-02-25 | Action RPG | FromSoftware | |
 | Cyberpunk 2077 | 2023-12-05 | Action & RPG | CD PROJEKT RED | |
 | Horizon Forbidden West | 2024-03-21 | Action role-playing | Guerrilla Games | |
 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2019-11-05 | Adventure | Rockstar Games | |
 | The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition | 2016-10-27 | Adventure | Bethesda Game Studios | |
 | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Complete Edition | 2015-05-18 | RPG | CD PROJEKT RED |
Ghost of Tsushima
| Release date: | 2024-05-16 |
| Genre: | Adventure & RPG |
| Developer: | Sucker Punch Productions |
This action game takes you to feudal Japan of 1274, where you will confront the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island as a young samurai, Jin.
When brutal Mongol invaders raid Tsushima Island, Jin must give up his honor code to follow the Path of the Ghost and save the island. This unforgiving confrontation requires him to prepare the proper strategy and learn four unique fighting styles in a visually stunning, picturesque world brimming with secrets. Will he be able to defend his people?
| Key features |
|---|
|
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
| Release date: | 2020-11-10 |
| Genre: | Action RPG |
| Developer: | Ubisoft Montreal |
Play as Eivor – a male or female character (your choice) leading Viking warriors in the invasion of 9th-century England.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla features the flagship AC series mechanics set in the world of Viking conquests and myths. Discover the next chapter of the Assassin-Templar conflict by exploring the open world of England and Norway, build a settlement, take care of your people, and forge your destiny. And if all that isn’t enough, know that challenging moral choices will make your journey one of a kind!
| Key features |
|---|
|
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
| Release date: | 2025-02-04 |
| Genre: | Adventure & RPG |
| Developer: | Warhorse Studios |
This sequel to the fantastic video game of 2018 is a true masterpiece of the genre. You will play as Henry, the son of a blacksmith entangling himself in a dangerous intrigue looming over Bohemia in 1403.
Merging a deep narrative, challenging choices, phenomenal immersion, and historical accuracy, Kingdom Come Deliverance II is an ideal pick for players who want all these features within one title. Moreover, you don’t have to play the prequel to enjoy the second installment! Play this game if you crave complex character development, an authentic combat system, and choices influencing the entire experience’s outcome.
| Key features |
|---|
|
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
| Release date: | 2025-01-23 |
| Genre: | jRPG |
| Developer: | SQUARE ENIX |
This jRPG recommendation focuses on the free exploration of the planet Gaia. Join Cloud and his friends for a new chapter of their exciting journeys in the direct sequel to Final Fantasy VII Remake!
Unlike the previous installment, Rebirth places a noticeably greater emphasis on the player’s freedom to explore the landscape using vehicles or cute Chocobos. Don’t wait any longer – start your epic journey to find all the areas of the breathtaking planet, filled with plot twists and surprising secrets. And once you have enough of the engaging plot, enjoy your time completing side quests and playing fun mini-games.
| Key features |
|---|
|
Elden Ring
| Release date: | 2022-02-25 |
| Genre: | Action RPG |
| Developer: | FromSoftware |
While all previous From Software video games featured heavily linear plots, Elden Ring makes a change by offering an equally unforgiving world you can explore however you desire.
Play as the Tarnished, a lone hero traversing the Lands Between to recover the ancient Elden Ring. Beware, however, as this journey will be fraught with danger, encounters with mighty bosses, and challenging choices. Nevertheless, it’s worth the effort as progress can lead you to memorable and surprising discoveries explaining the dark lore of this world.
| Key features |
|---|
|
Cyberpunk 2077
| Release date: | 2023-12-05 |
| Genre: | RPG |
| Developer: | CD PROJEKT RED |
Travel to the city of the future to uncover the sinister secrets of powerful megacorporations in the open world of the never-sleeping Night City. Your fate is to shape this story!
Cyberpunk 2077 lets you explore the dystopian world of Night City, ruled by technological innovations, crime, social tensions, and corporate intrigues. You will play as V, a mercenary trying to free themself from the digital presence of a certain Johnny Silverhand (Keanu Reeves). Explore this futuristic reality, discover exciting Easter eggs, and make challenging choices to see how they affect the outcome of this unpredictable journey.
| Key features |
|---|
|
Horizon Forbidden West
| Release date: | 2024-03-21 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Guerrilla Games |
This direct sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn follows Aloy, a fearless warrior trying to unravel the secrets of humanity’s past in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by mighty machines.
HFW sees Aloy as she travels to the titular Forbidden West to prevent a catastrophe threatening all living beings. Exploring a picturesque open world and fighting omnipresent enemies, the heroine continues to uncover the secrets of a fallen civilization. It’s a fascinating recommendation for all fans of inspiring visions of a post-apocalyptic reality!
| Key features |
|---|
|
Red Dead Redemption 2
| Release date: | 2019-11-05 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Rockstar Games |
Red Dead Redemption 2 follows Arthur Morgan, a Van der Linde gang member, traversing open and dying areas of the American West.
As the Wild West slowly perishes under the pressure of rapidly spreading civilization, Arthur Morgan and his companions deal with fast-approaching changes. It’s a time when the hero must face rising moral dilemmas and find his place in this transforming reality. Get ready for a truly emotional and action-fueled ride!
| Key features |
|---|
|
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
| Release date: | 2016-10-27 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Bethesda Game Studios |
Even though this classic is over a decade old, it remains relevant as one of the best role-playing games ever made!
Venture into the wintry province of Skyrim to explore it as the last of the Dragonborn – the only one capable of defeating mighty Alduin and preventing the destruction of the entire land. While the storyline may sound complicated, you can explore the game at your own pace, developing skills, fighting, picking romance options, engaging in side quests, and discovering its secrets. Skyrim is the definition of open-world player freedom!
| Key features |
|---|
|
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
| Release date: | 2015-05-18 |
| Genre: | RPG |
| Developer: | CD PROJEKT RED |
This legendary recommendation lets you explore an open world of Slavic legends and monsters as Geralt of Rivia – a witcher and the only person capable of influencing the entire continent’s future.
Play as Geralt of Rivia to explore the open world in search of his adopted daughter (Ciri), followed by the ancient Wild Hunt. Along the way, you’ll become part of vital political events impacting the continent’s fate. This game focuses on moral choices – every action can change the plot’s course! However, there will also be time for more relaxing activities, including mini-games and fun encounters!
| Key features |
|---|
|
Conclusion
So many vibrant worlds to explore and discover! As you’ve just seen, each game offers a unique experience developing within an incredibly interactive reality where you decide what happens next. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you prefer a post-apocalyptic future, cyberpunk dystopia, high fantasy, or a realistic depiction of the Middle Ages in Central Europe. Now, pick the best open world and role-play your adventure!