Best Open World Games on Steam

The open world genre has become a staple of modern gaming by offering players vast environments to explore and high levels of freedom. Steam hosts an extensive library of these titles ranging from historical dramas to futuristic science fiction epics. These games allow for emergent gameplay where individual choices and exploration dictate the player experience. Many of the most acclaimed titles in the industry fall into this category due to their immersive world building and deep mechanics.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

‘Elden Ring’ presents a dark fantasy world created through a collaboration between FromSoftware and George R.R. Martin. Players assume the role of a Tarnished seeking to repair the titular ring and become the Elden Lord. The Lands Between offers a non-linear experience where users can discover hidden bosses and expansive dungeons. Combat relies on precise timing and a wide variety of magical abilities.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ follows Geralt of Rivia as he searches for his adopted daughter Ciri. The game features a massive world with diverse regions like Velen and Skellige. Players complete contracts to hunt monsters while navigating complex political conflicts. The story concludes based on the choices made throughout the journey.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2015)

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ allows players to control three different protagonists in the fictional city of Los Santos. The story involves a series of heists and criminal enterprises across an expansive urban and rural map. Players can switch between characters at almost any time to experience different perspectives. The game includes a robust online mode that constantly adds new content and missions.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ is set in Night City a sprawling metropolis obsessed with power and body modification. Players take on the role of V a mercenary searching for a unique implant that grants immortality. The game features a branching narrative with multiple endings influenced by player choices. The environment is dense with verticality and interactive elements that reflect a dystopian future.

‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’ (2011)

‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’ places players in the role of the Dragonborn a hero destined to stop a dragon apocalypse. The province of Skyrim is open for exploration from the start of the adventure. Users can join various factions such as the Dark Brotherhood or the Thieves Guild. The skill system allows for complete freedom in character development without being locked into specific classes.

‘Fallout 4’ (2015)

‘Fallout 4’ begins in a post-apocalyptic version of Boston known as the Commonwealth. Players emerge from an underground bunker called Vault 111 to find their missing child. The game features a deep crafting and settlement building system that lets players rebuild society. Combat involves the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System which allows for tactical precision during encounters.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

‘Starfield’ is a space-themed epic that allows players to explore over one thousand planets. The story involves joining a group of explorers called Constellation to find mysterious artifacts. Players can build their own spaceships and establish outposts on distant worlds. The game features a variety of factions and quest lines that span the Settled Systems.

‘Forza Horizon 5’ (2021)

‘Forza Horizon 5’ is a racing game set in a vibrant representation of Mexico. The map includes diverse biomes such as deserts jungles and an active volcano. Players participate in the Horizon Festival by competing in races and completing stunts. The game features hundreds of licensed cars and a deep customization system.

‘No Man’s Sky’ (2016)

‘No Man’s Sky’ offers a procedurally generated universe with trillions of unique planets. Players can fly seamlessly from space to planetary surfaces without loading screens. The core gameplay involves survival crafting and trading across different star systems. Ongoing updates have added base building multiplayer and deep sea exploration.

‘Valheim’ (2021)

‘Valheim’ is a survival game inspired by Viking culture and Norse mythology. Players are tasked with reclaiming the tenth world for Odin by defeating powerful mythical bosses. The environment includes meadows mountains and swamps each with unique resources. Crafting and base building are essential for surviving the harsh elements and enemy raids.

‘Subnautica’ (2018)

‘Subnautica’ takes place on an alien ocean planet after a spaceship crash. Players must explore the underwater depths to find resources and craft survival gear. The game features beautiful coral reefs and terrifying deep-sea creatures. A central mystery involves finding a way to escape the planet while investigating ancient structures.

‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ (2018)

‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ is a realistic role playing game set in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia. Players control Henry a blacksmith’s son seeking revenge for his murdered family. The game emphasizes historical accuracy in its combat and social systems. Every action has consequences that affect the player’s reputation and the world around them.

‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’ (2018)

‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’ is set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. Players choose between two siblings Alexios or Kassandra to begin their journey. The game features massive naval battles and a territory control system. Mythological creatures and historical figures play central roles in the sprawling narrative.

‘Far Cry 5’ (2018)

‘Far Cry 5’ takes place in Hope County Montana which has been taken over by a doomsday cult. Players work with local resistance fighters to reclaim different regions from the Seed family. The world is fully interactive and allows for various approaches to combat including stealth and aerial assaults. The game also features a cooperative mode for playing through the campaign with friends.

‘Dying Light 2 Stay Human’ (2022)

‘Dying Light 2 Stay Human’ combines parkour movement with survival horror in a post-apocalyptic city. Players must navigate a world filled with aggressive zombies and warring human factions. The choice system impacts the physical layout of the city and its political landscape. Combat focuses on melee weapons and creative use of the environment.

‘Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord’ (2022)

‘Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord’ is a strategy and role playing hybrid set in a fictional medieval land. Players build an army and engage in large-scale battles and sieges. The game features a complex economy and political system where players can become kings or vassals. Every character in the world acts according to their own goals and AI.

‘Kenshi’ (2018)

‘Kenshi’ is a squad-based survival game set in a harsh desert world. There is no central plot and players are free to be whatever they choose from traders to warlords. The environment is indifferent to the player and survival requires careful management of resources and relationships. Base building and research are necessary to thrive in the dangerous landscape.

‘Rust’ (2018)

‘Rust’ is a multiplayer survival game where the main goal is to endure in a hostile environment. Players start with nothing and must gather wood and stone to build shelters and tools. The biggest threat comes from other players who can raid bases and steal resources. Frequent updates introduce new mechanics such as electricity and drivable vehicles.

‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)

‘Outer Wilds’ is an exploration game set in a solar system stuck in a time loop. Players fly a small spacecraft to different planets to uncover the secrets of an extinct civilization. Each planet has unique physical properties such as changing terrain or intense gravity. The game relies on knowledge gained through exploration rather than traditional upgrades.

‘Dragon’s Dogma 2’ (2024)

‘Dragon’s Dogma 2’ is an action role playing game that features a party system known as pawns. Players customize their main character and a primary companion to explore a high fantasy world. The combat system allows for creative interactions with giant monsters such as climbing on their backs. The world is filled with hidden caves and emergent events that happen without player intervention.

‘Palworld’ (2024)

‘Palworld’ combines creature collection with survival and base building mechanics. Players capture mysterious creatures called Pals to help with combat and resource gathering. The game features a massive open world with different biomes and boss challenges. Automation and industry play a large role in developing a successful base.

‘Sons of the Forest’ (2024)

‘Sons of the Forest’ is a survival horror sequel that takes place on a remote island. Players are sent to find a missing billionaire but must survive against cannibalistic mutants. The game features a sophisticated building system and a dynamic weather cycle. Players are accompanied by an AI companion who can assist with gathering and construction.

‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ (2015)

‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ concludes the story of the Caped Crusader as he faces Scarecrow and a new mysterious villain. For the first time in the series players can drive the Batmobile through the streets of Gotham City. The combat and stealth systems are refined to offer a wide range of tactical options. The city is filled with side missions and puzzles created by the Riddler.

‘Middle-earth: Shadow of War’ (2017)

‘Middle-earth: Shadow of War’ expands on the Nemesis System to create unique personal stories for every enemy orc. Players lead an army to conquer fortresses across the land of Mordor. The game features large scale battles and the ability to dominate enemy captains to join the player’s side. The story follows Talion and Celebrimbor as they forge a new Ring of Power.

‘Mad Max’ (2015)

‘Mad Max’ puts players in a desolate wasteland where vehicular combat is the key to survival. Players upgrade Max’s car the Magnum Opus to take on rival factions and survive the harsh environment. The world is divided into territories that can be liberated by completing various challenges. Hand to hand combat is brutal and focuses on timing and counter-attacks.

‘Just Cause 3’ (2015)

‘Just Cause 3’ is an action game focused on causing massive destruction on a Mediterranean island. Rico Rodriguez uses a grappling hook and wingsuit to navigate the environment with ease. Players can tether objects together to create chaotic chain reactions. The goal is to liberate the island from a military dictatorship by destroying government infrastructure.

‘Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition’ (2014)

‘Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition’ is set in Hong Kong and follows undercover cop Wei Shen. The story focuses on infiltrating the Sun On Yee Triad while maintaining his cover. Combat is inspired by martial arts movies and features environmental takedowns. This edition includes all previously released downloadable content and visual improvements.

‘Mafia: Definitive Edition’ (2020)

‘Mafia: Definitive Edition’ is a complete remake of the original game set in the 1930s. Players control Tommy Angelo as he rises through the ranks of the Salieri crime family. The city of Lost Heaven is meticulously recreated with period-accurate architecture and vehicles. The narrative provides a cinematic look at the life of a mobster during the Great Depression.

‘Project Zomboid’ (2013)

‘Project Zomboid’ is a realistic zombie survival game with an isometric perspective. Players must manage hunger thirst and mental health while avoiding the undead. The map is huge and includes various towns and rural areas to explore for supplies. Permadeath means that when a character dies the player must start over with a new one in the same world.

‘State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition’ (2020)

‘State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition’ focuses on community management in a zombie apocalypse. Players control a group of survivors and must gather resources to expand their home base. Each character has unique traits and skills that affect the success of the community. This edition includes new maps and enhanced graphics for a more complete experience.

‘V Rising’ (2024)

‘V Rising’ is a survival game where players take on the role of a weakened vampire. The goal is to rebuild a castle and grow a vampire empire by hunting for blood and resources. Players must avoid sunlight during the day and can only travel safely at night. The world is populated by humans and mythical creatures that provide various challenges.

‘Raft’ (2022)

‘Raft’ begins with the player trapped on a small wooden plank in the middle of a vast ocean. By using a hook players gather floating debris to expand their raft into a floating fortress. Exploration leads to various islands and abandoned structures that reveal a story about a flooded world. Survival requires managing food and water while fending off a persistent shark.

‘Terraria’ (2011)

‘Terraria’ is a two dimensional sandbox game with a massive amount of content and exploration. Players can dig deep underground to find rare ores and fight challenging bosses. The world is procedurally generated and features multiple biomes such as the jungle and the corruption. Crafting is central to the game with thousands of items and weapons to discover.

‘Watch Dogs 2’ (2016)

‘Watch Dogs 2’ is set in the San Francisco Bay Area and follows a young hacker named Marcus Holloway. Players use hacking skills to control the city’s infrastructure and complete missions. The game encourages creative problem solving through the use of drones and remote devices. The story explores themes of corporate surveillance and digital privacy.

‘Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands’ (2017)

‘Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands’ features a massive open world version of Bolivia controlled by a drug cartel. Players lead a four-person team of elite soldiers to dismantle the organization through various tactical missions. The environment is diverse and includes salt flats mountains and dense jungles. The game supports full four player cooperative play for the entire campaign.

‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon’ (2020)

‘Yakuza: Like a Dragon’ introduces a new protagonist named Ichiban Kasuga in the city of Yokohama. Unlike previous entries the combat system uses a turn-based role playing format. The world is filled with quirky side activities and mini games that are a hallmark of the series. The narrative blends serious crime drama with humorous character moments.

‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ (2024)

‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ takes the series outside of Japan for the first time to Honolulu Hawaii. The story follows both Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu as they navigate international conflicts. The game features an expanded turn-based combat system and a massive island to explore. Players can participate in various activities like delivering food or managing a tropical resort.

‘Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition’ (2018)

‘Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition’ tells the story of Prince Noctis and his three friends on a road trip across Eos. The game features a real-time combat system and a vast world that can be explored by car or on foot. This edition includes all seasonal content and a first-person camera mode. The narrative focuses on friendship and the burden of royal responsibility.

‘Sniper Elite 5’ (2022)

‘Sniper Elite 5’ features large open-ended levels set in World War II France. Players assume the role of an elite marksman completing objectives through stealth and long-range shooting. The game includes an advanced ballistics system and a signature X-ray kill camera. Missions can be approached in multiple ways depending on player preference and gear.

‘Saints Row IV’ (2013)

‘Saints Row IV’ turns the crime genre on its head by giving the player superpowers in a virtual simulation of Steelport. Players take on the role of the President of the United States fighting back against an alien invasion. The gameplay focuses on high-speed movement and over-the-top combat abilities. The open world is a playground for chaos and comedic storytelling.

‘Prototype’ (2009)

‘Prototype’ features Alex Mercer a shape-shifter with amnesia who can consume others to gain their memories and skills. The game is set in a version of Manhattan under quarantine due to a viral outbreak. Players use parkour and powerful transformations to battle military forces and infected creatures. The open world serves as a playground for destructive powers and high-speed movement.

Tell us which open world adventure is your favorite in the comments.