Summary
Open-world RPGs are some of the most successful and beloved video games of all time. These expansive settings offer hours of immersive gameplay in stunning large-scale locations. From sprawling cityscapes or post-apocalyptic wastelands to medieval towns and dense forests, these are games to get lost in.
Exploration is at the heart ofthe open-world RPG, where a simple side quest can lead to hours of fun. From traversing remote regions, meeting new NPCs, or discovering hidden secrets, these quests can make the open world feel alive. While side quests can sometimes feel pointless, they can also enrich the gaming experience. They can add further depth to characters and the world. These games are about adventuring and creating unique stories through the player’s choices and actions while exploring vast worlds filled with dangers and mysteries.
Horizon Forbidden West, the hit sequel to the 2017 gameHorizon Zero Dawn,takes players to the far future, where the apocalypse has left the planet an overgrown ruin and where mechanical dinosaurs rule supreme. In the game, players control Aloy, as she ventures into the mysterious Forbidden West region.
Players have access to an assortment of weapons and tools, as well as various combat styles that can be upgraded and improved. From using trip wires and traps to melee, stealth, or ranged-focused attacks, players have a lot of freedom in how they take on the dangers of the world. Exploration is a big part of the game, with numerous NPCs sending Aloy out on side quests around the map.Horizon Forbidden Westis an epic-scale game with stunning visuals, fluid movement, and challenging robotic enemies that will appeal to fans of action RPGs.
The sequel to the 2015 zombie classic is set 22 years later in the fictional city of Harran. The THV virus has decimated the world’s population, with the few survivors living in small settlements. Players control Aiden Caldwell, who is searching for his missing sister in Villedor, one of the last major active cities.Dying Light 2takes all the parkour action of the first game and turns it up a notch, with numerous weapons and abilities that can be upgraded and unlocked.
Players can explore the vast ruined city freely, helping different factions gain influence. Choosing one faction over another can change the city and how the inhabitants react to the player.Dying Light 2is a fast-paced, free-roaming action RPG that will appeal to fans of the first game.
WhileCyberpunk 2077had a rough release, with numerous bugs and performance issues, it has since seen a resurgence in quality and acclaim. This futuristicopen-world RPGallows players to explore the vibrant and dangerous metropolis of Night City, taking on the various gangs and lowlifes that inhabit its bustling world.
While the main story takes players into the very underbelly of the city, the game is filled with side quests, contracts, and random encounters that bring the virtual world to life. With an assortment of weapons, clothing options, and character classes available, each playthrough is a unique experience. WhileCyberpunkdoesn’t reach the industry-changing level of CD Project Red’s previous release,The Witcher 3, the game is a must-play for fans of action FPS and open-world exploration.
Outwardis an indie open-world RPG that challenges players with tough combat andsurvival mechanics. Players can explore various large regions, from the lush coastal mountains to dangerous swamps and burning deserts. There is little hand-holding in the game and no save points. Dying will often result in either being saved by an NPC or the player waking up somewhere else and needing to escape. The world map does not show the player’s location, meaning players must navigate by learning the region by sight.
Outwardis a true adventure game where the world’s dangers can easily kill the player. There are many side quests to complete, locations to discover, and powerful magic to learn. While the game’s difficulty may put off some casual players,Outwardis a hidden gem that will appeal to hardcore RPG fans.
InDragon’s Dogma 2,players control a fully customizable character, known as the Arisen, as they navigate the world, its politics, and the legendary creatures inhabiting it. The game takes place in a vast land where two major kingdoms are at war.
In the game, the player can take on numerous quests, from hunting monsters to helping NPCs. How the player goes about each quest is up to them, with several options open to the player.Dragon’s Dogma 2became a successful release, bringing the series to a wider audience. Fans of theDragon AgeandElder Scrollsseries should love this fantasy RPG that offers high adventure and epic battles.
Fallout 4is a large open-world RPG set in the irradiated remains of Boston. It follows a vault dweller who, after being frozen for 200 years, goes on a mission to find their kidnapped son. While this is the main story,Fallout 4is filled with side missions and random encounters. From various factions vying for power to settlements regularly requiring help. The player is constantly busy, juggling multiple storylines as they navigate the post-apocalyptic setting.
Like all great open-world games,Fallout 4rewards exploration. The map is huge, with numerous hidden locations filled with enemies and secrets. With hours of engaging content,Fallout 4is still one of the best open-world RPGs around today. With the release of the successful TV adaptation, theFalloutseries has become one of the most recognizable gaming franchises in the modern era.
Dragon Quest 3is one of the most beloved JRPGs ever released and has already been remade several times. However, with the release of the HD-2D version, this genre classic has found an entirely new audience of modern gamers.
Dragon Quest 3is set in a vibrant and colorful fantasy world where exploration is rewarded with hidden secrets and powerful loot. Players can explore the open world freely, with side quests around every corner. The stunning game world shines with color, and while new players may struggle with the challenging old-school turn-based combat,Dragon Quest 3is a must-play for RPG fans looking for ataste of nostalgia.
While FromSoftware isno stranger to action RPGs,Elden Ringmarks their first foray into the open-world game style.Elden Ringhas been a landmark release for the studio, becoming their most successful game and firmly establishing them as an industry leader. The game is a stunning open-world experience where exploration is rewarded with secret locations and hidden regions.
Like in true FromSoftware fashion, players must work for their side quests. There are no mission markers or quest logs. However, some ofElden Ring’s best moments are found through talking to random NPCs and following their storylines. The game is all about adventure and discovery while defeating challenging bosses that will test the player’s skill.Elden Ringis one of the best recently released titles and is a must-play for fans of open-world games.
While first released in 2011, the fifth installment of theElder Scrollsseries has been kept alive by several remastered editions that have helped it retain its strong player base.Skyrimis an open-world RPG classic that brings fans to the snow-covered region filled with warring factions, roaming creatures, and hidden secrets.
The map is filled with unique locations. From large cities, forts, and camps to a host of smaller towns and villages, all with quests waiting to be discovered. The setting has a rich and varied history, with ancient ruins and temples hosting hidden stories and mysteries.Skyrimis one of the defining moments in open-world RPG history, with few games able to replicate its unique charm.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntwasa landmark momentin open-world RPGs and set a new standard for the genre. Its huge map was filled with numerous enemies, locations, and secrets. One of the standout aspects of the game was the variety of quests on offer. From simple fetch quests, such as finding an NPC’s beloved goat, to fun monster-hunting contracts to major side stories that flesh out the setting and important characters.
Each massive region of the game has a distinctive history and landscape and contains numerous secrets. From hidden caves to haunted buildings, the game rewards exploration.The Witcher 3is filled with quests completely optional from the main story. Each quest feels unique and a part of the world, rewarding players with valuable loot and memorable gaming moments.
