Best Open-World Games in 2026
Gaming has evolved past the linear experiences it once was. There are now all sorts of genres that players can immerse themselves in, though there’s something special about finding a large and fully open world with hours worth of content. The best open world games that you can play in 2026 understand the need to fill every corner of their world with something to do.
Unfortunately, there are too many games with empty open worlds nowadays. Whether it’s because of their immersive stories, engaging combat mechanics, or breathtaking worlds, here are the best open-world games to play in 2026.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar Games isn’t exactly known for crafting insanely detailed open worlds, but Red Dead Redemption 2 is the exception. The game sends players to the end of the Wild West era, when outlaws are few and the world is changing. Arthur Morgan is caught in an odd place because this life is all he has ever known, making him wonder what he could do to atone for his life of sins.
Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn’t have the fast cars that the GTA series has, but horses are a close second. Few things are as satisfying as riding to a swamp to hunt a particularly large alligator, or learning to become a better person as Arthur.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
In a time when Western RPGs are seen as inferior to their Japanese counterparts, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt proves many doubters wrong. The game’s world is filled with all sorts of things to do, from completing engaging and memorable quests to meeting new characters that instantly become your favorites.
The Witcher 3 stands out because of its extremely detailed lore. It’s as if every inch of the world that CD PROJEKT RED made is hiding a fact or secret about the world Geralt and Ciri roam in. In particular, fantasy lovers have to give this game a shot if they want to experience something entirely unique.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware wasn’t the first name to pop up in anyone’s mind ten years ago when someone mentioned open-world games. However, the release of Elden Ring changed all of that. Now, the game is considered one of the best games of all time, merging the satisfyingly difficult combat mechanics of the Soulslike genre with a beautiful open world.
Riding your horse across The Lands Between, finding optional dungeons and awesome weapons, is a satisfying experience that few games can match. The freedom that players are given regarding the types of builds they want to go for isn’t found easily. It helps that Elden Ring has an awesome DLC that keeps the fun going.
Cyberpunk 2077
It’s true that Cyberpunk 2077 didn’t launch to the best reception. However, the developer gradually worked on the game, ensuring that it’s much more polished than before. The futuristic world that CD PROJEKT RED crafted may not be as full of life as most other entries on this list, but it’s definitely memorable.
The game’s combat is satisfyingly simple, and there’s a lot of freedom of choice involved. Players can use all sorts of weapons to complete missions. That too, all the while meeting memorable NPCs who could be friends or foes.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
The original Assassin’s Creed Black Flag was already a masterpiece, but Resynced takes everything to the next level. The pirate-themed open world is abounding with new life as players sail the open seas in search of treasure. Of course, it helps that the game looks much better than ever before thanks to the remake.
In addition to just the open world, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced has a lot going for it. The story is engaging, the combat is satisfying, and its effects can be felt in other entries in the Assassin’s Creed series. The world isn’t nearly as ancient as the modern games. But the industrial twist definitely helps it form its own identity.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The impact of Final Fantasy VII can’t be understated. The game was an instant hit when it first came out, so it makes sense that Square Enix would want to remake it. Instead of remaking it in one game, players will be getting an entire trilogy to properly honor the legendary game. The first game may have been fairly straightforward, but Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an open-world masterpiece.
Players can roam various iconic locations, from Nibelheim to Gongaga. The party characters that come along for the journey are all extremely lovable. The music is beautiful, and the same charm that every Final Fantasy fan loves is ever-present. It’s a must-play for JRPG fans worldwide, especially those who have played other Final Fantasy games.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Before Bethesda’s reputation went downhill, the company was soaring through the skies with constant hits. However, no game comes close to the success that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim found. The first- and third-person RPG lets players fill the shoes of the Dragonborn as he realizes his destiny of saving the world from an ancient threat.
While the main story is decently interesting, everything else is so much better. The lands of Skyrim are filled with all sorts of things to do. It can be joining a guild of thieves or cultivating your magic to become an absolute powerhouse. This is one of those worlds where you can find yourself losing hours in without realizing it.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda series has always been filled with some of the most iconic linear games. However, the release of Breath of the Wild changed that, delivering an excellent open-world experience for players to enjoy. Tears of the Kingdom builds on everything that worked with its prequel, taking things to the next level.
Hyrule looks so much better than ever. It also really helps that Link has the new ability to construct anything he desires. This game is much more creative than its prequel, even introducing a new underground area for players to explore. It’s the same world as BOTW, but a direct continuation.
