The 15 best open world games on PC

For those gamers who see a sprawling forest and wonder what’s hidden in its heart, or who look at a towering mountain and feel the itch to climb it, open world games are a haven. Sure, the scope of modern games often includes expansive worlds, but we're focusing on the true adventurers here—the games that invite you to explore, to see what lies beyond the next ridge. These games make the journey as thrilling as the destination, with developers clearly urging players to take in the surroundings and discover secrets at every turn. If you’re the type of player who loves getting lost in a game, these open world titles are your next big adventure.

The Top 10 Open World Games

Open world games are a big deal, and when done right, they offer unforgettable experiences. Here’s our pick of the best, with links to each game. Don’t forget to share your own favorites in the comments if you think we’ve missed any gems!

15. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

• Developer: Bethesda

• Release Date: 2011, 2016 (Special Edition)

• Where to Get It: Steam, Humble, GOG, Epic Games Store, Game Pass

• Recommendations: Other Elder Scrolls games, especially Morrowind. For Bethesda's other series, try Fallout 4 or Fallout: New Vegas, and also consider Starfield.

Skyrim’s popularity is no joke—it's an enduring classic. With its vast landscapes, engaging world, and even its quirks like janky physics, it’s a game that many love. The remaster and Anniversary Edition have only added to its appeal, including welcoming mods that can even replace dragons with Thomas The Tank Engine.

14. A Short Hike

• Developer: adamgryu

• Release Date: 2019

• Where to Get It: Steam, itch.io, GOG

• Recommendations: Donut County, Frog Detective, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, Tchia.

A Short Hike is a delightful, stress-free adventure where you play as a cute penguin climbing Hawk Peak. The journey is filled with fishing, treasure hunting, and interacting with other hikers. The lush and relaxing soundtrack by Mark Sparling adds to the charm.

13. Hitman: World of Assassination

• Developer: IO Interactive

• Release Date: 2022

• Where to Get It: Steam, Epic Games

• Recommendations: Previous Hitman games like Hitman: Blood Money and Contracts.

Though not a traditional open world game, Hitman: World of Assassination combines all of Hitman 2 and 3 into one mega-package of mini-sandboxes. As Agent 47, you have the freedom to creatively eliminate targets in various detailed locations.

12. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

• Release Date: 2024

• Where to Get It: Steam, Humble

• Recommendations: The entire Yakuza series.

Set in Hawaii, Infinite Wealth offers both the wild antics the series is known for and a detailed, authentic setting. Explore the beaches, markets, and streets of Honolulu, engage in quirky side quests, and enjoy the Yakuza series’ signature brand of fun.

11. Forza Horizon 5

• Developer: Playground Games

• Release Date: 2021

• Where to Get It: Steam, PC Game Pass

• Recommendations: Forza Horizon 4.

Forza Horizon 5 takes you to Mexico in a celebration of cars and driving. Whether you’re racing through jungles, beaches, or towns, this game offers a joyous experience for both racing enthusiasts and casual drivers.

10. Baldur's Gate 3

• Developer: Larian Studios

• Release Date: 2023

• Where to Get It: Steam, GOG

• Recommendations: Divinity Original Sin 2, previous Baldur's Gate games, Planescape: Torment, Neverwinter Nights 1 and 2, Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Baldur's Gate 3 is a deep, turn-based RPG set in a richly detailed fantasy world. With vast maps and intricate quests, it’s a game that invites endless exploration and discovery, making it a must-play for fantasy fans.

9. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Developer: Rockstar Games

• Release Date: 2019

• Where to Get It: Steam

• Recommendations: Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto V.

Red Dead Redemption 2’s open world is a marvel of natural beauty and atmospheric detail. Its story of outlaws in the Wild West, combined with the freedom to explore and immerse yourself in the environment, makes it a standout.

8. Subnautica

• Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment

• Release Date: 2018

• Where to Get It: Steam, Epic Games

• Recommendations: Subnautica: Below Zero, No Man's Sky.

Subnautica’s underwater world is both mesmerizing and terrifying. As a survival game, it offers the thrill of exploration and the constant challenge of staying alive in a beautifully alien environment.

7. No Man's Sky

• Developer: Hello Games

• Release Date: 2016

• Where to Get It: Steam, Humble, GOG, Game Pass

• Recommendations: Subnautica, The Outer Worlds, Starfield.

No Man's Sky has grown into a vast and varied space exploration game. With procedurally generated planets and continuous updates, it offers endless opportunities for discovery and adventure.

6. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

• Developer: Konami Digital Entertainment

• Release Date: 2015

• Where to Get It: Steam

• Recommendations: Death Stranding.

Metal Gear Solid V blends complex stealth mechanics with an expansive open world. The freedom to approach missions creatively makes each playthrough unique and engaging.

5. American Truck Simulator

• Developer: SCS Software

• Release Date: 2016

• Where to Get It: Steam

• Recommendations: Euro Truck Simulator 2.

American Truck Simulator offers a surprisingly vast and immersive experience, driving through diverse landscapes and delivering cargo. It’s a relaxing yet engaging way to explore the open road.

4. Dragon's Dogma 2

• Developer: Capcom

• Release Date: 2024

• Where to Get It: Steam, Humble

• Recommendations: Dragon's Dogma, Monster Hunter: Rise.

Dragon's Dogma 2 continues the tradition of its predecessor, offering a challenging and tactical fantasy adventure. Planning your journeys and facing dangerous creatures make for a thrilling experience.

3. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

• Developer: Troika Games

• Release Date: 2004

• Where to Get It: Steam, GOG

• Recommendations: Fallout series, Dragon Age 2.

Bloodlines offers a dark, immersive world filled with choices and consequences. Its small but dense urban environments and rich storytelling make it a cult classic.

2. Horizon Forbidden West

• Developer: Guerrilla Games

• Release Date: 2022/2024 (PC)

• Where to Get It: Steam, Humble, Epic Games Store

• Recommendations: Horizon Zero Dawn, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Horizon Forbidden West expands on its predecessor with a richly detailed world set in a post-apocalyptic future. Exploring the diverse landscapes and hunting robotic creatures offer a unique and captivating experience.

1. Elden Ring

• Developer: FromSoftware

• Release Date: 2022

• Where to Get It: Steam

• Recommendations: Dark Souls series.

Elden Ring is a masterclass in open world design, combining FromSoftware’s signature challenging gameplay with a vast, interconnected world. Its freedom of exploration and character customization make it a standout title.

These games represent the pinnacle of open world design, each offering unique experiences and vast landscapes to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for high fantasy, gritty realism, or surreal adventures, this list has something for every kind of explorer.