Exploring the Best Open-World Games of the 2020s

Massive Open-World Experiences in Gaming

Over the past five years, massive hundred-hour open-world experiences have become a dominant force in the gaming industry. Whether players embrace them for their immersive worlds or shy away due to the time commitment, these games offer a unique experience that sets them apart from other genres. When executed well, open-world games can provide some of the most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences available, allowing players to explore expansive environments filled with rich narratives and dynamic gameplay.

The 2020s have already proven to be a remarkable era for gaming. Titles like Tears of the Kingdom and Ghost of Tsushima showcase the potential of open-world design, offering players both expansive landscapes and engaging stories that draw them in for hours on end. As we delve into the standout titles of this decade, it’s clear that these games not only captivate players but also redefine what it means to experience a virtual world.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: A Viking Adventure

Among the many games in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Valhalla stands out as one of the most ambitious. This title allows players to fully immerse themselves in the life of a Viking, exploring an open-world sandbox that feels alive with historical detail. The game is brimming with content, offering a vast array of quests, characters, and environments that can sometimes lead to player burnout due to its sheer volume.

Ubisoft has mastered the art of recreating historical settings, and in Valhalla, they depict the Viking expansion into England with stunning accuracy. The combat system is visceral and engaging, providing a satisfying experience for players as they battle foes and navigate the complexities of Viking society. Additionally, Valhalla’s multiple story expansions extend the gameplay, ensuring that players have plenty to explore long after they finish the main story.

Dragon’s Dogma 2: A Fantasy Journey

After a long wait, fans finally received a sequel to Dragon’s Dogma, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 does not disappoint. This game expands the original’s world, offering a seamless, open-world experience that is four times larger than its predecessor. Players are encouraged to explore and discover the rich lore and diverse landscapes that the game has to offer.

What sets Dragon’s Dogma 2 apart is its emphasis on player freedom. Gamers can approach quests, combat, and exploration in a multitude of ways. The introduction of a character creator and the ability to summon “Pawns” – AI companions that can be shared with others – adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay. This title encapsulates the essence of fantasy RPGs, delivering a challenging and rewarding experience that fans of the genre will cherish.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: An Epic Continuation

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second installment in the beloved FFVII remake trilogy, offering an expansive open-world RPG experience that extends far beyond its predecessor. While the original game could be completed in approximately 36 hours, Rebirth’s main story spans around 47 hours, with additional content bringing the total playtime to upwards of 167 hours.

This extended gameplay allows for deeper character development, particularly for beloved figures like Barret, while introducing numerous mini-games and side quests. The transition from the classic turn-based combat to a real-time system has modernized the gameplay, making it accessible to both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. With its ambitious scope and rich storytelling, Rebirth is shaping up to be one of the most impressive remakes in gaming history.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdom, a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild, builds upon the original’s successful formula while introducing new mechanics that enhance the sandbox experience. Players have three layers to explore: the vast land of Hyrule, the floating Sky Islands, and the mysterious underground Depths, each filled with secrets and challenges.

The game’s physics systems allow players to experiment and create various structures, further enriching gameplay. This depth of interaction coupled with the expansive world makes Tears of the Kingdom a standout title, ensuring that players can enjoy countless hours of exploration and adventure.

Cyberpunk 2077: A Dystopian Playground

Set in the neon-lit Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 offers an incredibly immersive open-world experience. Despite its rocky launch, CD Projekt Red has worked diligently to enhance the game, making it one of the most rewarding open-world RPGs available today. The vibrant environment is alive with characters and quests, creating a futuristic landscape that players can explore.

The game’s combat system is visceral, providing access to a variety of technologies and abilities that allow for diverse playstyles. With a branching narrative and extensive customization options, players can tailor their experience to suit their preferences, offering hundreds of hours of replayability.

Horizon Forbidden West: A Stunning Sequel

Horizon Forbidden West builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor while delivering a compelling narrative and exciting gameplay enhancements. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players can explore a futuristic version of the western United States, facing formidable machines and uncovering new threats.

The game’s visual presentation is breathtaking, and the gameplay loop is engaging. Players will find enjoyment in taking down towering machines using a mix of strategy and skill. While certain elements may feel repetitive, the overall experience remains thrilling and captivating, making it a must-try for any open-world enthusiast.

Ghost of Tsushima: A Samurai’s Quest

One of the most visually stunning games available, Ghost of Tsushima immerses players in a beautifully recreated feudal Japan. As Jin Sakai, players must defend their island from a Mongol invasion, navigating a world that is rich in detail and filled with engaging combat. The narrative is profound, reflecting themes of honor and morality as players make choices that impact their journey.

Ghost of Tsushima’s expansive world offers a plethora of activities, and mastering the combat system provides a deeply satisfying experience. As anticipation builds for the sequel, Ghost of Yotei, there has never been a better time to experience this masterpiece.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: The Ultimate Spider-Man Experience

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 takes the franchise to new heights, delivering an action-packed narrative that intertwines the stories of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The game enhances the iconic web-swinging mechanics that made the original a hit, allowing players to feel like they are truly embodying Spider-Man.

The emotional depth of the story, combined with thrilling gameplay, makes this title a standout in the superhero genre. Though some combat elements may feel repetitive, the overall experience is enriched with nostalgia and excitement, providing an unforgettable journey for fans.

Hogwarts Legacy: A Magical Adventure

Hogwarts Legacy is a dream come true for Harry Potter fans, offering an immersive experience set within the Wizarding World. Players can explore Hogwarts and its surroundings, casting spells and uncovering secrets as they navigate this magical universe.

The attention to detail in world-building is exceptional, capturing the essence of the beloved series. The game’s engaging gameplay mechanics, combined with numerous references to the original films and books, create a captivating experience that is sure to enchant players.

Elden Ring: A Masterpiece of Challenge and Exploration

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring has taken the gaming world by storm, establishing itself as a modern classic. The game features an expansive, mysterious open world that encourages exploration and discovery, filled with rich lore and intricate NPCs.

Despite its challenging nature, players are rewarded for their efforts with a compelling narrative and a visually stunning environment. Winning the Game of the Year in 2022, Elden Ring exemplifies the potential of open-world design, providing an unparalleled experience that continues to draw players into its depths.