Open-world games have always managed to leave you spellbound with their expansive world-building and spectacular atmospheres. Roaming from one mind-blowing location to another, they’re a compelling medium for immersive storytelling, and take escapism to a whole new level. The chance to explore different universes and unlock new experiences has strongly appealed to many.
We’ve already had some amazing classics in the open-world genre, and 2024 saw a plethora of new releases worth the wait and the money. So, without further ado, here are the best open-world games to sink your teeth into.
Dragon’s Dogma 2is the most recent addition to the Dragon’s Dogma series and a sequel to the first game released more than a decade ago. You return to assume the role of the Arisen and are tossed into a world that’s much larger in size and scale than the original Dragon’s Dogma.
The game offers smooth graphics and gameplay, and you should expect to be bombarded by enemies as soon as you take your first step alongside your Pawns. Although the game’s story could use some fine-tuning, its enemies are sufficiently challenging. Pawns' diverse array of customisations and upgrades is one of its high points; its landscapes are visually appealing, encouraging you to explore more of its world.
2024 has seen no end in open-world survival RPGs andOnce Humanis a noteworthy addition. The game isfree to play on Steam, set in a strange futuristic yet post-apocalyptic world infected by Stardust and filled with hostile aberrations known as Deviations.
As the game’s title suggests, you play as a Meta-Human, someone who has evolved to be able to control Stardust. The gameplay is super fun and addicting, with easily accessible crafting materials that make it great for those who aren’t avid players of survival craft games. The enemy designs are both gorgeous and unique, and while combat could use an upgrade, Once Human is a credit to the survival genre.
A sequel to 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon,Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthfollows up on Ichiban’s story and switches things up by taking you across the sea to Hawaii.
This latest instalment really cranks things up with addictive mini-games and better turn-based combat, along with more opportunities to bond with party members. Although the story does pale in comparison to its predecessor, the return of characters from the previous games and improvements and additions to their job system make the game a fun experience.
6Rise of the Ronin
Rise of the Ronin
An action-adventure game from Team Ninja, Rise of the Ronin takes place during the final years of Japan’s Edo period. In the midst of the country’s turmoil, you play the titular ronin on a journey of your own making.
Rise of the Roninjoins Ghost of Tsushima as another visually captivating game set in Japan. The game takes place in the mid-19th century when Japan took its first step in opening its borders to the outside world. Due to this policy change, the country faces turmoil from within.
The game explores the cities of Yokohama, Edo and Kyoto, and each city takes you back in time, which makes it a perfect game to try if you’re a fan of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Moreover, the game’s combat is one of its best parts, where you’ll face many fast-paced, challenging bosses with different combat styles.
One of the most anticipated drops of the year,Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyldid not disappoint. The game’s atmosphere is grim and dark - though no less eye-catching - which is expected for a game that deals with the post-apocalyptic aftermath of a nuclear fallout.
As soon as you start, you instantly become hyper-aware of how much you’re using a particular resource. Being mindful of conserving your supplies, which pushes you to explore, is one of the highlights of the game. However, the absolute best part of the game is its well-written NPCs, which makes the experience all the more immersive. So, if you like games like the Metro series, Stalker 2 is one to get your hands on.
Dragon Age: The Veilguarddirectly follows up the events of the Trespasser DLC, expanding your exploration to the long-anticipated kingdom of Tevinter. In this game, you play as Rook, who intends to stop Solas' ritual, only for something worse to escape the Fade.
World exploration is one of the high points of Dragon Age: Inquisition, and it still stays true for Veilguard. Even though Solas felt extremely underused in this instalment, the landscapes and general feel of the world are still as magical as its predecessors. Moreover, encounters with characters from the previous games are as delightful and welcome as ever, and the game’s finale was also executed well.
Keen Games pulled out all the stops in their latest release,Enshrouded. An early access game, Enshrouded is a truly solid open-world, co-op survival RPG set in the vast world of Embervale.
Alongside an enormous map, the game has striking visuals that entice you to further explore its multiple biomes. However, the game’s main strength is its building system, allowing you to build your base to whatever you imagine it to be. Paired with anoutstanding soundtrack, decent combat, and well-designed landscapes, Enshrouded is worth dipping your toes into.
Drova: Forsaken Kinis a hidden gem in a sea of game releases, a 2Ddark fantasyopen-world adventure RPG developed by Just2D. The story and setting take inspiration from Celtic mythology and culture and the game does an excellent job of depicting its various landscapes and keeping the fantastical elements at the forefront.
The game’s story and character progression are its high points, and its map is absolutelypackedwith things to explore. From critical story choices to an extensive and detailed world map, Drova is a game well worth your time.
One of the best games of 2024,Palworldquickly rose in popularity upon its release. The creation of Japanese developer Pocketpair, the game sets you loose on Palpagos Islands, an island that’s riddled with hostile, yet adorable- and comedic-looking monsters known as Pals.
The game’s selling point is definitely its creature-capturing system and the many diverse uses the Pals can offer when used strategically, such as foraging or maintaining your base for you. On top of that, Palworld provides a truly extensive map, with sprawling, immersive landscapes and a sandbox environment that allows you to build whatever you desire. The sky’s the limit with this game.
