10 BEST OPEN WORLD GAMES TO PLAY IN 2023

If you are someone who loves the feeling of ultimate freedom, then open world games are the right fit for you! Let us explore which open world games are so popular. Explore video game types that allow players to explore a vast and detailed world, often with little to no restrictions.

Open world games are often praised for their immersive gameplay and their ability to provide players with a sense of freedom. Open world games offer players a medium to escape from reality for a while. They can provide players with a sense of adventure, excitement, and accomplishment.

10 Best Open World Games to Play Right Now

Open World Games offer players a unique opportunity to explore a vast and detailed world and to play the game in their own way. Below is the list of the best open world games that players can download and enjoy for hours.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
3. Grand Theft Auto V
4. Minecraft
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition
6. Horizon Zero Dawn
7. Fallout 4
8. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
9. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
10. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Release Date: 26 October 2018

Developed By: Rockstar games

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia

Cost: The cost of this game is ₹2,070.00, and once you have purchased it, there are no additional costs

Introduction    
Developed by Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to 2010's Red Dead Redemption. Set in 1899, the game follows outlaw Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang. It features an incredibly detailed and interactive open world set in the American Frontier.

Gameplay: The game is set in 1899 in a fictionalized representation of the Western, Midwestern, and Southern United States. It combines action, adventure, and storytelling, allowing players to engage in a variety of activities such as hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and interacting with non-playable characters. The game is primarily played from a third-person perspective, but there is also a first-person mode. You play as Arthur Morgan, a Dutch van der Linde gang member. The player's actions can influence the character's morality, which can affect the storyline and the interactions Arthur has with the non-playable characters (NPCs). Arthur can form relationships, assist in random encounters, or be hostile. The game's honor system tracks how law-abiding or criminal Arthur behaves, which affects the game world's reaction to the player.

The main storyline is divided into missions that typically involve shooting and driving mechanics, stealth, and tracking elements. It includes both main quests and side quests. Your choices during certain missions can impact the entire game.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Release Date: 18 May 2015

Developed By: CD Projekt

Platform: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X, and Series S

Platforms: Microsoft Windows and macOS

Cost: ₹3,296.20

Introduction    
This third installment in the Witcher series from CD Projekt RED centers around Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire. In his quest to find his adopted daughter on the run from the supernatural Wild Hunt, players journey through war-ravaged lands and meet unforgettable characters.

Gameplay:The game combines narrative-driven quests with combat mechanics that blend magic and swordplay, in addition to crafting, alchemy, and a robust economic system. In this game, you play as Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster slayer known as a Witcher and who fights against enemies using a combination of swordplay, magic (signs), and alchemy. Geralt carries two swords: a silver sword for supernatural enemies and a steel sword for humans and animals. The magic system consists of various "Signs" with different effects, like the fiery Igni or the protective Quen.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt encompasses various elements from combat to decision-making, all set within an immersive and detailed open world. It rewards exploration, careful decision-making, and strategic combat, creating a unique and engaging role-playing experience.

Also Read About:- 14 Best Online Games to Play in 2023

3. Grand Theft Auto V

Release Date: 17 September 2013

Developed By: Rockstar North

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Cost: ₹1,422

Introduction    
Developed by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto V is set within the fictional state of San Andreas. The game's story follows three criminals and their efforts to commit heists while under pressure from government agencies.

Gameplay : The game features three protagonists: Michael, a retired bank robber; Franklin, a street gangster; and Trevor, a violent and unstable criminal. The narrative alternates between these characters, each with their own personality and background, as they engage in a series of heists and other criminal activities.

The game is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, which is based in Southern California. The city of Los Santos, one of the main areas in the game, is a sprawling metropolis filled with urban environments, suburban neighborhoods, and even wilderness. Players can freely explore this open world on foot or using a wide array of vehicles.

4. Minecraft

Release Date: 18 November 2011

Developed By: Mojang Studios

Platform: PC and all major consoles like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S

Cost: ₹465.23

Introduction    
An open-world sandbox game developed by Mojang, Minecraft allows players to build and create their own worlds using blocks. Minecraft is centered around exploration, mining, crafting, and combat. The game boasts multiple modes, including Survival, where players must gather resources and maintain their health and hunger, and Creative, where players have unlimited resources to build with.

Gameplay    
You'll be prompted to create a new world when you start the game. You can name your world anything you like. You can also choose the type of world you want - Survival (where you must collect all the resources yourself and where there are hostile mobs), Creative (where you have unlimited resources and can fly), and Adventure (designed for player-created maps, limiting some of the gameplay in Minecraft).    
When you enter the world, you'll see a first-person perspective of the character. The game screen shows your 'Hearts' (health), 'Hunger' bar, 'Experience' bar, and 'Armor' bar at the bottom. In the bottom center is a quick-access inventory bar. Use your hand to punch trees and collect logs. This is your first step in crafting. Use the blocks you've collected or crafted to build a shelter before nightfall. This will protect you from the monsters that spawn at night.    
You can make a bed (using wool and planks) and sleep through the night to avoid this danger.    
Also, you will have to keep harvesting crops, killing animals, or finding them in chests within the game to eat in order to keep your hunger bar full, which keeps your health bar full.

5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition

Release Date: 28 October 2016

Developed By: Bethesda Game Studios

Platform : Microsoft Windows · PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360 · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series X/S

Cost: The price ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs 1000, depending on which platform you buy the game for.

Introduction    
Skyrim is the fifth game in The Elder Scrolls series from Bethesda. The open-world game is set in Tamriel's high fantasy world, specifically the Skyrim province. The game involves exploring the vast world, completing quests, improving your character's skills, and participating in an epic storyline involving dragons, gods, and the fate of the world.

Gameplay: In "Skyrim – Special Edition," you play as the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero with the power to use dragon shouts, in the Nordic-themed region of Skyrim. The game is known for its nonlinear gameplay, which allows you to freely explore its vast open world, filled with dungeons, cities, towns, fortresses, and villages.

In "Skyrim – Special Edition," you play as the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero with the power to use dragon shouts, in the Nordic-themed region of Skyrim. One of the main gameplay elements of Skyrim is the quest system. There are several main story quests that follow the Dragonborn's journey, but there are also many side quests and miscellaneous tasks that you can undertake. These can involve anything from solving a town's problems to joining one of the game's many factions. Skyrim features a real-time combat system where the player can use weapons, magic spells, or abilities in their arsenal. Players can also equip armor and accessories to protect themselves against damage, and potions can be used for a quick health boost or to enhance certain abilities. Players can also forge weapons and armor, cook food, create potions with alchemy, and enchant items.    
 

6. Horizon Zero Dawn

Release Date: 28 February 2017

Developed By: Guerrilla Games

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows

Cost: The game price ranges from Rs. 1200- Rs. 1400/-

Introduction    
Developed by Guerrilla Games, Horizon Zero Dawn is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where colossal mechanical creatures dominate the Earth. Players control Aloy, a hunter trying to discover her past.

Gameplay: It revolves around exploration, hunting mechanical creatures, crafting new items, and progressing through a rich narrative story. "Horizon Zero Dawn" is an open-world  action-adventure game that presents players with a post-apocalyptic setting overrun by robotic creatures. In the game, you act as Aloy, a young hunter and archer who explores a vast lust world overrun by machines and set out to uncover her past. Combat is a critical element of gameplay, with Aloy using a variety of weapons and strategies to defeat foes, including bows, spears, traps, and stealth. The game also incorporates RPG elements like crafting and skill progression and dialogue choices that influence story outcomes.

7. Fallout

Release Date: 9 November 2015

Developed By: Bethesda Game Studios

Platform: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows

Cost: The game price ranges from Rs. 1200- Rs. 1400/-

Introduction    
Fallout 4 takes place in post-apocalyptic Boston, now known as the Commonwealth. Players navigate this devastated world as the Sole Survivors of Vault 111.

Gameplay: When you start the game, you'll create your character; you can choose their gender and appearance and allocate points to the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes. This stands for Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck. Each of these attributes affects your character's skills and abilities.

In the game, once you exit Vault 111, your journey begins in The Commonwealth, a vast open world filled with friendlies, enemies, and uncharted locations. You can freely explore this world, interact with NPCs (Non-Player Characters), discover new locations, and scavenge for resources.

In this open world game, you will also receive quests from NPCs which will guide you through the main story, and once you complete these quests, you will be rewarded with experience points and further lead to more quests.

You will also come across various enemies in the game that you can fight using melee attacks, firearms, or even launchers. The V.A.T.S. system lets you slow down time and aim at specific parts of an enemy for strategic combat. Remember, Fallout 4 is a game of choices, and your actions and dialogue choices during conversations will impact your relationship with NPCs and could potentially alter the course of the game.

8. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Release Date: 26 October 2004

Developed By: Rockstar North

Platforms: PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, Xbox, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Fire OS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Oculus Quest 2

Cost: The game is priced at ₹ 2,490/-

Introduction    
A landmark entry in the Legend of Zelda series from Nintendo, Breath of the Wild introduces an expansive, open-world Hyrule for players to explore. As Link, players embark on a quest to defeat Calamity Ganon.

Gameplay: The Legend of Zelda blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat while also featuring elements such as a physics engine and a chemistry system to create diverse gameplay. As you start playing, you play as Link, the game's main character. You can make Link walk, run, climb, jump, and swim. Stamina plays a key role in this game - running, climbing, swimming, and certain combat moves consume stamina, so manage it wisely.

The is set in a massive open world known as Hyrule. You can explore it freely, leading to discovering new areas, quests, characters, and secrets. Link can use a wide array of weapons, including swords, bows, and magical abilities, while fighting off enemies. Also, the weapons degrade and break with use, so ensure you frequently pick up new weapons. Combat involves attacking, dodging, parrying, and strategically using your abilities. Your ultimate goal is to defeat Calamity Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda and the game encourages exploration and trying different strategies to overcome challenges.

9. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Release Date: 3 March 2017

Developed By: Nintendo EPD

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U

Cost: The approximate price of The Legend of Zelda is Rs. 4,600/-

Introduction    
A landmark entry in the Legend of Zelda series from Nintendo, Breath of the Wild introduces an expansive, open-world Hyrule for players to explore. As Link, players embark on a quest to defeat Calamity Ganon.

Gameplay: The Legend of Zelda blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat while also featuring elements such as a physics engine and a chemistry system to create diverse gameplay. As you start playing, you play as Link, the game's main character. You can make Link walk, run, climb, jump, and swim. Stamina plays a key role in this game - running, climbing, swimming, and certain combat moves consume stamina, so manage it wisely.

The is set in a massive open world known as Hyrule. You can explore it freely, leading to discovering new areas, quests, characters, and secrets. Link can use a wide array of weapons, including swords, bows, and magical abilities, while fighting off enemies. Also, the weapons degrade and break with use, so ensure you frequently pick up new weapons. Combat involves attacking, dodging, parrying, and strategically using your abilities. Your ultimate goal is to defeat Calamity Ganon and rescue Princess Zelda and the game encourages exploration and trying different strategies to overcome challenges.

10. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Release Date: 26 October 2004

Developed By: Rockstar North

Platforms: PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows, Xbox, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Fire OS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Oculus Quest 2

Cost: The approximate price starts from Rs. 1200 and goes up to Rs 3500 depending on the platform you are buying for.

Introduction    
Developed by Ubisoft, Assassin's Creed Odyssey is set in ancient Greece at the time of the Peloponnesian War. Players choose to control either Alexios or Kassandra, a mercenary who becomes embroiled in a larger conflict. This game includes naval combat, epic battles, exploration, and the iconic stealth-based assassinations of the series, all in an expansive open world.

Gameplay: Assassin's Creed Odyssey is an expansive action RPG set in Ancient Greece. You play as either Alexios or Kassandra, descendants of the legendary Spartan hero Leonidas. The game thrives on exploration, combat, and decision-making. Navigate freely across land and sea to discover cities, landmarks, and hidden treasures. As you progress in the game, abilities can be unlocked and upgraded through an ability tree divided into Hunter, Warrior, and Assassin branches. Naval combat and exploration also make a significant return, allowing you to fight, explore, and even hunt for treasures in the Aegean Sea with your ship, the Adrestia.

The game also features side quests and optional bosses to provide additional content beyond the main storyline. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offers an immersive experience that encourages players to forge their path in a richly detailed and dynamic world.

Open World Games FAQs

Which is the best open-world game?

Games like "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" and "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" are often praised for their immersive open-world experiences.

What is an open-world game concept?

An open-world game concept involves a player having the freedom to explore a vast, immersive game world without being restricted by linear level designs or narrative progression.

What is world No 1 open world game?

Games such as "Minecraft" and "Grand Theft Auto V" are often mentioned as leading open-world games due to their popularity and impact.

Why are open world games so popular?

Open-world games are popular because they offer players the freedom to explore and engage with the game environment at their own pace, leading to personalized and immersive experiences.