Most gamers play with a goal in mind—whether it’s completing the story, reaching the final boss, or just finishing the game and moving on. I get it; I’ve been there too—no judgment! But sometimes, a game is so good that you can’t just rush through it. You have to explore every inch, uncover every secret, and soak in the world it offers.
That’s where the best open world games come in. These games go beyond just a main story—they pull you in with fascinating side quests, challenging puzzles, hidden mysteries, and stunning environments that sometimes look even better than real life. When a game is this immersive, you have no choice but to explore every nook and cranny.
That’s exactly why I’ve put together this list—so you don’t miss out on the most amazing open world experiences out there!
Hogwarts Legacy
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Wizarding World or just love a great open world, Hogwarts Legacy is definitely worth exploring. The world isn’t just stunning—it’s downright magical.
While most side quests are centered around Hogwarts itself, the game offers plenty to discover across the entire map. What it lacks in quests, it makes up for with hidden challenges, collectibles, formidable enemies, and the rich flora and fauna that bring the Wizarding World to life.
And honestly? Even if you ignore all of that and just hop on your broom to fly around, it’s an experience worth having on its own.
Ghost of Tsushima
If you’re looking for an open world game that will leave you in awe with its beauty, look no further—Ghost of Tsushima is everything you want and more.
I’ll admit, it’s one of my all-time favorites, but that’s not just personal bias—it’s that good. Every inch of the world is meticulously crafted to make you feel like you’ve truly stepped onto the Japanese island of Tsushima. The map is vast, packed with secrets waiting to be uncovered, and no matter how much you explore, there’s always something new to discover.
Even after countless hours, I still find myself amazed by the details in this breathtaking world.
Cyberpunk 2077
Set in the neon-lit streets of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 is so much more than just its setting. It’s not only one of the best-looking games of the 21st century, but its world is also incredibly immersive, with every part of the map serving a purpose.
From an abundance of side quests and collectibles to hidden secrets scattered across the city, there’s always something new to discover. I’ve spent countless hours in this world, and somehow, it still manages to surprise me.
And the best part? I have no doubt there’s even more to come. With future updates and expansions, Cyberpunk’s open world is only going to get bigger and better.
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
The creators of AC have been under a lot of criticism lately but when it comes to functionality and overall design of the open world in AC: Odyssey, there is nothing but praise.
The map is vast and wonderful and there are so many things to be done. If somehow you feel like that’s not enough, there is additional DLC that also introduces a whole new/old world for you to explore and have fun.
Even if you invest 100 hours in the game, you’ll still have a lot to do and explore. And if you take your sweet time, you could end up spending over 200h in the game. Talk about getting your money’s worth!
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
As far as it goes, The Elder Scrolls V is one of the hall of farmers in the gaming industry. Getting there isn’t an easy task but they’ve done it.
The map of Skyrim might not be big as some of the maps on this list and regular gameplay can be finished in a matter of 10 to 15 hours. But that’s if you were to ignore 90% of content in the game.
But if you were to play it casually (a couple hours a day), explore every corner of the map, do all the side quests, and use a few mods, honestly, you could play it the whole year and still have stuff to do.
The Witcher III: The Wild Hunt
Not many people appreciate how great The Witcher III is, well at least not enough as it deserves. Not only does it have a great story worth following through but also it’s a beautiful, flawless game that’s filled with all sorts of entertaining things to do on the side.
Starting with intriguing side quests to all sorts of extravagant monsters/enemies, with some of them that will leave you just at a loss of words. They’re strategically scattered all over the map, and some of them will give you a run for your money.
And if somehow, magically you don’t feel like doing any of that, you can hop on Roach and just enjoy the ride across the beautiful world of The Witcher.
GTA V
There is nothing more iconic in the gaming industry than the city of Los Santos from GTA V. The sheer amount of stuff that you can do in this game is totally bonkers.
I feel like I don’t have to explain much about what and why GTA is on this list of games. People have been playing it for over 10 years and still having as much fun as they did on their first day.
I strongly believe that the only thing that can destroy the popularity of GTA V is GTA VI. Provided that it’s good as it looks.
Horizon Zero Dawn
When it comes to uniqueness and sheer beauty, Horizon definitely is a great contender. Besides having a unique story that’s set in a post-apocalyptic United States, between the states of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, in the 31st century, it also has ecosystems that you simply must explore.
Each region is meticulously crafted with vibrant ecosystems and dynamic weather systems, contributing to an immersive experience. You can explore vast territories filled with secrets, side quests, and captivating lore, all while uncovering the mysteries of Aloy’s world and her quest for truth.
Red Dead Redemption 2
The world of RDR2, besides being meticulously crafted with realistic landscapes, dynamic weather, and a day-night cycle, also makes you feel like you’re truly living in the Wild West.
One of things that this game is known for is a story of John Marston which is compelling and full of depth and won’t leave you unaffected. But also the game offers a wide range of activities, from hunting and fishing to playing poker and engaging in shootouts. There’s always something new to do, ensuring that the gameplay never feels repetitive.
Death Stranding
Exploring the open world of Death Stranding is a journey like no other, offering a blend of innovation, beauty, and emotional depth.
The world is beautifully crafted, featuring breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests and snowy mountains to vast plains and desolate ruins.
Death Stranding challenges you to navigate through treacherous terrain, manage cargo, and connect isolated communities, making every journey even more meaningful. As an admirer of Hideo Kojima, I highly recommend trying the game out. It’s truly a masterpiece.
Steam Optimized
Most of the games above are Steam Deck optimized and they’re running smoothly on it. Also, the games here are also just great if not played on a Steam Deck but playing it on a Steam Deck is definitely a more immersive experience (in my opinion).
Subnautica
If there’s one game that you should play on Steam Deck first, then that’s Subnautica. The game is set in an alien planet covered in water, offering a fresh and captivating environment to explore.
Visuals are breathtaking, with detailed underwater landscapes and dynamic lighting effects that create an atmospheric and visually stunning experience.
Subnautica combines exploration with survival mechanics, requiring you to manage resources, craft equipment, and stay safe from the dangers lurking in the depths. Which adds a layer of challenge and excitement to the exploration.
Euro/American Truck Simulator
Another game that comes to my mind is a Euro or American Truck Simulator. As mortal humans, there’s only so much that we can see in our lifetime and that’s if we take money out of the equation.
Now, to be brutally honest, with this game, it’s the closest for most of us that will get to traveling across the whole of Europe and America. There’s nothing wrong with that and playing this game on a Steam Deck is at least a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky features an ever-expanding universe generated by complex algorithms, presenting over 18 quintillion planets for exploration. Each planet has its own unique ecosystems, flora, and fauna, offering endless variety and surprises.
The game’s visuals are breathtaking, with vibrant landscapes, alien wildlife, and mesmerizing skyboxes. You can explore planets at your own pace, uncovering ancient ruins, mysterious artifacts, and uncharted territories.
There’s something about the whole ordeal that makes a game like No Man’s Sky feel like it was perfectly made for Steam Deck. To sit back on a comfy couch and relax while you explore every nook and corner, is an experience worth having in this lifetime.
Enderal: Forgotten Stories
It isn’t just a Skyrim mod, it’s a whole new world that is a stand-alone adventure RPG that summarizes everything I’ve loved from games of the genre. If you like the Elder Scrolls there is no reason not to play Enderal.
And If you didn’t play, that’s also totally fine. It’s still a game worth checking out. I feel like Enderal is a very underrated RPG and if you have a Steam Deck, then I highly recommend playing. Fair warning though, you’ll probably get really immersed in the whole world and end up spending over 100+ hours exploring the rich and beautiful world of Enderal.
The Outer Worlds
In a sea of great games that have an open world that’s worth exploring fully, The Outer Worlds is definitely one of them. The game is set across multiple planets, each acting as a separate sandbox environment.
Each planet offers a variety of biomes, from dense forests to hot deserts, and each has its own points of interest, such as towns, outposts, and hidden locations. You can explore these areas freely, uncovering secrets and completing quests
