Open-world games have revolutionized the gaming industry, offering expansive environments where you can explore, interact, and live out adventures at your own pace.

From the landscapes of Horizon Zero Dawn to the technological city in Watch Dogs 2, each game mentioned in this article offers almost everything you can ask from open-world games.

Whether you're fighting for survival, solving mysteries, or just enjoying the scenery, these games bring endless possibilities and multiple adventures. 

Here are the best open-world games you can play in 2024!

• Release Date : Feb 28, 2017.

•  Developer : Guerrilla Games.

•  Publisher : Sony Interactive Entertainment.

•  Platforms : Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4. 

•  Metascore : 89.

Starting strong, Horizon Zero Dawn is part of the best single-player games with a rich and large open world. It offers a post-apocalyptic environment where nature reclaimed a forgotten civilization's ruins.

You'll embark on an unforgettable adventure while controlling Aloy, a young hunter trying to uncover her past and explore a land ruled by mysterious robotic creatures, meaning a game filled with immersive experiences and secrets.

The game's captivating story and extensive map encourage exploration and adventure in wild yet beautifully rendered landscapes. I remember spending many hours walking around and enjoying the game's beautiful environment. For me, Pitchcliff is easily one of the more visually striking areas and makes for some genuinely engaging exploration.

Horizon Zero Dawn features:

• A variety of robotic creatures, each with unique behaviors and weaknesses.

• A living, breathing world with a day-night cycle and changing weather conditions.

• Tactical combat that requires stealth, traps, and ranged attacks.

Horizon Zero Dawn Steam CD Key  is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Sep 17, 2013.

•  Developer : Rockstar Games.

•  Publisher : Rockstar Games.

•  Platforms : Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5.

•  Metascore : 97.

Being Rockstar's most successful title, Grand Theft Auto V must be among the top 5 open-world games. It combines realism and impressive visuals to create Los Santos, a city based in Los Angeles.

The game offers a vast detailed map for players to explore with graphics that bring the city and its surrounding countryside to life, with a level of detail that makes the game world feel incredibly real and vibrant.

From bustling city streets, adult clubs, and grand houses to serene beaches and rugged mountains, GTA 5's open world is a playground for criminal adventures, where every corner of the map promises new missions with many interactive NPCs.

"I Fought the Law" is one of my favorite missions. The sense of speed from driving so fast in those supercars and bikes was exhilarating. And the music is one of my favorites from the OST.

Grand Theft Auto V features:

• You can switch between three characters, each with their stories, quests, and skills.

• The game's story makes fun of modern life in America.

• You can use multiple unique weapons, from war tanks to flamethrowers.

Grand Theft Auto V Global Xbox One CD Key  is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Mar 27, 2018.

•  Developer : Ubisoft.

•  Publisher : Ubisoft.

•  Platforms : Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Claud Gaming, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna.

•  Metascore : 81.

In Far Cry 5, a first-person shooter game, you dive into a fictional Hope County with a vast open-world map where Ubisoft developers have crafted a wild and unpredictable environment. As a sheriff's deputy, you're part of a task force sent to tackle a dangerous cult.

The exotic settings are filled with action, wildlife, and a never-ending supply of cultists to defeat. The game's landscape, from mountains and forests to rivers and caves, ensures there's never a dull moment.

Since the game world has three regions, I felt the stories in each one were mostly well done and drew me in. I think my favorite is Jacob's region due to his story and how he can manipulate you, so it was exciting and unique.

Far Cry 5 features:

• The game includes a combination of action-packed missions and environmental puzzles for treasure stashes.

• A "Gun for Hire" system allows for varied combat possibilities.

• Far Cry Arcade mode offers a platform for creating and playing custom levels, enhancing replayability.

Far Cry 5 Global Xbox One/Series CD Key  is available on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Oct 26, 2018.

• Developer: Rockstar Games.

• Publisher: Rockstar Games.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia.

• Metascore: 97.

As in GTA V, Rockstar Games did a fantastic job developing Red Dead Redemption 2. This title, set in the late 1800s Wild West, is a prime example of how to create an impressive open-world game. Being part of the Van der Linde gang, you control Arthur Morgan, who struggles against the encroaching forces of law and civilization while riding a horse.

The open-world design is stunningly detailed, with mountains, swamps, and bustling cities. It also has diverse activities like hunting for dinosaur bones and solving murder mysteries. My favorite activities were galloping around, treasure hunting, and, not going to lie, ambushing O'Driscoll's camp and killing everyone. That brought the thrill to another level.

In this title, you'll interact with fully voiced NPCs with daily routines and explore stories that make the world feel alive. With its various engaging quests and a compelling storyline, it stands out as one of the best open-world games available.

Red Dead Redemption 2 features:

• The game offers an online co-op and PvP system.

• A detailed "Honor System" that affects how characters interact with you.

• A realistic weather system and day-night cycle that affects the gameplay.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Global Rockstar CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Nov 8, 2019.

• Developer: Kojima Productions.

• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment, 505 Games.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, iOs, macOS.

• Metascore: 82.

Death Stranding, developed by Hideo Kojima, is a unique sci-fi game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Here, you control Sam Porter Bridges, a courier tasked with reconnecting isolated communities.

The narrative is about the mysterious "Death stranding" event, transforming the world into a desolate landscape haunted by supernatural entities known as BTs. Sam's journey is not just about delivering packages. It's about exploring vast landscapes, overcoming challenges, and understanding the meaning of life and death.

My initial reaction when playing this game was, "this game feels so realistic," meaning that an actual apocalyptic event could happen, and the world could have to rebuild again. What blew my mind were the movie-like cutscenes and my purpose of "helping others," making me feel like I was contributing to something big. 

The game's mechanics, storyline, and landscapes create a unique experience where you explore, survive, and uncover the secrets of this transformed open world.

Death Stranding features:

• Intricate inventory management and realistic physical mechanics.

• Combat includes stealth elements and multiple weapons and gadgets.

• The game offers a multiplayer experience.

Death Stranding Global Steam CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Nov 11, 2011.

• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios.

• Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X/S, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch.

• Metascore: 96.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a masterpiece in open-world game design, offering a vast map with 15 square miles that invites you to endless exploration. Set in a richly detailed environment, the game allows you to traverse diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to lush forests.

Falkreath Forest and the Rift (mountainous area) were my top places in this game. The views were marvelous, and I also liked walking through the birch trees for that "isolated" cozy feeling. You know, before a bear shows up to eat your face.

The freedom to explore is unparalleled, with every ridge and valley presenting new quests and adventures. Likewise, Skyrim's world is alive, with dynamic weather adding to the immersive experience.

The game's design encourages you to interact with the world, whether engaging in combat with mythical creatures or simply admiring the breathtaking views. Skyrim represents a decade of advancements in the RPG genre, offering a blend of adventure, mystery, and freedom.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim features:

• The storyline is extensive, offering countless hours of exploration and adventure.

• You can create different characters with their own skills and abilities.

• The game lets you approach objectives or missions in multiple ways.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition Steam CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Nov 10, 2020.

• Developer: Ubisoft Montreal.

• Publisher: Ubisoft.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Google Stadia.

• Metascore: 80.

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, developed by Ubisoft, presents an expansive open-world RPG set in the detailed and wild environment of Dark Ages England. It showcases the Xbox Series X's capabilities with stunning 4K resolution and a near-constant 60 frames per second.

This title takes you through a meticulously crafted world where stunning detail brings every city and landscape to life. The game's genre-defining exploration mechanics allow players to traverse a vast map with 38.5 square miles, uncovering the rich story woven into the fabric of this historical setting.

I've enjoyed other entries in the Assassin's Creed series, but Valhalla is my favorite, mainly in this open-world games genre. The map doesn't feel as easy to get lost and never felt repetitive, at least for me. But probably my favorite thing was building the character into an utter barbarian that no man or beast can kill.

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla features:

• Various weapons and gear are available, each crafted with historical accuracy.

• Your choices can influence the world and its inhabitants, meaning you can shape your story.

• The freedom to explore every city and corner of the world.

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla - Gold Edition Xbox live CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Feb 25, 2022.

• Developer: FromSoftware Inc.

• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation5.

• Metascore: 96.

Elden Ring is a monumental title in the open-world genre, offering players a vast and intricately designed world to explore. In this game, you play as a "Tarnished" in The Lands Between, a realm filled with incredible vistas and harrowing enemies.

The game's open world is massive and densely packed with content, rewarding your curiosity with exciting encounters and valuable treasures. Elden Ring stands out for its freedom of exploration, allowing players to create their own path and interact with many other characters, each with their own stories influenced by the player's actions.

In my journey, I wanted to give Melina the best ending - spoiler alert - but ended up burning her and The Erdtree to become an Elden Lord. I know there are other paths, like the "Age of Order," where the Elden Ring is restored, but mine led me to this outcome.

Elden Ring features:

• The game's open world is huge, offering 13 regions and 19 separated map fragments waiting to be discovered.

• Combat is highly challenging, with over 200 bosses with different combat styles.

• The game offers multiple endings, increasing replayability.

Elden Ring EU Steam CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Nov 18, 2011.

• Developer: Mojang Studios.

• Publisher: Mojang Studios.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, New Nintendo 3DS.

• Metascore: 82.

Minecraft must be the most popular title among sandbox games, but it also offers an expansive open world where creativity knows no bounds. 

In this pixelated world, you can construct anything from a simple hut to a grand castle. Your only limit is your imagination. I preferred playing in creative mode, where I could build an entire Japanese village with a temple and lovely gardens.

The game's world is like a canvas for players, encouraging them to build and survive in a wild, ever-changing environment. You can also explore vast landscapes and battle creatures at night and do other activities like cooking, mining, and fishing.

As the first game, it has inspired countless players to create, share, and live out their unique stories within pixelated realms.

Minecraft features:

• This sandbox game offers a blocky aesthetic that's become iconic in gaming.

• It has two different game modes: survival mode and creative mode.

• The game's crafting system is deep and complex, encouraging you to learn and experiment.

Minecraft Xbox live CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Aug 9, 2016.

• Developer: Hello Games.

• Publisher: Hello Games.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, macOS.

• Metascore: 71.

No Man's Sky offers an open world and a whole universe with uncharted planets and endless possibilities. 

The freedom to travel across space and explore diverse planets with unique environments and ecosystems is at the core of the game's appeal. You can discover new species, mine for resources, and even create your bases on alien worlds.

I could find a planet made entirely from metal hexagons and covered in gold deposits. The weather was excellent, and it was easy to farm without sentinels. It became a perfect place to build a base.

As a pioneer in open-world games, No Man's Sky provides an unparalleled experience of exploration and adventure while driving a spaceship and fighting against other players.

No Man's Sky features:

• You can trade with alien species and learn their languages.

• The game world continuously evolves with regular updates and expansions.

• The game offers a multiplayer mode to team up with your friends.

No Man's Sky Steam CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Nov 5, 2021.

•  Developer : Playground Games.

•  Publisher : Xbox Game Studios.

•  Platforms : Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming.

•  Metascore : 92.

Forza Horizon 5 sets a new standard in racing games with open worlds with its stunning depiction of Mexico's diverse landscapes. It provides a realistic driving experience with many cars, each boasting detailed mechanics and handling.

You can explore sandy beaches and dense jungles while experiencing the thrill of racing and the freedom to roam. The dynamic weather system elevates the racing game genre, adding a layer of challenge and excitement to each race.

The game has different race classes, each with its own set of vehicles. For instance, I didn't enjoy racing with hypercars or super souped-up cars in class A. I preferred classes C and B because, with lower-class vehicles, I could appreciate the track better and prioritize clean and smooth racing.

Forza Horizon 5 features:

• Realistic driving mechanics with over 500 vehicles to choose from.

• Custom event creation tools for unique racing experiences.

• Visually stunning graphics, especially in lighting and particle effects.

Forza Horizon 5 Global Xbox One/Series/Windows CD Key  is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Mar 20, 2018.

•  Developer : Rare.

•  Publisher : Xbox Game Studios.

•  Platforms : Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.

•  Metascore : 69.

Sea of Thieves offers an immersive pirate experience in a vast open-world game. You can live out your ultimate pirate fantasies in a world filled with endless seas and mysterious islands.

Whether engaging in epic sea battles, hunting for treasure, or simply sailing across the ocean, the game provides a unique combination of adventure and exploration. With its shared-world setup, every session in Sea of Thieves is a new journey where you can team up with friends or encounter other pirates.

I'll never forget my first solo PvP encounter. I had just finished selling off my loot and was pulling away from the outpost when some random sloop with a duo started firing on me. We traded cannon fire for a while, but I couldn't keep up, so eventually, I got sunk. That experience gave me a taste of what the game is like.

The game stands out in this genre for its focus on cooperative gameplay, allowing you to experience the thrill of piracy together.

Sea of Thieves features:

• You can choose different ship classes based on the crew size.

• The open-world design is filled with diverse environments and dynamic weather.

• Progression is based on reputation with various in-game quests.

Sea of Thieves Steam CD Key  is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Feb 10, 2023.

• Developer: Avalanche Software.

• Publisher: Warner Bros Games.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch.

• Metascore: 84.

Hogwarts Legacy is a spellbinding open-world game set in the Harry Potter universe, inviting you to explore the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

The game captures the magic and realism of the Wizarding World, allowing you to create a singular character, choose one of the four houses - mine was, of course, Gryffindor - and embark on an adventure filled with secrets, spells, and fantastic creatures.

As a student at Hogwarts, you can interact with memorable characters, attend classes, learn the movie's famous spells, and uncover the mysteries and history of the magical world. Beasts class and Defense Against the Dark Arts were my favorite classes. I also loved visiting Hogsmeade Valley.

The game's detailed environment and engaging missions offer freedom and immersion, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and the Harry Potter series.

Hogwarts Legacy features:

• Spellcasting combat with a variety of magical spells.

• Ability to fly on broomsticks and interact with magical creatures.

• Access to iconic locations from the movies, filled with secrets and adventures.

Hogwarts Legacy Steam CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Nov 15, 2016.

• Developer: Ubisoft.

• Publisher: Ubisoft.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna.

• Metascore: 82.

Watch Dogs 2 is an engaging open-world game developed in a vividly recreated San Francisco. It puts you in the role of Marcus Holloway, a talented hacker fighting against an invasive surveillance system.

This game blends realism with a digital playground, where you can hack into various systems, control gadgets, and freely explore the city. The game's strength lies in using hacking skills to gain an advantage in missions, offering a unique twist to the typical open-world formula. 

With various weapons and gadgets, you can approach challenges in multiple ways, making Watch Dogs 2 a standout title in this open-world genre.

My top gadget was the infiltration spider. I didn't expect this tiny robot to be how I dealt with most problems while sitting comfortably in a car nearby listening to The Bugle, an audio newspaper for a dystopian visual world.

Watch Dogs 2 features:

• Engaging storyline with memorable characters.

• A hacking system that allows you to solve problems and control the environment creatively.

• Dynamic driving mechanics for high-speed chases and exploration across the city.

Watch Dogs 2 EU Ubisoft Connect CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Nov 8, 2013.

• Developer: The Indie Stone.

• Publisher: The Indie Stone.

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows.

• Metascore: N/A.

Unlike other games in this article, Project Zomboid is a compelling survival horror game that immerses you in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Set on a vast, open-world map, the game challenges you to survive against all odds.

In Project Zomboid, you have to scavenge for resources, fight off the undead, and create safe heavens in a dangerous city. The struggle for survival is real, as you must manage your character's life, dealing with hunger, illness, and mental health.

I spawned in Rosewood's police station, the perfect place to find weapons, tools, and food. In that place, I killed the first zombies and blocked the windows and doors to create a fort. The challenge started when I was running out of food, so my journey started from that point. Finally, I died when a horde surrounded my car. It was a short but entertaining adventure.

The game's realism and map scale offer a unique experience where every decision can mean the difference between life and death. Project Zomboid is a true test of survival skills, demanding players to expect the unexpected.

Project Zomboid features:

• A survival game with a deep crafting system to create tools, weapons, and other items.

• The ability to build a fort with self-sufficient energy and water.

• Multiplayer mode for cooperative or competitive play.

Project Zomboid Steam CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

The open-world games genre continues to captivate and thrill players worldwide. Each title mentioned above, from the bustling city life in GTA 5 to survival challenges in Project Zomboid, provides a mix of exploration, adventure, and true freedom. These titles provide vast landscapes to explore and deep narratives and complex characters that enrich the experience.

We can't forget to mention other games that offer extraordinary open worlds, like Horizon Forbidden West, The Witcher, and Mafia: Definitive Edition. In those games, you will find high-quality crafted environments and distinct world styles, increasing the immersion and the gaming experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Whether playing solo or with friends, these open-world titles will transport you to diverse and dynamic universes wanting to be explored and experienced in your own way.