Best open-world games: 10 huge worlds to get lost in

The best open-world games are The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption 2. Around them, we've gathered 7 more big worlds worth every hour: from the feudal Japan of Ghost of Tsushima to the New York of Spider-Man 2. For each one, you'll see what makes it special and how much time it will ask of you.

Why this list

A good open world isn't a big map covered in icons. It's a world that makes you want to see what's behind the next hill, and rewards you when you go. We picked very different games: some bet on total freedom, others on story, others on the pure joy of getting around.

The playtimes come from players on IGDB and cover the main story. They range from about 18.5 hours for Spider-Man 2 to 75 hours for Assassin's Creed Odyssey, so there's something for every schedule.

1. 

   1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

   2023 · Main story 55 h

   The sequel to Breath of the Wild pushes freedom even further. With Ultrahand, you stick objects together to build vehicles, bridges or ridiculous machines. Hyrule now stretches into the sky and underground too. Expect about 55 hours for the story. The king of creativity, exclusive to Switch. Full breakdown in how long to beat Tears of the Kingdom.

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2. 

   2. Elden Ring

   2022 · Main story 46 h

   FromSoftware opens its demanding formula up to a vast world, the Lands Between. You ride around, stumble onto hidden dungeons, giant bosses and stunning views. If a fight is too hard, you can go elsewhere and come back stronger. About 46 hours for the story. Perfect if you love discovery and challenge. See also our games like Elden Ring.

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3. 

   3. Red Dead Redemption 2

   2018 · Main story 48.5 h

   The most detailed open world ever made, serving a heartbreaking story. You follow Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang on the run across America. The pace is slow, every action takes its time, and that's what makes it so immersive. About 48.5 hours for the story. For anyone who wants to live inside a western.

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4. 

   4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

   2015 · Main story 37.5 h

   The blueprint for open-world RPGs. Geralt of Rivia searches for Ciri in a dark fantasy world full of moral dilemmas. The side quests are as good as the main one, which is rare. About 37.5 hours for the story, far more if you get pulled in. See how long to beat The Witcher 3.

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5. 

   5. Ghost of Tsushima

   2020 · Main story 40 h

   The most beautiful feudal Japan in gaming. Jin Sakai defends Tsushima island against the Mongol invasion, torn between samurai honor and the tricks of the Ghost. No cluttered minimap: the wind guides you. The sword duels are gorgeous. About 40 hours for the story. Full times in how long to beat Ghost of Tsushima.

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6. 

   6. Horizon Forbidden West

   2022 · Main story 43.5 h

   Aloy heads west into a far-future America roamed by stunning animal machines. Fights are about targeting weak points and tearing off parts, and it's very satisfying. The world is lush and varied. About 43.5 hours for the story. Start with the first game if you haven't, see how long to beat Horizon Zero Dawn.

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7. 

   7. Cyberpunk 2077

   2020 · Main story 33 h

   Night City is vertical, dense and loud, and you play V, a mercenary chasing an implant that could grant immortality. Your gear, skills and dialogue choices shape both how you play and the story. About 33 hours for the main story. For science fiction fans. Details in how long to beat Cyberpunk 2077.

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8. 

   8. Grand Theft Auto V

   2013

   Los Santos is a huge, satirical, sun-soaked playground. You switch between three leads, Michael, Franklin and Trevor, whose stories cross, especially during memorable heists. Once the story is done, the online mode is still very much alive. The best sandbox for causing chaos. See our games like GTA 5.

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9. 

   9. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

   2018

   Ancient Greece in all its glory, with islands, temples and naval battles. You choose Kassandra or Alexios, a Spartan mercenary, and your decisions shape the story. It's the most RPG-like Assassin's Creed, and the longest here: about 75 hours for the story. For anyone who wants a world to live in for a long time.

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10. 

    10. Marvel's Spider-Man 2

    2023 · Main story 18.5 h

    Swinging between New York skyscrapers is pure joy, and the new web wings make getting around even more thrilling. You switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales against new villains. It's the shortest on this list, about 18.5 hours for the story. Ideal if you're short on time. See also how long to beat Spider-Man.

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Tips to enjoy an open world without burning out

Don't try to clear everything. Open worlds are built for choosing: follow what intrigues you and drop the activities that bore you. It's the best way to reach the end of the story still smiling.

Also avoid playing two huge ones back to back. After Assassin's Creed Odyssey or Red Dead Redemption 2, a shorter game feels great, and you'll come back to the next big one eager to play. If your list keeps growing, our method to clear your backlog will help you get organized, and our long games are waiting for the truly committed.

FAQ

What is the best open-world game?

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption 2 come up most often. Zelda is best for freedom and creativity, Elden Ring for exploration and challenge, Red Dead Redemption 2 for immersion and story. It depends on what you're after.

What is the shortest open-world game?

On this list, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is the shortest, at about 18.5 hours for the story according to players on IGDB. Cyberpunk 2077 comes next at around 33 hours. Both are great picks if you want a big world without spending months in it.

Which open-world game is best for beginners?

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Ghost of Tsushima are very approachable, with simple controls and an easy-to-read world. Tears of the Kingdom is also a great pick thanks to its freedom. Skip Elden Ring if you don't want difficulty, since its fights are demanding.