Best Open-World RPGs

Key Takeaways

• Open-world RPGs thrive on immersive worlds and freedom of choice, with recent trends focusing on action while still offering deep role-playing elements and player-driven decisions.
• Elden Ring
  showcases a decade of FromSoftware’s RPG evolution with unparalleled freedom and rewarding exploration.
• The Witcher 3
  remains a benchmark in open-world RPGs, offering player-driven narrative and rich world-building.

For a long time now, open-world RPGs have ranked among the most popular games, often winning Game of the Year awards and earning praise from critics and players alike for their freedom of choice. An exceptional open-world RPG offers an immersive world to explore from the start and deep role-playing elements.

In recent years, the trend in open-world RPGs has leaned toward a more action-oriented approach, while more traditional RPGs have moved away from open-world settings, favoring curated areas or acts, as seen in Baldur’s Gate 3, Dragon Age, and the Deus Ex series. Still, in a great open-world RPG, role-playing elements may be conventional but should bring something fresh, allowing players to build unique characters or choose from various dialogue options.

10 Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen & Dragon’s Dogma 2

Deserves Recognition For Excellent Combat And Unique Vocation System

The Dragon’s Dogma series has reached new heights this year with its sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2. Despite its numerous strengths, particularly the fast-paced and spectacular combat, some fans feel the game didn’t fully realize its potential. In many ways, the new entry feels too similar to the original and could have benefitted from more freedom and flexibility, especially in side quest variety and dialogue options.

While the series has undeniable highs — like battling huge monsters in the open world, deep character interactions, and a unique Vocation system — it’s somewhat held back by a bland, repetitive open world, simple fetch quests, and a few frustrating mechanics, such as the lack of a convenient fast-travel system. Nevertheless, given how rare traditional fantasy open-world RPGs are today, both Dragon’s Dogma titles are well worth the attention of any genre fan.

9 Horizon Zero Dawn & Horizon Forbidden West

Unique Setting Coupled With Breathtaking Visuals

• 	Horizon: Zero Dawn	Horizon Forbidden West
  System	PC, PlayStation	PC, PlayStation
  Platform(s)	PS4, PC	PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
  Released	2017-02-28	2022-02-18
  Developer(s)	Guerrilla Games	Guerrilla Games
  Genre(s)	Action, RPG	Action, RPG
  OpenCritic Page	https://opencritic.com/game/2862/horizon-zero-dawn	https://opencritic.com/game/12361/horizon-forbidden-west
  OpenCritic Rating	Mighty	Mighty
  Top Critic Rating	89	88
  Critics Recommend %	94	96

Many were skeptical about Guerrilla Games’ shift from the Killzone shooter series to the open-world action-RPG genre with Horizon Zero Dawn, yet the game proved to be a major success, launching one of the most recognizable PlayStation series of the modern era. With its unique “robopocalypse” setting — seemingly inspired by Monster Hunter — inventive arsenal, and vast, stunning environments filled with side quests, optional activities, and collectibles, Horizon Zero Dawn has remained ahead of many competitors for years.

The series’ potential was elevated even further with Horizon Forbidden West, now celebrated as one of the most visually impressive games ever made, not just among open-world RPGs. A standout achievement of the sequel is its character expressions and animations, even during minor interactions, setting a new standard for how a modern open-world RPG should look and feel.

8 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey & Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

The New Era Of Assassin’s Creed Games Took The Right Lessons From True RPGs

• 	Assassin’s Creed Odyssey	Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
  System	Google, Nintendo, Xbox, PC, PlayStation	Google, Xbox, PC, PlayStation
  Platform(s)	Switch, PS4, PC, Stadia, Xbox One	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC, Stadia, Xbox One
  Released	2018-10-15	2020-11-10
  Developer(s)	Ubisoft Quebec	Ubisoft
  Genre(s)	Open-World, Action RPG	Action, RPG
  OpenCritic Page	https://opencritic.com/game/6222/assassins-creed-odyssey	https://opencritic.com/game/9439/assassins-creed-valhalla
  OpenCritic Rating	Mighty	Strong
  Top Critic Rating	84	83
  Critics Recommend %	83	90

While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla lean heavily into action-RPG elements, they offer flexible character builds and meaningful choices in key moments and dialogue, holding their own alongside titles like The Witcher 3.

Set in captivating historical eras, Odyssey and Valhalla bring a cinematic quality that enhances immersion and exploration. Although they retain some classic Assassin’s Creed hallmarks, these entries elevate gameplay, exploration, combat, and quest variety. With these improvements, the franchise has evolved into a genuine RPG series known for its rich variety of quests, positioning Assassin’s Creed Shadows to build even further on these strong foundations.

7 Monster Hunter World

The Most Expansive, Immersive, And Long-Lasting Entry In The Iconic Series

When Monster Hunter World was revealed in 2017 with a stunning trailer, fans wondered how it would stand out from previous entries. The answer came with an expansive open world and some of the best role-playing elements in the series, earning it critical acclaim worldwide.

Remaining true to the series’ core, Monster Hunter World offers a rich variety of quests that give it lasting appeal. Its immersive environments, unique monsters, impressive visuals, and honed-to-perfection gameplay loop have cemented it as a staple in the open-world action RPG genre. The Iceborne expansion refined these strengths even further, making it one of Capcom’s most beloved titles. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds to raise the bar once again.

6 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

The Most Grounded And Believable Rendition Of Medieval Life In RPGs

With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 already one of 2025’s most anticipated releases, the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance has seen renewed popularity as players are drawn to its realistic approach to world-building, characters, and quests. This open-world RPG grows more appreciated each year for its immersive environment, meticulous attention to detail, and impressive freedom in gameplay.

The developers at Warhorse created one of the most grounded medieval RPGs, where every aspect reflects historical authenticity. Kingdom Come: Deliverance delivers an immersive, challenging experience full of memorable side quests and the essence of medieval life, making it a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.

5 Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas & Fallout 4

Bringing The Elder Scrolls DNA To An Iconic Post-Apocalyptic Setting

• 	Fallout 3	Fallout: New Vegas	Fallout 4
  System	Xbox, PC, PlayStation	Xbox, PC, PlayStation	Xbox, PC, PlayStation
  Platform(s)	PS3, Xbox 360, PC	PS3, Xbox 360, PC	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One
  Released	2008-10-28	2010-10-19	2015-11-10
  Developer(s)	Bethesda Game Studios	Obsidian Entertainment	Bethesda
  Genre(s)	Action RPG	RPG	Action, RPG

Many initially had concerns about Bethesda taking over the Fallout series, yet the company undeniably transformed it into one of the most iconic open-world RPG franchises. Fallout 3 was often described as “Oblivion with guns,” a fitting comparison that highlights how the franchise balances a unique setting with core RPG elements.

While Fallout 4 took a step toward a more action-focused experience, with a strong emphasis on crafting, its engaging dialogue and vast, immersive post-apocalyptic landscapes continue to captivate players. This rich, open-world exploration makes Fallout 4 a standout, keeping it popular among RPG fans years after its release.

4 Cyberpunk 2077

Futuristic World Unlike Any Other With Best-In-Class Dialogue And Character Interactions

Cyberpunk 2077 had a notoriously troubled launch, yet today it stands as one of the most immersive, flexible, and cinematic open-world RPGs. It transports players to a futuristic world unlike any other, where engaging combat, unparalleled character interactions, and diverse quest variety drive the experience.

The game’s unique setting enables side stories that explore themes uncommon in traditional fantasy, making Cyberpunk 2077 a standout. Though it may lack some of The Witcher 3‘s refinement, Cyberpunk 2077 — alongside its Phantom Liberty expansion — remains a must-play for any modern RPG fan, especially as CD Projekt Red’s ambitious first foray into original IP with first-person gameplay.

Stands Unshaken Even When Compared To Recent Studio’s Games Like Starfield

It’s not unlikely Bethesda Softworks may someday remake Skyrim — a game that remains timeless, with quests that dynamically generate and seemingly endless replay value, not to mention one of the biggest modding communities ever. This enduring appeal has kept Skyrim at the pinnacle of the open-world RPG genre for over a decade, its popularity spanning multiple generations.

Players can choose from a range of races and classes, making each adventure feel unique. Whether slaying dragons with magic, arrows, or a warrior’s sword, every path is customizable, extending even to the smallest side quests in this expansive world. Set against a mountainous landscape filled with content to explore, Skyrim has influenced countless titles, including recent hits like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, solidifying its place as one of the most impactful games in modern RPG history.

2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CDPR’s Crowning Achievement And A Perfect End To The Trilogy

Every now and then, a game captures your attention and proves to be exceptional — The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is a prime example of an open-world RPG done right. As CDPR’s crowning achievement, it stands as a benchmark in the genre and will likely serve as a reference point for years to come.

Few games rival The Witcher 3 in its player-driven narrative, a vast selection of memorable side quests, detailed bestiary, and intricate main story. The game features a rich cast of side characters and relationships that players can develop, bringing depth and warmth to Geralt’s journey. Its immersive, beautifully crafted open world adds a palpable sense of adventure, only achieved by some of the greatest RPGs of all time.

1 Elden Ring

A Decade-Long Odyssey Of FromSoftware’s Approach To RPGs Bearing Fruit

Elden Ring represents a decade-long evolution of FromSoftware’s RPG formula, offering a true open world for the first time and granting players unparalleled freedom to explore right from the start. The game’s cryptic narrative, complex character interactions, and intricate quest design have divided players, yet no one can deny that Elden Ring provides some of the most rewarding feelings of discovery and accomplishment in the open-world RPG genre.

While Elden Ring‘s role-playing elements primarily focus on combat, the vast array of character builds, weapons and gear options elevate the experience. Even after hundreds of hours of play, players continue to uncover new locations, enemies, and secrets — demonstrating the game’s immense replay value and its lasting impact on the RPG community.