Best Open-World Games That Are Not Part Of A Franchise

Key Takeaways

• Standalone open-world titles like
  Elden Ring
  ,
  Ghostwire: Tokyo
  , and
  Immortals Fenyx Rising
  offer refreshing experiences with unique worlds and characters.
• While some games are designed as one-off experiences, others, like
  Days Gone
  , had sequel potential but ultimately did not receive one.
• Other notable standalone open-world games that stand apart from established franchises include
  Rise of the Ronin
  ,
  No Man’s Sky
  , and
  Atlas Fallen
  .

In a gaming landscape dominated by franchises and sequels, it’s refreshing to see unique standalone games introducing new worlds to explore and characters with fresh stories. Across various genres, including open-world games, countless titles never see a continuation and remain unconnected to any existing franchises — for better or worse.

Interestingly, the reasons behind some unique titles not receiving sequels can vary. Some developers design these games as one-of-a-kind experiences that don’t need drawn-out follow-ups, while others may have had sequels initially planned, only for them to be scrapped later. Here’s a look at some of the best open-world games that stand alone, offering self-contained, memorable experiences, and can leave players wanting for more.

1 Elden Ring

One Of The Best Open-World Journeys That Doesn’t Need Any Follow-Up

Elden Ring took the industry by storm in 2022, flawlessly blending the soulslike genre with a true open world that players can explore at their own pace — and their own risk. While the majority of the game’s massive regions are accessible from the start, numerous expansive areas require specific steps to unlock, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue as players strive not only to defeat menacing bosses but also to uncover hidden spots on the map.

Though Elden Ring has already received the massive Shadow of the Erdtree expansion — initially envisioned as part of the base game — the story of the Lands Between feels satisfyingly complete and doesn’t necessarily need further continuation. Ultimately, it’s up to FromSoftware whether to revisit this unique world, although director Hidetaka Miyazaki has previously indicated that the studio has no such plans.

2 Sunset Overdrive

Non-Stop Action In A Vibrant Open World Without Brakes

Years before Marvel’s Spider-Man games, Insomniac had already delivered a standout open-world action experience with unique traversal in Sunset Overdrive. This game perfectly captures the spirit of an earlier era in the genre and remains worth playing today for several reasons, from its vibrant visual style to its high-energy story and gameplay.

Sunset Overdrive bursts with personality, standing out as a fresh new IP that differentiates itself with ease. The game’s exhilarating mobility feels like a precursor to Insomniac’s later titles, and its infectious enthusiasm for mayhem is something few other action games can hope to match.

3 Immortals Fenyx Rising

Lighthearted, Mythologically-Inspired Adventure With A Few Cues From The Latest Zelda Games

Immortals Fenyx Rising is what happens when Ubisoft takes the bright setting of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and shifts the formula to a more Zelda-like adventure, focusing on exploration and puzzles over story and combat. Developers have openly acknowledged that Immortals originated from Odyssey‘s development, aiming to establish its own lighthearted mythological series inspired by various cultures.

Despite positive reviews, Immortals Fenyx Rising wasn’t successful enough to secure a full sequel, which was reportedly in early planning (though never officially confirmed by Ubisoft). However, mythology enthusiasts may find plenty to enjoy in the original alone, especially with the game’s DLC, which introduces a new story inspired by Chinese mythology.

4 Ghostwire: Tokyo

An Intriguing Take On Ghost Stories In A Setting Like No Other

Ghostwire: Tokyo is a unique open-world game in several respects. From the visually striking, magic-infused first-person combat to its eerie, ghost-invaded Tokyo setting, the game is crafted to leave a lasting impression. The story is engaging too, though it does tread familiar ground with many common tropes and twists.

Once players dive deeper, they might find that Ghostwire: Tokyo relies on a somewhat traditional structure, with a beautifully realized but occasionally repetitive open-world design. While it may lack depth and innovation, the game’s standout features could still be enough to attract fans who appreciate its distinctive take on supernatural adventure.

5 Rise Of The Ronin

A Rare Breed Of True Open-World Soulslikes With A Masterfully Designed Combat System

Rise of the Ronin might initially feel overshadowed by Ghost of Tsushima, as both are PlayStation exclusives set in Feudal Japan — though the two are separated by about 600 years in history. What truly stands out in Rise of the Ronin is its combat, developed by Team Ninja, the minds behind Nioh and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, two of the best non-FromSoftware soulslikes around.

The game capitalizes on Team Ninja’s expertise, delivering a fast-paced, layered combat system with diverse approaches. From lightning-fast parries and counterattacks to special weapon skills, combo attacks, and even firearms, Rise of the Ronin provides plenty of options. While the open world may feel a bit traditional and less stunning than its competitors, the combat alone is likely enough to keep players fully immersed.

6 Days Gone

Beloved By Many, The Story Of Deacon St. John Never Gets A Proper Resolution

Days Gone is a solid open-world zombie shooter with plenty to see and do, and its standout feature — battling massive zombie hordes — only unlocks later in the story. Although it doesn’t necessarily push the open-world formula forward, Days Gone quickly established itself as one of the most beloved titles of the PS4 era, featuring convincingly alive characters and a unique biker aesthetic, along with impressive technical execution. Despite its strengths, it went slightly underappreciated at launch, somewhat overshadowed by Sony’s own The Last of Us series, which shares a similar post-apocalyptic appeal.

The cancellation of the game’s ambitious sequel caught many fans by surprise, especially given how Days Gone teased a promising continuation of its story. With each passing year, hope dwindles that Sony will one day return to the series, leaving fans to savor the experience they have.

7 No Man’s Sky

An Unlimited Space Playground With The Best Redemption Arc In Gaming

Over the years, No Man’s Sky evolved from one of the most disappointing game launches to a true icon of post-launch support, with dozens of massive content updates released entirely for free. Marking one of the most impressive and deserved turnarounds in the industry, No Man’s Sky today stands as an exceptional space exploration open-world game with few competitors.

With its unparalleled scope, options for solo, co-op, or online play, in-depth crafting and building systems, seamless exploration, and much more, players can find countless things to enjoy in No Man’s Sky‘s galaxy of possibilities. The best part is that Sean Murray and Hello Games show no signs of stopping, so there’s much more to come.

8 Atlas Fallen: Reign Of Sand

A Familiar Open-World Formula With A Unique Spin On Setting And Combat

At launch, Atlas Fallen flew largely under the radar, but the developers took a year to revitalize the project, reshaping various elements, adding a new prologue, and bringing in Ben Starr for voiceover. Following the Reign of Sand content update, Atlas Fallen is now in its best form and has a lot to offer for fans of open-world action RPGs.

While certain aspects may feel slightly outdated and might have resonated more a few years back, Atlas Fallen brings a unique setting and a distinctive twist to its combat system, still packing in some surprises. Plus, the game’s signature sand-sliding traversal is simply a lot of fun.