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If you love limitless exploration and are looking for the best open world games to play on your PC, you've come to the right place!
Open world games are PC gaming at its best. There's nothing quite like them. Providing an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure, these portals into another universe embody the most captivating and immersive experiences gaming has to offer.
I'll go one further. With breathtaking landscapes and dynamic narratives, open world gaming presents the most all-encompassing experience of any form of media. That is to say, nothing will absorb you as fully, and for such lengths of time, as a thrilling and expansive open world odyssey.
You may get lost in a good book, but unless you're the author, you don't get to steer the direction of the plot. And that's the beauty of open world games. They are as gripping as a novel, as cinematic as a movie, but you're at the helm. It's your creativity and sense of adventure that directs your gameplay.
Whether you're a fan of the open world genre looking for your next fix, or new to the bounties of the open world experience, take a look at our list of the best open world games to play on your PC today. Trust me, you're in for a treat!
READ MORE: 2Game's Best Grand Strategy Games for your PC!
Dragon's Dogma 2 Best Open World Game 2024
For us, the inclusion of Dragon's Dogma 2 on this list is a no-brainer. Not only is Dragon's Dogma 2 the best open world game of 2024, it's a firm contender for GOTY, period. More than a decade in the making, it is absolutely stunning.
A homage to everything that's great about the genre, this fantasy epic adventure is all about exploration. There are no easy short cuts. No fast-travel spots to get you from A to B at the click of a button.
You won't need them. The phenomenal discoveries and thrilling combat that fill every crevice of this immersive open world are so thrilling, you won't be looking for a rapid escape route. That's not to say you can't ever teleport. It's possible to invest in a rare Portcrystal, and to buy an expensive Ferrystone to grant you one journey. But this requires suitable thought and preparation.
Alternatively, you can take the scenic route/budget option and travel by oxcart. Just be sure to keep one eye open for enemy attacks!
What I'm getting at here is that Dragon's Dogma 2 actually requires you to engage with the open world. And there's so much to engage with! In this way, the game may require a little more investment on your part, but the all-encompassing experience you get as a result is nothing less than mind blowing.
To sum up, Dragon's Dogma 2 is a prime example of open world fine dining vs fast food convenience. It is pure class, and not one to miss out on!
ELDEN RING Most Awarded Open World Game
What can you say about Elden Ring that hasn't already been said? A groundbreaking evolution of the Souls-genre of hardcore action RPG games, it is one of the most critically acclaimed games, not to mention the most awarded, of all time. Now, that is quite an accomplishment!
One of the major factors behind Elden Ring's success is the way in which it re-examined the open world formula. Stripping away some of the conventional genre norms, such as traditional quests or quest logs, for example, Elden Ring is a game for the purists of the genre. A game that values the liberty and autonomy of the player above all else.
With a winning combination of demanding gameplay and open-ended game design, these principles grant players unparalleled freedom to explore, engaging with quests, bosses, and dungeons at their discretion. Basically, you are in charge, and the beauty of the game lies in what you discover.
In relation to quests, these are mini-adventures you stumble across organically. You don't need to tick them off in any particular order. You may not even choose to engage with them all. They are not obligatory.
Rather, quests are like life's ventures. They can be challenging, intriguing, exciting, rewarding. They will certainly enrich your journey. But ultimately, you decide what you do with them. It is your call how you choose to play your game, after all.
The only thing I can say to summarize this mind blowing open world game, is that no matter what path you choose to tread, it will be incredible.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Best Open World RPG
A timeless classic, I'm not sure a day ever will come when Skyrim won't feature in a 'best of' list for its genre. I mean, it may be old, but when it comes to open world RPGs, it absolutely hits the nail on the head!
Much of Skyrim's replayability, and therefore longevity, comes from the fact that it is a genuine RPG, and that there are so many different ways to experience the game. You've got the traditional character archetypes like thief or warrior. Then there are the more unconventional approaches, like a vegan playthrough, for example. Alternatively you can role-play your way through as one of the numerous characters from the game's rich lore.
Furthermore, unlike other open-world RPGs, Skyrim allows you to customize your chosen character by altering their appearance, abilities and play style. This license to personalize isn't limited to your character customization either. Rather, it extends to the limitless freedom you have to explore. And, there's much to explore!
Skyrim is a vast and spectacular world, full of intrigue and wonder. A world brimming with colorful characters and beasts that go about their daily business. A world caught in the grip of civil war. A world in which you, as the prophesied Dragonborn, must find your path.
With its captivating high-fantasy narrative, and astounding attention to detail, its no wonder this 13 year old game is still so influential. If you haven't yet experienced the magic of Skyrim, you should!
Fallout 4 Best Retro-Futuristic Open World
Fallout 4 earns its title as the ultimate retro-futuristic open-world game for the sheer amount of time you can sink into it.
Set post-apocalypse, there are easily enough new and exciting challenges to keep you busy over a 100-hour playthrough. We're talking battling your way through mutant-infested Boston streets; scavenging hidden resources in the dusty desolate MA plains; braving the radioactive Glowing Sea; and taking a very spooky tour of the Salem Witch Museum, to name but a few ways to kill time.
What truly sets Fallout 4 apart, however, is its unique blend of past and future aesthetics, seamlessly combining elements of bygone eras with futuristic technology, to make the retro-futuristic landscape feel both familiar and innovative.
To sum up, with its immersive world-building, engaging gameplay, and captivating retro-futuristic charm, Fallout 4 offers players an unforgettable journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape that's as unique as it is frightening!
Red Dead Redemption 2 Most Intricate and Immersive Open World
For many, Red Redemption 2 is the best open world game ever made. It certainly is the most intricate and immersive.
The ability to walk into buildings; have relatively dynamic exchanges with NPCs who react differently to you according to your behavior; and physically pick up items, continue to make the game stand out from the crowd.
That's not to mention the stunningly diverse landscapes, captivating Wild West setting, engaging side quests, and customization options. Yes, Red Redemption 2 truly is a remarkable game. And it's Rockstar’s immensely detailed open world that makes it so special.
If you don't yet own this absolute masterpiece, I envy you. It means you have hundreds of hours worth of top quality gaming ahead of you! Truly, this is a game you need to start to playing.
In fact, even if you've already played Red Redemption 2 10 times, I suggest you revisit the game for your 11th playthrough. Honestly, you know you won't regret it!
Just one piece of advice though, if there's a price on your head in any particular area, be sure to visit the local post office to pay it off. You don't want the bounty hunters tracking you down!
Grand Theft Auto V Best Online Open World
We have GTA 3 to thank for basically pioneering 3D open-world gaming. GTA V reaps the benefits of Rockstar's experience with the genre!
In this fifth title of the series, San Andreas is your playground. And it's a big one! Not only that, but it's one of the most detailed open-world regions we've come across, with countless Easter eggs, stores, sports, and side missions to keep you occupied.
What really makes this game stand, however, is it's introduction of GTA Online.
GTA Online basically offers all that's great about the sandbox experience, but with the benefit of getting to play alongside dozens of other players.
Follow the crowd, or be the one to lead the way, as you race; carry out heists; fight it out to be the last one standing in a Battle Royale; join the biker gang; and generally get up to mischief in a mob.
It's pretty wild, and a lot of fun!
Batman: Arkham Knight Best Open World Game for DC Fans
The best open world game for DC fans, if you grew up with Batman, you'll definitely want a copy of Batman: Arkham Knight. What other opportunity is there to immerse yourself in a near-complete re-creation of Gotham City?
Although Arkham Knight might be smaller than most open-world games, when it comes to superhero titles, you don't get much more detailed as this. Truly, there's something to grab your attention at every turn. A ghastly murder. An intriguing riddle. A mob of gangsters getting up to no good. A billboard advertisement you really need to pay attention to. And enough Easter eggs to satisfy the most avid of DC readers.
Then of course, there's the Batmobile!
To sum up, Batman: Arkham Knight might not compete with the likes of Red Dead Redemption 2, Elden Ring, Skyrim, or Dragon's Dogma 2 for the best open-world game of all time. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that it is pretty darn good!
The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is one of the best of the franchise, but above all, if you like Batman, it doesn't get much better than hanging out in Gotham City!
Get in the Game ! 
