Explore Expansive Worlds with These Exciting Titles
Open-world games have long been a favorite for players who love exploration, freedom of choice, and immersive storylines. The year 2024 brings a host of new open-world games that redefine what it means to adventure through vast virtual landscapes. Whether you’re battling fierce enemies in a post-apocalyptic setting or discovering secrets in a fantasy land, open-world games are a genre that allows for endless possibilities.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best open-world games of 2024, with titles ranging from RPGs to action-adventure games. We’ll cover key features, gameplay mechanics, and what makes these games must-play experiences.
What Defines an Open-World Game?
Open-world games offer a unique gaming experience that differs from more linear or mission-based titles. Instead of following a set path, players have the freedom to roam expansive environments, often with the choice to engage in various side quests, challenges, and storylines at their own pace.
Key characteristics of open-world games include:
- Large, expansive maps with diverse biomes and regions
- Freedom of exploration: Players can decide how they wish to progress through the game
- Multiple quests and missions: In addition to a main storyline, there are usually many side quests
- Dynamic environments that can change based on player decisions
- Sandbox elements: Players can often interact with the environment, whether through crafting, building, or customizing characters.
Now, let’s dive into the top open-world games you should play in 2024.
1. Starfield – Explore the Cosmos in an Expansive Universe
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Platforms: Xbox Series X, PC
Release Date: Late 2023 (still popular in 2024)
One of the most anticipated open-world games in years, Starfield takes you beyond Earth into the vastness of space. Developed by Bethesda, the creators of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, Starfield delivers an expansive universe filled with alien planets, space stations, and cosmic mysteries. The game combines exploration with classic RPG mechanics, allowing players to create custom characters, manage spaceships, and build outposts across the stars.
Key Features:
- Over 1000 planets to explore, each procedurally generated with unique environments
- Extensive character customization options, including skill trees and traits
- Base building and spaceship management for a personal touch
- Dynamic quests with branching storylines based on player decisions
Read more about Starfield on the official Bethesda website here.
2. Elden Ring – A Mysterious World Full of Lore and Adventure
Developer: FromSoftware
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC
Release Date: Early 2022 (still widely played in 2024)
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring redefined the open-world RPG with its seamless blend of expansive exploration and the challenging combat systems that the Dark Souls series is known for. In collaboration with George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring immerses players in a dark fantasy world filled with lore, secrets, and towering enemies.
Key Features:
- A massive world called the Lands Between with six interconnected regions
- Intense boss battles and high difficulty, typical of FromSoftware’s games
- Mount-based exploration, with the ability to ride across vast landscapes
- Rich lore and world-building, complemented by a non-linear story
Discover more about Elden Ring on FromSoftware’s official page here.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – A Sequel to a Modern Classic
Developer: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: May 2023
The follow-up to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom expands upon the open-world formula that made the original such a beloved title. Set in the vast and vibrant world of Hyrule, players take on the role of Link as they explore new regions, uncover ancient secrets, and face formidable foes. The game introduces innovative new mechanics, including underground dungeons and sky-based exploration.
Key Features:
- A beautifully detailed open world with a mix of ground and sky exploration
- Improved physics-based gameplay, building on the systems in Breath of the Wild
- New abilities for Link, including the power to fuse weapons
- An engaging story that adds new layers to the lore of Hyrule
Check out The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the official Nintendo website here.
4. Hogwarts Legacy – A Magical Open-World Adventure
Developer: Portkey Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC
Release Date: February 2023
For Harry Potter fans, Hogwarts Legacy offers a dream come true: a chance to fully explore the Wizarding World. Set in the 1800s, this open-world RPG allows players to create their own witch or wizard, attend Hogwarts, and master various spells. The vast world includes not only Hogwarts Castle but also the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade, and other magical locations.
Key Features:
- A fully explorable Hogwarts, with dynamic events and interactive locations
- Create your own character and choose your house, skills, and abilities
- A branching storyline with decisions that affect the world around you
- Explore magical creatures, solve puzzles, and engage in duels
Learn more about Hogwarts Legacy on the official WB Games website here.
5. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty – Dive into a Dystopian Future
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC
Release Date: Late 2023
While Cyberpunk 2077 initially had a rocky launch, the game has seen numerous updates that have improved performance and added new content. With the Phantom Liberty expansion, players are treated to a whole new chapter in the dystopian world of Night City. This open-world action RPG blends deep storytelling with intense combat and exploration, allowing players to customize their character and influence the world around them.
Key Features:
- A richly detailed open world set in the sprawling metropolis of Night City
- Phantom Liberty expansion with new characters, missions, and locations
- Full character customization, including cyberware and skill trees
- Dynamic weather and day-night cycles that affect gameplay
Find out more about Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansion on the CD Projekt Red website here.
6. Avowed – A New Fantasy Adventure from Obsidian
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Platforms: Xbox Series X, PC
Release Date: TBA 2024
Set in the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed promises a massive open-world filled with magic, exploration, and choice-based gameplay. Developed by Obsidian, the studio behind The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas, Avowed is poised to become one of the most exciting open-world RPGs of 2024.
Key Features:
- A first-person fantasy RPG with dynamic combat and spell-casting
- Expansive regions to explore, filled with quests, dungeons, and lore
- Deep character customization and skill-building
- An immersive story influenced by player choices
Stay updated on Avowed through the official Obsidian Entertainment page here.
7. GTA VI – The Next Evolution of the Open-World Genre
Developer: Rockstar Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
Release Date: Rumored for 2024
Grand Theft Auto VI is easily one of the most anticipated games in recent years, and while details are still scarce, rumors suggest a return to Vice City with a massive open world. As with previous entries in the GTA series, players can expect a mix of action, crime, and exploration, along with Rockstar’s signature humor and storytelling.
Key Features:
- A vast open-world city with dynamic NPCs and interactions
- Expansive missions with multiple ways to approach objectives
- Realistic physics and weather systems
- Rumored multiplayer mode with a seamless online experience
Stay tuned for official announcements on Rockstar’s site here.
FAQs: Top Open-World Games to Play in 2024
What defines an open-world game?
An open-world game offers players a large, often expansive environment that can be explored freely. Unlike linear games, players are not bound to follow a specific path or sequence of events. These games emphasize player freedom, allowing exploration, side quests, and non-linear progression.
What are the most anticipated open-world games in 2024?
Some of the most anticipated open-world games for 2024 include:
- Starfield – Bethesda’s space exploration RPG with over 1000 planets.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – An expansive return to Hyrule.
- Avowed – A new fantasy RPG from Obsidian.
- GTA VI – Rumored to bring the next level of open-world realism from Rockstar Games.
Which game has the largest open world in 2024?
Starfield is expected to have one of the largest open-world environments in gaming history, with its procedurally generated planets offering massive exploration possibilities. In contrast, Tears of the Kingdom also boasts a vast, interconnected map blending land, sky, and underground areas.
What features make open-world games popular?
Open-world games are popular because they offer:
- Freedom of Exploration: Players can go anywhere and tackle missions at their own pace.
- Dynamic World: NPCs, environments, and ecosystems that react to player actions.
- Immersion: The ability to engage deeply with the world, making it feel alive and personal.
- Side Quests & Hidden Areas: Encouraging exploration beyond the main storyline, providing hours of content.
Which open-world games offer the best multiplayer experience?
GTA Online, part of GTA V, continues to be a leader in multiplayer open-world experiences. Additionally, Red Dead Online and Elden Ring offer collaborative multiplayer elements within their vast worlds.
What are the best RPG open-world games to play in 2024?
For RPG fans, Starfield and Avowed are two of the top picks in 2024. They combine traditional RPG elements like character progression and narrative choices with the expansive nature of open-world gameplay. Elden Ring also stands out with its unique blend of open-world exploration and RPG mechanics.
What hardware is required to run these open-world games in 2024?
Many of the top open-world games for 2024, like Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and Avowed, will likely require high-end hardware, especially for optimal performance on PC. Gamers should consider at least an Nvidia RTX 30 series or AMD equivalent GPU, along with a fast CPU and ample RAM to handle the expansive environments and high-quality graphics.
Are there any free-to-play open-world games in 2024?
Yes, some open-world games offer free-to-play models. While the list of free-to-play open-world games may expand in 2024, Genshin Impact remains one of the most popular in this category, offering a vast world and continuous updates without a mandatory purchase.
How does Tears of the Kingdom build on Breath of the Wild?
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom enhances the formula introduced in Breath of the Wild by adding new exploration methods, such as sky and underground areas, advanced physics-based puzzles, and creative combat mechanics. The game introduces new abilities and expands on the open-world freedom that defined its predecessor.
Which open-world game is best for space exploration?
In 2024, Starfield is the premier choice for space exploration fans. Its procedurally generated planets, customizable ships, and vast universe promise to deliver a deeply immersive and open-ended space exploration experience. Other space-themed games like No Man’s Sky may also remain popular for players interested in expansive universes.
What are the best open-world games for storytelling?
For rich storytelling, Elden Ring stands out in the dark fantasy realm with its intricate lore, while Cyberpunk 2077 offers a deep narrative in a futuristic setting. Games like Hogwarts Legacy also provide captivating stories tied to well-known franchises, blending engaging narratives with exploration.
