Mobile gaming keeps getting better with time, and open-world games offer new opportunities for players to explore and get creative. IOS devices are at the forefront when it comes to innovation in gaming, and when players find the best open-world games on these devices, it's like discovering hidden treasure.

From pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a mobile device to delivering immersive experiences that captivate the player, these games can be a real treat. Below is a list of the best open-world games for iOS devices that will have players hooked for hours on end.

7 Six-Guns: Gang Showdown

Wild West Action-Adventure With Gunslinging Missions

Six-Guns Gang Showdown - Mobile Open World Games
  • Release Date: December 5, 2011
  • Developer: Gameloft Iberica S.A.U.
  • Publisher: Gameloft
  • Genre: Action-adventure

This was a standout game and one of the most remarkable games that many iOS users had ever played on their device; however, due to an abundance of bugs and glitches, mainly found in multiplayer mode, Six-Guns: Gang Showdown received a fair bit of backlash. In this open-world game, players get to be frontier heroes who explore territories, including regions such as Arizona and Oregon, with missions like horse racing or fighting outlaws and bandits.

Just like a cowboy, players require a loyal steed — there are eight horses that they can earn. Moreover, they can also use authentic weapons and attire. Werewolves and vampire enemies also bring a supernatural twist to the Western theme.

6 Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Explore The Island, Rescue Wildlife, And Restore Nature's Beauty

Alba's Island home in Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
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Released
December 11, 2020
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Mobile
Developer
Ustwo Games
Publisher
Ustwo Games
Genre(s)
Adventure

This open-world game will teleport players to a delightful Mediterranean island where they are required to save endangered animals and clean up litter. With more than 60 species to document using the iOS app, players will set out on an adventure to create a difference in the world. Alba's incredible soundtrack and breathtaking visuals create a relaxing and feel-good experience.

Players join Alba and her friend Ines to help them on their mission of saving the island. The striking art style and strong sub-theme of photography are help further define this relaxing experience. The story has a good message, the game is bug-free and runs smoothly, and the gameplay is addictive, with a focus on exploring and photographing wildlife.

5 The Pathless

Explore Vast Landscapes In A Breathtaking Fantasy World

The Pathless screenshot-1
The Pathless
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Released
November 12, 2020
Developer(s)
Giant Squid
Publisher(s)
Annapurna Interactive
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, PS5
Genre(s)
Adventure

In The Pathless, players go on an awe-inspiring adventure on a mystical island to lift the curse of darkness. They get to explore stunning landscapes along with their eagle companion while also engaging in unique boss battles against giant, corrupted spirits.

The emotionally rich story, quick-paced gameplay, and breathtaking music and visuals will create an enticing experience that players won't easily forget. What works best for this open-world game is its well-written characters and storyline, satisfying movement mechanics and puzzles, unique boss fights, and relaxing gameplay.

4 Goat Simulator

Go On Chaotic And Hilarious Adventures As A Goat

goat-simulator-goat-but-more-centered
Goat Simulator
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Action
Simulation
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6 /10

Released
April 1, 2014
Developer(s)
Coffee Stain Studios
Platform(s)
PC, PS3, Mobile, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox 360
Genre(s)
Action, Simulation

In this open-world game, players are able to live their best goat life. The objective of Goat Simulator isn't necessarily to become the alpha goat, but rather to just enjoy the game's absurd and comedic gameplay — players get to create mayhem. In the “Goatverse,” Goat Simulator is considered to be one of the best. It features a great selection of goats, quests, and maps to keep things engaging.

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Players also have a wide selection of Easter eggs and hidden secrets that they can unlock and uncover. This game is well-packed with action and is charmingly mindless throughout.

3 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

An Action-Packed And Immersive Crime Saga

Definitive Edition plane flying below game logo composite
A composite featuring a small passenger plane from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas – Definitive Edition flying below the game's logo. A faint dot halftone shading effect has been applied to the image in a color burn blending mode for a better contrast.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
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Released
October 26, 2004
Developer(s)
Rockstar Games
Publisher(s)
Rockstar Games
Platform(s)
PS2, PS3, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360, PC, macOS, iOS, Android
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure

Everything GTA fans love and know about their favorite game is present in this classic open-world title. In the early 90s, Carl Johnson returns to San Andreas to embark on a mission that is accompanied by an intense storyline and diverse side quests. The new and remastered version for iOS offers enhanced graphics and supports physical controllers.

GTA: San Andreas features a complex and captivating storyline and excellent gameplay. However, there are still mixed reviews regarding the controls — and the graphics, though better than the original, can still improve when compared to today's standards.

2 Genshin Impact

An Epic Adventure With Stunning Visuals

Genshin Impact ios
Genshin Impact
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Released
September 28, 2020
Genre(s)
RPG, Action, Adventure, Gacha, Open-World

In Genshin Impact, players explore Tayvat — a world full of rivers, mountains, and picturesque scenery, where they meet interesting characters and navigate dangers along the way. There is an elemental battle system that keeps things interesting, where players can freeze their enemies with Cryo or burn them with Pyro.

The vibrant anime-style artwork, along with real-time character renderings, make the game stand out among similar gacha-style games. This is an excellent action RPG, even in spite of its layers of monetization, and on well worth checking out for iOS fans looking for their next big game to sink into.

1 Minecraft

Create, Explore, And Survive In A World Where Anything Is Possible

Minecraft Player Creates Avatar's Pandora Biosphere
Minecraft
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Sandbox
Survival
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Released
November 18, 2011
Developer(s)
Mojang
Publisher(s)
Mojang
Genre(s)
Sandbox, Survival

Minecraft is often what pops into everyone's mind when they think of open-world games, and that's only a piece of why it has earned first place on this list. An absolute classic that's loved by every age group, the possibilities are endless — players explore the procedurally generated worlds and develop everything on their own. The game also features a marketplace for them to purchase maps and texture packs, while slash commands aid in personalizing the gameplay.

There are also a multitude of resources that one can collect, as well as incredible Minecraft mods that enable enhanced customization of gameplay elements. The survival mode can also be quite challenging, and one of the most popular features is the freedom to build whatever you come up with. The sky's quite literally the limit with how much there is to do and see in Minecraft.

Best iOS Sports Games. L to R Super Stickman Golf 3, NBA Jam, What The Golf?
The 10 Best Sport Games For iOS, Ranked

From Soccer Superstars to NBA Jam, iOS users have myriad top-notch sports games to check out.