Modern open-world games are often vast, with expansive, diverse maps, and packed with activities to engage players. Beyond exploration, combat, and quests, many of these games offer something more subtle and captivating — a living world where players can lose themselves in discovery and, in a way, escape reality for a while.
When considering the best open-world games for those seeking a "second life," several key factors stand out. A truly immersive experience requires a sprawling, visually stunning map brimming with adventures and secrets to uncover. The game should also offer significant longevity, providing at least a hundred hours of content on average. Additionally, immersive mechanics such as owning or upgrading a house, base, camp, or even a settlement add layers of interaction, helping players feel connected to the world and its inhabitants.
10 Open-World Games That Are Quality Over Quantity, Ranked
Sick of open-world games that are loaded with vapid side content? These games put quality over quantity, while still offering huge worlds to explore.
Below are some of the best open-world games that excel in these aspects, offering players an opportunity to disconnect from reality for a deeply satisfying and immersive experience.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
The Measured Life Of An Outlaw In The Wild West
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Of all open-world games, Red Dead Redemption 2 remains unmatched in its believability, with a world that feels truly alive and reactive. Its vast map, dotted with several towns teeming with people to interact with, sets the stage for Arthur Morgan's journey as a member of the Van der Linde gang. This group of outlaws even has its own upgradeable camp, which moves across the map as the story unfolds. Being part of a "family" with unique, believable characters, each with their own agendas, is one of the most captivating aspects of Red Dead Redemption 2. Equally compelling is Arthur's bond with his horse, which fosters a rare sense of attachment.
The freedom and interactivity in RDR2 are extraordinary, supported by an astonishing variety of immersive side activities. Players' choices and actions shape Arthur's reputation, allowing him to be seen as a respected community member or as a troublemaking outcast. Together, these elements let players fully immerse themselves in the slow, rhythmic flow of life in the Wild West, living each day as Arthur Morgan.
2 Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Both Games)
The Immersive Medieval Life Of A Commoner
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Released
- February 13, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Blurring the line between action RPG and first-person medieval life simulator, Kingdom Come: Deliverance has earned a reputation for its immersive and grounded approach to every element of gameplay. It delivers an unparalleled experience of stepping into the shoes of an ordinary individual living in 1403 Bohemia. Arguably one of the most synonymous examples of a "second life" open-world game, Kingdom Come goes to extraordinary lengths to recreate the mundane everyday life of its era, eschewing the typical genre clichés and oversimplifications that many other titles rely on. Naturally, that comes at a cost, as Deliverance can be very time-consuming even for the most ordinary tasks.
6 Best Medieval Open-World Games, Ranked
Often with a tinge of fantasy on the side, these medieval open-world games do the best job of delivering a fun, immersive package in one spoonful.
With its meticulously accurate depiction of activities like weapon training, blacksmithing, alchemy, and more, Kingdom Come: Deliverance invites players to savor the seemingly small, unassuming moments of medieval life. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 doubles down on its predecessor's ideas and tone, while delivering a more accessible and well-rounded experience. The games tell one continuous story revolving around the same protagonist, so you should start with the first game; that said, the sequel is overall far better.
3 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The Boundless Life Of An Adventurer
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Few RPGs can rival Skyrim in terms of enduring popularity. Over the years, it has become a second life for countless players who find themselves continually drawn back into its sprawling world. Arguably the pinnacle of Bethesda's RPG formula, Skyrim masterfully blends everything fans cherish about the studio's games: an immersive atmosphere, a richly detailed setting, unparalleled freedom, and a vast array of possibilities. Players can live out their days in Skyrim, buying and furnishing homes in various regions, embarking on hunts or treasure quests, joining guilds, and uncovering the secrets of countless ruins and caves.
Additionally, Skyrim reigns as the undisputed king of modding, boasting hundreds of thousands of mods created since its initial release. This modding scene allows players to tailor their adventures, shaping a personalized world and gameplay experience that aligns perfectly with their preferences.
4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Harsh Life Of A Witcher In Troubled Times
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
A truly epic adventure, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt redefined the RPG genre with its vast scope, featuring a multi-region immersive open world, extensive character-building freedom, and a richly crafted narrative filled with branching, emotional quests. As Geralt of Rivia, players embark on a gripping journey to find Ciri, delving into murky politics, unraveling complex mysteries, and engaging in thrilling monster hunts.
8 Best Open-World Games To Just Explore, Ranked
Open-world games are known for their exploration, and these titles shine the brightest in this area.
While the base game lacks traditional "home" mechanics, aside from a nostalgic chapter at the witchers' stronghold, Kaer Morhen, the final expansion, Blood and Wine, introduces Corvo Bianco (Gwyn Cerbin), a vineyard in Toussaint inherited by Geralt. This estate offers players the chance to renovate and decorate, transforming it into the White Wolf's new home and a perfect meeting place for his old friends.
5 STALKER 2: Heart Of Chornobyl
The Razor-Edged Life Of Survival In The Zone
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
- Released
- November 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- GSC Game World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter, Open-World, Post-Apocalyptic, Survival
The Zone is at the core of the player experience in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, acting as an endlessly hostile yet strangely captivating environment brimming with unexpected moments of exploration. The game's structure revolves around players gradually learning the intricacies of the Zone, its dangers, and its peculiar beauty.
Much like its predecessors, some of the most memorable moments in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl unfold beyond the main missions. These include personal tales of discovery, survival, and sudden triumph. Over time, players come to perceive the Zone as a living, breathing entity, learning how to make the most of every foray into its treacherous expanses. Simply living day by day in the Zone — enhancing gear, collecting artifacts, and navigating its unpredictability — can be enough to keep players immersed in the game for hours on end.
6 Fallout 4
The Creative Life Of An Adventurous Craftsman
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Fallout 4 is the largest single-player Fallout game to date, featuring the most expansive and detailed map in the series. It's packed with dozens of quests, towns, underground areas, and countless opportunities for exploration and combat. Yet, one of its standout features is the in-depth crafting system, allowing players to reshape the Wasteland to their liking.
7 Open-World Games That Mastered The Art Of Slow Exploration
There have been some truly breathtaking open-world games over the years, and these titles let you explore at your own pace.
Throughout the game, players can liberate multiple settlements of peaceful survivors and improve their quality of life by providing essentials like shelter, water, food, and security against raiders and bandits. The crafting mechanics are impressively flexible, enabling players to dismantle almost anything (entire buildings included) and build whatever they can imagine. It's a true paradise for creative players who feel connected to this unique post-apocalyptic world.
7 Assassin's Creed Valhalla
The Epic Life Of A Viking Conqueror
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Released
- November 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft
- Platform(s)
- Stadia, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers an epic adventure, taking Eivor Wolf-Kissed across continents, time, and even realms of mythology. From the snowy fjords of Norway and the misty landscapes of Britain to the exotic Vinland (America) and mythical realms like Asgard and Svartalfheim, Valhalla is so expansive that completing its sprawling Viking saga can easily take over a hundred hours.
One of the game's standout features is Ravensthorpe, a Viking settlement in 9th-century England. As players progress, they take on the role of Ravensthorpe's leader, returning frequently to upgrade and expand it. This includes recruiting valuable community members and celebrating victories with the settlement's residents. Even for those not particularly drawn to settlement-building, Valhalla strikes a perfect balance, keeping Ravensthorpe accessible and rewarding without overwhelming complexity. Over time, it becomes more than a hub — it transforms into a true home for Eivor and their people, as well as the players.
8 Cyberpunk 2077
The Violent Life Of A Mercenary Pushed To The Edge
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
When it comes to offering players a second life, Cyberpunk 2077 can feel like a conflicted experience. The game presents a vast and uniquely futuristic setting in the form of the dark megapolis Night City, where players are free to buy and customize apartments, collect an array of vehicles, amass a collection of cult weapons, and spend time with friends and love interests. However, the game's central conflict — a protagonist battling to delay their death — adds an unnecessary sense of urgency that can undermine the immersive freedom this open world otherwise provides.
10 Best Open-World Games If You Want To Live Off The Land
Survival mechanics in open-world games can be hit or miss, but for those who want to live off the land, these open-world games will scratch that itch.
That said, outside the main story, V's condition rarely interferes with the enjoyment of Cyberpunk 2077. The game excels in exploration, combat, and its many gigs, offering a satisfying balance between intense action and dialogue-driven assignments. With key characters delivering rich, branching conversations, Cyberpunk 2077 pulls players deep into its gripping world, filled with intrigue, tragedy, and unforgettable personalities.
9 Sea of Thieves
The Pirate (Second) Life
Sea of Thieves
- Released
- March 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rare
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Considering its rough beginnings, Sea of Thieves has been a resounding success, with Rare's game now in its 8th full year. During its launch phase, the core loop was a bit too simple for its own good, but the game has become a cornerstone of the live-service scene, along with just being one of the most relaxing co-op options of the last decade. While you can sail the seas solo, most people will settle into crews and gravitate toward specific roles on their ships. You could be a helmsman, cannoneer, or maybe the captain; your personality and the group's needs will shape your contributions.
Sea of Thieves is entirely about routines. A crew will eventually settle into a daily cycle, as they navigate the open waters, buy supplies, maintain their ship, survive a megalodon, and just exist together. While not without forward momentum, progression primarily revolves around your experiences and customization, rather than stat boosts. You steadily grow more accustomed to the pirate life, to the point that it starts to feel second nature. You also do not need to be a traditional pirate if you don't want to, as you can role-play as a fisherman or simply an explorer.
10 Grand Theft Auto Online (Or GTA 5)
The Neverending Second Life
Grand Theft Auto Online
- Released
- October 1, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar North
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
Grand Theft Auto is the definitive open-world crime franchise, with all the 3D games having an element of role-playing to them. Those looking to embody well-defined characters will find what they are looking for in GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, GTA 4, and, naturally, GTA 5. The latter's relative recency means it delivers by far the biggest sandbox, and it is absolutely designed to facilitate a sliding scale of mayhem and destruction. Its three-protagonist structure can diminish immersion in some ways, but you could also argue that it lets you lead multiple lives at once.
If you want to create your own character and embark on a forever-life, GTA Online is the way to go. Along with a unique identity, players are given the freedom to define how they exist within this world. They can become bikers or nightclub owners; they can hoard property or fill warehouses with cars. They can form crews or fly solo; realistically, they will do both. GTA Online is constantly evolving, too, so there is nearly always something to do.
7 Saddest Endings In Open-World Games, Ranked
Open-world games are masterfully crafted with beautiful stories, but sometimes end tragically.