Open world games have revolutionized how we experience video games, offering a vast virtual universe to explore, discover, and interact with in unique ways.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of open world games, exploring what defines this genre and highlighting the best titles of 2024.
What are Open World games?
Open world games are characterized by offering players an interactive online world full of possibilities, where freedom is the key concept.
Unlike traditional games that follow a predefined and closed progression, open world games allow gamers to explore the game world in a non-linear way.
This means you can choose how, when, and where to explore, complete main or side quests, interact with non-playable characters (NPCs), and discover hidden secrets at your own pace.
Main features of Open World Games
Open world games are known for a series of specific characteristics that make them so immersive.
First, there’s the expansive capacity and detail of the environments. Whether vast urban cities or lush natural landscapes, the settings of open world games are meticulously designed to offer an impressively immersive experience.
Additionally, these games allow players to follow different paths in the narrative, with multiple quests and choices that affect the story’s unfolding.
As a result, it’s the player who decides how to explore the game world, whether on foot, by car, mounted on a fantastic creature, or even flying.
The variety of progression systems also deserves mention, as this feature allows the player to develop abilities, acquire equipment, and make upgrades.
In addition to interacting with characters and NPCs, players can interact with the environment in various ways, such as altering the course of rivers, modifying structures, or influencing the weather.
Top 10 Open World Games of 2024
Our selection features some of the most anticipated and notable open world releases of 2024, each bringing its own vision and attractions for gaming enthusiasts to explore. Check them out:
Elden Ring
Developed by FromSoftware, this game features challenging combat, detailed environments, a rich and complex narrative, and deep RPG elements.
- Release Date: February 25, 2022
- Category: Action RPG, Open World
- Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Paid or Free: Paid
- 2024 Update: “Shadow of the Erdtree” expansion released, featuring new areas and additional content.
Starfield
Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, this game offers a space exploration adventure, featuring spaceship customization, procedurally generated planets, and cosmic mysteries.
- Release Date: September 6, 2023
- Category: Action RPG, Open World
- Mode: Single-player
- Supported Devices: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Paid or Free: Paid - 2024 Update: New mission content and gameplay improvements added with the “Expanse” patch.
Gotham Knights
Developed by WB Games Montréal, Gotham Knights is a cooperative game with dynamic combat, focusing on DC Comics characters like Batgirl and Robin.
- Release Date: October 21, 2022
- Category: Action RPG, Open World
- Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Paid or Free: Paid
- 2024 Update: “Season of Shadows” adds new villains and cooperative missions.
Horizon Forbidden West
Developed by Guerrilla Games, this game is set in a post-apocalyptic world with robotic dinosaurs, featuring a strong female protagonist exploring both underwater and terrestrial environments.
- Release Date: February 18, 2022
- Category: Action RPG, Open World
- Mode: Single-player
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Paid or Free: Paid
- 2024 Update: The “Burning Shores” expansion adds new regions and missions.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Developed by Techland, this game features a post-apocalyptic urban setting with enhanced parkour, a dynamic day-night cycle, and choices that impact the world around you.
- Release Date: February 4, 2022
- Category: Action RPG, Open World
- Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Paid or Free: Paid
- 2024 Update: The “Blood Ties” expansion adds new characters and missions.
Fable
Developed by Playground Games, Fable is set in the fantasy world of Albion, featuring a unique blend of humor, a morality system that impacts the narrative, mythical creatures, and magic.
- Release Date: TBA
- Category: Action RPG, Open World
- Mode: Single-player
- Supported Devices: Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Paid or Free: Paid
The Witcher 4
Produced by CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 4 continues the saga of Geralt of Rivia with an expansive open world and branching narrative, requiring players to make complex moral choices.
- Release Date: TBA
- Category: Action RPG, Open World
- Mode: Single-player
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Paid or Free: Paid
God of War Ragnarok
Developed by Santa Monica Studio, God of War Ragnarok is set in an open-world Norse mythology, featuring visceral combat, an engaging mythological narrative, and exploration of epic landscapes.
- Release Date: November 9, 2022
- Category: Action, Adventure, Open World
- Mode: Single-player
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Paid or Free: Paid
- 2024 Update: The “Asgard’s Wrath” expansion adds new areas and missions.
Redfall
Developed by Arkane Studios, Redfall is set in an open-world vampire-infested environment, featuring cooperative gameplay, elements of action and strategy, and combat against supernatural creatures.
- Release Date: May 2, 2023
- Category: Action, Adventure, Open World
- Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Supported Devices: Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Paid or Free: Paid
- 2024 Update: “Night of the Blood Moon” adds new events and cooperative missions.
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)
A massive hit by Rockstar North, GTA V is set in the open city of Los Santos and its surroundings, with multiple protagonists whose stories are interconnected, offering a wide range of activities and missions.
- Release Date: September 17, 2013
- Category: Action, Adventure, Open World
- Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
- Paid or Free: Paid
- 2024 Update: The “Heists 2024” update adds new missions and online content.
Open World Games for PC
Red Dead Redemption 2
First on our list is Red Dead Redemption 2 by Rockstar Studios. Set in the expansive American Old West, the game offers an emotional narrative about outlaws and bounty hunters, with stunning realism in the detailing of animals and natural landscapes.
- Release Date: October 26, 2018
- Category: Action, Adventure
- Mode: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
- Paid or Free: Paid
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Next is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla by Ubisoft Montreal, set in an open-world Viking Age with a detailed recreation of 9th-century England. Players will engage in naval exploration, enjoy a revamped combat system, build settlements, and make decisions that impact the course of the game.
- Release Date: November 10, 2020
- Category: Action, RPG
- Mode: Single-player
- Supported Devices: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Stadia
- Paid or Free: Paid
Cyberpunk 2077, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Far Cry 6, Watch Dogs: Legion, Minecraft, No Man’s Sky also deserve special attention from fans of open world games.
What’s the difference between Open World and Sandbox?
The terms “open world” and “sandbox” are often used to describe types of games with extensive freedom of exploration and interaction, but each has its own distinct characteristics.
Open world games generally refer to an expansive virtual environment where players have significant freedom to explore the game world and participate in various activities.
Open world games may have a linear or non-linear main narrative, with missions that can be completed in different orders or even ignored in favor of exploration.
Examples of open world games include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Grand Theft Auto V, where players have large areas to explore, but interaction with the environment is limited.
What is the difference between Open World and Sandbox games?
The terms “open world” and “sandbox” are frequently used to describe types of games with significant freedom of exploration and interaction, but each has its own distinct characteristics.
Open World Games refer to a vast virtual environment where players have significant freedom to explore the game world and engage in various activities. Open world games can have a linear or non-linear main narrative, with missions that can be completed in different orders or even ignored in favor of exploration. Examples of open world games include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Grand Theft Auto V, where players have large areas to explore, but interaction with the environment is somewhat limited.
Sandbox Games focus heavily on player freedom and the ability to create and shape the game world. Typically, there is no structured narrative or specific missions to follow; instead, players are encouraged to explore, experiment, and create.
Examples of sandbox games include Minecraft and No Man’s Sky, where players can build structures, explore procedurally generated worlds, and interact with the environment in diverse ways.
How to reduce lag in Open World Games?
When it comes to open world games, especially those with detailed graphics and diverse environments, lag can often be an issue that detracts from the gaming experience.
If you’re experiencing errors, lag, and low quality due to graphics loading issues, your hardware drivers, device settings, or internet connection might be the cause.
If you have checked these factors, you might want to consider using ExitLag, a solution designed to optimize online gaming connections by reducing ping and stabilizing the connection for a smoother gaming experience without sacrificing graphic quality.
By focusing on the optimal route to game servers, the software can help minimize latency issues and ensure players get the most out of their sessions. Plus, ExitLag supports over 1900 games.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, be sure to check out how to improve your gaming experience with ExitLag—there’s a free trial available!
