Open-world games continue to dominate the gaming landscape in 2025, offering players unprecedented freedom, immersive storytelling, and dynamic environments. Whether you’re exploring feudal Japan, traversing alien galaxies, or battling mythical beasts, this year’s lineup delivers something for every type of adventurer. Below, we’ve curated the most anticipated titles and updated classics that define the genre this year.
Best Open-World Games to Play in 2025: Top 10 Expansive Titles
Discover the best open-world games of 2025, from GTA VI and Elden Ring: Nightreign to Ghost of Yōtei. Explore immersive worlds, gameplay details, and release dates.
1. Grand Theft Auto VI
Platforms: TBA | Developer: Rockstar Games
The long-awaited return to Vice City promises a sun-soaked, hyper-detailed playground for chaos and crime. Rockstar’s signature blend of satire, storytelling, and systemic open-world design is expected to redefine immersion, making GTA VI the year’s most anticipated release. While delays are possible, its potential 2025 launch could cement it as a genre milestone.
2. Elden Ring: Nightreign
Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox | Release: May 30 | Developer: FromSoftware
This cooperative spin-off transforms the bleak Lands Between into a shared battleground. Up to three players tackle nightmarish bosses and survive shrinking “safety zones” in a battle-royale-inspired structure. While divisive for Soulsborne purists, its chaotic energy and loot-driven progression offer a fresh take on the franchise.
3. Ghost of Yōtei
Platforms: PS5 | Release: TBA 2025 | Developer: Sucker Punch
The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima shifts to 17th-century Hokkaido, where protagonist Atsu navigates snowy tundras and political intrigue. Expect the same breathtaking visuals and samurai combat, now expanded with dynamic weather and deeper exploration mechanics.
4. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Platforms: PS5 | Release: June 26 | Developer: Kojima Productions
Hideo Kojima’s enigmatic sequel doubles down on surrealism, featuring Norman Reedus as Sam Bridges in a post-apocalyptic odyssey. New gameplay mechanics, including vehicular combat and a mysterious puppet companion, promise to elevate the series’ signature blend of traversal and storytelling.
5. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox | Release: March 20 | Developer: Ubisoft
Set in feudal Japan, this entry lets players alternate between a shinobi assassin and a samurai warrior. The open world emphasizes verticality and seasonal changes, with stealth and combat tailored to each character’s unique abilities—a fresh direction for the long-running series.
6. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox | Developer: Capcom
Capcom’s cult classic returns with a reactive world where NPCs live, die, and shape the story. The lack of fast travel encourages organic exploration, while the revamped class system and AI companions (“Pawns”) deepen combat strategy. A must-play for RPG fans seeking challenge and depth.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Enhanced Edition)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2 | Developer: Nintendo
Hyrule gets a next-gen upgrade with enhanced visuals and performance on the Switch 2. The Ultrahand ability and layered world design (sky islands, underground realms) remain standout features, solidifying its place as a masterclass in open-world creativity.
8. Monster Hunter Wilds
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox | Release: February 28 | Developer: Capcom
Capcom’s flagship series introduces dynamic ecosystems where weather and monster behavior intertwine. Hunters will face roaming herds and apocalyptic storms in the Forbidden Lands, offering the most immersive entry yet for cooperative play.
9. Crimson Desert
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox | Release: TBA 2025 | Developer: Pearl Abyss
This gritty fantasy RPG blends Game of Thrones-style political drama with large-scale battles. Players explore Pywel, a war-torn continent, using a mix of magic, mounted combat, and parkour—a visually stunning contender in the post-Elden Ring landscape.
10. Mario Kart World
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2 | Release: June 5 | Developer: Nintendo
Nintendo’s iconic racer goes open-world, letting players drive freely between tracks in a sprawling overworld. Dynamic weather and 24-player races add chaos, while the Switch 2’s hardware ensures buttery-smooth performance.
Honorable Mentions
- Avowed (Feb 18): Obsidian’s first-person fantasy RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe.
- Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza (Feb 20): A quirky blend of Yakuza drama and pirate antics in Hawaii.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty: The acclaimed expansion revitalizes Night City with spy-thriller missions.
Why 2025 Is a Banner Year for Open-World Fans
From reinvigorated classics (GTA VI, Zelda) to bold new IPs (Crimson Desert), 2025 showcases the genre’s versatility. Technological advancements enable larger, more interactive worlds, while narrative depth and multiplayer innovations (Elden Ring: Nightreign) cater to diverse playstyles. Whether you crave solitude or camaraderie, this year’s lineup ensures endless adventure.