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Open World games give you the freedom to fly, drive, and sail through gorgeous, borderless environments. Using the game mechanic of using a virtual world that the player can explore and approach objectives freely, as opposed to a world with more linear and structured gameplay, it is easy to get lost for weeks on end in another life. Watch this video of 25 of the very best Open World games available to play on console as chosen by our pal @ChorizoMachine:
https://youtu.be/yolo9Fz8sqg
Far Cry 5
The story and the characters in Far Cry 5 may not be as great as earlier games, but there’s a beautiful open world to explore, loads of missions to keep you busy and satisfying gun-play. There’s co-op too if you want to complete missions with a friend.
Saints Row: The Third Remastered
Saints Row: The Third was so much fun on the Xbox 360 when it was released back in 2011. This game is not to be taken too seriously and there’s so much to do. Like Far Cry 5, you can also play through the entire game with a friend in co-op.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best Open World experiences you can have in modern gaming. If you own a Switch and you still haven’t played this then what on earth are you waiting for? People buy the Nintendo console just so they can play this, it’s THAT good.
Assassin’s Creed: Origins
Some gamers felt that the Assassin’s Creed series required a ‘Soft’ Reboot and that’s exactly what Ubisoft did with Origins. It’s the first Assassin’s Creed title to feature RPG style levelling and it works well here. The combat has also been worked on and it now feels incredibly satisfying.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima didn’t receive the plaudits from the gaming media as expected, yet it’s still a very good game. It has one of the most beautiful gaming landscapes you’ll come across—seriously, it’s absolutely stunning on PS4 Pro. There are loads of quests to complete and a big world to traverse.
Red Dead Redemption 2
This game was perhaps a little overrated by the gaming media. But it’s still a VERY good game. The attention to detail is incredible as you’d expect from a game developed by Rockstar. Red Dead Redemption 2 simply has to feature on this list.
Fallout 4
99% of people watching this video will have already played Fallout 4 and like RDR2, it HAS to be on the list. There’s a huge world to get lost in, quests to complete and a great story. Unpopular opinion: Fallout 4 is the best addition to the series.
Minecraft
Yes, it’s obvious, but how could we NOT feature Minecraft on this video? For many people, this is still their go-to Sandbox game when they’re feeling creative. Many hours were spent on Minecraft when it was released on Xbox 360 in 2012 although it was pretty basic back then—the PS4, Xbox One & Switch versions are much better.
State of Decay 2
It could be said that State of Decay 2 is somewhat underrated. It is one of the best zombie survival game out there. There’s a lot to learn and it can be a little overwhelming to begin, with but when you’re comfortable with the game’s design, it’s incredibly addictive.
Sleeping Dogs
On the subject of underrated video games, here’s another for the list. Don’t get me wrong, Sleeping Dogs didn’t receive any bad reviews, it’s just more of a cult classic. The Definitive Edition is a remastered version—the game runs at native 1080p and features many graphical improvements, gameplay tweaks over the original game, as well as all of the extra DLC from the original.
Batman: Arkham City
The first game in this collection’s trilogy, Arkham Asylum, isn’t classed as an Open World title. But the other two, Arkham City & Arkham Knight most definitely are. This package is an amazing value for your money and you’ll get LOADS of hours of play from it. The Arkham games are great to play even if you’re not a big fan of Batman.
Days Gone
This is another PS4 exclusive which did not get great reviews, but Days Gone is a lot of fun and it definitely belongs on this list. It does get a little repetitive at times but the beautiful world and engaging story will have you coming back for more.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Does one ever stop playing The Witcher once they’ve started? It feels like you’ve been playing it since forever and that isn’t a bad thing, it just goes to show how much there is to see and do in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The characters are interesting, the voice acting is superb, and the main questline keeps you hooked right until the finale.
Dying Light
Dying Light is genuinely scary when the night cycle comes around. The atmosphere is so tense in this game and addictive. It’s one of those games you can pick up and play over and over. The parkour gameplay mechanic works well and the world feels desperate, decaying and basically what a zombie apocalypse should feel like.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is not everyone’s cup of tea but it just had to be added to the list. Many gamers across the land absolutely love it; the unique enemy design is really something and there’s a stunning world to journey across. Plus the main protagonist, Alloy, is—for once in an open world game—a woman.
Skyrim
Like Fallout 4, this is another game which most people watching will have played. But again, it simply needs to be on here because what Open World Game’s list is complete without the addition of Skyrim? This game oozes atmosphere, a huge world to travel, and loads of quests to get your teeth into.
Far Cry 3 Classic Edition
Far Cry 3 is one of the greatest games in the series. The Rook Islands setting is spectacular in this and the gameplay is simple in comparison to its successors. It is loads of fun losing hours in its world whenever you go back to the island. And you will—you have to go back. It’s also got one of the best video game villains of all time, too.
Final Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy 7 is one of the greatest Playstation 1 games of all time so obviously, the PS4 Remake was always going to make this list. This game can be enjoyed both by long-term fans of the series and newcomers who have always wondered what the Final Fantasy hype was about.
Terraria
It’s natural to compare this game to Minecraft because it borrows certain elements and ideas. But Terraria places a greater emphasis on combat and exploration which is why many prefer this to the more famous title.
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
Assassins Creed: Odyssey plays like its predecessor but does include new additions such as dialogue options in cutscenes. Some gamers prefer the story of Origins but the gameplay and setting of Odyssey. They’re both very good games with gorgeous visuals on both PS4 Pro and Xbox One X. The series is in a good place again and Valhalla is something to look forward to.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Many gamers feel that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one the best JRPG’s they have ever played. There’s such a MASSIVE world to explore that even if you’re not really into this style of gaming you can get immersed in this. Just be patient if you’re new to JRPG’s, there’s a steep learning curve with Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Forza Horizon 4
What’s a racer doing on this list I hear you ask? Well, Forza Horizon 4 is one of the most gorgeous Open World games around and is still very popular today. It just happens that you’re going to be travelling the map at high speeds in a Ferrari in this one rather than on horseback.
Metal Gear Solid V
Metal Gear Solid V takes it’s time to get going but when it does it’s a hugely enjoyable experience. Some of the concepts within Phantom Pain are just astounding and you can’t help but feel bittersweet as the game progresses knowing that Hideo Kojima probably won’t be behind the next Metal Gear Solid project—unless you believe the rumours that Mr Kojima has repaired his relationship with Konami.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
When you play superhero video games, you want to feel like the protagonist, and that experience is what some developers have struggled with before. With Marvel’s Spider-Man, the combat and web-slinging just feel right. On top of this, you’ve got a sprawling New York City to explore making this is one of the best Open World games of this generation.
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is the best Open World game around. It still looks incredible on PS4 and Xbox One despite its age. The parody version of LA captures the atmosphere perfectly and there’s just so much to do in this game both from a single and multiplayer perspective. GTA V is still thriving and we have to remember that this game was first released in 2013. Saying all of that GTA 6 can’t arrive soon enough.
We hope you enjoyed this list of the 25 Best Open World Games on Console. Did you agree with these choices? Which games would you have on your list? Have we missed something amazing? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
With huge thanks to @ChorizoMachine for creating this list and accompanying video.
