Summary
For a long time now, open-world RPGs have ranked among the most popular games, often winning Game of the Year awards and earning praise from critics and players alike for their freedom of choice. An exceptional open-world RPG offers an immersive world to explore from the start and deep role-playing elements.
In recent years, the trend in open-world RPGs has leaned toward amore action-oriented approach, while more traditional RPGs have moved away from open-world settings, favoring curated areas or acts, as seen inBaldur’s Gate 3,Dragon Age, and theDeus Exseries. Still, in a great open-world RPG, role-playing elements may be conventional but should bring something fresh, allowing players to build unique characters or choose from various dialogue options.
TheDragon’s Dogmaseries has reached new heights this year with its sequel,Dragon’s Dogma 2. Despite its numerous strengths, particularly the fast-paced and spectacular combat, some fans feel the game didn’t fully realize its potential. In many ways, the new entry feels too similar to the original and could have benefitted from more freedom and flexibility, especially in side quest variety and dialogue options.
While the series has undeniable highs — likebattling huge monsters in the open world, deep character interactions, and a unique Vocation system — it’s somewhat held back by a bland, repetitive open world, simple fetch quests, and a few frustrating mechanics, such as the lack of a convenient fast-travel system. Nevertheless, given how rare traditional fantasy open-world RPGs are today, bothDragon’s Dogmatitles are well worth the attention of any genre fan.
9Horizon Zero Dawn & Horizon Forbidden West
Unique Setting Coupled With Breathtaking Visuals
Many were skeptical about Guerrilla Games' shift from theKillzoneshooter series to the open-world action-RPG genre withHorizon Zero Dawn, yet the game proved to be a major success, launching one of the most recognizable PlayStation series of the modern era. With its unique “robopocalypse” setting — seemingly inspired byMonster Hunter— inventive arsenal, and vast, stunning environments filled with side quests, optional activities, and collectibles,Horizon Zero Dawnhas remained ahead of many competitors for years.
The series' potential was elevated even further withHorizon Forbidden West, now celebrated asone of the most visually impressive gamesever made, not just among open-world RPGs. A standout achievement of the sequel is its character expressions and animations, even during minor interactions, setting a new standard for how a modern open-world RPG should look and feel.
8Assassin’s Creed Odyssey & Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
The New Era Of Assassin’s Creed Games Took The Right Lessons From True RPGs
WhileAssassin’s Creed OdysseyandAssassin’s Creed Valhallalean heavily into action-RPG elements, they offer flexible character builds and meaningful choices in key moments and dialogue, holding their own alongside titles likeThe Witcher 3.
Set in captivating historical eras,OdysseyandValhallabring a cinematic quality thatenhances immersion and exploration. Although they retain some classicAssassin’s Creedhallmarks, these entries elevate gameplay, exploration, combat, and quest variety. With these improvements, the franchise has evolved into a genuine RPG series known for its rich variety of quests, positioningAssassin’s Creed Shadowsto build even further on these strong foundations.
WhenMonster Hunter Worldwas revealed in 2017 with a stunning trailer, fans wondered how it would stand out from previous entries. The answer came with an expansive open world and some of thebest role-playing elements in the series, earning it critical acclaim worldwide.
Remaining true to the series' core,Monster Hunter Worldoffers a rich variety of quests that give it lasting appeal. Its immersive environments, unique monsters, impressive visuals, and honed-to-perfection gameplay loop have cemented it as a staple in the open-world action RPG genre. TheIceborneexpansion refined these strengths even further, making it one of Capcom’s most beloved titles. Now, all eyes are on the upcomingMonster Hunter Wildsto raise the bar once again.
WithKingdom Come: Deliverance 2already one of 2025’s most anticipated releases, the originalKingdom Come: Deliverancehas seen renewed popularity as players are drawn to its realistic approach to world-building, characters, and quests. This open-world RPG grows more appreciated each year for its immersive environment, meticulous attention to detail, and impressive freedom in gameplay.
The developers at Warhorse created one of the most grounded medieval RPGs, whereevery aspect reflects historical authenticity.Kingdom Come: Deliverancedelivers an immersive, challenging experience full of memorable side quests and the essence of medieval life, making it a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.
5Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas & Fallout 4
Bringing The Elder Scrolls DNA To An Iconic Post-Apocalyptic Setting
Many initially had concerns about Bethesda taking over theFalloutseries, yet the company undeniably transformed it into one of the most iconic open-world RPG franchises.Fallout 3was often described as “Oblivionwith guns,” a fitting comparison that highlights how the franchise balances a unique setting with core RPG elements.
WhileFallout 4took a step toward a more action-focused experience, with a strong emphasis on crafting, its engaging dialogue and vast,immersive post-apocalyptic landscapescontinue to captivate players. This rich, open-world exploration makesFallout 4a standout, keeping it popular among RPG fans years after its release.
Cyberpunk 2077had a notoriously troubled launch, yet today it stands as one of the most immersive, flexible, and cinematic open-world RPGs. It transports players to a futuristic world unlike any other, where engaging combat, unparalleled character interactions, and diverse quest variety drive the experience.
The game’s unique setting enables side stories that explore themes uncommon in traditional fantasy, makingCyberpunk 2077a standout. Though it may lack some ofThe Witcher 3’s refinement,Cyberpunk 2077— alongside itsPhantom Libertyexpansion —remains a must-play for any modern RPG fan, especially as CD Projekt Red’s ambitious first foray into original IP with first-person gameplay.
It’s not unlikely Bethesda Softworks may someday remakeSkyrim— a game that remains timeless, with quests that dynamically generate and seemingly endless replay value, not to mentionone of the biggest modding communities ever. This enduring appeal has keptSkyrimat the pinnacle of the open-world RPG genre for over a decade, its popularity spanning multiple generations.
Players can choose from a range of races and classes, making each adventure feel unique. Whether slaying dragons with magic, arrows, or a warrior’s sword, every path is customizable, extending even to the smallest side quests in this expansive world. Set against a mountainous landscape filled with content to explore,Skyrimhas influenced countless titles, including recent hits likeThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, solidifying its place as one of the most impactful games in modern RPG history.
Every now and then, a game captures your attention and proves to be exceptional —The Witcher 3: The Wild Huntis a prime example of an open-world RPG done right. As CDPR’s crowning achievement, it stands as a benchmark in the genre and will likely serve as a reference point for years to come.
Few games rivalThe Witcher 3in its player-driven narrative, a vast selection of memorable side quests, detailed bestiary, and intricate main story. The game features a rich cast of side characters and relationships that players can develop, bringing depth and warmth to Geralt’s journey. Itsimmersive, beautifully crafted open worldadds a palpable sense of adventure, only achieved by some of the greatest RPGs of all time.
Elden Ringrepresents a decade-long evolution of FromSoftware’s RPG formula, offering a true open world for the first time and granting players unparalleled freedom to explore right from the start. The game’s cryptic narrative, complex character interactions, and intricate quest design have divided players, yet no one can deny thatElden Ringprovides some of themost rewarding feelings of discovery and accomplishmentin the open-world RPG genre.
WhileElden Ring’s role-playing elements primarily focus on combat, the vast array of character builds, weapons and gear options elevate the experience. Even after hundreds of hours of play, players continue to uncover new locations, enemies, and secrets — demonstrating the game’s immense replay value and its lasting impact on the RPG community.
