10 Best Open World PC Games That You Must Play [2023]

When we hear the word Open World Games, we instantly get an idea about a game where players are allowed to do anything they want. Some people like me instantly get flashbacks to Old GTA Games, which were kind of the first to genuinely highlight Open World Gameplay. Well, apart from Grand Theft Auto Games. We have some other Best Open World games on PC that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Here are our picks for the Best Open World games on PC to try out!

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Release Date: 18 May, 2015.
• Steam Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive.
• Developer: CD Projekt Red.

Starting off our list, with the great Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This game is everything an Open World Games fan could ask for. The graphics are incredible, the level of detailing is next level, and most importantly its story is one of the best you ask for.

The Witcher 3, frequently viewed as a standout amongst other open-world games, is without a doubt worth playing. The game’s story is so impressive, and the level of detailing is simply stunning. For me, the game’s setting is really cool, as there is a bunch of fantasy stuff joined with real life. Lastly, The Witcher 3 also has additional content, so once you get going. All in all, The Witcher 3 is surely one of the Best Open World games on PC.

Pros:

1. Stunning, detailed backgrounds and environments.
2. Immersive world-building in The Witcher 3.
3. Satisfying, weighty combat mechanics.
4. Gorgeous graphics that breathe life into the game world.

Cons:

1. Lengthy loading times disrupt gameplay flow.
2. Complex systems and mechanics can overwhelm new players.
3. Difficulty in measuring combat range due to large hitboxes.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• Release Date: 5 December 2019.
• Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive.
• Developer: Rockstar Games.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is currently the fan-favorite Open World Game. The game took 8 years of development and highlights a plot set in the 1899 Wild West period.

The combat system is really like the Wild West. Gunfights are the fundamental piece of the game, and those Cowboy fights you have seen in movies are part of the game. Anyway, the game features dozens of weapons, these include rifles, shotguns, bows, repeaters, and most importantly revolvers.

Like other Rockstar Titles, Red Dead Redemption 2 is no different. The game has a lively environment, beautiful landscapes, an excellent narrative, huge maps, unbelievable graphics, and most importantly an attractive story.

Pros:

1. Stunning graphics immerse players in a detailed environment.
2. Realistic, vibrant open world with numerous activities.
3. Unique and thrilling quests and missions.
4. Exceptional voice acting brings characters to life.

Cons:

1. Unfair and frustrating wanted and honor systems.
2. Inefficient fast-travel system leading to time wastage.
3. Awkward keyboard and mouse controls in Red Dead Redemption 2.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

• • Steam Reviews: Very Positive.
  • Developer: Ubisoft.
  • Release Date: 6 October 2018

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey isn’t entirely an Assassin’s Creed Game, actually, it has new RPG style-focused gameplay. Nonetheless, it does feature a timeless Open World Gameplay combined with an excellent story.

Like other open-world games listed above, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey also has a wide range of inventory, farming, and craft options. Moreover, decisions and interactions can completely change the game. I once took an alternative option in a mission, and that person involved in the option died.

Pros:

1. Enjoyable and diverse side missions in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
2. Great combat for casual players seeking a relaxed experience.
3. Vast, open world ripe for exploration.
4. Dialogue system for player choice in responses.

Cons:

1. Slow campaign pacing.
2. Limited ability usage compared to Assassin’s Creed Origins.

Death Stranding

• Steam Reviews: Very Positive.
• Developer: Kojima Productions.
• Release Date: 14 July 2020.

Death Stranding is maybe the most intriguing game on our rundown. This game features cinematic gameplay and it is designed by none other than the well-known Hideo Kojima.

The graphics are excellent, featuring huge landscapes with some of the best weather I’ve seen. If you are in for incredible open-world gameplay that features an impactful story. You should go with Death Stranding Eyes closed!

Pros:

• Death Stranding is an incredibly well-optimized game.
• The graphics of Death Stranding look stunning.
• The story of Death Stranding is written very well and will do a great job of engaging you from start to finish.
• Death Stranding has multiplayer features that encourage players to help each other out.

Cons:

• The start of Death Stranding is not paced.
• Death Stranding does not have the best controls, as they can be inconsistent.
• There might be way too much walking involved in the gameplay of Death Stranding for some players.

Mafia 2: Definitive Edition

• Steam Reviews: Mixed.
• Developer: Hangar 13.
• Release Date: 19 May 2020.

If you are a big fan of movies like Godfather and Goodfellas, particularly those WW2 Mob movies. Then, I guess Mafia 2 from Hangar 13 won’t disappoint you.

The graphics, visuals, setting, and overall gameplay are timeless. Similarly, the mob gameplay is really nice, and when playing you really get the feeling of being a true mobster. Mafia 2 features fantastic open-world gameplay. However, the game does feature fantastic weaponry, and most importantly, it has a very lively open-world environment.

Pros:

1. Vibrant open world with realistic NPCs and surroundings in Mafia 2: Definitive Edition.
2. Immersive 1950s atmosphere and setting.
3. Well-written story with a realistic portrayal of criminal elements.
4. Includes all original DLC content in the definitive edition.

Cons:

1. Limited car variety in Mafia 2: Definitive Edition.
2. Persistent bugs from the original version.
3. Excessive system storage space requirement, nearly six times that of the original.

Far Cry 5

• Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive.
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Release Date: 27 March 2018.

Far Cry Games have always had a special place in my heart. These games are really extraordinary, and what’s so unique about them is that they feature the best villains ever. We look at the likes of Vaas in Far Cry 3 and Pagin in Far Cry 4. These villains completely turn around the experience that you would normally experience in an average open-world game.

Far Cry 5 features first-person gameplay and is set in Montana, United States. You will play as Junior Deputy and do everything to stop the villain Joseph Seed. The open-world gameplay of Far Cry 5 is really the best we have seen. You can explore the huge country of Montana and drive cars/bikes/boats/helicopters, and whatnot.

Pros:

1. Far Cry 5 boasts captivating characters.
2. Breathtaking, intricately crafted open world.
3. Extensive player-generated content in “Far Cry Arcade” mode.
4. Memorable moments enabled by the partner system.

Cons:

1. Story writing may disappoint and feel dull.
2. The storyline falls short of excellence.
3. Repetitive abductions can become wearisome in Far Cry 5.

Watch Dogs 2

• Steam Reviews: Very Positive.
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Release Date: 29 November 2016.

Another Ubisoft game on our list is Watch Dogs 2. The Watch Dogs trilogy is always talked about when discussing open-world games. Watch Dogs 2 our topic today, features a very exotic open-world gameplay, that is set in San Francisco.

Apart from the excellent gameplay. The movement is parkour-like, and the overall combat has a lot of stealth involved. Further, players can drive cars, explore San Francisco, upgrade tech, clothes, and many more things. The open-world gameplay is very similar to GTA V. However, in the Watch Dogs 2 case, there is the potential for hacking, which makes it absolutely great.

Pros:

• There is a wide variety of unique missions in Watch Dogs 2.
• The hacking system has been greatly improved in Watch Dogs 2.
• There are a lot of references and various Easter eggs spread throughout Watch Dogs 2.
• Watch Dogs 2 has a soundtrack that is composed very well.

Cons:

• There are various bugs and glitches present in Watch Dogs 2.
• The AI in Watch Dogs 2 is incredibly inconsistent in different parts of the campaign mode.
• Watch Dogs 2 has some pacing issues that can kill your momentum and turn away a lot of players.

Just Cause 3

• Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive.
• Developer: Avalanche Studious/Square Enix.
• Release Date: 1 December 2015.

Some people might hate seeing Just Cause 3 and would prefer Just Cause 4. But, to be honest, anyone who has played both games would know that Just Cause 3 is miles ahead of Just Cause 4.

Moreover, the game, like other Just Cause, features incredible combat and ruthless chaos. You can literally destroy anything you want in the game; almost all objects can be destroyed to pieces. Players can drive cars, vehicles, boats, airplanes, and many more things.

Pros:

1. Diverse exploration options in Just Cause 3 offer unique experiences.
2. Highly satisfying and fun grapple hook and parachute mechanics.
3. Varied open world with mountains, forests, and cities.
4. Smooth controls and satisfying movement.

Cons:

1. Poorly designed missions in Just Cause 3.
2. Criticized for poor optimization.
3. Open world lacks depth compared to quality open worlds.

Fallout 4

• Steam Reviews: Mostly Positive.
• Developer: Bethesda.
• Release Date: 10 November 2015.

Another game that features a wide range of customization, crafting, and upgrade options is Fallout 4. This game has everything that a Best Open World PC game should have. Players play as Sole Survivor, who is one of the few people who survived the Nuclear Attack and now lives in post-apocalyptic Boston.

Apart from base-building options, the game has mind-blowing Weapon Customization and crafting. The game allows you to modify over 50 guns, and change the way they look or also improve their stats on top of all that. Fallout 4 also features a well-designed character-building system where you can unlock different perks and equip gear items!

Pros:

• The crafting system allows you to create your own weapons, settlements, and armor.
• Fallout 4 puts a high level of detail and attention into the post-apocalyptic setting.
• The combat system in Fallout 4 is very fun and allows for some very dynamic action sequences.
• Fallout 4 allows you to create your own character.

Cons:

• The story of Fallout 4 can get a bit boring at the start, and you might lose your interest in it entirely.
• There are some bugs and glitches that can interfere with your progression in the side quests.

GTA V

If you are a fan of free-roaming and open-world games in general, then Grand Theft Auto V is the perfect game for you as it features one of the biggest open worlds ever made in video game history. In addition to that, you get a fully fleshed-out campaign mode, incredible character creation, a wide variety of vehicles, weapons, and many more features. 

Simply put, GTA V easily makes it into the top 3 contenders of Best Open World Games on PC!

To say that Grand Theft Auto Online is massive would be an understatement, as you can take part in a limitless number of activities in GTA Online. These can include creating your own custom character, owning entire buildings or businesses, making an exotic car collection, and many more things.

Pros:

• The campaign storyline in Grand Theft Auto V is immensely engrossing and entertaining.
• The game confronts you with tough decisions that have a significant impact on the game’s outcome.
• GTA V offers a plethora of modes with boundless content to explore.
• GTA Online is an expansive world filled with countless activities to engage in.
• The game features an extensive range of options for character customization.

Cons:

• Grand Theft Auto V is notorious for its lengthy loading screens.
• Earning money to purchase desired items requires a significant amount of grinding.

Takeaways

I really wanted to do a brief overview of all these games, so anyone reading out there can at least know which game is most suitable for him. Just to clarify, I’ll say once again, all of these games are worth playing, and comparing them to each other is injustice.

If you are a big fan of PC open world games, simply start playing these games. Moreover, it’s really a great time to start playing Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Watch Dogs 2, and Far Cry 5, because these games are now going to be replaced by new ones. I don’t really recommend skipping out on these and jumping on the latest ones.