30 BEST Open World Games For Xbox One

Xbox one is almost at the end of its generation cycle, but it is ending on a high note with a large library of games. There are games from multiple genres that you can play on the Xbox One. We will specifically discuss the best Open World games for the Xbox One. As expected from a console that’s almost lived for 10 years, Xbox One features a massive catalog of open-world games. However, we will entail the Top 30 open-world games that have been praised as top-tier games over the years.

We’ve summarized all 30 best open world games for Xbox One below:

SIMILAR Article: BEST Single Player Xbox One Games

Best Open World Games on Xbox One

Our list will consist of the top 20 single-player games. We will start from the lowest tier and slowly make our way upwards toward the top-tier games. The list is based on the general popularity of these games on the Xbox One. However, we did add some hidden gems and a few underrated single-player games that you might have missed. Now let us dive into our list of the best single-player game that you can play on the Xbox One.

30. Riders Republic

• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Riders Republic has a massive open world centered around mountainous areas that you can either explore solo or with friends online. You can choose to either ride bikes in the plateaus, skateboards across snowy mountains, or just simply glide your way through the beautiful open world of RiderRepublic.

Riders Republic is a good open world to just chill around and explore. There is not much else to do other than racing around either solo or online with your friends/against other players. It is definitely an underrated open-world game that needs more attention from the Xbox One fanbase.

Pros:

• All the skis, bikes, and wingsuits can be opened when you’ve completed the tutorial instead of being locked in a solitary state for hours of progress.
• There’s a fair amount of variety to the races, so not every event has to be about the race track, but it could become boring very quickly.
• It is also the option of switching to the first-person mode when riding bikes and immersing yourself in the race.

Cons:

• The game lacks a storyline and career-based mode within Riders Republic, which could be a huge displeasure for certain players.
• The controls can be extremely stiff or awkward and can detract from the thrill of playing an extreme sport.
• Some dialogs and commentary may appear forced.

29. Bully: Scholarship Edition

• Publisher: Rockstar Studios 
• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Even after 14 years of its release, Bully: Scholarship Edition is one of the best Rockstar games as well as the best open-world game to have come out for Xbox One. However, the open-world setting of Bully: Scholarship Edition is quite unique and different from Rockstar’sother games.

You can either become a diligent student or just straight-up bully other kids into submission. The setting is that of a school and Rockstar has done very well in portraying the setting. The possibilities in the open world of Bully: Scholarship Edition are endless and it has even got a good story to back up the gameplay.

Pros:

• Bully Scholarship Edition offers a variety of gameplay elements, including fighting, racing, and puzzle-solving, which keeps the gameplay fresh and interesting.
• The dialogue in Bully Scholarship Edition is genuinely funny and interesting.
• The open world is full of areas to explore and activities to participate in.

Cons:

• The start of Bully Scholarship Edition is incredibly frustrating as you have limited access to the open world, no weapons, and many bullies can interrupt your missions.
• The cutscenes are not very cinematic which can take away from the immersion.
• The graphics and character models are outdated.

28. Dragon Age: Inquisition

• Publisher: EA
• Developer: Bioware
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Dragon Age Inquisition is an open-world role-playing game. The gameplay and open world are much like the Witcher 3 but the freedom of choice and customization are like the Souls games. You can choose different classes to play around with in Dragon Age: Inquisition. For more information on classes check out our Dragon Age Inquisition Best Class Ranked guide.

You will come across many different interactions with other characters that will affect your journey in Dragon Age. Moreover, the open world is additionally filled with many side quests that have an impact on the story. Dragon Age: Inquisition’s beautiful fantasy OpenWorld is best in class for Xbox One games.

Pros:

• Dragon Age: Inquisition features engaging and well-developed characters that you can become invested in.
• It includes a variety of romance options for you to pursue, allowing for a deeper level of character development.
• Dragon Age: Inquisition allows for numerous choices that you can make throughout the story, which can have significant consequences on the overall narrative and gameplay.
• There are multiple endings in Dragon Age: Inquisition based on the choices you make.
• Dragon Age: Inquisition is an incredibly in-depth and genuine RPG.

Cons:

• Dragon Age: Inquisition can be incredibly hard to get into for players that are new to RPGs.
• The story of Dragon Age: Inquisition might not be as well-written and complex as some players would like.
• The open world might not be as good as some others.

27. Sea Of Thieves

• Publisher: Microsoft Studios
• Developer: Rare
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Multiplayer Game

Sea of Thieves features a massive open world that’s built for seamless CO-OP and multiplayer gameplay. It is a massive sea for pirates to conquer and now you can do that with as many as four friends online. Being an online experience, Sea of Thieves also gets frequent updates so there’s never a shortage of content.

Although Sea of Thieves offers a massive pirate open world to explore, it is strictly an online experience and that may put off some players. However, when you actually do play online, you’ll realize why the game is considered one of the open-world games that you can enjoy on the Xbox One.

Pros:

• The graphics and textures are fantastic and do an excellent job of creating a realistic pirate atmosphere.
• Sea Of Thieves features interactive sailing elements that complement the amazing graphics.
• You can play co-op in Sea of Thieves multiplayer.

Cons:

• The gameplay and quests in Sea of Thieves can rapidly become tiresome.
• Sea of Thieves contains a few flaws and problems.

26. Minecraft

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: Mojang and 4J Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Minecraft is a great open-world experience It’s nothing too extraordinary but its not bad either. The game has almost been released on every single console generation including the Xbox One. The survival aspect of the game is what makes its open-world lively.

Minecraft is famous for its resource gathering and crafting mechanics in order to survive in the open world. You can gather resources and build whatever you want in the game. Your crafts are just limited by your imagination and there is so much that you can achieve in Minecraft. The freedom of gameplay is one of the best for an open-world game in Minecraft that you can play on the Xbox One.

Pros:

• Minecraft is a major game that has been operating for over ten years and still has one of the largest user populations in gaming.
• Minecraft has an infinite number of internet servers that allow you to play with people from all around the world.
• Minecraft features a robust developer community and regular updates that keep you interested.
• Minecraft has cross-platform functionality, which lets you play with anyone on the globe, regardless of platform.

Cons:

• It might be exceedingly tough to play with your pals in a survival world without paying for a server or going through lengthy formalities.

25. Yakuza 0

• Publisher: Sega
• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

The Yakuza series is known to have a niche audience but ever since its rise in the current generation with excellent underdog spinoffs like Lost Judgment. You cannot undermine the quality of its Open-world design and structure. Though prominently featuring the same location, the evolution in its design is unforgettable.

Players stepping into the shoes of either Kiryu or Majima, the dual protagonists of the game will no doubt find a variety of hustle and glamour to tackle in the streets of Kamurucho and Sotenbori. These locations return in later games and the sense of knowing each street like the back of your hand gives off a familiar feeling of being back at home again.

These are the two main cities featured in the game, each hosting a plethora of activities you can unlock and enjoy. Whether it’s breaking the rules in Karaoke or fighting scumbags in the underground arena. There are Nightclubs to jam and dance around in as well as Hostess clubs to manage as the Night of the Lord, Majima.

Yakuza 0 even more than 5 years later, is easily one of the best open-world games with a high-octane and nuanced storyline that parallels the retro Japan crime feud drama. Kamurucho is a familiar open-world setting that never ceases to disappoint fans as it constantly shifts around in tone and complexity with each installment. RGG is always trying to reinvent its formula of exploration as seen by the recent Yakuza 7 and the Judgment series.

Pros:

• The plot has several unexpected turns, and as you attempt to traverse the perilous underbelly of 1980s Japan.
• The music is the ideal complement to Yakuza 0’s gritty tone.
• The combat system in Yakuza 0 is easy to learn and satisfying, offering a wide range of attacks and combos.

Cons:

• Yakuza 0’s opening scenes might go at an extraordinarily slow pace.
• Yakuza 0 is a Japanese game with no English dub, so you must watch the lengthy cutscenes with subtitles.
• For players who prefer anime, this may not be an issue, but for some other players, it may be a major turnoff.

24. Watch Dogs

• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Watch Dogs is another original take of Ubisoft on the open-world genre of games. At first glance, some people might call the game another Grand Theft Auto 5 clone but that is definitely not the case. The gameplay of Watch Dogs is a breath of fresh air in open-world games.

The open world itself is not something extraordinary, but the gameplay takes it to greater heights. You are basically a hacker and can hack almost everything in Watch Dogs. From hacking street lights to mobile phones, use everything at your disposal in the open world of Watch Dogs.

Pros:

• Watch Dogs has an amazing, large, and detailed open world that is set in a fictionalized version of Chicago.
• There are both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes in Watch Dogs.
• Watch Dogs offers you a lot more content besides the main campaign, which keeps you invested in it for a long time.
• It features a large selection of vehicles for you to use, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and more.

Cons:

• Some players might find the characters in Watch Dogs to be underdeveloped and lacking in depth.
• The story in Watch Dogs might seem unoriginal and uninspired, with a predictable plot.
• The AI can be incredibly inconsistent in different parts of Watch Dogs.

23. Outer Wilds

• Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
• Developer: Annapurna Interactive and Mobius Digital
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Outer Wilds consists of many open-world areas in space. The game itself is mysterious and implements a gameplay system based on exploration. You will be solving puzzles while exploring the aesthetic settings of space in Outer Wilds.

Outer Wilds definitely deserves a spot on our list of best open-world games for the Xbox One console. The game will keep you entertained for hours with its beautiful open-world and mysterious gameplay design.

Pros:

• Outer Wilds encourages you to explore and discover new things in its huge, open universe.
• Outer Wilds’ graphics are amazing and have a very distinct aesthetic.
• Outer Wilds is a difficult game that challenges you to think critically and solve difficulties in order to advance.
• The sound design is fantastic and extremely immersive.

Cons:

• Some of the riddles in Outer Wilds are far too simple to solve.
• Outer Wilds may not be for you if you prefer combat, as there is none in the game.
• Controlling the jetpack and the spaceship can be difficult at times.

22. Far Cry 3: Classic Edition

• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Far Cry is an old-generation game but even for its release, it was ahead of its time. You can now experience the best Far Cry open-world game design by playing Far Cry 3: Classic Edition on the Xbox One. Enjoy a seamless experience without any problems that the Xbox 360 had.

Far Cry 3 is even appreciated by the fans today as not only the best Far Cry game but also the best open-world game. Its open world is further improved by an amazing storyline, character, and plot that you can follow. The map isn’t empty either and is filled with amazing side content.

The open world in Far Cry 3 doesn’t even get boring at any point due to its amazing gameplay. You’ll be hooked for hours just exploring and taking over the massive map of Far Cry 3: Classic Edition.

Pros:

• The Classic Edition has improved upon the graphics of the original Far Cry 3 and given them more of a visual appeal.
• Far Cry 3: Classic Edition’s open-world environment is vast and full of detail, providing you with plenty of opportunities to explore and discover new locations.
• The story of Far Cry 3: Classic Edition is great and engaging, as it does a great job of keeping you invested.

Cons:

• Far Cry 3: Classic Edition does not include a multiplayer mode, which may be disappointing for some players who enjoy playing with friends.
• While the graphics in Far Cry 3: Classic Edition have been improved from the original game, they are still fairly outdated compared to more recent releases.
• The driving is not fun and can feel very annoying in Far Cry 3: Classic Edition.

21. Sunset Overdrive

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Sunset Overdrive not only features a beautiful open-world design but also has best-in-class traversal for an Xbox game. Insomniac Games is the same studio that made Marvel’s Spiderman (2018) so you can expect some cool mechanics in Sunset Overdrive.

The plot is actually very comical but the emphasis is defiantly on combat and gameplay in the game. Sunset Overdrive probably has the most unique combat implementation for an open-world game. You slide around roads, jump around buildings, and parkour around the city while gunning down monsters.

Even the side quests in Sunset Overdrive have a lot to offer. The traversal in Sunset Overdrive is so amazing and polished that you’ll almost never use the Fast travel mechanic during your time in the game. Sunset Overdrive is an underrated gem and deserves a spot on our list.

Pros:

• Sunset Overdrive has fast-paced and very wild action that allows you to wall-run and jump across the city while fighting your foes.
• Sunset Overdrive’s style of art is vibrant and vibrant with a post-apocalyptic rock aesthetic that is distinctive.
• Sunset Overdrive has a co-op mode, which has eight players, dubbed the Chaos squad. In this mode, you can collaborate with your pals and complete a set of tasks.

Cons:

• There’s not much replay value to Sunset Overdrive, and it gets repetitive quickly after a couple of plays. There’s little content other than mission objectives and collecting items which could be disappointing for some players.

20. Final Fantasy XV

• Publisher: Square Enix
• Developer: Square Enix
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

It is a post-apocalyptic open-world game for the Xbox One. The game offers a huge open world to explore that is also filled with towns. Final Fantasy XV is also the first game in the franchise to offer such a huge map that you can explore. You play as Noctis in the world of Final Fantasy XV.

There are beautiful sights to behold on your journey through the open world of Final Fantasy XV. Additionally, The problems in the game were also taken care of by the developers, and a DLC was also released for the game. Every Xbox player should experience the amazing and one of the best open worlds of Final Fantasy.

Pros:

• What happens in Final Fantasy XV is one of the best stories in the history of gaming. it’s incredibly intricate and does an incredible job of keeping you entertained throughout.
• The character of Final Fantasy XV’s protagonist, Noctis is incredibly well-written and has complicated plot developments throughout the story.
• The characters from Final Fantasy XV are relatable and have amazing personalities. the story does an excellent job of creating an emotional bond between players and characters.
• Graphics in Final Fantasy XV are breathtaking and have great detail in the environments as well as the character models.
• The music from Final Fantasy XV is exceptional and memorable.
• Final Fantasy’s combat is extremely enjoyable and rewarding.

Con:

• A few Of the quests available in Final Fantasy XV are not made well and could be quite frustrating to complete.

An Interesting Read: Best Games Like Elden Ring

19. No Man’s Sky

• Publisher: Hello Games
• Developer: Hello Games
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

No Man’s Sky has one of the biggest open-world in the form of a vast galaxy that you can explore in your spaceship. Although, the game had an infamous launch with many bugs and glitches. Every little thing was fixed by the developers in a year’s time. 

Now you can explore countless planets in space without any problem whatsoever. The planets are procedurally generated with beautiful environments and astonishing creatures. The sheer vastness of this game makes No Man’s Sky one of the best open-world games to play around with on your Xbox One.

Pros:

• You can explore an essentially endless universe with procedurally generated planets and other celestial bodies in No Man’s Sky.
• As you may gather materials and create a wide range of tools and equipment to survive on hostile planets, the crafting and survival mechanics are intricate.
• There is a multiplayer feature in No Man’s Sky that lets you explore the cosmos and communicate with other people online.

Cons:

• It can be very frustrating to manage inventory.
• No Man’s Sky’s user interface could be improved.
• When playing online with others, there may be a few bugs.
• Certain activities’ repetitiveness can make the gameplay seem monotonous.

18. Assassin’s Creed Origins

• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Assassin’s Creed Origins presented Ubisoft’s first step into an expansive open-world game that is set in ancient Egypt. The game is extremely different from its predecessors and is a fresh take on the RPG genre as well. Not only is the atmosphere top-tier, but the music in the game is also worth praising. There are many Easter Eggs that you can find in Assassin’s Creed Origins as well.

You still play as an assassin, but now there is more variety in the bigger open-world setup of Assassin’s Creed Origins. The developers did an amazing job in recreating Ancient Egypt. The whole open world feels alive and keeps you hooked for hours!

Pros:

• Visually, Assassin’s Creed Origins is one of the best-looking stealth games of all time.
• The open world is extremely vast and brimming with a plethora of content that you can experiment with throughout the game.
• Other than the main story, there are a ton of side missions that you can accomplish in Assassin’s Creed Origins.
• The combat system is top-notch and quite rewarding.

Cons:

• Minor technical hiccups such as bugs and choppy frame rates can spoil the immersion of the player.
• The stealth element is sorely lacking which can be a major turnoff for veteran players of the series.
• Some missions are a bit too stretched which can hinder the pacing of the main storyline.

17. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

• Publisher: Bethesda
• Developer: Bethesda
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Skyrim was considered the best open-world game at the time of its release. However, even today, the game is praised for containing Bethesda’s most ambitious environments that you can explore. Filled with a wide variety of monsters, dragons, and dungeons, Skyrim is a big package for Xbox gamers.

Even the gameplay has variety with you choosing the way you want to play. Different weapons and armor sets in Skyrim can be used to create very specific builds. Skyrim allows you to progress the story however you like. That is what makes the open world of Skyrim one of the best Xbox Games.

Pros:

• There’s a massive variation in the designs that can be found in Skyrim.
• Making and crafting weapons or potions is not that difficult. This makes it easy for novices to join Skyrim.
• Skyrim is among the best open worlds of its time and still remains a great game.
• You can decide to play and be whoever you’d like to be in Skyrim as shero, thief archer, or whatever fits your preferred style of play.

Cons:

• There are a few problems during your gameplay, particularly with saving your progress, so ensure that you save your progress regularly.
• The voice performing in Skyrim is horrible and extremely offensive.
• Some facial animations are bizarre.

16. Just Cause 3

• Publisher: Square Enix Europe
• Developer: Avalanche Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Just Cause 3 has one of the most fun open-world maps where you can experiment with literally anything and everything. There are many methods to traverse the world of Just Cause 3, which even include things like gliding and using parachutes. 

Your main goal in the game is to cause destruction, and Just Cause 3 is intelligently built to do just that. The freedom in the game is so prominent that following the story in Just Cause 3 is just secondary. The massive catalog of weapons and vehicles in Just Cause 3 makes it one of the best open-world games that you can play on the Xbox One. 

Pros:

• Just Cause 3 allows players to explore the world through a variety of methods that include on feet, in vehicles as well as by using Just Cause 3’s grapple hook, the game’s signature, along with the parachute.
• The vast landscape that is Just Cause 3 is full of diverse landscapes, which include forests, mountains, and cities.
• Just Cause 3 has extremely smooth movement and smooth controls to keep the gameplay experience as enjoyable as it can be.

Cons:

• Some of the missions from Just Cause 3 might seem boring and uninteresting.
• Just Cause 3 has been criticized for its ineffective optimization, which has led to slow frame rates as well as other issues with performance on different platforms.
• Although the wide-open world in Just Cause 3 is beautiful It isn’t quite as deep. the depth that great open worlds possess.

15. Grand Theft Auto 5

• Publisher: Rockstar Studios
• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Grand Theft Auto 5 is studio Rockstar’s biggest open-world project to date. The game is so popular for its open-world design that it received releases across three different console generations.  Not only is the open world brimming with content, but the main storyline is impressive as well. 

You can play around the open world of Los Santos as three different characters. The game focuses on the relationships between these characters as they rob banks and perform heists together in the open world of Grand Theft Auto 5. 

Additionally, the amount of side content and attention to detail is mind-blowing, but that is also expected from a studio like Rockstar. You’ll be exploring the open world of GTA 5 for hours, and the game will always have something to offer. 

Pros:

• The story-driven campaign is enjoyable and engaging.
• The tough decisions that you need to take in Grand Theft Auto 5 can have a huge impact on the final outcome.
• Grand Theft Auto 5 comes in a variety of different styles with endless content.
• Grand Theft Auto Online is a huge game that has many things to do in the real world.
• The format is community-integrated, open-source modes that allow for endless imagination.
• A lot of personalization of the character is astounding.

Cons:

• Grand Theft Auto 5 is known for its lengthy loading screens that could consume the majority of hours.
• You have to grind for a long time to earn cash so that you can purchase your most desired product.
• The hand-to-hand combat isn’t good and it is not very satisfying.

14. Dying Light

• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: Techland
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Dying Light is not an ordinary open world, but it is a unique world overrun by zombies with a post-apocalyptic setting. Developer Techland implemented the Survival-horror aspects into an expansive open-world game. Additionally, the game is played in first-person mode.

If you end up enjoying the open-world design of Dying Light, then you will also love playing Dying Light 2, which is a direct sequel. The survival aspect of Dying Light will make you gather resources from the open world in addition to crafting weapons. You will fight hordes of zombies on your Xbox One in one of the best Open World games. 

Pros:

• Dying Light’s gameplay provides an intense and thrilling gameplay experience.
• The combat system is satisfying and incredibly brutal in Dying Light.
• Dying Light has a rich, immersive story that keeps players engaged and invested in the game world.

Cons:

• Dying Light’s controls can take some time to get used to and you cannot map the buttons to where you want, which may be frustrating for some players.
• The combat and movement at the start feel slow and unsatisfying and you will need to unlock some updates for it to become really fun.
• Dying Light has a few animation issues which may be spotted as lip sync issues and some minor glitches.

13. Saints Row: The Third Remastered

• Publisher: THQ
• Developer: Deep Silver Volition
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

The third Saints Row had one of the most critically acclaimed open worlds for a previous generation game. However, you can experience the beautiful open world of Saints Row: The Third in its remastered version on your Xbox One. The remastered version has enhanced graphics and even comes with all the DLCs included. 

The gameplay of Saints Row is just you causing chaos and mayhem in a city with your guns. It is you, the player, who decides what goes around in the open world. Even after a decade after its release, Saints Row: The Third stacks up as one of the best open-world games that you can play on the Xbox One.

Pros:

• This remastered edition of Saints Row: The Third includes new graphics and effects that make the game appear more contemporary and full of life.
• Saints Row: The Third Remastered has enhanced the AI of the first game, which makes the enemy characters harder to defeat, and provides an extra dimension to the gameplay experience.
• The characters from Saints Row: The Third Remastered are very eccentric in their personalities and sport excellent design concepts for their characters.

Cons:

• There are a variety of bugs and glitches that could disrupt your gaming experience. You can find them all throughout Saints Row: The Third Remastered.
• The remastered version of Saints Row: The Third could not provide much in terms of brand-new features, and could be disappointing to those who have played the original game.
• Saints Row: The Third Remastered doesn’t have any of the best gameplay and could appear outdated for some players.

12. Prototype

• Publisher: Activision
• Developer: Radical
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

The first Prototype game is praised even today for its well-designed open world even after 10 years of release. Basically, the game plays a lot like the Infamous franchise. You play as Alex, who has many superhero-like abilities like shape-shifting. Although, the game itself has a very dark atmosphere and story.

The open world of Prototype is set in the city of New York, where a virus outbreak has infected almost everyone. Alex is a superhuman who can glide and fight monsters with his special abilities. Explore one of the best open worlds in Prototype on Xbox One by buying the Biohazard bundle for the game.

Pros:

• Prototype’s fighting is immensely entertaining, and it appeals to those that enjoy blood and gore in battle.
• Prototype includes a vast range of powers that you can employ to vanquish your opponents.
• The story is incredibly well-written, and it does an excellent job of keeping you attached and curious about what happens next.
• Prototype provides a great challenge for those who seek it without becoming too frustrating for newcomers.

Cons:

• The missions you receive after completing Prototype are poorly designed and can be extremely frustrating, reducing the game’s replay value.
• When it comes to foes, Prototype lacks variety.

11. Forza Horizon 5

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios 
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Forza Horizon 5 is not only the Best Racing Game, but it is also one of the top-tier Openworld games to have come out in recent years. The game itself is set in Mexico, with many different beautiful environments through which you can race. There is also a massive catalog of cars you can choose from.

Our Forza Horizon 5 Review explains in depth the open-world design of this racing game. Basically, there are areas like the Baja Desert, farmland, jungle, and La Gran Caldera. Baja Desert is a massive desert area where you can race around. In comparison, La Gran Caldera consists of beautiful volcanoes and mountainside tracks for you to race on.

It is rather amazing how the developers built such a vast open world only for the sole purpose of racing. Just riding around the beautiful maps of Forza Horizon 5 never gets boring. The aesthetic setting of its open world makes it one of the best games to play on Xbox One. You can even get Forza Horizon 5 on the Gamepass if you own the subscription.

Pros:

• The lighting in Forza Horizon 5 is superbly done.
• Each track differs in its own unique way, and there is a really nice variety.
• It can be a nice change of pace to be able to roam freely in Forza Horizon 5.
• The customization possibilities and car choices are incredible.

Cons:

• The microtransactions allow you to almost unlock anything, which can feel like pay-to-win.
• There can be a lot of loadings that can be very frustrating.

10. Halo Infinite

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: 343 Industries
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Halo Infinite is the latest and greatest Halo game which is also a direct sequel to Halo 5. Studio 343 took a fresh approach this time around by creating an open-world Halo game. The vast open world of Halo Infinite becomes accessible after completing the campaign mission 2.

The open world isn’t just empty either. There are many side missions in addition to other activities that you can do around the map. Even though the campaign of Halo Infinite is linear, the open world itself is not where you are granted freedom of exploration. 

Halo has always been the trademark of Xbox, and it is no surprise that we include it in our list of best open-world games for the Xbox One. You can also grab the game for free if you have access to Xbox Gamepass. Additionally, there is a whole separate multiplayer mode included as well.

Pros:

• The graphics and textures in Halo Infinite are truly stunning.
• The gunplay mechanics are excellent.
• The multiplayer mode in Halo Infinite is packed with excitement and offers tons of fun.
• The music is outstanding and adds to the overall gaming experience.
• The storyline in Halo Infinite is captivating.

Cons:

9. Cyberpunk 2077

• Publisher: CD Projekt Red
• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Cd Projekt Red is one of the best studios known for making amazing open-world games. Cyberpunk 2077 is no exception to Cd Projekt Red’s masterclass open-world design. However, the not-so-amazing launch of the game overshadowed how good Cyberpunk really is.

Cyberpunk 2077 had many issues at launch, which set a bad impression. However, all these issues are now ironed out by the developer in the recent updates. You can enjoy a seamless experience of Cyberpunk 2077 on your Xbox One without any problems.

For the best experience on Xbox One, read our Cyberpunk 2077 Best Controller Settings guide. There are various Legendary Armors and Katanas that you can play around with. The game even offers a huge set of Perks for more variety in gameplay. Also consider reading our Best Cyberpunk 2077 Lifepaths: Pros and Cons guide.

Explore the beautiful and futuristic open world of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077. Filled with amazing NPCs, aesthetic vehicles, and just an overall gorgeous setting of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers one of the best open worlds to date.

Create your own character through the character creation engine, which is much like that of Souls games. Then explore the massive open world either on a futuristic car or a Motorcycle in Cyberpunk 2077. Every Xbox One owner should definitely try the game at least once.

Pros:

• One of the most gorgeous video games in terms of aesthetics is Cyberpunk 2077.
• The core narrative is extremely well-written and captivating.
• The voice actors in Cyberpunk 2077 do an outstanding job of conveying emotions.

Cons:

• Cyberpunk 2077’s close combat is terrible and rapidly becomes monotonous.
• Cyberpunk 2077 has numerous performance problems and bugs that can completely sabotage the experience.
• There are some strange animations.

8. Middle Earth: Shadow of War

• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: Monolith Productions
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

The successor to Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War improves upon an already amazing open world with its nemesis system. Middle Earth: Shadow of War features a massive open world filled with content that you’ll come across during your exploration. 

The nemesis system basically allows you to take over Orc camps and make armies of your own in the open world. Seize your enemy bases and make them your own. Make the Orcs fight alongside you against the enemy. It is a very unique aspect of Shadow of War’s gameplay that you won’t find in any other open-world game.

The size of the open world itself is also massive, with five different biomes in the game. Each biome is filled with collectibles and side quests in addition to a variety of enemies. Middle Earth: Shadow of War is one unique open world game in our list of best open world games for Xbox One.

Pros:

• The Dynamic Nemesis System creates unique enemy encounters and personalizes your journey through the game to give you a more immersive experience.
• You can recruit and command an army of orcs, each with its own unique abilities and personalities, to aid you in battle.
• Middle-Earth: Shadow of War features some of the most fun combat in RPG history.

Cons:

• The story’s pacing can feel a bit off because of some padding being done to lengthen it.
• The endgame part of Middle-Earth: Shadow of War may not appeal to some players.
• The graphics are inconsistent in different parts of Middle-Earth: Shadow of War.

7. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

• Publisher: Sega
• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Yakuza Like a Dragon is the best entry point into the Yakuza Franchise. It is the seventh installment of the critically acclaimed Yakuza series. Like a Dragon brings back everything that we loved about Yakuza and further improves on those mechanics.

Although the combat is significantly different from previous Yakuza games, it is like a breath of fresh air as RGG implements turn-based combat into Yakuza, which has some comical elements as well. Additionally, there are new cities added to Yakuza Like a Dragon, including Ijincho and Yokohama.

Create your own party in the expansive open world of Yakuza and take on your enemies. There are many side activities that keep you occupied for hours as well. Yakuza Like a Dragon is a testament to how far the open world has come in Yakuza games. Almost every Yakuza game is available to download on Gamepass. 

Pros:

• The writing is excellent, and the tale keeps you interested the entire time.
• The characters are fantastic.
• Yakuza has an extremely appealing and distinctive aesthetic.

Cons:

• It’s possible that not everyone may enjoy the turn-based fighting system.
• Character animations in Yakuza: Like A Dragon can occasionally be clumsy and rigid.
• Several players did not appreciate the fact that Yakuza Like A Dragon’s protagonist was changed.

6. Batman Arkham Collection

• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: Rocksteady Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Games

Batman Arkham games are best-in-class superhero games developed by Rocksteady Studios. Play through an amazing open-world Gotham as Batman on the Xbox One. Additionally, the Batman Arkham collection consists of three Arkham games, including Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight.

You can even grab the collection on sale for as low as 10$. Grappling and Gliding your way through Gotham City while beating up the bad guys is an experience that every Xbox One owner should go through. You can even drive the Batmobile through Gotham in Batman Arkham Knight.

The combat in Batman games is also extremely fluid. With the gloomy and dark atmosphere of Gotham, Batman Games offer some of the best aesthetics in the open world. The open world itself is also filled with many secrets and rewards you for exploring it.

Undoubtedly, Batman Arkham games on the Xbox One are definitely deserving of the best open-world games title. These games not only have great voice acting, but they also feature some of the best cinematics for a superhero game.

Pros:

• Batman Arkham Collection includes all 3 of the Arkham games and the Arkham Knight season pass in an incredibly cheap and affordable package.
• The Arkham games have fluid and intuitive combat that makes every strike feel like there is weight behind it.
• The open world is enormous, with a variety of side missions and collectibles to discover.

Cons:

• The enemy AI can be a bit slow sometimes.
• The violence in the Arkham games may not be suitable for younger players.
• Some of the boss fights can feel very underwhelming or sometimes too easy.

5. Fallout New Vegas

• Publisher: Bethesda
• Developer: Obsidian
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Fallout New Vegas is an action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Games and published by Bethesda. Despite being riddled with bugs at release, the game quickly became a cult classic in the open world genre. It amassed a huge fanbase because of its outstanding writing and open-world design.

Bethesda Games also receive many mods due to huge Modding Communities following these games. These mods generally bring the quality of life changes to the game in addition to added benefits. Even on its own, the open-world Fallout New Vegas sets itself apart from other open-world games.

Fallout New Vegas is originally an Xbox 360 title. However, it can be easily played on the Xbox One thanks to backward compatibility. The game is even available on Xbox Gamepass as well. 

Pros:

• In Fallout New Vegas, players can explore a vast open world set in the post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert and align themselves with unique factions, each with its own objectives.
• The game’s Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.) enables players to pause the action and target specific body parts for more precise and dynamic combat.
• Additionally, for players who seek a challenge, Fallout New Vegas offers a hardcore mode.

Cons:

• Unfortunately, Fallout New Vegas has a significant number of bugs and glitches that can be extremely frustrating.
• The AI is notably unintelligent.
• The first-person shooting mechanics feel clunky and unsatisfying.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Publisher: Rockstar Studios
• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Another magnum opus of studio Rockstar, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption. However, the story is set before the events of the first game. You play Arthur Morgan, who is part of the biggest bandit gang in America.

It should be noted that the game was set well before the 1900s. Play through an extremely beautiful and well-designed open world filled with mountains, grasslands, farms, cities, and islands. Rockstar breathes life into its open-world games, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is no exception to that.

Brimming with life in each and every corner of the map, Red Dead Redemption 2 has a lot of content to offer through its open world. Secrets are hidden in every nook and cranny of the map, only to be discovered by open world fans. 

Red Dead Redemption also runs smoothly on the Xbox One, where it is locked at 30fps. Rockstar really outdid themselves with this title. Red Dead Redemption 2 definitely deserves the spot in the top 5 of the best open-world games available on Xbox One. 

Pros:

• The visuals in Red Dead Redemption 2 are breathtaking.
• The game’s open world is full of life and adventure, offering countless opportunities to explore.
• Quests and missions are truly one-of-a-kind, leaving you on the edge of your seat with excitement and intrigue.
• The soundtrack perfectly complements the overall atmosphere.

Cons:

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Publisher: CD Projekt Red
• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

The 2015 Game of the Year, The Witcher 3 is Cd Projekt Red’s most polished and successful game to date. An open world filled with literally hundreds of hours of content, The Witcher 3 is a must-play for open-world game lovers. 

With difficulties as hard as Death March and mini-games such as Gwent, Witcher 3 caters to all types of gamers. The world of Witcher 3 is an absolutely beautiful fantasy design filled with mythical creatures that you hunt as you go. 

The fate of characters in this world depends on your actions and choices. It makes the game feel more alive. The beautiful imagery in the game cannot be stressed enough, especially in the Blood and Wine DLC. Your choices make your story in the Witcher 3.

Not only is the open world brimming with dungeons, bosses, and NPCs to interact with, but it also has unique hidden easter eggs for the players who like to explore. 

Pros:

• The Witcher 3’s background and setting are exceptionally well-designed and stunning.
• The Witcher 3’s combat is satisfying and fluid, and it’s a lot of fun.
• The Witcher 3 comes to life because of the rich and beautiful graphics.
• As you go through the game, you will discover numerous new things in the open world.

Cons:

• Long loading times can be tedious and time-consuming.
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt contains numerous features and mechanics that can be difficult for inexperienced players to grasp.
• Some of the side tasks can get tedious and uninspired.

2. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

• Publisher: Konami
• Developer: Kojima Productions
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

MGS V: The Phantom Pain was one of the most ambitious projects from Hideo Kojima, which resulted in an exceptional open-world design paired with the smoothest third-person action. The game even has amazing optimization as it runs at a smooth 60 frames per second on Xbox One.

The game drops you in two different regions based in Afghanistan and Africa. Experience gameplay in both tropical forests of Africa and the sandy dunes of Afghanistan. There is even a buddy system in the game which allows you to take different companions into battle.

MGS V doesn’t spoon-feed you content like many other open-world games. It allows the player to choose for themselves how they want to counter a certain situation. Gameplay is heavily dependent on freedom, and missions can be tackled in various different ways.

The open world is not the only amazing aspect of MGS V. The Storyline, Voice Acting, and Cinematics all contribute towards making MGS V one of the best open world games that you can enjoy on the Xbox One. 

Pros:

• You are engrossed from beginning to end because of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’s tremendously intricate and original tale.
• Very beautiful and alluring visuals and visual design are used.
• The Fulton recovery mechanism and Mother Base management are only two examples of the unusual gameplay elements that give the game a deeper level of immersion.

Cons:

• Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has boring side missions.
• Many players might not enjoy the unnecessarily drawn-out cutscenes, which can even become tedious.

1. Elden Ring

• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Developer: From Software
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Elden Ring is the most recent release of Studio FromSoftware and has quickly gained massive popularity as the best open-world game ever made. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has set new standards for the open world genre of gaming with the release of Elden Ring.

Elden Ring does things so perfectly and creates an almost flawless open world which even makes The Legend of Zelda: BOTW look ordinary. Undoubtedly, the content offered in Elden Ring is exceptionally greater than some other open-world games that are higher in price. 

Prior to its release, Elden Ring had already won Two Awards for the most hyped game. And on release, it lived up to that hype with its open-world design. So much so that no other game being released this year has a chance to compete against Elden Ring at the Game Awards.

From using Colossal Swords to Katanas to Seals and implementing incantations into your builds, there is a lot to do here. While you’re at it, check out our Elden Ring Best weapons guide. There are many difficult bosses like Malenia but you can use Mimic Tear for an easier time.

Elden Ring is probably one of the last few AAA games being released on the Xbox One. Players should definitely make the most of the game. Elden Ring is definitely the best open world to have come out in a long time, and it deserves the number 1 spot on our list of best open world games for the Xbox One.

Pros:

• The vast world in Elden Ring is very well-designed.
• Certain areas are exceptionally stunning, with stunningly detailed environments that are immersive.
• Elden Ring’s characters are incredible and memorable.
• The writing is great and does an outstanding job of keeping you engaged to the tale.
• Elden Ring’s combat system is very unique and fun to play with.

Cons:

• AI can be a bit silly at times.
• Sometimes bosses appear several times within a single sequence, and this could be repeated.

A Similar Read: Best Soulsborne Games

Honorable Mentions

There are many other open-world games available on the Xbox One that are worth playing in addition to the ones that we have mentioned. These are some of the underrated gems that also deserve some appreciation for their open-world design. Following is the list of some additional open-world games available on the Xbox One that are also good;

• Dying Light 2
• Immortals Fenyx Rising
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Just Cause 4
• Mad Max
• Fallout 4
• State of Decay 2
• Riders Republic
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
• Watch Dogs: Legion
• Far Cry 4
• Batman Arkham Origins

Summary

This concludes our list of Best Openworld Games for the Xbox One. We explained in complete detail almost 20 different open-world games that you can download and play on the Xbox One.

Our rankings are based on the popularity of these games and their general review scores. Let us know about other open-world games on the Xbox One in the comments below!

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