40 BEST Xbox Series X Open World Games In 2023

There is no denying the fact that the Open-World Genre of gaming has revolutionized the industry to an extent where letting yourself loose in another world with creative freedom beside you is the way to go. So join us as we discuss the 40 of the best and most fun Open World games that players can play on the Xbox Series X.

40. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

• Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Release Date: November 10, 2020
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Assassin’s creed Valhalla is the latest title in the long-running franchise of AC titles. The game is the sequel to the 2018 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. It is the 12th installment of the series and the third mainline entry to the RPG Reboot trilogy of games, including AC Origins and Odyssey. The game is based on the Norse mythology era.

Players play as Eivor, and they can swap their gender in-game whenever they wish, between male or female. Together with your Viking brothers and sisters, you travel across the regions of Ancient England, taking down large strongholds and fortresses and conquering the lands in the name of their All-Father, Odin.

The game features many ways to customize your character. Eivor can arm themselves with AC Valhalla Dawn of Ragnarok Best Weapons along with some of the Best Shields in the game to take down powerful bosses & Mythical Creatures.

The game has two amazing DLC Expansions, Wrath of the Druids and Dawn of Ragnarok. The game is well worth your time if you love prolonged Open World RPGs, while some may find that much time investment too much. 

Pros:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has stunning visuals.
• There are so many amazing things to do and explore in the open world.
• With its excellent graphics and some exceptionally well-written storylines, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers one of the most immersive gaming experiences.
• Characters in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are superbly written and unforgettable.

Cons:

• There may be some bugs in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, especially in the PC version of the game.
• The animations feel stiff, and the combat system is not the best.

39. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

• Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Release Date: October 5, 2018
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Speaking of which, it only seemed fair that we discuss the previous title that was released before Valhalla. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes place during the Greek mythology era. It focuses on pure RPG combat and mechanics as well as a plentiful of quests and ships sailing around the massive Open World.

With AC Odyssey, Ubisoft managed to increase the RPG aspects found in origins and make them more varied and complex, with much more levels to grind and a plethora of new activities to complete around the map. You have the option to play as either Kassandra or Alexios.

It is the first time in an Assassin’s Creed title that players are now able to choose a specific gender for the main protagonist. Players can easily sink up to a hundred hours while exploring the massive Greek map in the game.

The storytelling can be a hit or miss since the pacing can die down due to the level requirements of each mission, as well as the addition of Political Warfare amidst the original driving narrative on the family of Alexios and Kassandra.

Overall it is an Assassin’s Creed title that expands the RPG elements while experimenting with new ones, a fitting title to experience on the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s side missions offer a lot of good variety, and they all feature cutscenes.
• Instead of having to remember multiple button combinations to attack, the combat is fantastic for casual players who want to sit back and have a relaxing experience.
• As there are numerous cities, islands, and other places to visit and discover in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, each with its own distinctive culture and architectural style, the game offers a sizable open world to explore.
• A dialogue system in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey gives you the option to decide how to react to various game characters, furthering the immersion.

Cons:

• The campaign’s extremely slow pacing, combined with the size of the campaign, can make it difficult to keep playing.
• In contrast to Assassin’s Creed Origins, you can only use a certain number of abilities at any given time.

38. Far Cry 6

• Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Release Date: October 7, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Far Cry 6 is the sequel to Far Cry 5 and chronologically the 6th title in the franchise. The game features First-Person Action. The game runs best on the hardware of the Xbox Series X and, overall, is a fantastic Open World game due to the exploration setting of the series.

You will play the role of Dani Rojas, a guerilla liberation forces fighter in hopes of liberating the Island of Yara from the tyranny of Anton Castillo, who is played by the brilliant actor from Breaking Bad Giancarlo Esposito.

There is so much to do in the game, from taking down outposts to destroying military convoys. You will slowly but surely take back the Island in a variety of different ways. The sandbox Open world is littered with a few Hidden Weapons in Far Cry 6 to find as well as awesome-looking Rides to travel in with style.

The Island of Yara is the biggest map in the series so far, so there is, of course, a lot to do. Ubisoft has seen some better days, but it is great to see them keeping franchises like Far Cry alive and well. 

Pros:

• Far cry 6 has a rich and engaging story that talks about themes of revolution, resistance, and the consequences of authoritarian rule.
• The multiplayer in far cry 6 is great as it lets you team up with friends and do co-op.
• Far Cry 6 boasts a huge open world filled with various activities, missions, and secrets to discover.

Cons:

• The enemy AI is horrible in Far Cry 6, with some enemies showing unrealistic behavior or being too easy to beat.
• Some players might think Far Cry 6 plays too much like its predecessor.
• You may find the dialogue repeating sometimes.

37. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

• Developer: Gear Box Software
• Publisher: 2K Entertainment
• Release Date: March 25, 2022
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a spin-off Open World Looter Shooter game from the Borderlands Franchise. The game features action-packed First-Person shooter combat and gameplay. The game implements a variety of RPG elements into its aspects which sets it apart from the mainline titles.

The storytelling is told through the narration of Tiny Tina during a board game similar to Dungeons & Dragons. She narrates the entire game in a much more Fantasy and Medieval style, fully immersing the player in it. The game features different Classes to choose from this time around instead of the traditional Vault Hunters.

The RPG systems are tremendously fleshed out in the game and provide tons of replayability for players. Overall, if you love rewarding and addictive grind games with an Open World Fantasy Setting, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a fantastic game for the Xbox Series X. 

Pros:

• The cast in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is funny and entertaining.
• The over-the-top combat is incredibly fun, with different kinds of spells that add to the unique experience.
• Tiny Tina’s character is very well-written and incredibly enjoyable.

Cons:

• The bosses in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands are awful and get very tedious quickly.
• The side quests that, sometimes you have to complete, are incredibly tedious while having bad rewards.
• Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands uses RNG on loot and the rates are unforgiving.

36. Kingdom Hearts 3

• Developer: Square Enix Business Division 3
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Release Date: January 29, 2019
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Kingdom Hearts 3 is the 12th total installment in the long-running franchise. The game serves as a conclusion to one of its longest Light vs Darkness arcs. It is overall the third Kingdom Hearts title which features the main hero Sora alongside his allies from Disney, Donald, and Goofy.

Players can venture across to new worlds like in previous titles. You will meet many iconic Pixar and Disney characters along the way, including Elsa from Frozen and even Woody & Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. Players have the freedom to travel to any world once they complete the prologue section of KH3.

Compared to previous titles like Kingdom Hearts 2 and Birth by Sleep, the levels and world design of Kingdom hearts 3 are massive this time around. There is a distinctive leap in verticality that makes each of these worlds, like the Toy Box and Olympus, stand out as sandbox maps for Sora and his gang to freely roam around and explore.

The game was previously a PlayStation console exclusive. It is now out on the Series X, and we highly recommend picking it up alongside every other KH title if you love it since they are just as good as Kingdom Hearts 3. Not to mention the charm and beauty of these games are a must for Action JRPG lovers worldwide.

Pros:

• The new ability called “form change” is a great new addition to Kingdom Hearts 3 and makes it stand out from its predecessors.
• Kingdom Hearts 3 has enormous worlds that are very interesting to explore and even reward explorations.
• The characters in Kingdom Hearts 3 are well-developed and incredibly likable, including both original characters and characters from various Disney franchises.
• The graphics are incredible and add a lot more immersion to the overall experience.

Cons:

• A lot of the worlds lack depth in their story and feel like replays of the original movies.
• Kingdom Hearts 3 may feel too short to some players and may have too many cutscenes for some players’ liking.
• It might feel too easy to defeat bosses, even on high difficulty, which can turn away some players.

35. Rider’s Republic

• Developer & Publisher: Ubisoft
• Release Date: October 28, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

The Riders Republic Video Game is surprisingly one of the most gifted and ambitious titles put out by Ubisoft. It is a sports event game that revolves around players competing in various types of vehicular competitions such as mountain bike racing, wingsuit gliding, and snowboarding across many landscapes and locations.

The multiplayer of the game supports up to 20 players that can compete with each other. It makes for one of the most chaotic and fun games to play with a group of friends at your side. The terrain and race courses in each event type are so incredibly detailed that you can sometimes get distracted during the competitions.

It is a great chill open-world game to play that lets you travel to each pin-pointed event marker on the map to kickstart events. The game also supports a single-player career mode that involves you challenging and completing each of the categories in the racing events of the game.

So if you are looking for a unique open-world game that is an absolute joy with friends and other players, then consider picking up Riders Republic, which runs at a consistent 4K plus 60FPS on the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• After completing the tutorial, all of the bikes, skis, and wingsuits are immediately available for use rather than being hidden behind numerous hours of progress.
• There is a good deal of variety among the events, so it’s not all just racing, which can get monotonous very quickly.
• While racing on bikes, you can also choose to switch to first-person mode, which does a fantastic job of immersing you in the action.

Cons:

• Riders Republic lacks a proper story or career mode, which might be a major turnoff for some players.
• There are times when the commentary and dialogue seem forced.

34. Mad Max

• Developer: Avalanche Studios
• Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
• Release Date: September 1, 2015
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

The Franchise is most notably known for the movies created by Director, Geroge Miller. However, the game adaptation was proven to be a hit among fans. However, it is a given fact that Mad Max the Video Game suffered from commercial success and to this day remains to be an underrated gem. 

The game’s setting takes place in the far-off future of the Post-Apocalyptic wastelands. You play as the classic hero of the series’ Max Rockatasnky, a hollow husk of a man. Throughout the Wastelands, you will be using vehicular combat from the Magnum Opus. The car itself has a very complex customizable system to upgrade it and apply various types of cosmetics to it.

The map is huge and filled with activities to do and complete. During traversal, players will need to be mindful of enemy cars and convoys that can ambush Max at any given time. The game will require you to mainly progress via completing multiple Gang Outposts and bandit camps, as well as destroying key locations like Enemy Fuel Depots.

The beat-em-up combat feels robust and smooth, just like the Batman Arkham games. Xbox Series X users will be glad to know that the game supports up to 60FPS, which is all the more reason to pick it up if you’re a fan of underrated and well-crafted Open World games.

Pros:

• Mad Max has realistic weather effects, such as sandstorms that decrease visibility, that can affect gameplay.
• Mad Max has excellent graphics and lighting effects.
• Mad Max’s fighting is fast-paced and vicious, with a lot of weight and authenticity behind each hit.

Cons:

• The map’s user interface (UI) can be highly unsightly because it might get cluttered with various icons.
• Several of the tasks in Mad Max might get extremely repetitive.
• Mad Max’s online servers were entirely shut down by the developers.

33. Watch Dogs Legion

• Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Release Date: October 29, 2020
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Watch Dogs Legion is the sequel to Watch Dogs 2. It is the third overall installment in the series. It is quite different from the past titles in terms of gameplay. The main setting of the game is a futuristic London, UK.

Ubisoft has stylized London in such a way that it feels like a voided city full of technological advancement. The entire city is built like a gorgeous yet shallow dystopia filled with grim secrets and plentiful hacking activities.

The Watch Dogs games are well-known for their sandbox gameplay, like GTA but what makes them stand out is the hacking aspects in each game. The game revolves around using hacking tools to gain advantages in combat, solve different puzzles, manipulate the environment and its objects, as well as much more.

However, for the first time in the series, the game now has one unique element added to it. The main selling point of the game is that it allows you to recruit various NPCs to use as protagonists and in gameplay. So pretty much every single pedestrian that you see on the streets of London can become your ally and crew member.

The game also has great multiplayer and PVP modes if you are interested in those to play with your friends. The urban streets of London are breathtaking to gaze at, thanks to the performance of the Xbox Series X, so it is one of the few rare Ubisoft Open World games that never disappoint you.

Pros:

• The open world of Watch Dogs: Legion is expansive and immersive.
• The character customization is great and allows for a wide variety of playstyles.

Cons:

• The recruitment system is very unique but the characters you recruit are not explored very well and Watch Dogs: Legion does not do a good job of making you care for them.
• Watch Dogs: Legion’s graphics are not very impressive and fail to give you an immersive experience.
• The AI of NPC characters is not the best.

32. Mafia Definitive Edition

• Developer: Hangar 13
• Publisher: 2K entertainment
• Release Date: September 25, 2020
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Mafia definitive edition is a remake of the original Mafia, which was released back in 2002. The game is regarded as one of the few faithful remakes alongside Shadow of the Colossus and more. The game takes place in the fictional setting of Lost Haven, Illinois. The graphics are much more life-like in comparison to the original title.

Aside from graphics changes, the Definitive Edition of Mafia 1 retains the most poetic qualities, which are its emotional and impactful storytelling and narrative. The central plot is mostly focused on the late 1930s mob family warfare. The main hero, Tommy Angelo, is a part of all of it and shows his journey through the mess of it.

Lost Haven is home to a variety of cool activities to do, which are similar to other Sandbox Open World games like racing and horse betting competitions. You also have the freedom of entering the Free Ride mode, which lets you freely roam and experience the luxury of the city without any type of mission interfering with you.

The gunplay is more refined than ever before, with each action sequence complementing the dramatic back-and-forth storyline with the beautiful jazz and 90s classic OSTs as a cherry on top of it all. Xbox Series X users are yet again lucky to play this in crisp 60FPS using the game boost feature, so it easily is one of the Best Open World games to play on the console.

Pros:

• The Mafia Definitive Edition has stunningly upgraded aesthetics and updated graphics.
• You now get a richer and more compelling narrative experience thanks to the story’s expansion and development.
• Mafia Definitive Edition’s lost heaven area is beautifully created and has a wonderful layout.

Cons:

• Movement and climbing are very uncomfortable and disappointing.
• The game contains numerous flaws and glitches that can be extremely frustrating.

31. Minecraft

• Developer: Mojang
• Publisher: Mojang/Playstation/Xbox Studios
• Release Date: November 18, 2011
• Single or Multi-player: Both

If you are a casual gamer, then you have, of course, at least heard or know about the history of Minecraft. The game is a massive sandbox game that has garnered immense popularity throughout the past decade. Minecraft has a dedicated version for the Xbox Series with dynamic Ray-Tracing and tons of other new features.

The game supports crossplay, so you have easy-to-use freedom to play with your friends. The game supports the usage of multiple Launchers so other platforms like PC and Mobile can play it easily. The fun factors of the game are mainly its building ideas and survivability aspects. It supports Solo Survival as well as servers to host multiplayer.

Players together in these servers can create Bases via some of the best base ideas to fortify and share the world. You can go build a variety of things and whatever you wish. The creativity aspect will never cease to amaze people as tons of things have been shared from the community.

Players can customize their avatars or characters with various downloadable Skins too. The options are limitless when it comes to playing Minecraft, and it has never looked so stunning. With the inclusion of the 8K and Ray-Tracing updates on the Xbox Series X, it is easily the best Pure Sandbox Open World game on the market.

Pros:

• Despite being active for over a decade, Minecraft boasts one of the largest player bases in gaming.
• As a learning tool, Minecraft provides a platform for creative expression and problem-solving.
• With countless online servers available, players can connect with others from around the world.
• Strong developer support and consistent updates keep the game fresh and engaging.
• Minecraft’s cross-platform support enables players to connect regardless of their device.

Cons:

• However, playing with friends in a survival world can be challenging without paying for a server or going through tedious processes.

30. Kingdom Come Deliverance

• Developer: Warhorse Studios
• Publisher: Deep Silver
• Release Date: February 13, 2018
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Kingdom Come Deliverance is an Open World RPG that is focused on First Person Gameplay. The game is very similar to the likes of Fallout 4, where every decision or small RPG element is crucial to the player and story. The game is as Medieval as games can go with their setting and structure.

Out of most RPGs on our list, Deliverance provides one of the most grounded and hyper-realistic combats out there, more so than well-renowned games too. War Horse Studios implements the classic 14th-century sword fighting gameplay topped with brutal and punishing Role Playing mechanics.

Players who will experience the game for the first time will no doubt find themselves struggling to keep up with it, but the unique dialogue affecting the storyline will easily keep you hooked. Not to mention the game also features a Needs System; it essentially means you will constantly need to monitor your character’s hunger, sleep, and various other stats, including replacing your weapons and armor if they get degraded and need repair.

Lastly, the game looks mesmerizing in the graphics aspect. The accurate recreation of the Kingdom of Bohemia is too lifelike and stunning that you cannot help but be amazed on your first bootup of the game on a powerful system such as the Xbox Series X. It is surely a unique game that you need to try out once in your life.

Pros:

• Kingdom Come Deliverance does an amazing job of bringing the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia to life with incredible attention to historical detail.
• The combat system is based on real combat techniques and is incredibly satisfying.
• The UI and map are designed very well and both of those things have a very satisfying and unique aesthetic.

Cons:

• There can be infinite loading screens in King Come Deliverance which will require you to restart the game if you encounter one.
• The AI can be incredibly dumb sometimes.
• The map might be too small for some players.

29. Dying Light 2

• Developer & Publisher: Techland
• Release Date: February 4, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Dying Light 2 is the latest sequel to the widely popular first Dying Light game in the series. It is a post-apocalyptic zombie survival game with a heavy emphasis on Open World exploration and Parkour combat gameplay.

Techland surprisingly manages to broaden the horizons yet again with such a hyped sequel. The first game had a perfect parkour design which is the main aspect of the means of traversal in the game. Players can equip themselves with various types of weapons in Dying Light 2 to brutally kill zombies and other deranged thugs.

There is a deep and complex Skills Tree that players can upgrade to strengthen their combat and parkour. There are even Weapon Mods that you can find out in the world, as well as unique Easter Egg weapons that are freebie pickups to use in the game. Players not fond of the parkour aspect can use a Paraglider instead as another means of alternative traversal item along with the Hoverboard.

The massive Open World of Villedor in DL2 feels great to explore, thanks to the power of the Xbox Series X, making it a great zombie survival game for fans of the genre.

Pros:

• Dying Light 2 offers an impressively dynamic and enjoyable parkour system for players to explore.
• The game’s soundtrack effectively captures the thematic essence of the game.
• AI enemies possess excellent combat abilities and offer an enjoyable challenge.
• The graphics themselves are breathtakingly beautiful, immersing players in the game world.

Cons:

• Dying Light 2’s narrative is poorly written and fails to engage players in a meaningful way.
• The dialogue leaves much to be desired in terms of interest and intrigue.

28. Sea Of Thieves

• Developer: Rare
• Publisher: Microsoft Studios
• Release Date: PC, Xbox One March 20, 2018 / November 10, 2020
• Single or Multi-player: Multi-player

Ever dreamt of adventuring the seven seas and becoming the king of pirates? Sea of thieves fulfills that fantasy for every gamer with the Xbox Exclusive game known as Sea Of Thieves. The game is pure multiplayer based, which means that you will need an active internet connection and bandwidth to make it work.

Right out of the gate, Sea of thieves will throw players into an MMORPG world where the players like you are pirates and plundering Islands for loot. The game also supports intense PVP action so if you encounter other players out in the world while sailing, be wary and careful of their position and what they might do to you.

Sea of Thieves is a game that is best enjoyed with a friend or two along the ride. Together you can sail and manage your Ship with ease, making any sort of hassle easier. There is a multi-layered system for progression, including buried treasure to hunt, Trade Missions to complete as well as survival against legendary sea monsters.

The developers are constantly adding new updates to the game. There was even the addition of an amazing Pirates of the Caribbean crossover update too. The game is hands down one of the most popular Open World multiplayer games on the Xbox Series X to enjoy with your best buddies.

Pros:

• Sea of Thieves stunning graphics and visuals create a highly immersive pirate world
• The game features interactive sailing mechanics that add to the experience.
• The multiplayer aspect of the game allows for fun co-op play.

Cons:

• Some players may find the gameplay and quests in Sea of Thieves to be repetitive and tedious. 
• The game is not without its bugs and glitches.

27. Nier Automata

• Developer: Platinum Games
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Xbox Port Release Date: June 26, 2018
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Perhaps one of the few long-awaited titles to arrive on the Gamepass was Nier Automata. The game was originally released as a Playstation 4 native port with a PC version that was released in the next couple of days. Xbox users had to wait almost a year for the game to arrive on its platform.

The Nier games offer one of the most philosophical and emotional stories in Video Games. While the consensus may be divided on if that form of storytelling is attractive or not, there is no doubt that the creator, Yoko Taro has managed to amaze the fans with such complex forms of writing in his series, thanks to Nier.

Nier Automata’s gameplay is built from the ground up using the excellent action combat engine produced by Platinum Games, known for its other awesome action games like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. Both 2B and 9S, as well as A2, have access to a unique set of weapons and combos to destroy their enemies with style.

The world is divided by zones, but mostly everything else feels quite huge in scale. Players can unlock fast travel a fair bit into the game, so be mindful of that fact. You can also tackle side quests to receive extra rewards and XP.

Most importantly, the most trivial aspect of Nier Automata is the fact that the game will require you to complete a couple of consecutive playthroughs to unlock its full endings and disclosures. It can honestly be a make-or-break point for newer players.

However, we urge you to give the game a chance as not only does it run smoothly on the Xbox Series X, but it is one of the rare Open World Video Games with the greatest stories to tell.

Pros:

• Its tale is immersive, one of the most exquisitely crafted narratives in gaming lore.
• The characters are beautifully designed and expertly penned.
• The gameplay’s movement is satisfying and enjoyable, and the mechanics are both innovative and entertaining.

Cons:

• The side quests can be somewhat repetitive.
• Frame rate problems may arise on occasion.

26. Dragon Ball Z Kakarot

• Developer: CyberConnect2
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Release Date: January 16, 2020
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

DBZ Kakarot is the first traditional Open World RPG game in the franchise. The series had been known for tons of other Open World games, but they focused more on the arena fighting aspect, such as Xenoverse. Kakarot lets you relive the entire key moments of the legendary Shonen anime, complete with badass fights and exploration.

DBZ Kakarot allows players to experience the entire sagas of the game, from Goku’s iconic Super Saiyan battle against Frieza and even Gohan’s last stand against Cell. These moments are complemented magnificently with the striking and vivid art style to capture the essence of each frame as shown in the Anime.

The game is extremely welcoming to casual gaming fans as Kakarot provides a much more streamlined progression despite being an RPG-focused game. There is no need to grind XP too much unless you are going for 100 percent completion. Each of the fast-paced battles is are epic and can be tough if you’re not careful.

Xbox Series X players can play it at a locked 60FPS, a major advantage over the Playstation 5 users, who unfortunately cannot access this special anime Open World RPG game at boosted performance settings.

Pros:

• The graphics are stunning and do an excellent job of giving you a modern game experience of the Dragon Ball Story
• Some of the cutscenes are beautifully animated and look close to the anime while retaining the 3D models
• the world is very detailed and allows you to explore many famous Dragon Ball locations.
• The UI is incredibly satisfying.

Cons:

• Some of the side quests are very disappointing.
• There is a lack of beautifully animated cutscenes and the majority of them are only present at the start.
• The combat is way too simple and linear.
• The bosses get repetitive very quickly.

25. Immortals Fenyx Rising

• Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Release Date: December 3, 2020
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Originally known as “Gods and Monsters” during development stages, Immortal Fenyx Rising was Ubisoft’s ‘Breath of the Wild’ of Open World Games. After the success of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the team that worked on the game shifted to working on Fenyx, hence why it shares some similarities in design to AC Odyssey.

Immortals Fenyx Rising is inspired by Nintendo’s 2017 Breath of the Wild game that features a massive Open World map right from the get-go to explore and complete. The takes place in the Greek mythological era. You play as Fenyx, a demi-God who’s tasked by the Greek Gods to free them and others from captivity.

However, a lot of the story and dialogue in the game don’t take themselves too seriously. The game has an underlying tone where it behaves like a Disney Cartoon movie to an extent. There are some comic relief moments as well as wholesome yet hilarious minor 4th wall breaking moments to be found in the game.

The combat and gameplay are almost identical to BOTW, with some elements and some thankfully refined. Fenyx has access to a plethora of amazing abilities and move sets. They have two different weapons, but synergizing with their arsenal and trying all sorts of satisfying combos can help trivialize boss fights.

Generally speaking, if you’ve always wanted to play a game like Zelda BOTW, then Fenyx has just the perfectly crafted components plus the fantastic and complex puzzles of the Open World to keep anyone playing the game on their Xbox Series X occupied for hours on end. 

Pros:

• There are many different landscapes in Immortals Fenyx Rising’s open world, each with its own aesthetic and difficulties to overcome.
• The vaults, which contain distinct dungeons and puzzles, are quite addictive.
• Greek mythology serves as inspiration for Immortals Fenyx Rising’s rich mythology and intriguing narrative with recognizable characters.

Cons:

• Immortals Fenyx Rising’s open environment has a relatively small number of NPCs that you can talk to.
• There are a few little bugs.
• Not as responsively as it should feel, the movement.

24. Bully Scholarship Edition

• Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
• Publisher: Rockstar Games
• Release Date: March 4, 2008
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Rockstar, during the mid-2000s, was on fire by releasing some of the greatest Open World games of the era. One of them was Bully, which was remastered two years after its initial release in 2006 and released for the Xbox 360 under the Scholarship Edition remaster title. The game features a High School setting & our main protagonist, Jimmy Hopkins.

Jimmy is a delinquent who is dropped off by his Mother and Step Father to attend a boarding school known as Bullworth Academy. However, he slowly finds out that the school is corrupted with five cliques leading the charge, which include The Bullies, Preppies, Nerds, Greasers, and The Jocks.

Players can explore the fictional town of Bullworth as they please with various ways to customize Jimmy and equip him with make-shift tools such as smoke bombs and slingshots. You will still have to manage Jimmy’s different classes and attend school regularly to increase some of the stats that will be beneficial to him.

The fans of the game to this day are begging for a sequel to the game. Knowing that we urge you to try Bully using backward compatibility on your Series X, it is easily one of Rockstar’s few Best Open World games.

Pros:

• Fighting, racing, and puzzle-solving are just a few of the gaming components available in Bully Scholarship Edition, which keeps the game’s gameplay engaging and new.
• Bully Scholarship Edition is genuinely entertaining and features amusing dialogue.
• There are many places to discover and things to do in the open world.

Cons:

• Bully Scholarship Edition’s beginning is highly frustrating because you have little control over the wide area.
• Because the cutscenes are not extremely cinematic, the immersion may be diminished.
• The character models and graphics may seem slightly outdated.

23. Grand Theft Auto 5

• Developer: Rockstar North
• Publisher: Rockstar Games
• Release Date: September 17, 2013
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Undoubtedly, every gamer has heard the tall tales of Grand Theft Auto 5 at this point. The game established itself as one of the most record-breaking video games of all time. It earned $1 Billion in its first three days of launching. Fast forward to the present day, it’s now a milestone as GTA 5 is leading with 165 Million Sales Worldwide.

For the first time in the series, you can play as three different protagonists; Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. They all have unique abilities that can help out in various situations, such as Franklin’s slow-motion driving ability. The game takes place in the city of Los Santos, a returning location from GTA San Andreas.

While it has almost been a decade since its release, the game was updated with a Next-Gen release for the PS5 and the Xbox Series X with enhanced performance and visuals. The desert and countryside, as well as the metropolitan streets of Lost Santos, look more sharp and detailed than ever before.

The online mode has had constant updates and DLC over the past few years; it became so immensely popular that it received a standalone version to play aside from the Story Mode of GTA 5. It might not be everyone’s favorite multiplayer mode, but if you have a few friends, the game has a variety of fun activities to do like racing, deathmatches, and custom community-created activities that are full of joy to play.

Whether or not you have already played GTA 5. It is worthwhile to head back into it for nostalgia purposes since now that it looks as impressive as ever, thanks to the power of the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• The story campaign is very good and entertaining.
• There are some very harsh decisions you will have to make in Grand Theft Auto 5 that will have a major effect on the ending.
• Grand Theft Auto 5 has several different modes with endless content.
• Grand Theft Auto Online is exceptionally enormous and has several things to do in the open world.
• There are community-integrated modes with endless creativity.
• The amount of customization for your character is amazing.

Cons:

• Grand Theft Auto 5 has notoriously long loading screens that can take up a lot of your time.
• You need to grind a lot to get money so you can buy your favorite item.
• The hand-to-hand combat is not great and very unsatisfying.

22. Metro Exodus

• Developer: 4A Games
• Publisher: Deep Silver
• Release Date: June 18, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

The past two Metro games, 2033 and Last Light, have proven themselves to be the Best First-Person survival games of the modern era. They were followed up with Metro Exodus in 2019, and then an upgraded version was released two years later for the Series X and the PS5.

Metro Exodus is quite different from the past two entries in the series. The game expands on the level design to create large hub areas during some instances. They might not feel like Open World, but if you’ve played the older games, then this change is a huge technical leap from 4A Games.

The main setting of the game takes place during the Post-apocalyptic times of Russia when mutants ran rampant in the world. It is up to you and a few other survivors to survive these abominations as well as hostile military units that you may find in your journey across these treacherous lands.

The game features a dynamic weather system that can affect certain outcomes or encounters vividly. The game looks stunning, with the recently upgraded version featuring cutting-edge graphics and ray tracing mode options. The gunplay is extremely satisfying, with some minor hiccups of limited ammunition and other survival aspects.

If you want to see the power of next-gen consoles, especially on your Series X, then Metro Exodus is a must-play Linear Open World Game that fulfills that quota wholeheartedly.

Pros:

• Strong RPG components like the crafting and customizing systems in Metro Exodus give the game’s gameplay a lot more depth.
• The characters in the novel are compelling and memorable, and the writing is excellent.
• The day-night cycle and dynamic weather system in Metro Exodus enhance the already realistic experience.

Cons:

• After you finish playing Metro Exodus’ primary story, the gameplay could get boring.
• As the game did not fully explore the Russian setting, Metro Exodus might feel overly brief.

21. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

• Developer & Publisher: Capcom
• Release Date: May 22, 2012
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Dragon’s Dogma is a game developed by Capcom back in 2012. It was directed by industry legend Hideaki Itsuno who is a mastermind when it comes to designing combat. The team worked very hard on the game and went for the quality over quantity approach on it.

The main highlight of Dragon’s Dogma is its combat. It is extremely well crafted and is considered by many to be the best action RPG combat out there. The game’s development team wanted to make a game where you do more than just strike at the feet of a monster.

The open world of Dragon’s Dogma is also small but awesome. The player never knows what new wild creature they might run into. There is plenty of cool locations you can discover in it as well; the lost woods and the healing pond are two examples.

Similar to this, if your character is massive. The flying-type enemies won’t be able to snatch you and take you to the skies. But having a bigger character will slow down the speed at which you can climb monsters. It is genuinely of the few Open World RPGs that look stunning now with backward compatibility and the Game Boost features of the Xbox Series X/S. 

Pros:

• Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen boasts a vast and intricately crafted open world, replete with diverse landscapes, creatures, and characters.
• The game also features a deep pawn customization system, enabling players to create and personalize their companions to their liking.
• The combat mechanics in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen require strategic thinking, as opposed to mindless button-mashing.

Cons:

20. Shadow Of War

• Developer: Monolith Productions
• Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
• Release Date: October 10, 2017
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, Shadow Of War fulfills the category of being one of the best Open World Fantasy games. It is far bigger in sheer scope and is well-known for its revolutionary mechanics. The game itself is a brilliant title based on The Lord of the Rings franchise and its rich world-building.

Shadow Of War drastically improves on many aspects of Shadow of Mordor, the first game in the series. Most notably, the Nemesis system, which has now become a renowned feature of the game, has been revamped with various new mechanics and additional features to make it more special and addictive than ever before.

The storytelling of the game is heavily inspired by the events taking place in the iconic books and movies of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This is why you might even references & Easter Eggs throughout the game, especially since the main setting of the game is Mordor, the same world as the aforementioned franchise.

If you love the movie franchise and Open World Fantasy genre of Video Games, then by all means, we suggest jumping into Shadow of War and witnessing its pitch-perfect gameplay mechanics on the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• To provide a more immersive experience, the Dynamic Nemesis System generates unique opponent encounters and personalizes your trip through the game.
• To aid you in battle, you can recruit and lead an army of orcs, each with its own set of powers and characteristics.
• Shadow Of War has some of the most enjoyable combat in RPG history.

Cons:

• Because of the padding used to expand the plot, the pacing sometimes feels a little odd.
• Some players may be put off by Shadow Of War’s endgame.
• Shadow Of War’s graphics is inconsistent throughout.

19. Sable

• Developer: Shedworks
• Publisher: Raw Fury
• Release Date: September 23, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Sable is as simple as Open World games can be as it only focuses on exploration and puzzles. It is a third-person indie game. It is one of the more comforting games of the genre that lets players freely explore the artistic landscapes and how they can go about completing objectives.

The game does not have a proper narrative as most of the lore and world-building is told through discovering various NPCs out on the map as well as environmental cues and flavor text on them. There is a dedicated stamina gauge, quite similar to the Breath of The Wild, which is used for climbing or platforming sections.

You can traverse the majestic world of the game through Sable’s Hoverbike, which is customizable along with the outfits and mask that she wears. The masks also provide passive buffs and bonuses, which can be very helpful in solving certain gimmick puzzles.

The game is developed by a two-man team that was inspired by a planet in Star Wars, The Force Awakens. The art style is simple and beautiful, almost reminiscent of the hand-drawn style of animation. The Open World Indie is exclusively available only on the Series X/S and on PC for Steam.

Pros:

• Sable is heavily narrative-driven that allows you to discover an amazing, exotic world, and find its hidden secrets.
• There are breathtaking visuals in Sable which combine hand-drawn images with 3D elements for stunning visual experiences.
• Sable is distinctive because the world is open and offers lots of diverse and fascinating things to see instead of just getting from one point to B.

Cons:

• Sable is prone to becoming repetitive over time . This can cause a lot of frustration for certain players.
• Sable is not a game with much replay value because it doesn’t make a strong case for persuading players to play over and over.
• The UI isn’t one of the best in Sable As many players say it’s very unsatisfactory and difficult to navigate.

18. Sunset Overdrive

• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Publisher: Microsoft Studios
• Release Date: October 28, 2014
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Before Insomniac Games focused completely on developing games under Sony, they created one of the most underrated games for Xbox. Sunset Overdrive is a game that focuses on fast-paced third-person action with a vibrant Open-World filled with rails to grind and tons of awesome-looking weapons to defeat your enemies.

The game takes place in Sunset City. Players can create their custom characters with various customization options that you can later edit once in-game. You are tasked with defeating enemies who have gone mentally insane from drinking experimental energy drinks. The game has various missions and side missions to complete.

These missions may range from fetch-quests to complete as well as taking down enemies with fast-paced precision moves. The game puts a heavy deal on you using the environment to your advantage. Players have access to zip lines, wall running, and grinding rails to use as traversal options to get around with speed.

You can also dive into the multiplayer of the game that supports up to 8 players and has its own set of missions. Sunset Overdrive is fondly remembered by fans to this day and is one of the rare Open World Adventure titles that you can have super fun playing on the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• Sunset Overdrive has fast-paced and rather wild action, which allows you to jump and wall-run across the city while battling enemies.
• Sunset Overdrive’s art style is vibrant and colorful, with a post-apocalyptic punk rock style aesthetic, which is very distinct.
• Sunset Overdrive has a co-op mode that features 8 players, called the Chaos squad, where you can team up with your friends and complete a series of missions.

Cons:

• There is not much replay value in Sunset Overdrive and it can get repetitive very quickly after a few playthroughs.
• There is not much content outside of the missions and collecting things, which can be disappointing for some players.

17. Outer Worlds

• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Publisher: Private Division
• Release Date: October 25, 2019
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

One of the more ambitious games that came out in 2019 was The Outer Worlds. The game is created by the same developers who worked on the beloved and critically acclaimed classic Fallout New Vegas. The setting is placed in an alternate sci-fi reality in 1901, where megacorporations and space civilizations are on the rise.

The game primarily takes the route of letting you create your custom character. The main gameplay aspects of Outer Worlds rely on the freedom of dialogue options and mission completion. Players will be able to access their very own spaceship, which will act as their main safe hub of the campaign.

Most importantly, you can recruit various types of companions throughout the game who have different perks and special abilities. These companions will aid you during the combat scenarios. Speaking of which, the combat is your typical first-person action with a variety of guns and melee weapons available to use.

Overall, the game does not overwhelm you too much by introducing several other mechanics, but it looks darn gorgeous when you first lay eyes during the opening stages of the game and its exploration. It is for sure a definite must-play for Xbox Series X players who are into the Open World and Sci-fi genre of Video Games.

Pros:

• The Outer Worlds’ graphics and visual design are gorgeous.
• It allows you to make meaningful choices that affect the story and lead to different endings.
• The Outer Worlds’ soundtrack is excellent and sets the tone it is trying to portray perfectly.
• The story is very well-written.

Cons:

• The Outer Worlds’ maps may not be as big as you might expect.
• The battles may be too easy for some players’ liking, even at higher difficulties.
• The main story can be a bit too short.
• The Outer Worlds is locked in first-person view and you cannot look at the customization you might have made to your character.

16. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Release Date: November 11, 2011
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

It is difficult to overlook the revolutionary impact that Skyrim has had on the gaming industry in the past decade. The game easily has one of the biggest modding communities on the popular site, Nexus Mods. When it comes to sandbox western RPGs, there is no game other better to carry the torch alive up till now than Skyrim.

The player is free to let loose and explore the world right from the opening hours of the game. Like many modern RPGs, there are tons of customization options available to the player. The equipment that you use can also be upgraded in different ways.

The gigantic map of Skyrim is overflowing with quests and otherworldly things to discover and unearth. There are mysteries hidden in almost every corner of the world, From traveling across beautiful and vast landscapes to slaying your first Dragon in the “In My Time of Need” Questline.

Skyrim is the kind of game where players can essentially dump more than hundreds of hours into it, and they will still have a lot to do and complete. With so many aspects compiled into one historic game, it almost functions as a single-player MMORPG for some fans. So if you’ve yet to give it a chance, then look no further than on the Xbox Series X along with its enhanced capabilities via the Skyrim Anniversary Edition.

Pros:

• Skyrim provides a vast selection of character builds for players to explore.
• The crafting of weapons and potions is straightforward, making it accessible for newcomers.
• Despite its age, Skyrim’s open world remains one of the best ever made, captivating players to this day.
• You can customize your gameplay to your liking, assuming any role that suits your playstyle, whether it be a sneaky thief, a heroic warrior, or a masterful archer.

Cons:

15. No Man’s Sky

• Developer & Publisher: Hello Games
• Release Date: August 9, 2016
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

In hindsight, No Man’s Sky in today’s time is regarded as the greatest comeback title in the industry. The game suffered a poor launch release, failing to live up to promises, and all hope for it seemed for Hello Games. But slowly and surely, the game bounced back and is now one of the most heavily supported multi-player games.

No Man’s Sky functions as more like a ‘Sci-fi version’ of Minecraft. There are tons of planets to explore, items to mine and craft, ships and crew to manage, and various other types of resource management to keep in check.

However, it is worth mentioning that the game becomes more enjoyable if you have a friend or two to play alongside you through the journey. Together you can create bases as well as journey as a squad together across the various periodically generated planets and worlds located in the game.

There is a good reason why NMS won the Best Ongoing game Award at TGA 2020 and even an award for the Best Evolving game at the 2020 BAFTA. The game has received multiple free content DLCs that have added tons of new features, mechanics, and items to discover and try out. It is the game that keeps on giving even now in this time.

If you and your friends are looking for a game to get lost in together in a shared open-world experience, then look no further than No Man’s Sky, which now looks amazing with the next-gen upgrades on the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• With dynamically generated planets and celestial bodies to explore, No Man’s Sky offers an essentially endless world.
• You can gather resources, create a range of things and equipment, and survive on hazardous worlds thanks to the game’s intricate crafting and survival systems.
• You can explore the cosmos and communicate with other players online in No Man’s Sky’s multiplayer mode.

Cons:

• Managing inventory may be very frustrating.
• No Man’s Sky’s user interface is not the finest.
• When playing with other players online, there may be a few bugs.
• Certain activities can become boring to play because they are repetitive.

14. Tales Of Arise

• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Release Date: September 9, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Tales of Arise is the 17th entry in the long-running franchise of the Tales of series. The games are one of the foundations, including the Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy series. Tales of Arise is an Open World JRPG that focuses on action hack n slash combat with exploration topped with a fantastic story.

The game is arguably one of the few greatest JRPGs to grace the genre right now, with all-around perfect scores. Tales Of Arise won the 2021 Best JRPG of the year at TGA, so undoubtedly, it was a massive success for the series.

The story is about protagonists, Shionne and Alphen, who travel across the country of Dhana to liberate their people and lands from the tyranny and cruelty at the hands of the Republic of Rena and their allied forces.

Arise is perhaps the best game in the franchise to date, with strong and extremely satisfying combat that grips players in for a wild ride. During combat, you can control all 6 of the main party members, who each have different and unique fighting styles. They each have distinctive and charismatic personalities.

Additionally, the main controllable hero, Alphen has access to his special abilities that he can synergize along with his companions and add another layer to the awesome combat. Almost every area in the game has its soundtrack with some fantastic orchestral and metal tracks in the mix too.

If you’re a fan of JRPGs like Persona and Final Fantasy, then we highly recommend don’t miss out on Tales of Arise, as it is one of the best open-world JRPG titles that is also excellent for newcomers on the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• The stunning visuals in Tales of Arise are truly remarkable and leave a lasting impression.
• The story’s pacing is well-crafted, keeping the player engaged and invested in the narrative.
• The combat system is superb, providing an immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Cons:

• However, Tales of Arise can be hindered by excessive grinding.
• At times, the placement of the music can feel awkward.
• Additionally, the side characters in Tales of Arise are poorly written and fail to add depth to the overall story.

13. Fallout New Vegas

• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Release Date: October 19, 2010
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Fallout: New Vegas is one of the greatest written videogames, if not the greatest, in its genre. It is a spinoff title of the main Fallout series. It features an insane amount of unique characters that all fit into their individual stories, which may or may not link them to the game’s central plot.

One of the best aspects of Fallout: New Vegas is its open world. The game does not restrict the player. They can go wherever they want right after the 10 to 15 minutes intro is complete. The freedom to go wherever you want and do whatever you want is some of the most appealing aspects of the game.

Most importantly, the open world of Fallout: New Vegas is also filled with vaults that the player can explore. These may or may not be tied to quests. All of the vaults are unique and carefully crafted; some even have their unique enemy types that are only exclusive to the particular vault.

Fallout: New Vegas is the perfect post-apocalyptic game. It perfectly nails the lonesomeness of an apocalyptic world when you are just casually roaming around the map. So there is always something in the game that will blow your mind, making it an excellent Open World sandbox game for users on the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• Fallout New Vegas has a vast open world set in a post-apocalyptic setting.
• There are several unique factions that you can align with and each faction has its own goals.
• Fallout New Vegas’ Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.) allows you to pause the action and target specific body parts for more precise and dynamic combat.
• The hardcore mode of Fallout New Vegas gives a good challenge to players who want to put their skills to the test.

Cons:

• Fallout New Vegas has a bit too many bugs and glitches that can get incredibly frustrating at one point.
• The AI is incredibly dumb.
• The first-person shooting in Fallout New Vegas is very clunky and unsatisfying.

12. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

During the mid-2000s, Bioware had been constantly on the rise, releasing stellar and masterpiece RPGs like Knights of the Old Republic and Dragon Age Origins. The Mass Effect Trilogy was a few of them, and now the game has been remastered with the Legendary Edition, including all DLCs for modern consoles.

Regarded as the greatest Sci-Fi RPG of the past two decades, Mass Effect is a third-person shooter RPG that nails the branching dialogue aspect and intertwines it with your party members to grow your relationships with them.

The three games tell the journey of Commander Shepard and their adventures across the Galaxy as you fight against the species known as the Protheons and Sovereign, the main antagonist of the games. Along each game, you will come across various characters that will join your crew, each leaving a lasting impression on the player.

Players can travel to various types of planets and complete missions in whatever order they please; you have the freedom of shaping Shepard’s actions and consequences using the Paragon or Renegade status systems. Each dialogue option will heavily influence the characteristics and actions of the mainline missions.

Most importantly, Mass Effect 2 specifically has one of the greatest ending sequences in a Video Game. The way it takes into account almost every important decision of the game still blows the minds of players to this day. So with such a fitting remastered title, The Legendary edition of Mass Effect is worth it on the Series X.

Pros:

• Mass Effect Legendary Edition’s story is one of the best space stories ever written and is incredibly immersive.
• The graphics look great and complement the immersion of the story.
• The characters are well-written and incredibly memorable.

Cons:

• The enemy AI is not very realistic.
• The animations of the face can be horrible compared to other parts of the body.
• Since Mass Effect Legendary Edition is heavily focused on its story, the gameplay is not its strong point.

11. Forza Horizon 5

• Developer: Playground Games
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Release Date: November 9, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Both

It wouldn’t sit right if we didn’t include Forza Horizon 5 in this list. The game is the 5th entry in the critically acclaimed racing game franchise. The game features a staggering Open World complete with various races to compete in with other players as well as a plethora of special events to participate in from time to time.

There is a massive list of car manufacturers whom you can purchase multiple types of cards, including classic muscle tuners, hypercars, and even off-road jeeps and trucks. There is a dynamic weather system in play, including a seasonal mode where the in-game seasons periodically change and affect certain world events.

The players have the utmost freedom of doing almost any race they wish to the right after completing the tutorial stages of the game. Although, be mindful that some races may require you to have access to a specific car type and level rating. But progressively, you should easily earn the cash needed to buy more and more high-end cars.

The main setting of Forza Horizon 5 takes place in the Mexico region. Playground Games have not spared any effort in optimizing the game to show off the high-fidelity graphical nature of the game. It is one of the most well-praised qualities of the game that manages to blow everyone away with its life-like visual style. It is one of the few open-world games that showcases the raw power of the Xbox Series X console.

Pros:

• The lighting in Forza Horizon 5 is executed very well and is incredibly stunning.
• There is very nice variability in tracks as each track is unique in its own way.
• You can free roam in Forza Horizon 5, which can be very welcomed when you want to relax for a change of pace.
• The range of customization is amazing
• The car selection is massive.

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.
• The vibration is a bit weak.

10. Resident Evil Village

• Developer & Publisher: Capcom
• Release Date: May 7, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Resident Evil Village is the latest entry in the long-running RE franchise. It is Capcoms latest survival horror gamer set a few years after the event of Resident Evil 7. Ethan Winters finds himself in a mysterious European-style village after his daughter, Rose, was kidnapped.

Resident Evil Village sets a new standard for the franchise through its enemy variety, level design, and setting. It is the very first semi-open world Resident Evil game with optional mini-bosses and areas. It also contains memorable encounters like the nightmarish House Beneviento sequence.

The world of RE Village is filled with secrets to explore, such as treasures and animals, which you can hunt to create special dishes that permanently increase your health and defense.

Players are required to explore and scavenge the dreaded village of RE8 for resources. They will find themselves returning to their zones multiple times throughout the game with new items and tools, so they access new and different parts of the village, which further makes explorations more rewarding.

Resident Evil Village was released for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC through Steam. Despite the initial performance issues in the PC version of the game. It won numerous awards, such as The Game Of The Year award from The Golden Joystick and the Game Of The Year award from the Steam Awards, making it one of the best Semi-Open World Resident Evil games out there for the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• The survival parts of Resident Evil Village are incredibly thrilling and very fun.
• The enemy variety is great.
• The visuals and sound design are very immersive.
• Resident Evil Village’s weapons can be incredibly fun to use and satisfying.

Cons:

• Resident Evil Village’s story is not the best, especially for veteran fans.
• Some of the completion rewards are very underwhelming.
• There is not a huge amount of puzzles in Resident Evil Village and the puzzles that are in the game are way too easy.

9. Halo Infinite

• Developer: 343 Industries
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Release Date: December 8, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Halo Infinite is the latest game of the long-running yet iconic Halo franchise. Initially developed by Bungie for the original Xbox. Halo became a worldwide phenomenon, amassing a huge fanbase behind it due to its compelling storytelling, which allowed you to live out your dream of being a super soldier everyone looks up to.

The original Halo revolutionized FPS games on a console, and Halo 3 further expanded and improved on everything that made the original Halo great, which further made Halo 3 the greatest FPS game of its time.
Fans of the die-hard franchise were eager to witness the next saga of Masterchief after Halo 5.

Halo Infinite was released for the latest Xbox series X, and for the first time, the Halo franchise abandoned its level-to-level mission design and adopted an open-world approach. Aside from the major changes in the series direction, the multiplayer of a Halo game was made free to play for the very first time in the history of Halo.

The multiplayer of Halo Infinite was well received initially with its outstanding map design and addicting gunplay. After the release of the Halo Infinite campaign. Fans quickly noticed that the open world of Halo Infinite takes a lot of inspiration from the Silent Cartographer mission from the original Halo 1.

Infinite’s expansive open world with much variety in enemy design & storytelling quickly made it a fan favorite. Halo Infinite can easily be considered 343 industry’s best Halo game and one of the best open-world games on the Xbox Series X/S.

Pros:

• Halo Infinite’s outstanding graphics and textures offer a thoroughly immersive gaming experience.
• Excellent gunplay contributes to a really gratifying experience.
• The multiplayer in Halo Infinite is a tonne of fun.
• The music is fantastic.
• Halo Infinite’s narrative is interesting and captivating.

Cons:

• The menu UI in Halo Infinite is inadequate.
• In multiplayer games, several of the weapon’s balancing difficulties can cause irritation.
• There aren’t many unique maps in Halo Infinite.

8. Lost Judgment

• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios
• Publisher: SEGA
• Release Date: September 24, 2021
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

The Yakuza series is one of gaming’s most niche franchises. However, they have managed to grow and transcend the relevancy hierarchy so much so that now they are considered one of the most beloved Video Game series. Lost Judgment is a spin-off of the Yakuza Games. It is the sequel to the original Judgment, released back in 2019.

Lost Judgment takes place in the cities of Ijincho, Yokohama, and Kamurucho, Tokyo, which most Yakuza players will be quite familiar with upon playing. LJ drastically enhances and improves a lot of the minor gripes from the first game. Takayuki Yagami, our main hero, has a new fighting style as well as access to quick style switching too.

The biggest nosedive that RGG makes with LJ is perhaps the complex and gut-punching storytelling. The narrative is a dark conflict between the two sides of good and the bad. It also tackles Sexual harassment, bullying, and suicidal cases, which will make you question some of the moral ethics of the game.

The Open world of both cities is full of life this time around. Yagami can use his skateboard to speedily travel across the streets and do various kinds of activities, including dancing, bike racing, Attending school clubs, competing in boxing, and much much more!

The game is a must-play on the Xbox Series X as the game runs excellently at locked 60FPS. Not to mention the combat of LJ is so action-packed that you will want to lay the smackdown in uber satisfaction.

Pros:

• The story in Lost Judgement is intriguing and compelling, and it raises issues regarding the ethics of retaliation while illustrating the effects of bullying.
• It takes place in the thriving Japanese city of Yokohama and includes a number of dynamic and interactive settings.
• The game’s ambiance is enhanced by the stunning graphics and sound design of Lost Judgment.

Cons:

• Several gamers have been outraged by Lost Judgement because it does not adequately address the serious and delicate subject of sexual assault.
• The stealth detection is really odd, and each failure might cost you a lot of time.
• Many of the side tasks have a repetitive, mini-game feel to them.

7. Sekiro

• Developer: FromSoftware
• Publisher: Activision
• Release Date: March 22, 2019
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

Sekiro is a Hallmark in the gaming industry not only because of its perfect combat system but also because of its amazing level design set in the semi-open world of Japan. You will find some of the best art directions in the overworld of Sekiro.

FromSoftware has done a great job in connecting its open world through various intelligently hidden pathways. The design is almost reminiscing of Dark Souls 1 but now on a greater, more massive scale.

There are so many different things that you can do and find in the world of Sekiro that one playthrough is not going to be enough. The game even features four different endings, and one of those requires a complete separate playthrough. The true ending may require players even to access some secrets of the game too.

The open world of Sekiro is filled with the magnificent Ashina castle, the spooky abandoned dungeons, the exhilarating mountains of the Senpou Temple, and the jaw-dropping waterfalls of the Fountains head palace. There are so many moments in the game that will leave you jaw-dropped about how Sekiro pulls off this beautiful art direction. 

It is so satisfying to learn the combat in Sekiro, and once you do, the game will reward you for it. It might seem difficult at first, but once you grasp the gist of the combat system, everything will get easier. Sekiro won GOTY over titles like Devil may cry 5 very easily only because of its open-world design and top-tier combat mechanics.

Pros:

• The combat system of Sekiro delivers an intense and challenging experience.
• The environments in Sekiro are brilliantly designed and offer a rewarding exploration experience.
• The engaging and well-written story of Sekiro features complex characters and rich lore that add depth and meaning to the gameplay.
• The level design in Sekiro is excellent, featuring a variety of environments and secrets to uncover.

Cons:

• The lack of difficulty options in Sekiro may make it less accessible to players who are new to the genre or prefer more casual gameplay.
• The stealth mechanics in Sekiro may feel clunky and unsatisfying.

6. Cyberpunk 2077

• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Publisher: CD Projekt
• Release Date: December 10, 2020
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

After such a hyped release for over more than five years, Cyberpunk 2077 launched to an overwhelmingly mixed reception from all over the world. The game bounced back two years later, on February 15th, 2022, with a Next-Gen version and with Patch 1.5 ironing out problems. But before even that, it was a Cluttered and Messy Video Game.

Now looking to the bright side of things, underneath all the rubble, there is a fantastic and gripping game. Cyberpunk 2077 showcases the bizarre journey of V, your custom-created character in the game, as they hope to become the Legend of Night City while taking down the high horse sitting Corpo foundation, Arasaka.

Players have the option to choose between 3 Starter Lifepaths in Cyberpunk 2077, which act as the prologue scenarios of the game. They do not affect the game too much aside from V’s general knowledge about the world. Players can customize V with one of the most badass Legendary Weapons, including the Katanas and the deadly Mantis Blades.

There are so many characters to meet throughout the game that is played brilliantly by top-of-the-line actors such as Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves. You can also fancy a romance by dating characters like Judy and more. As of now, the game notably runs locked and steady, with little to no bugs found. The massive Open World game deserves more love now that you can play it, thanks to the power of the Xbox Series X.

Pros:

• Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the best-looking games when it comes to graphics and an immersive experience.
• The main story is incredibly well-written and does a great job of attracting you.
• Cyberpunk 2077 has phenomenal voice acting.

Cons:

• The close combat in Cyberpunk 2077 is horrible.
• Many performance issues and glitches spread throughout Cyberpunk 2077.
• Some of the dialogues might feel forced and take away from the appeal.
• Some of the animations can be weird.

5. Yakuza Like A Dragon

• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios
• Publisher: SEGA
• Release Date: January 16, 2020
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

After such a long-running franchise of beat-em-up titles, it was about time RGG Studios developed a fresh new route and took a risk with Like A Dragon, turning the game into a turn-based JRPG. The game proved to be a massive success both in Japan and the Western Audience.

In contrast to past games in the series, Yakuza Like A Dragon focuses on a brand new protagonist called Ichiban Kasuga. He is framed and thrown off the Yakuza after coming back from jail. Now it is up to him as he rises back from rock bottom, finding new and familiar faces and taking down the root of the corruption.

The game is the first one to introduce players to the new location known as Yokohama, Injincho. In comparison, familiar players of the series will already know about Kamurucho. Injincho has its fair share of activities to do like Go Kart Racing, can collecting, and a couple of dungeons that you can farm for valuable resources and loot.

The franchise has come a long way from the PS2 era. It has now managed to reinvent itself while passing the torch to a brand new character that fans adore. If this is your first time playing the game, you will be happy to know that newcomers can play LAD with ease. It does have too much connection to past entries.

Pros:

• The story is masterfully written, keeping the reader’s attention captivated throughout.
• The characters are exceptional, and their experiences are relatable and engaging.
• Yakuza’s aesthetic is visually stunning and unmatched.

Cons:

• The turn-based combat system may not suit everyone’s preferences.
• Numerous players were dissatisfied with the decision to change the protagonist in Yakuza: Like A Dragon.

4. Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain

• Developer: Kojima Productions
• Publisher: Konami
• Release Date: September 1, 2015
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Metal Gear Solid 5 is the 5th installment in the critically acclaimed and beloved Metal Gear Franchise. The games are known for their high-octane stealth action. Players control different versions of Snake, the main hero, as they infiltrate different facilities and become a part of various political warfare which will question your morals.

MGSV is the final game directed by series creator and writer Hideo Kojima, who has become an icon of the gaming industry due to the success of the franchise. Metal Gear Solid 5 is the first ever game in the series, which features a full-fledged Open World map as well as encourages creative freedom of players to the max.

It is a trailblazer in the Open World Genre with third-person qualities. The game allows players to complete various types of mission objectives in their strategy. You can infiltrate and conquer enemy bases at any time you wish using multiple playstyles and several tools and environmental advantages at your disposal.

However, the most special aspect of MGS V is that the game will punish players if they keep using the same tactics or strategy by altering enemy AI and encampments. This will make it so that the enemy will become self-aware of Venom Snake’s moves, thus advising players always to try something new to complete objectives.

There is such depth to the sandbox mechanics it’s hard to undermine the gameplay aspect despite the story being a hit or miss with many fans. The game is loosely connected with the past events in the series. Furthermore, it looks and runs great on the Series X and other consoles, making it a worthy Open world Sandbox game to play.

Pros:

• The story in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is incredibly complex and unique, which keeps you engaged from start to finish.
• The graphics and visual design are incredibly stunning and appealing.
• The unique gameplay mechanics, such as the use of the Fulton recovery system and Mother Base management, add depth to the gameplay experience.

Cons:

• Some of the side missions can get incredibly tedious in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
• The excessively long cutscenes might not appeal to a lot of players and can get frustrating.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Publisher: Rockstar Games
• Release Date: October 26, 2018
• Single or Multi-player: Both

Red Dead Redemption 2 was Rockstar’s magnum Opus title. The game had such a long-awaited release that it instantly broke records and had a cult following to it. Most notably, the game is famous for its excellent writing as well as the complexity and attention-to-detail of its brilliant wild west Open World.

The story is set before the events of the original Red Dead Redemption game. Essentially, making it a prequel as it poetically connects its events to it via the epilogue of the game. The game showcases the journey of the incredibly written Arthur Morgan and his gang led by Dutch Van Der Linde, a familiar character of the series.

The technical excellence in graphics and presentation by Rockstar is well-perceived as the storytelling is one of the greatest in modern gaming. The way each character is written alongside the player’s attachment to Arthur towards the end of the game flows into one of the most emotional rollercoaster endings to a Video Game.

Even after a few years, RDR2 has sold over 40+ million copies worldwide and has become of the most popular Open World games to come from Rockstar. Luckily, Xbox Series X owners can play the game at buttery smooth 60FPS and 4K settings thanks to the Game Boost feature; it is an upgrade that is, unfortunately, missing for users of the Playstation 5.

Pros:

• The level of detail in the graphics of Red Dead Redemption 2 is stunning.
• The open world of the game is alive, offering a plethora of things to explore.
• The quests and missions are thrilling, unique, and highly interesting.
• The game’s attention to detail is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Cons:

2. The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt

• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Publisher: CD Projekt
• Release Date: May 19, 2015
• Single or Multi-player: Single-player Game

The Witcher 3 was one of the most long-awaited sequels of a video game series and quickly became one of the best-selling RPGs of the modern era. It features a remarkable open World with a diverse cast of characters and storytelling that is artistic and majestic to a certain degree.

Players once again reprise the role of Geralt as he fights to defend his daughter Ciri against the forces of evil known as the Wild Hunt. The world is divided into regions that boast some of the most visually impressive landscapes and architecture in a fantasy game.

Whether it is the treacherous Velen or the breathtaking Kingdom of Novigrad, Players will find various side quests and activities as question marks here that will get them sidetracked from continuing the main progression. These quests are infamously known for having so much richness that they are just as good as the main quests.

The Next-Gen version of The Witcher 3 launches sometime next year for the Series X and PS5, but we still recommend checking the game out because it is the most visually gorgeous Open world game of its time.

Pros:

• The background and environment in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is expertly designed.
• The game’s combat is satisfying and flows seamlessly, providing an enjoyable and captivating experience.
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has intricate and stunning graphics.
• As you advance through the game, there are countless areas to explore in the expansive open world.

Cons:

• For new players, the various systems and mechanics can be confusing.
• Certain side quests may feel unremarkable and repetitive.

1. Elden Ring

• Developer: FromFoftware
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Release Date: February 25, 2022
• Single or Multi-player: Both

The last game on our list is none other than Elden Ring, the game that has swept away the competition of every other Open World game like it, including Breath of the Wild. The game is a culmination of every past Souls Borne game packaged into one of the largest and most mesmerizing worlds imagined by Director Hidetaka Miyazaki.

The world-building and fantastic lore of Elden Ring is a collaborative effort put together with renowned best-selling author George R.R Martin. Players venture to the Lands Between as the lowly Tarnished on a journey to seek the powerful Elden Ring. The RPG elements are let loose right from the beginning with various builds you can create. Not to mention there are 6 Different Elden Ring Endings to the game for maximum replayability.

There are even more than 100+ bosses to be hunted down in the game. These include the likes of the ancient Dragon Placidusax found in the Crumbling Farum Azula and even the most formidable, Malenia.

Elden Ring is truly one of the greatest games that will be remembered for years to come as it has raised the bar for future games in the genre. It is one of the best Open World RPGs Xbox Series X/S users can play right now.

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.

Verdict

The Open World Genre of games is massive in the list. They are further branched off with semi or linear Open World games, which are equally just as good as any other game out there. What separates the genre apart is how imaginative and enthralling it can be for so many players around the world.

You are completely captivated by the beauty of the staggering depth of each game’s visual artistry that they resonate with your feelings too much that you are almost at a loss for words. A lot of hard work goes into making these games and polishing them for release.

While they may contain some rough aspects, the games in our list are all optimized and deliver an amazing performance provided by the powerful technology of the Xbox Series. We hope you enjoyed checking this list out, so be sure to let us know what your favorite Open world game is in the comments box below!

Xbox These Days

Since the beginning of the Xbox Generation, Microsoft has kept the Xbox quite limited in terms of games on it. The library of exclusives up till now had never seemed to impress too many people. But in today’s era, we now have seen the staggering potential of Xbox Game Studios as well as the Xbox Game Pass subscription service.

The company under the belt of Phil Spencer has managed to acquire multi-million companies like Activision and Bethesda. Not to even mention talented third-party studios like Ninja Theory & Playground Games. So with the inclusion of so many benefactors, it was only a matter of time for Xbox to catch up in competition with the PS5.

The Open World games we have listed can all be played at boosted framerates for the best performances, thanks to the Series X’s feature of “Game Boost.” These hand-picked titles contain some of the greatest stories in modern gaming. The ideas and aspects shown or introduced in them have redefined the entire genre as of late.

Next: Best PS4 Open World Games