Best Open World Games 2026

The top 12 open world games ranked by Metacritic score, player ratings, and overall popularity. Updated for 2026.

1
Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V

Free

Grand Theft Auto V for PC offers players the option to explore the award-winning world of Los Santos and Blaine County in resolutions of up to 4k and beyond, as well as the chance to experience the game running at 60 frames per second.

96 Metascore 84% positive Action Adventure 2026 Multi-platform
2
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

An epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule awaits in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch. The adventure is yours to create in a world fueled by your imagination. In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you'll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link's new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten t

95 Metascore 98% positive Puzzle, Adventure 2023 Switch
3
Elden Ring

Elden Ring

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FANTASY ACTION RPG. Rise, Tarnished, and be guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between.

94 Metascore 94.3% positive Action RPG 2026 Multi-platform
4
Minecraft

Minecraft

Minecraft focuses on allowing the player to explore, interact with, and modify a dynamically-generated map made of one-cubic-meter-sized blocks. In addition to blocks, the environment features plants, mobs, and items. Some activities in the game include mining for ore, fighting hostile mobs, and crafting new blocks and tools by gathering various resources found in the game. The game's open-ended model allows players to create structures, creations, and artwork on various multiplayer servers or t

93 Metascore 96% positive Simulator, Adventure, Arcade 2016 Multi-platform
5
Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde Gang are outlaws on the run. With federal agents and bounty hunters massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal, and fight their way across the rugged heartland in order to survive.

93 Metascore 91.9% positive Action Adventure 2026 Multi-platform
6
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.

93 Metascore 96.8% positive Action RPG 2026 Multi-platform
7
Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure RPG set in the dark future of Night City — a dangerous megalopolis obsessed with power, glamor, and ceaseless body modification.

86 Metascore 88.7% positive Action RPG 2026 PC
8
Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact

Free

Version 4.5 of Genshin Impact, which includes: • New character: Chiori • New banner type: Chronicled Wish • New character quest for Chiori • New hangout event for Lynette • New main event: Alchemical Ascension • New quality of life features • …and more!

84 Metascore 88% positive Role-playing (RPG), Adventure 2024 Multi-platform
9
Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world.

83 Metascore 91.3% positive Action RPG 2023 Multi-platform
10
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail. The Special Edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features.

74 Metascore 94.7% positive RPG 2026 Multi-platform
11
Palworld

Palworld

Fight, farm, build and work alongside mysterious creatures called "Pals" in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!

95.4% positive Survival 2026 PC
12
Valheim

Valheim

A brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players, set in a procedurally-generated purgatory inspired by viking culture. Battle, build, and conquer your way to a saga worthy of Odin’s patronage!

94.7% positive Survival 2026 PC

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