GamesOpen WorldFrom Dragon’s Dogma 2 to Star Wars Outlaws, here’s the best open world games of 2024When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesOpen WorldFrom Dragon’s Dogma 2 to Star Wars Outlaws, here’s the best open world games of 2024When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Massive Entertainment)
There’s always been something special about being given a land to explore at your leisure, but just whatarethe best open world games of 2024? They’re the ones that strike a perfect balance between carefully curated encounters, and moments that can even surprise the developers; that hide plenty of secrets to discover, while gently pushing you towards what it’s important for you to find; that nurture the sense of being somewhere that’s alive and, most importantly, worth exploring.
It’s been a strong year for open worlds. So strong in fact, that some of the top entries here even made it into our fuller, ultimatebest games of 2024list as well. The following five games all have worthwhile questing to support their worlds of wonder. What’s your poison? Shooting mutants, wielding magic, hopping between alien worlds, exploring a land of mythical beasts, or enjoying a new twist on an all-time classic? Maybe all of the above? We’ve got you covered here. So join us as we countdown the best open worlds games of 2024 that we just couldn’t quit this year.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Developer:Nintendo, GrezzoPlatform:Nintendo Switch
Learn more in ourThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom reviewwhere we said that “figuring out what to conjure, bind to, move, and battle is a frequent […] delight”
4. Star Wars Outlaws
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Developer:Massive EntertainmentPlatforms:PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
There’s no denying thatStar Wars Outlawslaunched with a few issues, but there’s also no denying that the developers have shown admirable dedication to making a good game great with strong post-launch updates. With the weaker elements continuing to be improved upon, we can concentrate on those atmospheric planets and everything that there is to do in them – which we’ve loved about the game even from launch. Rushing over the dusty plains of Tatooine on a speeder on the way to our next mission never gets old, while your relationship with the various criminal syndicates impacts how welcome (or not) you are in certain areas no matter where you are in the galaxy. Space combat? Customizable blaster? Yes please! It looks and sounds authentically Star Wars but, most importantly of all, itfeelsauthentically Star Wars.
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Learn more in ourStar Wars Outlaws review, where we said that Massive Entertainment “establishes an incredible sense of place through its open worlds, accurately capturing the look and feel of the original trilogy of movies”
3. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
(Image credit: Square Enix)
Developer:Square EnixPlatform:PS5
The revered original has been sliced into three for the remake treatment.Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, as the second, represents the middle section of the adventure, with plenty of wandering around open areas on one big journey to track down and stop big bad Sephiroth. Side-quests are just one aspect of the adventure that have been given a significant overhaul, and serve as the primary reason to explore each zone, offering variety and a large degree of unpredictability. At least one member of your party will often find themselves invested in the events of optional quests, too, and will volunteer details that build their backstories and strengthen your attachment to them. You haven’t truly played Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth if you haven’t taken the time to wander off the main path, and the experience is all the better for it.
Learn more in ourFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth review, where we said that “every zone you come across glistens with history to discover and odd jobs to complete that enrich your journey”
(Image credit: GSC Game World)
Developer:GSC Game WorldPlatforms:PC, Xbox Series X
1. Dragon’s Dogma 2
(Image credit: Capcom)
Developer:CapcomPlatforms:PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Learn more in ourDragon’s Dogma 2 reviewwhere we said that “the open world is a pleasure to explore”
After more epic adventures? Then check out ourbest open world gameslist to discover what to play next!
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”