Best Open-World Games For First-Person Exploration
Exploration is a cornerstone of the open-world genre. Even games that sell themselves on their lengthy stories, epic boss fights, or addictive combat feature exploration to some extent, as they encourage players to venture away from the established path in search of hidden surprises. First-person games are especially perfect for these types of adventures, offering some of the most satisfying and immersive exploration in not only the genre but the entire industry.
Whether you are looking to visit an alien planet, an alternate reality, an exotic country, or a long-gone time period, the open-world genre has you covered, and you don’t need to be an FPS fan to enjoy them. Let’s highlight the first-person exploration games that are an absolute blast to play and experience, and we will try to cover a few different types of projects.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
9
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Vibrant, Supernatural Tokyo Nights
Despite a catastrophic paranormal event removing the population of Tokyo, the open-world map in Ghostwire: Tokyo feels surprisingly lived-in. Player-character Akito is possessed by a spirit that gives him special powers to aid in his quest to battle the evil specters inhabiting Japan’s capital city and discover what happened to its population.
30 Best Games Set in Japan, Ranked
Apart from offering fascinating gameplay, these exciting video games allow players to experience the Japanese culture and way of life.
It may not be the largest map on offer, but there is very little in the way of filler, with the few collectibles not providing too much of a nuisance and having interesting perks attached to them. Many missions put Akito on a somewhat linear path, but the world is otherwise free for exploration and contains plenty of environmental storytelling for those who wish to find it.
8
Far Cry 4
Kyrat’s Diverse Landscape With Plenty Of Activities
Fans of the Far Cry series will have their favorites when it comes to the different locations and world-building, but many seem to feel that Far Cry 4 is the best. Its successors may have larger maps to navigate and investigate, but the Nepal-inspired Kyrat is said to be the perfect size, with just the right amount of content to keep players busy and not feel too crowded or empty.
The various environments of Kyrat are diverse, from rugged snow-capped mountains to lush green forests, and players can travel between these large areas in many different types of vehicles. North Kyrat is initially off-limits, but the map gradually opens up as Pagan Min’s influence is diminished by liberating bell towers.
Honorable mention to Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, which has an absolutely gorgeous world.
7
Cyberpunk 2077
Futuristic Dystopian City Setting
Even during its turbulent launch, Cyberpunk 2077 drew heaps of praise for its sprawling metropolis setting, Night City. Discovering the many secrets of the futuristic megacity’s seven districts is incredibly satisfying, with intriguing points of interest hiding around every corner.
16 Best Open-World FPS Games, Ranked
The FPS and open-world genres are two of gaming’s most popular. Put them together, and you’ve got a serious recipe for success.
V’s adventure allows players to experience much of the city’s offerings, but they are free to look around in their own time, too, and are sure to find something to keep them entertained among the many side quests and activities. Being a dystopian cyberpunk setting, some parts of the city are pretty bleak thanks to extreme inequality and poverty, but it’s still a fascinating and ruggedly beautiful place to explore.
6
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Prague In 2029 Blends Old And New
Some aspects of gameplay in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided switch the perspective to third person, but exploration is always first-person. There are also scripted moments following a set path. Otherwise, players are free to tour around the cyberpunk dystopian city of Prague in the year 2029, plus some sections in Dubai and London.
Unraveling a worldwide conspiracy involving the Illuminati, Adam Jensen must utilize his advanced weaponry and augmentations, even though mechanically enhanced people like him are hated. Criticism was aimed at the story of Mankind Divided, largely owing to the somewhat abrupt ending, but the setting is approachable and striking, blending the old architecture of Prague with the technological advancements of the future, and it is not overwhelming in terms of content.
5
The Outer Worlds 2
A Planet-Hopping Adventure With Big, Beautiful Locations
Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds is a solid AA space adventure with a cracking sense of humor, but its planets are relatively small hubs. For the sequel, the developer took nearly everything that worked in the original and improved it. Except for the story and humor, which will come down to personal preference, The Outer Worlds 2 has vastly improved gameplay and far bigger areas, with many of the locations being downright gorgeous.
Unlike other massive open-world games, this series tries to keep things relatively contained, offering zones that present room to explore but are not overwhelmingly vast. The Outer Worlds 2 does a pretty great job of filling its worlds with worthwhile discoveries so that players are rewarded for going off the beaten path.
4
Sons Of The Forest
An Island Inhabited By Cannibalistic Monsters
A survival horror game is not often an ideal place for fun exploration, but the world of Sons of the Forest is perfect for a full investigation, especially with friends. There are cannibals and mutated monsters to contend with, plus the threat of starvation and dehydration as player-character Jack seeks out a missing CEO and his family.
5 Best Fantasy Survival RPGs, Ranked
If you enjoy your fantasy RPG power fantasies with a solid dose of teeth-gritting survival gameplay, you need to try the best of this niche.
Surviving on the island known as Site 2 is difficult, but it’s still a fascinating place to explore and look for resources that can aid in general survival and building shelter. Those who do not wish to battle monsters can play in peaceful mode, where they are free to craft in peace and move around the island carefree without fear of attack.
3
Outer Wilds
Explore A Solar System In 22-Minute Chunks
Most games mentioned in this list are not solely exploration games, even though it is a central part of all of them. However, Outer Wilds is the purest example of an “exploration” open-world game. The entire experience revolves around discovery, with no combat or sandbox activities to distract from the main focus. Stuck in a 22-minute time loop that resets when the sun goes supernova and destroys the solar system, an astronaut must travel to different planets in search of knowledge involving an instinct race and, naturally, the cause of the upcoming catastrophe.
Outer Wilds wants players to get lost, stumble about, and waste time, and I mean that in the best possible way. Opting for a hands-off approach, the game lets you dictate the first and next steps of their journeys. You decide which planet to visit next, and whether you will spend a loop searching for answers to this universe’s mysteries or just messing about and enjoying the sights.
2
Subnautica
Discover The Beauty And Horror Of The Deep
Another survival horror game with a unique and immersive setting, Subnautica takes the action below sea level, after Ryley Robinson crashes his spaceship on the ocean planet called 4546B. There are plenty of alluring locations to draw players in for deeper analysis, but players must always be cautious, since large sea monsters are sometimes waiting to catch those who are unaware.
The risk of going deeper is often worth it for the great rewards that can help when crafting, plus there are two islands above the surface level that are fully explorable. There are some more forgiving game modes for those who just want to focus on building and exploring, and there is permadeath in Hardcore mode for those who enjoy a real challenge.
1
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
A Realistic Depiction Of Medieval Europe
Set in the year 1403 and following on from the events of the first game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 features a map that is twice as big as its predecessor. Seeing the Kingdom of Bohemia through the eyes of Henry of Skalitz once again, players embark on a journey to avenge the death of Henry’s murdered parents.
The rich open world perfectly encapsulates life in 15th century medieval Europe and is full of activities to do and people to meet. The various interactions and choices made will have an impact on the overall story, even forming the traits and characteristics of Henry, changing how future encounters may unfold.
Best Open-World Games For Nature Exploration
Open-world games put great emphasis on environments. These games in particular are excellent for exploring the great outdoors.