2024's top open-world games

Hey, open-world games . They've been the industry darlings for the last twenty years or more, with several shows giving the genre its due. We have thus set out to find the greatest open worlds available for you to experience on the Switch and mobile devices, transporting you from the upper regions of Hyrule to the depths of Blackreach under Skyrim. All you have to do is choose which place to go first.

So feel free to dive in. There are several options. After you've had enough of the greatest open-world games, we have a tonne of other suggestions for you, like the best multiplayer mobile games for people who want to play alone or the best games similar to Civilization for people who want to play games with other people.

Well, enough wallowing about and let's go right into our ranking of the top open-world games.

A character from Genshin Impact stroking a giant blue dragon.

Impact of Genshin - mobile

Many people believed that Genshin Impact was a bit of a Breath of the Wild clone that wouldn't last very long when it initially debuted. How wrong they were—the game is still running strong in its fourth year, and new characters and changes are added to the game almost every two months. Even better, playing is free.

Genshin Impact is one of the finest open-world games since it allows you to have a large number of people in your party, an open world full of mysteries, and many seasonal events. What's even better is that it's a game you can play for a very long time. If you're not interested in playing it on your phone, it will soon be available for the Switch. (To keep you informed, we also have a Genshin Impact Switch release date guide).

Genshin Impact may be played for free.Screenshot of Link standing on a sky island in Tears of the Kingdom for open world games guide

Switch

- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Tears of the Kingdom has a lot to show you if you thought Breath of the Wild's Hyrule was large. This game's scope is unmatched by anything we've ever seen; it's a truly open world in every meaning of the word, devoid of "open areas" or "open zones." This game offers several hours of fun, so take off from the sky islands and go on an amazing journey.

Check out our guides for Hyrule to get off to a good start.Zelda: The Kingdom's tears in the gleeoks, Zelda: The Kingdom's tears in the shrines, Tears of the Kingdom depths, Tears of the Kingdom old map, and Tears of the Kingdom enemies are all included in

.Switch - The Witcher 3

Try playing this on a different platform if you're searching for a stunning open environment. But this is the Switch game for you if you're looking for deep characters, rolling hills, and terrifying beasts.

The Witcher 3's side missions are crucial, and they're highly praised. But there's excellent reason for that—these side missions lead to interesting gameplay sequences and intricate storylines, making them the finest in any video game. You must play it.

Switch version of The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimAlthough this game was originally released for the Nintendo Wii rather than the Switch, a strong port has allowed you to play one of the most captivating role-playing games of the twenty-first century while on the road. It is endlessly entertaining and includes everything from fighting to crafting to cave exploration.Skyrim remains one of the greatest action RPGs on the Switch, with some excellent DLC options to enhance your experience and a high replayability factor because of the many classes and game-changing choices available. Even better, you may be able to get it for less since it's often on sale.

Dog's Doctrine: Dark Arisen - Flip

Go read Dragon's Dogma if you're an Elden Ring player looking for a little historical background. Over the years, a lot of its elements have been included into other open-world games, although it doesn't get as much recognition as some of the others.Dragon's Dogma is an odd, fantastic creation that everyone should check out. It has magic and martial fighting, big monsters for you to scale and grip onto, and a tale that concludes in the cutest manner possible.

Black Flag - Assassin's Creed - Switch

The Caribbean is wonderfully rendered and delightfully entertaining in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag by Ubisoft. Put yourself in the position of a pirate assassin, explore the vast ocean, and commit several murders in picturesque settings. Oh, and AC Rogue, a passable game, is included with it as part of the Rebel Collection on Switch.Considered by many to be the greatest Assassin's Creed game, Black Flag is well worth checking out. See what we think of our Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection review if you're more of an enthusiast for Italian adventures.Shulk and Reyn from Xenoblade running through the Gaur Plain in Xenoblade Chronicles.Switch version of Xenoblade Chronicles That has been Xenoblade Chronicle, a slow burn's ascent to fame is impressive given that it has some of the greatest open-world games available in a single series. Fans had to battle for a western release of the original when Monolith Soft first published it in Japan.Nintendo's main game for this year is Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Check out the original on Switch if you want to go back to the beginning before theXenoblade Chronicles 3 release date. It has a vast, lovely environment with many unusual species, as well as superb narrative.

Switch

- Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive AgeGo no further than the first JRPG for more awesomeness in JRPGs. Dragon Quest is a huge popularity in Japan and has been around for a very long time—Square Enix launched it a year before the original Final Fantasy game.Dragon Quest XI is the ideal spot to start if you're interested in giving it a try. It will keep you interested with its massive, world-ending plot, stunning monster designs, and plenty of turn-based combat.

A Quick Ascent – Flip

My personal game of the year for 2020, A Short Hike, is the perfect choice for anybody seeking a more tranquil and open world—or just someone who isn't trying to kill anyone. It's a little journey in which you attempt to climb a mountain, meet oddball individuals, and solve their issues.It's entertaining and a fantastic illustration of how a little game can remain among the greatest open-world titles. Size isn't always important, despite what some people may claim.Cole Phelps holding his LAPD badge aloft in LA Noire

L.A. Noire – SwitchL.A. Noire is an amazing game even if the vast environment could appear a bit empty at times. The game, which has period-appropriate language and superb storytelling, follows LAPD officer Cole Phelps as he advances through the ranks and solves murders. Because of the rather empty open environment, most people tend to miss the things that this game achieves better than any other. However, it offers fantastic storyline. When everything else is this nice, who cares?

Sky: Switch and mobile Children of the Light

Thatgamecompany, the creators of the equally fantastic Flow, Flower, and Journey, created Sky: Children of the Light. features seven kingdoms to explore and a delicate, wonderfully realised open world.Similar to Journey's predecessor, it incorporates deft, nuanced social components to heighten the overall experience. Even better, you can play it for free. If you need more persuasion to play one of the greatest open-world games for free, we also have a review for Sky: Children of the Light.Art from the game Oceanhorn showing the main character weilding his sword with various characters in the background.

Oceanhorn - Mobile and Switch

Oceanhorn could be for you if you fell in love with Breath of the Wild and just need more as soon as possible. Everything about it is so obviously Zelda-like, including the main character. However, it doesn't make it any less interesting.It has a sequel, some very cool puzzles, and a lovely environment design, so if you like the original game, there's more to come. Who knows? With enough time, this may grow into a series as expansive as The Legend of Zelda.

Breath of the Wild: The Legend of Zelda - Switch

One of the greatest games ever made is also the title that introduced the Nintendo Switch. There is so much to find there that there is little guidance for your exploration. just as we want it.There are enormous mountains to climb, gentle dragons swimming by waterfalls, or simply odd lights in the distance. All your curiosity leads to a revelation. As you go around Hyrule, just remember to pack enough food to maintain your health in the green.Minecraft: Switch and mobile Screenshot of Steve looking over the open world in Minecraft for best open world games guide There aren't many open worlds more expansive than Minecraft. It's time to indulge in the unfettered delight of discovering yourself in a large sandbox if you haven't before. This is a friendly reminder to pick up Minecraft again if you haven't played in a while. It's one of the most played games on the globe for a reason.It's up to you whether you want to create an amazing team effort with pals or create a universe all by yourself. See our Minecraft servers, Minecraft skins, and Minecraft download tutorials for assistance in getting started.So that's all. You may lose yourself for thousands of hours playing the greatest open-world games. Now go off and become lost! If you do want to try Genshin, be sure to go through our collection of Genshin Impact codes to receive some freebies and set yourself up for success. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for freebies, check out our tutorials forCoin Master free spins andfree Monopoly Go dice to get some awesome stuff.

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