Key Takeaways
- Open-world games offer vast maps and sandbox-style gameplay with diverse endgame content.
- Cyberpunk 2077 evolved into an open-world gem post-launch, with extensive side quests and replayability.
- Genshin Impact stands out with its gacha endgame loot system, offering unique gear acquisition mechanics.
The term open-world pertains to the map layout and accessibility of a game. Many genres of games feature an open-world approach to map design, from looter shooters to MMORPGs. Some open-world maps are simply huge. Others are smaller, but highly detailed.
Another common feature of open-world games is sandbox-style content. With the player free to decide what they do and when. Even if they have been following the main story, they are generally free to break out and do something else for a while. Once the main story is over, the sandbox content becomes the endgame content in many games.
7 Cyberpunk 2077
Explore Night City
If there was an award for the worst game launch, Cyberpunk 2077 would be a contender. That being said, despite the launch problems, the game has matured into a title that every open-world game fan should give a try. All of the bugs that were game-breaking at launch have been fixed, and the Phantom Liberty DLC is fantastic.
The game gets a place on this list for the sheer number of side quests and gigs that are available for players to enjoy. All of these are outside of the main story, and can be tackled at any time, in any order. Additionally, there are multiple endings to the story, depending on player choices, so this adds to the replayability of the title.
6 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Huge Open World Map
Few games have such a large open-world map as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Furthermore, the map is packed with secrets to find, points of interest to explore, and quests to uncover. The colorful environment and exceptional narrative make this one of the best open-world role-playing games ever.
In the endgame, playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt mainly revolves around exploring the high-level areas of the open-world map, and completing the toughest contracts. Overall, this is a game that can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment.
5 The Division 2
Established Live Service Game
The Division 2 is the only live-service game on this list, that has only online play. Although it must be said that The Division 2 isn’t an MMORPG per se. What it is, is a collaborative open-world with players working together or alone to achieve set goals.
The endgame in The Division 2 tends to focus on looting high-level equipment and weapons. Generally, this means running the high-level points of interest, which are much like dungeons in other games, although these take place within an urban setting.
4 Red Dead Redemption 2
Explore The Old West
Few games have such an exquisitely crafted open world as Red Dead Redemption 2. The attention to detail the developers put into creating the game world is evident everywhere. Whether following the main campaign, or simply exploring the Old West, Red Dead Redemption 2 immerses the player into the environment as few other games do.
The endgame content for Red Dead Redemption 2 is diverse, and very much depends on the player’s preferred content. Some players spend hundreds of hours in the endgame simply fishing and hunting. Others enjoy taking on a specific role, such as a bounty hunter.
3 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Stunning Norse Themed Open World
The 11th title in the wildly successful Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, sees the player visiting the Viking Age. Taking on the role of a Viking invader, the player has to attempt to establish a new Viking settlement in England.
The endgame content in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is extensive. There are multiple options for high-level players to explore other areas of gameplay. This includes extending and constructing upgrades for settlements and tracking down high-level enemies on the open-world map. Overall, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla deserves a place on this list as it can provide hundreds of hours of gameplay.
2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Exploring An Extensive Open World
Classified as an action-adventure game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild features a large open-world game map. Playing as Link, the player is tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda, and is sent roaming across the open world to meet this goal.
Endgame content in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild generally means exploring the open world map to find hidden areas and points of interest, and locate quests that have not yet been completed. Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild still has much to offer players, even once the main story has been completed.
1 Genshin Impact
Gacha System For Endgame Loot
Genshin Impact might be something of a surprise for taking the top slot on this list, but there is a good reason for it. The game features a vast open-world game map, and a different take on the action role-playing genre.
The endgame content in Genshin Impact generally focuses on gear acquisition, which the game does in a slightly different way that normal. Genshin Impact features a gacha system, with players able to wish for specific gear. This is purely luck-based, but it does have a baked-in pity system as well, increasing the chance of a wish being granted over time.
