The best open world games to play in 2021

Our countdown of the best open world games you can play today [{ "selector": ".osoti-animate", "duration": "4000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".qxplj-animate", "duration": "4000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".rjgvd-animate", "duration": "4000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".nvnif-animate", "duration": "4000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".kmbhc-animate", "duration": "3000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-22.42em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.71%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]

The best open world games are ready to totally engulf you with their stories, side quests, foes and allies, romance and enemies, and screenshot-worthy pictures.

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8. GHOST OF TSUSHIMA

One of the most interesting, natural open world experiences on PlayStation. The sharp samurai combat is outstanding. Play it on: PS4, PS5 [{ "selector": ".xjuwl-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".svabw-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-29.33em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".etdpk-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-30.22em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.53%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".lzvps-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(100%)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.61%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ovqfb-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-19.38em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.59%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]

7. ASSASSIN'S CREED ODYSSEY

A superb, truly gargantuan Greek adventure that offers the best hero's story of the entire series. Play it on: PS4, Xbox One, PC (Playable on Xbox Series X and PS5) [{ "selector": ".wwolj-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".bnptt-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-21.51em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.58%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ebtrj-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-30.22em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.53%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".mzyuf-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(100%)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.60%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".chtpm-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-29.33em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]

6. HORZION ZERO DAWN

Aloy's sandbox mega hit is one of the most original games since the first BioShock. It's also arguably the best exclusive on the PS4. Play it on: PS4, PS5 [{ "selector": ".ylens-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".somyr-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-30.31em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".jkopq-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-30.22em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.53%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".xaywf-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(100%)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.60%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".xmtuv-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-26.04em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]

5. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD

See that mountain? You can climb it. You can also attach octopus balloons to a raft to float into the air, or turn a fallen tree into a deadly projectile. BotW is breathlessly bold. Play it on: Switch [{ "selector": ".nxogo-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".pwvui-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-27.73em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".svvxj-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-31.11em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.51%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".utsso-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(100%)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.58%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".kbjle-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-24.09em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.57%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]

4. GRAND THEFT AUTO 5

The most successful entertainment product of all time is also naturally one of the greatest open world games ever made. Its take on L.A. is electric. Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC [{ "selector": ".ixbcv-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".dcmcq-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-29.78em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".aehze-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-31.11em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.51%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".rvsjx-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(100%)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ggoww-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-26.76em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.57%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]

3. RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2

Rockstar's epic cowboy quest is stuffed full of inventive side content. What are you waiting for, partner? It's time to be the best in the West. Play it on: PS4, Xbox One, PC [{ "selector": ".goasn-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".lttif-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-18.67em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.60%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ztlnx-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-31.11em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.51%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".jnowl-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(100%)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.58%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ihrij-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-27.64em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]

2. SKYRIM

A classic open world game that's so colossal, you could easily play it for 100 hours and not come close to finding certain quests and hidden bosses. Play it on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch (Playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X) [{ "selector": ".wqvpg-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".trzyh-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-27.56em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".dynbs-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-31.11em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.51%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".pgbwt-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(100%)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.55%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".jwrkh-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-30.22em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]

1. THE WITCHER 3: WILD HUNT

Our favorite open world game ever is set in an imperfect world that makes for a perfect game. Geralt has set a lofty bar no other sandbox can quite reach. Play it on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch [{ "selector": ".lxbdp-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".lmuud-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-20.27em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.59%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".isibc-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-31.11em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.51%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ltpsj-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(100%)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.55%)", "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".fyefk-animate", "duration": "2000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-30.31em)", "opacity": 1}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0.56%)", "opacity": 1} ] }]