The best open world games to play in 2022

Our countdown of the best open world games [{ "selector": ".znazp-a", "duration": "4000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "2000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "77%"} ] }, { "selector": ".knsnt-a", "duration": "4000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "2000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".wxezf-a", "duration": "4000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "5000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".ltjnf-a", "duration": "3000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-287.3913043478261px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".wqdec-a", "duration": "4000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "3500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }]

The best open world games take you by the hand and introduce you to friends and foes, tales big and small, and vista upon vista to explore...

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7. Elden Ring

An all-time great that encourages exploration and removes a degree of grind associated with the Dark Souls games. Elden Ring is the biggest seller of 2022, and it's not hard to see why. Platform(s): PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC [{ "selector": ".lpija-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 495px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".jjjrx-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-356px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".sguse-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 19px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

6. Ghost of Tsushima

A minimalist UI, waypoints pointed out by gliding birds, and the fluttering wind makes for one of the most natural open-world experiences to date. Oh, and also, all those beheadings. Platform(s): PS5, PS4 [{ "selector": ".anoke-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 495px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".gtqnp-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-342px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".kinqx-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 19px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

5. Horizon Forbidden West

Aloy's sprawling sandbox sequel is one of the best games in recent PlayStation history. It's also arguably the best exclusive on the PS5. Platform(s): PS5, PS4 [{ "selector": ".uuxig-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 515px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".xktgs-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-319px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".qiwsr-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 23px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

4. 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. Platform(s): Switch [{ "selector": ".bmccn-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 495px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".nsmsc-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-346px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".aafmk-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 23px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

3. 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. Platform(s): PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC [{ "selector": ".lcrjj-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 515px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".gllkt-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-355px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".xqdrj-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 19px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]

2. 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 . Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC [{ "selector": ".ffpik-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 515px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".jsgjx-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-320px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".zwtmn-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 23px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "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 yet reach. Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC [{ "selector": ".ejbrb-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 495px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".xbizt-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(-320px)", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".dsajo-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateX(calc(360px - 23px))", "opacity": "1"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateX(0)", "opacity": "1"} ] }]