Explore the Expansive Worlds: Top New Open-World Games of 2023
The video above provides a concise overview of many exciting open-world titles, but for those who prefer to dive deeper into details, this article offers an expanded look. In 2023, the gaming landscape experienced an unprecedented surge in ambition, with developers pushing the boundaries of scale, detail, and player freedom. The genre continues to redefine itself, presenting gamers with vast, immersive universes to explore.
Approximately 40% of all major game releases in recent years have featured some form of open-world exploration, a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal. This year, this trend accelerated, offering players an incredible array of choices. From gritty survival experiences to magical fantasy realms and cosmic odysseys, the upcoming **new open-world games of 2023** promised diverse adventures for every type of gamer.
Anticipated Open-World Releases: Expanding on the Video’s Highlights
The following sections delve into some of the most prominent **open-world games of 2023**, offering additional context and insight into what makes each title a compelling prospect for players.
Everywhere
Dubbed simply “Everywhere,” this game from a new studio led by former GTA developer Leslie Benzies garnered significant attention. While specific details remain scarce, the promise of a “less restrictive open-world game” from a mind behind some of gaming’s most iconic sandboxes is incredibly intriguing. Consequently, many speculate about a potential metaverse-like experience or a truly player-driven environment, where emergent gameplay reigns supreme. This ambitious title is slated for release on Microsoft Windows.
Rise of the Ronin
Koei Tecmo, renowned for the *Nioh* series, presents *Rise of the Ronin*, set in 1863 Japan. This period, often likened to Japan’s “Wild West” era, provides a rich historical backdrop for a dynamic action RPG. Imagine if a classic Western’s themes of lawlessness and rapid societal change were transplanted into the waning years of the Tokugawa shogunate, complete with grappling hook-equipped swords and firearms. The game promises intense combat and a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in Japanese history, exclusively for PlayStation 5.
Atomic Heart
Often described as “USSR BioShock,” *Atomic Heart* immerses players in a visually stunning alternate Soviet Union where robotics and biotics have advanced dramatically. This retro-futuristic setting creates a fascinating juxtaposition of familiar Cold War aesthetics with advanced, often menacing, technology. The narrative is expected to unravel a profound mystery concerning the nature of machines and humanity’s place within this surreal utopia. This highly anticipated title launched on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on February 21st.
Crimson Desert
From Pearl Abyss, the creators of *Black Desert Online*, comes *Crimson Desert*. Initially conceived as a prequel to their popular MMO, it evolved into a primarily single-player action RPG set in a medieval fantasy world. This shift emphasizes a deep narrative and character progression over persistent online interaction. Consequently, players can anticipate a finely crafted solo adventure, leveraging the developer’s expertise in expansive worlds and detailed combat. It is expected to arrive on PlayStation, Xbox, and and PC in 2023.
Skull and Bones
After a prolonged development period, *Skull and Bones* finally set sail. Evolving from the acclaimed naval battles of *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag*, this game focuses heavily on ship-oriented combat and exploration in the treacherous waters of the Indian Ocean. Players engage in tactical action, navigating dangerous seas and engaging in thrilling ship-to-ship skirmishes. The game launched on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC on March 9th, offering a unique take on the **open-world pirate game**.
DokeV
Pearl Abyss also brings us *DokeV*, a vibrant open-world creature collector that seeks to challenge established titles in the genre. Its stunning visual style and promise of single and multiplayer options on PC make it a compelling contender. Imagine a world where every creature is intricately designed and the environment bursts with color, offering a fresh take on monster hunting and collecting. This title is anticipated for Microsoft Windows later this year.
Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment, celebrated for its impactful RPGs, introduces *Avowed*, set in the beloved *Pillars of Eternity* world of Eora. This first-person RPG is expected to deliver the studio’s signature deep lore, branching narratives, and moral dilemmas within a fantastical setting. Consequently, fans of classic role-playing experiences eagerly await a game that combines a unique aesthetic with meaningful player choices. *Avowed* is planned for Xbox Series and PC.
Ark 2
The highly anticipated sequel to *Ark: Survival Evolved*, *Ark 2*, brings a host of new features, including Vin Diesel’s involvement and Souls-like melee combat. The core experience of surviving in a dinosaur-infested world, crafting, and taming massive creatures remains, but these additions promise a more refined and challenging combat system. This title is an Xbox Series and PC exclusive, aiming to elevate the survival genre.
Season: A Letter to the Future
*Season: A Letter to the Future* offers a uniquely introspective open-world experience. Players embark on a journey to document the world before a mysterious cataclysm brings about its end. This narrative-driven adventure emphasizes exploration, recording memories, and reflecting on change rather than combat. It provides a beautiful, cell-shaded world that encourages thoughtful engagement, released on PS4 and PS5 on January 31st.
Sons of the Forest
The sequel to the successful survival horror game *The Forest*, *Sons of the Forest*, raises the stakes with even more horrifying mutants and a deeper narrative. Players, now an elite soldier, crash-land on an island teeming with cannibals and genetic abominations. The addition of a three-armed companion and enhanced survival mechanics ensures a terrifying yet engaging experience for fans of the original. This game launched on PC on February 23rd.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
*Assassin’s Creed Mirage* represents a deliberate return to the series’ roots, moving away from the sprawling RPG mechanics of recent entries. This title focuses on stealth, parkour, and a more concentrated urban open world in Baghdad. For many, this marks a welcome return to the core tenets that defined the early *Assassin’s Creed* games, emphasizing classic assassinations and intricate level design. It is expected on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC this year.
Where Winds Meet
Set during the Northern Song Dynasty, *Where Winds Meet* is an open-world martial arts action RPG exclusive to PC. Players assume the role of a swordsman navigating a period of political turmoil and conflict. The game promises fluid martial arts combat and an open-ended narrative where player choices significantly impact the fate of the Empire. Consequently, it offers a rich historical backdrop combined with dynamic gameplay.
Tom Clancy’s The Division: Heartland
*The Division: Heartland* expands the universe with a free-to-play spin-off set in the Pacific Northwest. Featuring a robust 45-player PvPvE mode, it blends competitive combat with cooperative objectives. While the free-to-play model always raises questions about monetization, the core looter-shooter mechanics of *The Division* franchise provide a strong foundation. This title is planned for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Dead Island 2
After a long and turbulent development, *Dead Island 2* finally arrived, bringing its unique brand of zombie-slaying to the urban sprawl of a quarantined Los Angeles and San Francisco. The game promises a revamped combat system focusing on visceral, gore-filled encounters and a significantly larger open world than its predecessors. Imagine dismembering zombies with creative weaponry across iconic Californian landmarks. It launched on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on April 28th.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl
*Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl* represents a monumental return for the beloved survival horror series. Set in the desolate and anomalous Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the game combines challenging FPS combat with deep RPG elements and a highly atmospheric open world. The developers, GSC Game World, have overcome significant obstacles, and the promise of a next-generation *Stalker* experience is incredibly exciting for long-time fans. This highly anticipated title is an Xbox Series and PC exclusive, slated for release in 2023.
Forspoken
*Forspoken* introduced players to Frey Holland, a New Yorker transported to the magical land of Athia. While its narrative received mixed reactions, the game’s unique traversal system, allowing for high-speed, magic-infused parkour across its vast open world, was a major highlight. Imagine soaring through diverse landscapes with unparalleled agility, making exploration a core, exhilarating part of the experience. It arrived on PS5 and PC on January 24th.
Redfall
Arkane Studios, celebrated for their immersive sims, ventured into the co-op shooter genre with *Redfall*. In this title, vampires have overrun the titular town, and players must team up to reclaim it. True to Arkane’s style, the game blends intricate world design with emergent gameplay possibilities, ensuring that players will encounter more than just straightforward shooting. This innovative title landed on Xbox Series and Windows in the first half of the year.
Hogwarts Legacy
A dream come true for Harry Potter fans, *Hogwarts Legacy* transports players to the magical world of the 1890s. As a custom character attending their fifth year at Hogwarts, players explore an expansive open-world rendition of the castle and its surrounding areas. This action RPG allows for deep immersion in the wizarding world, complete with spells, potions, and encounters with fantastical beasts. The game arrived on next-gen consoles on February 10th, with last-gen on April 4th, and Nintendo Switch on July 25th.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Ubisoft’s *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora* offers a standalone story set in the vibrant, biodiverse world of James Cameron’s *Avatar*. Playing as a Na’vi, players explore a previously unseen region of Pandora, interacting with its unique flora and fauna. Given Ubisoft’s expertise in crafting expansive open worlds, the game promises stunning visuals and an immersive ecological experience. This highly anticipated title is set for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC, expected in late 2023 or early 2024.
Diablo 4
*Diablo 4* marked the return of the iconic action RPG series with a darker, more gothic tone and a significantly expanded open-world structure. Players explore a vast, interconnected Sanctuary, battling hordes of demons, tackling world bosses, and engaging in PvP. This installment blends traditional *Diablo* dungeon crawling with persistent online elements, creating a shared world experience unlike its predecessors. It launched on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on June 6th.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
From the developers of the *Arkham* series, *Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League* takes players to Metropolis, where Brainiac has brainwashed the Justice League. As Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, and King Shark, players must stop the corrupted heroes. This co-op action game offers dynamic character switching and explosive combat, presenting a fresh take on the Arkhamverse. This title arrived on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC on May 26th.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
*Star Wars Jedi: Survivor*, the sequel to *Jedi: Fallen Order*, continues the compelling story of Cal Kestis five years after the original. This action-adventure game blends Souls-like combat, Metroidvania-style exploration, and a rich narrative set during the darker times of the Galactic Empire. Fans of the first game eagerly anticipate deeper combat mechanics, expanded Force abilities, and more complex environments. It landed on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC on March 17th.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Insomniac Games’ *Marvel’s Spider-Man 2* promises an epic continuation of the adventures of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. With the introduction of Venom, the narrative explores darker themes and challenges both Spider-Men in unprecedented ways. The game leverages the power of the PS5 to deliver stunning visuals, seamless web-slinging across an expanded New York City, and cinematic action sequences that are sure to impress. This highly anticipated title is set to release on PS5 in the fall of 2023.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The successor to the critically acclaimed *Breath of the Wild*, *Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom* captured the imaginations of gamers worldwide. Expanding on its predecessor’s innovative open-world design, this title introduced mysterious sky islands and new abilities that fundamentally altered exploration and puzzle-solving. The continuation of Link’s journey in Hyrule, with its blend of freedom and discovery, solidified its place as one of the most significant **new open-world games of 2023**. It arrived on Nintendo Switch on May 12th.
Starfield
Bethesda’s first new IP in over two decades, *Starfield*, was unequivocally one of the most anticipated titles. Touted as “Skyrim in space,” this colossal RPG promised an unparalleled scale, allowing players to explore over 1,000 planets across a vast galaxy. The game’s delay, which pushed it into 2023, signaled a commitment to polish and quality, aiming to deliver a truly immersive and bug-free experience. As Bethesda’s first Xbox exclusive RPG, *Starfield* set a new benchmark for **open-world space exploration games**, launching on Xbox Series and PC in the fall of 2023.
