In the dynamic landscape of PC gaming, an impressive statistic often cited is that the open-world genre consistently ranks among the most popular, with millions of hours cumulatively invested by players worldwide each year. As the calendar approached the close of 2020, offering a brief reprieve before a fresh influx of highly anticipated titles, the video above meticulously curated a list of the best open-world games on PC that were available for players to immerse themselves in. This article delves deeper into these celebrated virtual realms, providing expanded insights into why these specific titles have captivated the gaming community and how they stand as pillars of the open-world experience.
The allure of open-world gaming is often attributed to the promise of unbridled freedom, a digital canvas upon which players can paint their own adventures. While the concept of ‘fast travel’ is typically ingrained within these expansive environments, serving as a respectful nod to a player’s valuable time, some worlds possess such intricate detail and profound aesthetic appeal that their exploration becomes an intrinsic part of the experience. The subsequent sections will navigate through some of the most compelling examples of these virtual landscapes, offering a more granular look at their distinctive qualities.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2: A Masterpiece of Western Immersion on PC
The discussion of unparalleled open worlds frequently gravitates towards Rockstar’s monumental achievement, Red Dead Redemption 2. This title, for a considerable segment of its player base, transcends traditional gaming to become a profound horse-riding simulator; such is the profound joy derived from traversing its breathtakingly rendered countryside. While a complex and deeply engrossing narrative underpins the experience, the true enduring legacy of Red Dead Redemption 2 often resides in its living, breathing world, a testament to environmental storytelling.
The meticulously crafted ecosystem, populated by diverse wildlife and dynamic weather patterns, encourages organic discovery rather than rote progression. Players are empowered to embody the full spectrum of cowboy status, from impeccably dressed gunslinger to rugged frontiersman, where even the maintenance of one’s firearm becomes an act of immersive fidelity. The vast plains, snow-capped mountains, and bustling towns are not merely backdrops but integral components that respond to player actions, creating a persistent sense of consequence and belonging within this digital frontier.
2. Death Stranding: The Unconventional Odyssey
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding is acknowledged as a game that masterfully captures the contemplative silence following prolonged social engagement, translating it into a deeply atmospheric journey. Following a supernatural cataclysm, humanity is driven underground, and the player, as Sam Porter Bridges, is tasked with the arduous undertaking of reconnecting these isolated enclaves. This premise, on paper, might suggest a utilitarian ‘delivery simulator,’ yet in practice, it evolves into a uniquely resonant and aesthetically striking pilgrimage.
The game’s desolate yet beautiful landscapes, often described as a desaturated echo of a world that once was, leave an indelible mark on the player’s psyche. Interspersed with Kojima’s signature eccentricities—such as babies in jars and destructive ‘killer rain’—the core gameplay loop of navigating treacherous terrain becomes a meditative exercise. The environmental challenges, often subtle inclines or river crossings, are elevated to formidable obstacles, thereby making the successful completion of a delivery feel like a significant triumph in an unmissable open world that continually defies conventional categorization.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Nine Years of Unparalleled Freedom
It is now nine years since its initial release, yet the very mention of The Elder Scrolls VI still sends ripples of excitement across the internet, largely due to the enduring legacy of Skyrim. This sprawling medieval fantasy world, situated in the northern reaches of Tamriel, established a benchmark for player agency and expansive content that few titles have since rivaled. The principal questline, in many instances, is perceived less as a mandatory directive and more as an optional diversion within a universe overflowing with possibilities.
Players are afforded the liberty to forge their own destinies, whether that involves engaging with a multitude of non-player characters, exploring ancient ruins atop towering mountains, or delving into clandestine underground societies. The freedom to abandon heroic pursuits entirely, perhaps in favor of collecting cabbages for market, underscores the game’s intrinsic value proposition: the universe is a personal playground. Whether one chooses to embody the fabled Dragonborn, destined to save the world, or merely falls prey to a giant on the inaugural quest, Skyrim epitomizes the joy derived from self-directed narrative within a boundless domain.
4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance: History Reimagined
A distinctive entry in the open-world RPG landscape is Kingdom Come: Deliverance, a title that, even two years post-release, maintains an exemplary equilibrium between rigorous realism and captivating escapism. Its unique appeal stems from its foundation in historical authenticity, being set within a tangible period of conflict in real-world Bohemia. This commitment to verisimilitude necessitates a level of player engagement rarely observed in fantasy-driven RPGs, requiring attention to mundane yet critical needs such as eating, sleeping, and acquiring fundamental survival skills.
The game’s intricate social mechanics mean that personal hygiene directly impacts NPC perceptions, adding another layer of realism to the medieval experience. While the actual conditions of medieval life were undoubtedly harsher than depicted, this rich vein of historical accuracy imbues Henry’s adventures with a singular character. Activities ranging from foraging for nettles to mastering literacy or poaching local wildlife for financial gain are not mere diversions but integral elements that transform exploration into an immersive history lesson, albeit one where sword fighting is a more engaging pedagogical tool than rote memorization.
5. Horizon Zero Dawn: A Post-Post-Apocalyptic Spectacle
Despite taking three years to make its way to PC, Horizon Zero Dawn arrived in its most comprehensive iteration, inclusive of the chilling Frozen Wilds DLC, offering over 40 hours of primary content before players even contemplate optional pursuits. This expansive post-post-apocalyptic setting presents a captivating synthesis of expansive exploration and precision-based combat against formidable robot dinosaurs. The innovative world-building introduces a refreshing take on familiar open-world tropes; for instance, traditional ‘radio towers’ are ingeniously reimagined as colossal, climbable robotic dinosaur necks, offering a fresh perspective on vertical exploration.
The creature design alone is a marvel, populating the world with a veritable scrapyard’s worth of Jurassic Park-esque mechanical beasts, each meticulously crafted for tactical engagement. Whether clambering over their metallic forms or systematically dismantling them with dozens of arrows, the combat system is both challenging and deeply satisfying. Aloy, the protagonist, proves to be excellent company, transforming the intricate task of piecing together the fall of humanity into a deeply enjoyable and innovative narrative journey.
6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: An Enduring Epic
To compile a list of premier open-world games on PC without acknowledging The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt would constitute a significant disservice to the genre. This title is not merely a game; it is a profound testament to character development, meticulous craftsmanship, and unparalleled immersion, evident in every weathered branch of Geralt’s expansive world. Its narrative and environmental design construct a more compelling depiction of a war-torn landscape than many contemporary television series, films, or literary works, solidifying its status as a critical and commercial phenomenon.
Developed by CD Projekt Red, the game’s masterful storytelling and rich character interactions set a high bar, a legacy that subsequently fueled fervent anticipation for titles like Cyberpunk 2077, expected to grace similar lists in future iterations. The Witcher 3‘s ability to maintain its relevance and appeal years after its debut speaks volumes about its enduring quality, cementing its place as an essential experience for any enthusiast of digital escapism and sophisticated narrative design within an open world.
7. Outer Wilds: A Cosmic Conundrum
For those whose desire for an open world is driven by an insatiable curiosity for the truly unexplored, Outer Wilds presents an entire solar system brimming with enigmas awaiting discovery. This is not a traditional RPG replete with an endless litany of quests; rather, the game’s core premise centers on unraveling a grand mystery: understanding why one is trapped in an unending time loop, perpetually witnessing the sun’s catastrophic explosion. This seemingly overwhelming premise is mitigated by a brilliant design philosophy that ensures clues are omnipresent, thereby preventing players from feeling stranded or without purpose.
Each planet within the miniature solar system functions as an intricate puzzle piece, contributing to the larger cosmological narrative. The freedom to explore any celestial body in any order, combined with the reassuring presence of subtle hints and the occasional opportunity to simply roast a marshmallow in the face of cosmic annihilation, crafts a unique blend of intellectual challenge and existential comfort. Outer Wilds stands as a profound example of how discovery, rather than combat or resource gathering, can form the bedrock of an unforgettable open-world experience.
8. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord: The Feudal Sandbox
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord diverges from the conventional free-roam paradigm often associated with 3D open-world titles like Skyrim. Instead, players are presented with an expansive world map, intricately detailed with settlements, bandit encampments, and cities. Critically, this is not a static representation; hordes of soldiers, both friendly and hostile, dynamically traverse the land, injecting a constant sense of political and military flux into the environment.
The game’s strength lies in its profound breadth of choice, empowering players to chart their own course within this fascinating RPG sandbox. One might choose to pledge fealty to a liege lord, diligently ascending the feudal hierarchy by amassing soldiers and wealth, or alternatively, embrace the life of a marauding bandit, preying upon the weaker elements of society. This unparalleled agency regarding one’s impact on the world underscores Bannerlord‘s quality as an open-world game, proving that profound decisions, rather than the ability to climb every mountain, are what truly captivate.
9. Far Cry 5 & New Dawn: The Organized Chaos of Hope County
As the impending arrival of Far Cry 6 was on the horizon, the opportunity to revisit or experience Far Cry 5 and its vividly colored sequel, New Dawn, became even more pertinent. These titles plunge players into the lush, fictional landscape of Hope County, Montana, offering a robust blend of wandering, swimming, and high-speed vehicular traversal. The ‘Far Cry formula’ has been meticulously refined into a well-oiled machine of controlled chaos, characterized by a deadly tick list of objectives and the companionship of adorable animal allies.
The inherent compulsion of these worlds lies in their capacity for players to largely disregard the primary campaign in favor of pursuing vital perks, engaging in strategic headshots against enemy combatants, setting environmental hazards ablaze, and generally checking off a comprehensive to-do list. All this can be achieved with ample time allocated for petting one’s favorite companion animal, illustrating how the franchise has perfected a unique blend of sandbox freedom and directed mayhem within its engaging open-world games on PC.
10. Yakuza 0: The Dense Urban Tapestry of Japan
While Yakuza 0 might not boast the sheer geographical expanse of many other open-world games, its two meticulously rendered districts of Tokyo and Osaka compensate for their limited size with an unparalleled density of character and activity. These locations, faithfully based on real-life Japanese districts, are imbued with an incredible sense of place, fostering a deep familiarity among players.
Veterans of the Yakuza series frequently recount tales of their preferred beef bowl establishments, beloved convenience stores, and the most effective walls to utilize in skirmishes against low-ranking Yakuza thugs. Players come to intimately understand every narrow alley, every steaming backstreet, and every noisy pachinko parlor. The recurrent sight of the Kamurocho Gate evokes a pleasant rush of familiarity, a testament to the game’s masterful creation of a deeply personal urban playground. Unlike many expansive open worlds, Yakuza 0 delivers a cinematic narrative and cast of characters that leave an indelible mark on one’s memory, offering a distinct and highly engaging escape that avoids typical fantasy sprawls or generic US cityscapes.
