Best Open World Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated open world games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free open world games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Mafia
It’s 1930. After an inadvertent brush with the mafia, cabdriver Tommy Angelo is reluctantly thrust into the world of organized crime. Initially, he is uneasy about falling in with the Salieri family, but soon the rewards become too big to ignore.
Gothic 1
War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed...
Arma 2
Building on 10 years of constant engine development, ARMA II boasts the most realistic combat environment in the world. It models real world ballistics & round deflection, materials penetration, features a realtime day/night cycle and dynamic wind, weather and environmental effects.
Stronghold 2: Steam Edition
Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.
Assassin’s Creed® IV Black Flag™
The year is 1715. Pirates rule the Caribbean and have established their own lawless Republic where corruption, greediness and cruelty are commonplace.Among these outlaws is a brash young captain named Edward Kenway.Most played open world games on Steam
Take a look at the top open world games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 07th 2025.
1. Rust
The only aim in Rust is to survive. Everything wants you to die - the island’s wildlife, other inhabitants, the environment, and other survivors. Do whatever it takes to last another night. Rust is a survival, crafting and multiplayer game developed and published by Facepunch Studios. Released on February 08th 2018 has received 1,215,155 reviews of which 1,060,406 were positive and 154,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played open world game, thanks to its 92,504 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,060,406
154,749
92,504
players
2. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Explore Cyrodiil like never before with stunning new visuals and refined gameplay in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a rpg, open world and fantasy game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and Virtuos and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on April 22nd 2025 has received 40,643 reviews of which 33,388 were positive and 7,255 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 75,527 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among open world games based on player count.
8.1
33,388
7,255
75,527
players
3. Schedule I
From small-time dope pusher to kingpin - manufacture and distribute a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. Expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees and more. Schedule I is a simulation, co-op and crime game developed and published by TVGS. Released on March 24th 2025 has received 168,496 reviews of which 165,982 were positive and 2,514 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 67,740 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world games based on player count.
9.7
165,982
2,514
67,740
players
4. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free. Destiny 2 is a free to play, open world and looter shooter game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 623,520 reviews of which 496,736 were positive and 126,784 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 47,974 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played open world games.
7.9
496,736
126,784
47,974
players
5. V Rising
Awaken as a Vampire. Hunt for blood in nearby settlements to regain your strength and evade the scorching sun to survive. Raise your castle and thrive in an ever-changing, open world full of mystery. Gain allies online and conquer the land of the living. V Rising is a survival, open world and base-building game developed and published by Stunlock Studios. Released on May 08th 2024 has received 112,592 reviews of which 100,060 were positive and 12,532 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 40,701 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played open world games.
8.8
100,060
12,532
40,701
players
6. DayZ
How long can you survive a post-apocalyptic world? A land overrun with an infected "zombie" population, where you compete with other survivors for limited resources. Will you team up with strangers and stay strong together? Or play as a lone wolf to avoid betrayal? This is DayZ – this is your story. DayZ is a survival, open world and online co-op game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on December 13th 2018 has received 426,541 reviews of which 326,984 were positive and 99,557 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 32,371 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played open world games.
7.6
326,984
99,557
32,371
players
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail. The Special Edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition is a open world, rpg and adventure game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on October 27th 2016 has received 333,907 reviews of which 307,140 were positive and 26,767 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 31,148 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played open world games.
9.1
307,140
26,767
31,148
players
8. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced
Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced is a open world, action and multiplayer game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Released on March 04th 2025 has received 45,963 reviews of which 30,139 were positive and 15,824 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 24,968 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world games.
6.5
30,139
15,824
24,968
players
9. ELDEN RING
THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FANTASY ACTION RPG. Rise, Tarnished, and be guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between. ELDEN RING is a souls-like, open world and dark fantasy game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware and Inc.. Released on February 24th 2022 has received 1,046,084 reviews of which 971,482 were positive and 74,602 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 24,661 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
971,482
74,602
24,661
players
10. Once Human
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world. Once Human is a multiplayer, free to play and survival game developed and published by Starry Studio. Released on July 09th 2024 has received 126,678 reviews of which 93,632 were positive and 33,046 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 22,168 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world games.
7.3
93,632
33,046
22,168
players
Best deals on open world games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of open world games available on Steam right now, updated on May 07th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted open world games.
1. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame
Bricksburg is in ruins and Emmet's friends have been taken! Team up with Emmet and a host of heroic characters to save their friends from the strange inhabitants of the Systar System. Journey into outer space, discover new worlds, and test your Master Building skills. The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is a adventure, lego and sandbox game developed by TT Games and Feral interactive (Mac) and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released on February 26th 2019 has received 1,340 reviews of which 864 were positive and 476 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for open world category.
6.3
864
476
-96%
29.25€
1.17€
2. Black Skylands
Become the captain of an airship and explore the world of the skies, gather resources and build powerful weapons, uncover ancient secrets and fight beneath your ship's sails. Black Skylands is a pixel graphics, open world and sandbox game developed by Hungry Couch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on August 15th 2023 has received 3,836 reviews of which 3,181 were positive and 655 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in open world games.
8.0
3,181
655
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. Loddlenaut
Play as an interstellar custodian sent to clean up a polluted ocean planet. Pick up trash, explore the vibrant waters, and take care of axolotl-like alien creatures! Loddlenaut is a underwater, relaxing and open world game developed by Moon Lagoon and published by Secret Mode. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 4,121 reviews of which 4,044 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in open world games.
9.4
4,044
77
-94%
18.83€
1.13€
4. Starsand
Starsand is a mystic survival game set among the dunes of an arcane desert. An open-world full of danger, vast environments and mysterious happenings await you! Explore, hunt, craft, build – and SURVIVE. Starsand is a open world survival craft, survival and open world game developed by Tunnel Vision Studio and published by Toplitz Productions. Released on November 17th 2022 has received 1,146 reviews of which 768 were positive and 378 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
768
378
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
5. Shenmue I & II
SEGA®’s most requested re-release of all time finally comes to a new generation. Shenmue delivers an epic story of revenge within a unique open world that is still unrivalled in depth and detail. Return to the epic saga that defined modern gaming. The saga begins…again. Shenmue I & II is a adventure, open world and story rich game developed by D3T and published by SEGA. Released on August 21st 2018 has received 2,921 reviews of which 2,599 were positive and 322 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.5
2,599
322
-93%
36.57€
2.56€
6. Pure Farming 2018
Use the latest technology and state-of-the-art licensed machines to manage all aspects of modern farming. Travel between Europe, Asia, and both Americas to plant region-specific crops such as hemp, coffee beans, and olives. Farm your way thanks to three unique game modes tailored to both simulation veterans and newcomers to farming games. Pure Farming 2018 is a farming sim, simulation and open world game developed by Ice Flames and published by Techland Publishing. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 1,636 reviews of which 1,197 were positive and 439 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for open world games.
7.1
1,197
439
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
7. Gotham Knights
Batman is dead. It is now up to the Batman Family - Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin - to protect Gotham City. Gotham Knights is a action, open world and superhero game developed by Warner Bros. Games Montréal and QLOC and published by Warner Bros. Games. Released on October 21st 2022 has received 22,553 reviews of which 15,206 were positive and 7,347 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.7
15,206
7,347
-93%
56.00€
3.92€
8. Maneater
Experience the ultimate power fantasy as the apex predator of the seas - a giant Shark! Terrorize the coastal waterways. Tear swimmers and divers limb from limb, give the humans a reason to fear you! Maneater is a open world, dark humor and nature game developed and published by Tripwire Interactive. Released on May 25th 2021 has received 17,018 reviews of which 15,112 were positive and 1,906 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.7
15,112
1,906
-92%
36.00€
2.88€
9. Rebel Galaxy
Rebel Galaxy is a swashbuckling space adventure, with action-packed combat, exploration, discovery, trade, and “negotiation” with the outlandish denizens at the edge of the known universe. Rebel Galaxy is a space, open world and sci-fi game developed and published by Double Damage Games. Released on October 20th 2015 has received 8,050 reviews of which 6,858 were positive and 1,192 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.3
6,858
1,192
-92%
16.63€
1.33€
10. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Deluxe Edition
2026, Sword Art: Origin, a new VRMMORPG has emerged. Kirito meets a mysterious NPC and receives a cryptic message. This game is definitively not the same as the one he escaped years ago… Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Deluxe Edition is a anime, rpg and action game developed by AQURIA and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on October 27th 2017 has received 7,560 reviews of which 5,989 were positive and 1,571 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for open world games.
7.7
5,989
1,571
-92%
52.50€
4.20€
Free open world games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play open world games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 07th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play open world games.
1. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is an action MMO with a single evolving world that you and your friends can join anytime, anywhere, absolutely free. Destiny 2 is a free to play, open world and looter shooter game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 623,520 reviews of which 496,736 were positive and 126,784 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 47,974 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free open world games on Steam.
7.9
496,736
126,784
47,974
players
2. Once Human
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future. Unite with friends to fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, compete for resources, and build your own territory. Once, you were merely human. Now, you have the power to remake the world. Once Human is a multiplayer, free to play and survival game developed and published by Starry Studio. Released on July 09th 2024 has received 126,678 reviews of which 93,632 were positive and 33,046 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 22,168, this open world game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
7.3
93,632
33,046
22,168
players
3. Unturned
You're a survivor in the zombie infested ruins of society, and must work with your friends and forge alliances to remain among the living. Unturned is a free to play, survival and zombies game developed and published by Smartly Dressed Games. Released on July 07th 2017 has received 554,408 reviews of which 505,746 were positive and 48,662 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 9,055, this open world game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
9.1
505,746
48,662
9,055
players
4. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is a story-rich open-world action RPG with a high degree of freedom. You wake from your slumber as Rover, joined by a vibrant cast of Resonators on a journey to reclaim your lost memories and change the world. Wuthering Waves is a open world, action and anime game developed and published by KURO GAMES. Released on April 28th 2025 has received 7,632 reviews of which 6,835 were positive and 797 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 8,437 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.7
6,835
797
8,437
players
5. Albion Online
Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion. Albion Online is a free to play, mmorpg and open world game developed and published by Sandbox Interactive GmbH. Released on May 16th 2018 has received 82,243 reviews of which 64,959 were positive and 17,284 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 8,328 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.8
64,959
17,284
8,328
players
6. STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™
STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ is a free-to-play MMORPG that puts you at the center of your own story-driven saga. Play as a Jedi, Sith, Bounty Hunter, or one of many other iconic STAR WARS roles in the galaxy far, far away over three thousand years before the classic films. STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ is a free to play, character customization and mmorpg game developed by Broadsword and published by Electronic Arts. Released on July 21st 2020 has received 66,975 reviews of which 60,014 were positive and 6,961 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 5,101 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.8
60,014
6,961
5,101
players
7. EVE Online
EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox. EVE Online is a space, free to play and open world game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 36,127 reviews of which 26,628 were positive and 9,499 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,456 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.3
26,628
9,499
3,456
players
8. RuneScape ®
RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow. RuneScape ® is a free to play, mmorpg and open world game developed and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 25,178 reviews of which 20,819 were positive and 4,359 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,538 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.1
20,819
4,359
2,538
players
9. The Lord of the Rings Online™
Join the world’s greatest fellowship of players in the award-winning online re-creation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendary Middle-earth. The Lord of the Rings Online™ is a free to play, mmorpg and massively multiplayer game developed by Standing Stone Games and published by Daybreak Game Company LLC. Released on June 06th 2012 has received 20,870 reviews of which 16,994 were positive and 3,876 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 874 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.0
16,994
3,876
874
players
10. Trove
Grab your friends, hone your blades, and set off for an epic procedurally generated adventure in Trove! Battle the Shadow in realms filled with dungeons and items created by your fellow players. Whether hunting treasure or building realms of your own, it’s never been this good to be square! Trove is a free to play, open world and sandbox game developed and published by gamigo US Inc.. Released on July 09th 2015 has received 92,349 reviews of which 74,111 were positive and 18,238 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 710 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.9
74,111
18,238
710
players