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
Just Cause
Your world...Your rules!
GUN™
When life robs Colton White of all that matters, the only thing left he can trust is his GUN. From award-winning developer, Neversoft, and accomplished screenwriter, Randall Jahnson (The Mask of Zorro, The Doors), GUN follows Colton on his quest for discovery as he seeks to exact vengeful justice on those who have wronged him.
X3: Reunion
X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.
X2: The Threat
X²: The Threat is of a new generation of space simulator games, you play the role of Julian Gardna who continues the story set by X: Beyond The Frontier. The updated graphics engine gives the universe a fresher feel with newly designed ships and stations adding to the complexity of the universe.
Sid Meier's Pirates!
Sail the Caribbean, marauding all on the high seas or ally your ship and crew as a privateer in search of riches - the life you choose is up to you. Face dogged enemies, raid unsuspecting villages, woo fair maidens, avoid capture or dig for buried treasure. Discover what it takes to become one of the most famous pirates in history!
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero
With its extensive Tour of Duty campaign, a near-limitless number of skirmish modes, updates and new content for Counter-Strike's award-winning multiplayer game play, plus over 12 bonus single player missions, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a tremendous offering of single and multiplayer content.
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 16th 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 1,219,187 reviews of which 1,063,896 were positive and 155,291 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 98,800 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,063,896
155,291
98,800
players
2. 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 182,194 reviews of which 179,400 were positive and 2,794 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 46,753 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among open world games based on player count.
9.7
179,400
2,794
46,753
players
3. 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 singleplayer game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and Virtuos and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on April 22nd 2025 has received 46,281 reviews of which 37,985 were positive and 8,296 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 37,679 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world games based on player count.
8.1
37,985
8,296
37,679
players
4. 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 49,034 reviews of which 32,763 were positive and 16,271 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 32,556 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played open world games.
6.6
32,763
16,271
32,556
players
5. 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 427,441 reviews of which 327,820 were positive and 99,621 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 30,411 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played open world games.
7.6
327,820
99,621
30,411
players
6. 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 624,036 reviews of which 497,057 were positive and 126,979 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 29,817 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played open world games.
7.9
497,057
126,979
29,817
players
7. 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 114,412 reviews of which 101,676 were positive and 12,736 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 29,788 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played open world games.
8.8
101,676
12,736
29,788
players
8. 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 334,860 reviews of which 308,053 were positive and 26,807 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 28,669 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world games.
9.1
308,053
26,807
28,669
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 1,048,928 reviews of which 974,191 were positive and 74,737 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 25,660 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
974,191
74,737
25,660
players
10. Red Dead Redemption 2
Winner of over 175 Game of the Year Awards and recipient of over 250 perfect scores, RDR2 is the epic tale of outlaw Arthur Morgan and the infamous Van der Linde gang, on the run across America at the dawn of the modern age. Also includes access to the shared living world of Red Dead Online. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a open world, story rich and western game developed and published by Rockstar Games. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 721,250 reviews of which 664,977 were positive and 56,273 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 21,397 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
664,977
56,273
21,397
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 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted open world games.
1. BLACKTAIL
Forge the legend of Baba Yaga, a girl accused of witchcraft and expelled from her home. Live out the origins of the Slavic myth in this one-of-a-kind blend of intense archery combat and dark storytelling set in a vibrant fairy tale world. BLACKTAIL is a story rich, archery and action-adventure game developed by THE PARASIGHT and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 2,236 reviews of which 1,824 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for open world category.
7.9
1,824
412
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. 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 1,343 reviews of which 867 were positive and 476 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in open world games.
6.3
867
476
-96%
29.25€
1.17€
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 4,142 reviews of which 4,065 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in open world games.
9.4
4,065
77
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. 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 3,851 reviews of which 3,196 were positive and 655 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.0
3,196
655
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
5. The Wild Eight
The Wild Eight is an intense survival action-adventure set in the frozen wilderness of Alaska. Team up with friends in online co-op or go solo, explore the mysterious land, craft weapons and fight to live another day. The Wild Eight is a survival, open world survival craft and multiplayer game developed by Eight Points and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on October 03rd 2019 has received 7,895 reviews of which 5,407 were positive and 2,488 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.7
5,407
2,488
-95%
23.40€
1.17€
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 1,638 reviews of which 1,199 were positive and 439 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for open world games.
7.1
1,199
439
-94%
19.99€
1.19€
7. 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 1,147 reviews of which 768 were positive and 379 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
768
379
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
8. Hunting Simulator 2
With your hunting dog by your side, explore the Texan desert and forests of Colorado and Europe as you track down 33 animal species. Choose your gear from over 160 official weapons, accessories and clothing items (including Browning, Winchester and Bushnell). Hunting Simulator 2 is a action, hunting and adventure game developed by Nacon Studio Ghent and published by Nacon. Released on July 16th 2020 has received 864 reviews of which 579 were positive and 285 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
579
285
-94%
43.00€
2.58€
9. 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 2,929 reviews of which 2,605 were positive and 324 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.5
2,605
324
-93%
36.57€
2.56€
10. 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 22,584 reviews of which 15,228 were positive and 7,356 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.7
15,228
7,356
-93%
57.14€
4.00€
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 16th 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 624,036 reviews of which 497,057 were positive and 126,979 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 29,817 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
497,057
126,979
29,817
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 127,738 reviews of which 94,533 were positive and 33,205 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 20,953, this open world game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
7.3
94,533
33,205
20,953
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 554,668 reviews of which 505,969 were positive and 48,699 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 12,484, this open world game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
9.1
505,969
48,699
12,484
players
4. 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 82,452 reviews of which 65,113 were positive and 17,339 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 8,142 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.8
65,113
17,339
8,142
players
5. 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 9,572 reviews of which 8,587 were positive and 985 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 7,830 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.7
8,587
985
7,830
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 67,168 reviews of which 60,171 were positive and 6,997 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 5,159 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
60,171
6,997
5,159
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 massively multiplayer game developed and published by CCP. Released on December 15th 2010 has received 36,187 reviews of which 26,677 were positive and 9,510 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,236 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
26,677
9,510
3,236
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 25,219 reviews of which 20,843 were positive and 4,376 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,429 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
20,843
4,376
2,429
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 20,908 reviews of which 17,024 were positive and 3,884 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 817 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
17,024
3,884
817
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 92,352 reviews of which 74,103 were positive and 18,249 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 732 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
74,103
18,249
732
players