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
Hyperbolica
Hyperbolica is a whimsical Non-Euclidean adventure with mind-bending worlds full of games, puzzles, mazes, and secrets! Immerse yourself in reality-warping geometries where lines can never be parallel, horizons are curved, and space grows exponentially.
Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands
Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands lets you explore freely and at your pace entire ski resorts and the surrounding mountains. Unlock ski lifts and reach new areas by competing in challenges, or enjoy the scenery while you find your own path down the mountains.
Submerged: Hidden Depths
Boat, climb, interact and explore in the beautiful ruins of a sunken world.
Buccaneers!
Become a fearless captain in Buccaneers!, a classic pirate RPG. Find legendary treasures, battle powerful ships, change the course of history, and join one of the unique factions to conquer an ever-changing Caribbean sea.
Animallica
In Animallica you are racing against extinction after a deadly virus ravaged the world. As the lone survivor of the last conservation center on Earth, the fate of every single animal and plant species lies in your hands.
PANELKI
A utility worker earns for a ticket to leave the endless Siberian city of panel houses. Permafrost, day/night cycle, dynamic weather and open world. Feel the atmosphere of the northern city, having been in the role of a handyman. Now with multiplayer!
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.
Spaceflight Simulator
In Spaceflight Simulator, you will get to build your rockets, plan launches and flights, attempt landings, deploy payloads and explore new worlds.
The WILDS
Become iconic animals and fight for survival in the The WILDS. Finding food, water, and shelter will be the easy part, protecting your family from hungry predators and a harsh environment will separate the weak from the strong. Welcome to a uniquely immersive animal experience...
Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Reloaded Edition
Humanity is fighting a losing battle against the virus. Experience a post-apocalyptic open world overrun by hordes of zombies, where your parkour and combat skills are key to survival. Traverse the City freely during the day, but watch the monsters take over during the night.
Zenith: Nexus
Fight, explore, and lose yourself in an anime-inspired world built for VR. Two action-packed game modes available. How will you use your power?
嗜血印 Bloody Spell
This is a martial arts action role-playing game. The core of the game is battle-oriented, and it combines many fighting elements. If you are a player who pursues blood and is brave enough to challenge the limits, it will definitely inspire your adrenaline and bring you the best combat experience.
Mortal Online 2
A persistent sandbox world. No classes or levels. Train the skills you want for your own unique build. Player-driven trade, economy, and housing. Millions of crafting combinations. First-person immersive combat. Exploration. Bosses. Full loot, full PvP. The world of Nave is yours - who will you be?
HITMAN World of Assassination
Enter the world of the ultimate assassin. HITMAN World of Assassination delivers the definitive stealth action experience, putting you in the shoes of Agent 47, a master assassin. Explore immersive locations, uncover hidden secrets, and eliminate targets with complete freedom of approach.
Supraland Six Inches Under
A mix between Portal, Zelda and Metroid. Exploration, puzzles, combat! A first-person-metroidvania taking place six inches under Supraland.
God of War
His vengeance against the Gods of Olympus years behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the realm of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive… and teach his son to do the same.
👑 Idle Calibur 👑（选王之剑）
《Idle Calibur》is A Pixel Rogue + RealTime War + Idle Play + Open World + RPG strategy Animation cute game 。 （Idle Battle，Whatever you like） Only one developer! Please consider it carefully before buying
MONSTER HUNTER RISE
Rise to the challenge and join the hunt! In Monster Hunter Rise, the latest installment in the award-winning and top-selling Monster Hunter series, you’ll become a hunter, explore brand new maps and use a variety of weapons to take down fearsome monsters as part of an all-new storyline.
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 June 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 1,227,784 reviews of which 1,071,135 were positive and 156,649 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 110,456 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,071,135
156,649
110,456
players
2. 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 430,252 reviews of which 330,349 were positive and 99,903 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. While seeing 46,727 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among open world games based on player count.
7.6
330,349
99,903
46,727
players
3. 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 1,056,677 reviews of which 981,540 were positive and 75,137 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 38,194 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world games based on player count.
9.2
981,540
75,137
38,194
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 55,881 reviews of which 38,595 were positive and 17,286 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. With 33,933 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played open world games.
6.8
38,595
17,286
33,933
players
5. ARK: Survival Evolved
Stranded on the shores of a mysterious island, you must learn to survive. Use your cunning to kill or tame the primeval creatures roaming the land, and encounter other players to survive, dominate... and escape! ARK: Survival Evolved is a open world survival craft, survival and multiplayer game developed by Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios and Virtual Basement LLC and published by Studio Wildcard and Snail Games USA. Released on August 27th 2017 has received 730,170 reviews of which 612,177 were positive and 117,993 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 31,018 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played open world games.
8.3
612,177
117,993
31,018
players
6. Satisfactory
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven! Satisfactory is a base-building, automation and open world game developed by Coffee Stain Studios and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on September 10th 2024 has received 232,064 reviews of which 225,479 were positive and 6,585 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 28,710 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played open world games.
9.6
225,479
6,585
28,710
players
7. 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 733,542 reviews of which 676,667 were positive and 56,875 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 28,679 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
676,667
56,875
28,679
players
8. Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite.. Project Zomboid is a survival, zombies and open world game developed and published by The Indie Stone. Released on November 08th 2013 has received 377,063 reviews of which 355,171 were positive and 21,892 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 27,195 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world games.
9.3
355,171
21,892
27,195
players
9. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure RPG set in the dark future of Night City — a dangerous megalopolis obsessed with power, glamor, and ceaseless body modification. Cyberpunk 2077 is a cyberpunk and open world game developed and published by CD PROJEKT RED. Released on December 09th 2020 has received 844,921 reviews of which 713,071 were positive and 131,850 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 26,460 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world games.
8.4
713,071
131,850
26,460
players
10. 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 multiplayer game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 625,616 reviews of which 497,891 were positive and 127,725 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 25,856 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world games.
7.9
497,891
127,725
25,856
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted open world games.
1. Starpoint Gemini 2
Captain your own space ship and roam the galaxy in 3D in this tactical space simulator with tons of RPG depth ! Space has never looked so inviting - but images can betray...It has been two years since the end of the second Gemini war, the situation in the wartorn system is further from resolution than ever. Starpoint Gemini 2 is a space, simulation and rpg game developed and published by Little Green Men Games. Released on September 26th 2014 has received 4,093 reviews of which 2,843 were positive and 1,250 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for open world category.
6.8
2,843
1,250
-99%
31.99€
0.58€
2. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
Out of cash, out of luck, out on the fringe. Juno Markev has a killer to tail, a debt to pay, and more trouble headed her way. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw takes place in a greasy, blue-collar world of outlaws, truckers, cops and thieves. Rebel Galaxy Outlaw is a space sim, open world and action-adventure game developed and published by Double Damage Games. Released on September 22nd 2020 has received 1,033 reviews of which 659 were positive and 374 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in open world games.
6.2
659
374
-99%
24.99€
0.43€
3. Two Worlds II HD
Check out the new Velvet Edition bundle including both Two Worlds II and Pirates of the Flying Fortress DLC. Two Worlds II HD is a rpg, open world and fantasy game developed by Reality Pump Studios and published by Topware Interactive and ACE. Released on February 03rd 2011 has received 6,700 reviews of which 4,224 were positive and 2,476 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in open world games.
6.2
4,224
2,476
-99%
24.50€
0.28€
4. A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build
An adorable puzzle game about being a monster and making snowmen. A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build is a cute, puzzle and relaxing game developed by Alan Hazelden and Benjamin Davis and published by Draknek & Friends. Released on February 25th 2015 has received 1,050 reviews of which 1,003 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for open world games.
9.0
1,003
47
-98%
14.79€
0.37€
5. Sunset Overdrive
Sunset Overdrive transforms an open-world apocalypse into your tactical playground. Zip, grind and wall-run across Sunset City with an unconventional arsenal. Hyper-agility, unique weapons, and customizable abilities deliver an explosive and irreverent adventure in the end times. Sunset Overdrive is a open world, action and parkour game developed by Insomniac Games and Blind Squirrel Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 16th 2018 has received 12,899 reviews of which 11,638 were positive and 1,261 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.8
11,638
1,261
-98%
19.99€
0.53€
6. Tchia
A Tropical Open-World adventure. Climb, glide, swim, and sail your boat around a beautiful archipelago in this physics-driven sandbox. Take control of any animal or object you can find, and Jam on your fully playable Ukulele. Tchia is a adventure, open world and sandbox game developed by Awaceb and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on March 21st 2024 has received 422 reviews of which 380 were positive and 42 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.4
380
42
-98%
34.99€
0.91€
7. Evergarden
You have just arrived in a magical forest world with a hexagon board at its center, a mysterious creature nearby, and secrets lurking in the shadows. Why are you here, and what will you do next? A deceptively simple puzzle game, wrapped in a magical adventure. Evergarden is a puzzle, strategy and adventure game developed and published by Flippfly LLC. Released on August 16th 2018 has received 752 reviews of which 648 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.1
648
104
-98%
9.75€
0.25€
8. 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 3,894 reviews of which 3,236 were positive and 658 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.0
3,236
658
-98%
19.50€
0.45€
9. 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, action-adventure and archery game developed by THE PARASIGHT and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on December 15th 2022 has received 2,276 reviews of which 1,854 were positive and 422 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for open world games.
7.8
1,854
422
-98%
29.99€
0.77€
10. Two Worlds Epic Edition
... 300 years after Aziraal has been banished, a brother and sister are drawn into the conflict which has flared up between the Orcs and the free world. Kyra, the hero's younger sister, suddenly disappears in mysterious circumstances.«...If my family really belongs to the chosen ones, why then have we always been as poor as church mice? Two Worlds Epic Edition is a rpg, open world and fantasy game developed by Reality Pump Studios and published by TopWare Interactive. Released on April 30th 2009 has received 5,594 reviews of which 4,283 were positive and 1,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for open world games.
7.5
4,283
1,311
-98%
14.79€
0.37€
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 June 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 multiplayer game developed and published by Bungie. Released on October 01st 2019 has received 625,616 reviews of which 497,891 were positive and 127,725 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 25,856 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
497,891
127,725
25,856
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 131,199 reviews of which 97,203 were positive and 33,996 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 21,393, this open world game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
7.3
97,203
33,996
21,393
players
3. 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 14,136 reviews of which 12,739 were positive and 1,397 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 16,652, this open world game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
8.8
12,739
1,397
16,652
players
4. 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 555,368 reviews of which 506,516 were positive and 48,852 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 10,810 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
9.0
506,516
48,852
10,810
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 83,074 reviews of which 65,583 were positive and 17,491 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 8,937 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
65,583
17,491
8,937
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, multiplayer and mmorpg game developed by Broadsword and published by Electronic Arts. Released on July 21st 2020 has received 67,952 reviews of which 60,864 were positive and 7,088 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 7,162 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
60,864
7,088
7,162
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 36,388 reviews of which 26,813 were positive and 9,575 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,487 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
26,813
9,575
4,487
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 25,338 reviews of which 20,941 were positive and 4,397 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,534 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
20,941
4,397
2,534
players
9. Karos
A mysterious sorceress, a stern swordsman, or a cheerful gunner - which path in the world of Azmara will you choose? Join the thousands of heroes who have already discovered this easy-to-learn and low-hardware MMORPG! Look around as you walk out of the city - the enemy can be anywhere! Karos is a free to play, rpg and massively multiplayer game developed by Galaxy Gate and published by GameXP.com. Released on December 24th 2014 has received 1,136 reviews of which 754 were positive and 382 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 992 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
6.4
754
382
992
players
10. 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 20,995 reviews of which 17,099 were positive and 3,896 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 893 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.0
17,099
3,896
893
players