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
Wrought Flesh
Rip out organs and equip them in your own body. Fight biopunk monsters and drugged-up space bandits. You are a Gajeshian Cultist: A near-mythological being built from the bodies of long-dead saints.
Breakwaters: Crystal Tides
Survive in a world ravaged by massive Titans and an ever changing ocean sim. Displace water to find resources for building and crafting unique items. Swim, sail, and fly to explore new islands and fight Titans.
Frontier Pilot Simulator
FPS is a Sci-Fi cargo pilot sim, with an engaging emergent mission-driven storyline, with a real-time economy with free flight and trading, on an alien world to explore. All in customizable upgradeable, well-simulated VTOL craft with real weather, and flight dynamics.
ICARUS
ICARUS is a PvE survival game for up to eight players. Explore a savage wilderness in the aftermath of terraforming gone wrong. Survive the Open World, complete timed Missions or build your Outpost. Explore, build, craft and hunt while seeking your fortune and prospecting for exotic matter.
Chorus
Take control of Nara on a quest to destroy the dark cult that created her. Unlock devastating weapons & mind-bending abilities in an evolution of the space-combat shooter. Along with Forsaken, her sentient starfighter, explore ancient temples, engage in zero-g combat & venture beyond waking reality.
The Slaverian Trucker
The Slaverian Trucker is a Survival/Truck/Life simulator game. Make enough money to survive and expand your wealth in the harsh semi-post apocalyptic lands of Slaveria, doing legal and illegal work, while maintaining, fixing, building, repairing, tuning your trucks, cars and other vehicles.
Cricket 22
Cricket 22 delivers the Ashes, the Big Bash, The Hundred, and a multitude of other fan-favourite competitions! All-new mechanics, commentary, and a captivating, narrative driven career mode, will immediately immerse you in the ultimate cricket experience to date.
Len's Island
Discover, survive, and thrive in Len’s Island, where intense dungeon crawling meets open-world action RPG. Master skill-based combat, craft powerful items, build and defend your homestead, and find solace in farming. Your journey, your destiny.
DEEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game
Put simply, DEEEER Simulator is a “Slow-Life Town Destruction Game”. You can spend your days enjoying a nice, relaxed frolic here and there together with the other animals around town, or you can choose to relieve some stress and absolutely destroy the town and everything in it.
Fate Seeker II
Following the previous one, “Fate Seeker II” character development, thinking and exploration and other elements. You can experience real-time combat without switching scenes, and feel the delightful martial arts anytime.
Farming Simulator 22
Create your farm and let the good times grow! Harvest crops, tend to animals, manage productions, and take on seasonal challenges.
Surviving the Aftermath
Survive and thrive in a post-apocalyptic future — resources are scarce, but opportunity calls! Build the ultimate disaster proof colony, protect your colonists, and restore civilization to a devastated world.
Grow: Song of the Evertree
Grow your own worlds and nurture a deep natural connection with everything they hold. See your actions change the world for better! Bring the Evertree back to life in this breathtaking world-crafting sandbox, with life management and adventure elements.
The Pathless
From the creators of ABZÛ, The Pathless is the mythic adventure of an archer and an eagle in a vast forest. Become the Hunter, a master of archery who travels to a mystical island to dispel a curse of darkness that grips the world.
Halo Infinite
From one of gaming's most iconic sagas, Halo is bigger than ever. Featuring an expansive open-world campaign and a dynamic free to play multiplayer experience.
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One
In this story-driven detective thriller, a young Sherlock Holmes struggles to prove himself as he navigates an exotic, dangerous island in the Mediterranean to investigate the mystery of his mother’s death.
Among Trees
Escape to an enchanting, living sandbox surrounded by wildlife and nature. Scavenge materials and craft tools to turn your small cabin into a warm, well-supplied home. Survive by fishing, cooking and growing your own food. Be careful though, the forest is as dangerous as it is wonderful.
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s highly successful Jurassic World Evolution. This bold new era in the Jurassic World Evolution game franchise builds upon the ground-breaking and immersive 2018 management simulation.
Forza Horizon 5
Explore the vibrant open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in the world’s greatest cars.
Let's Build a Zoo
It's time to Build a Zoo! Construct and decorate enclosures, buy and breed animals, hire zookeepers and vets... then try your hand at DNA splicing, and stitch together over 300,000 different types of animal. This can only go smoothly...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 April 30th 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 59,015 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,060,406
154,749
59,015
players
2. 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 111,419 reviews of which 99,066 were positive and 12,353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 39,400 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among open world games based on player count.
8.8
99,066
12,353
39,400
players
3. 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. While seeing 31,544 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world games based on player count.
7.6
326,984
99,557
31,544
players
4. 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 332,407 reviews of which 305,678 were positive and 26,729 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 29,322 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played open world games.
9.1
305,678
26,729
29,322
players
5. 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 623,243 reviews of which 496,575 were positive and 126,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 24,858 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played open world games.
7.9
496,575
126,668
24,858
players
6. 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 24,018 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
971,482
74,602
24,018
players
7. 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 action, open world and multiplayer game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Released on March 04th 2025 has received 43,273 reviews of which 27,885 were positive and 15,388 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 23,066 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played open world games.
6.4
27,885
15,388
23,066
players
8. 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 23,033 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world games.
7.3
93,632
33,046
23,033
players
9. 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 717,516 reviews of which 661,377 were positive and 56,139 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 21,238 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world games.
9.1
661,377
56,139
21,238
players
10. 7 Days to Die
7 Days to Die is an open-world game that is a unique combination of first-person shooter, survival horror, tower defense, and role-playing games. Play the definitive zombie survival sandbox RPG that came first. Navezgane awaits! 7 Days to Die is a survival, zombies and multiplayer game developed by The Fun Pimps and published by The Fun Pimps Entertainment LLC. Released on July 25th 2024 has received 367,522 reviews of which 325,645 were positive and 41,877 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 18,083 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world games.
8.8
325,645
41,877
18,083
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 April 30th 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 1,332 reviews of which 861 were positive and 471 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
861
471
-96%
29.25€
1.17€
2. 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 4,101 reviews of which 4,024 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 #2 best deal in open world games.
9.4
4,024
77
-94%
18.83€
1.13€
3. 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 1,139 reviews of which 763 were positive and 376 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in open world games.
6.5
763
376
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
4. 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 858 reviews of which 576 were positive and 282 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
576
282
-94%
43.00€
2.58€
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 2,911 reviews of which 2,591 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 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.
8.6
2,591
320
-93%
33.86€
2.37€
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 22,529 reviews of which 15,192 were positive and 7,337 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
15,192
7,337
-93%
56.00€
3.92€
8. For The King
For The King is a strategic RPG that blends tabletop and roguelike elements in a challenging adventure that spans the realms. Set off on a single player experience or play cooperatively both online and locally. For The King is a rpg, online co-op and turn-based game developed by IronOak Games and published by Curve Games. Released on April 19th 2018 has received 41,205 reviews of which 36,349 were positive and 4,856 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
36,349
4,856
-92%
20.00€
1.60€
9. 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 7,553 reviews of which 5,984 were positive and 1,569 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 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.
7.7
5,984
1,569
-92%
52.50€
4.20€
10. Seven: Enhanced Edition
Seven: Enhanced Edition is an open-world, isometric stealth and action role-playing game, in which you play as Teriel, a master thief sent on a mission that will shake the foundations of the Vetrall Empire. Includes the Drowned Past expansion. Seven: Enhanced Edition is a action rpg, stealth and isometric game developed by IMGN.PRO and Fool's Theory and published by IMGN.PRO. Released on December 01st 2017 has received 1,996 reviews of which 1,524 were positive and 472 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 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.
7.4
1,524
472
-92%
30.75€
2.46€
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 April 30th 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 623,243 reviews of which 496,575 were positive and 126,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 24,858 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
496,575
126,668
24,858
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 23,033, 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
23,033
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 8,988, 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
8,988
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 82,002 reviews of which 64,785 were positive and 17,217 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 7,734 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
64,785
17,217
7,734
players
5. 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 multiplayer game developed by Broadsword and published by Electronic Arts. Released on July 21st 2020 has received 66,769 reviews of which 59,836 were positive and 6,933 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,882 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.8
59,836
6,933
3,882
players
6. 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 3,023 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.3
26,628
9,499
3,023
players
7. 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 25,134 reviews of which 20,777 were positive and 4,357 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,569 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.1
20,777
4,357
2,569
players
8. 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 20,836 reviews of which 16,966 were positive and 3,870 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 967 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.0
16,966
3,870
967
players
9. Summoners War: Chronicles
The King of Rahil is looking for a Summoner to protect the kingdom against Tefo's enormous conspiracy. Explore a vast world with your Monsters by your side in this new Action RPG set in the Summoners War Universe. Summoners War: Chronicles is a free to play, rpg and mmorpg game developed and published by Com2uS. Released on November 09th 2022 has received 11,738 reviews of which 9,118 were positive and 2,620 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 718 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.6
9,118
2,620
718
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 92,348 reviews of which 74,114 were positive and 18,234 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 712 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
74,114
18,234
712
players