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
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.
Sleeping Dogs
As Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to take down the Triads, you'll have to fight your way up the organization without blowing your cover.
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 July 03rd 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 68,485 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,071,135
156,649
68,485
players
2. Palworld
Fight, farm, build and work alongside mysterious creatures called "Pals" in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game! Palworld is a open world, survival and creature collector game developed and published by Pocketpair. Released on January 18th 2024 has received 380,709 reviews of which 358,266 were positive and 22,443 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 49,494 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among open world games based on player count.
9.3
358,266
22,443
49,494
players
3. 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 370,046 reviews of which 327,889 were positive and 42,157 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 39,827 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world games based on player count.
8.8
327,889
42,157
39,827
players
4. 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. With 37,473 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played open world games.
7.6
330,349
99,903
37,473
players
5. 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. With 32,493 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
981,540
75,137
32,493
players
6. 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 30,798 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played open world games.
8.4
713,071
131,850
30,798
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 28,414 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
28,414
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 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 27,874 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world games.
6.8
38,595
17,286
27,874
players
9. 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 23,776 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world games.
7.9
497,891
127,725
23,776
players
10. 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 204,041 reviews of which 200,803 were positive and 3,238 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 22,398 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world games.
9.7
200,803
3,238
22,398
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 July 03rd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted open world games.
1. Ben 10: Power Trip
Evil Hex has cursed Europe – and only Ben 10 can stop him! Explore a 3D world filled with combat, puzzles and secrets as you save the day! Ben 10: Power Trip is a adventure, open world and action rpg game developed by PHL Collective and published by Outright Games Ltd.. Released on October 09th 2020 has received 376 reviews of which 296 were positive and 80 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for open world category.
7.4
296
80
-99%
29.99€
0.47€
2. Starpoint Gemini Warlords
Strategy from the front lines! Starpoint Gemini Warlords combines 3rd person capital spaceship combat with 4X strategy and RPG gameplay elements. Build mighty war fleets and send them into battle or lead them into combat yourself. Become the Warlord and conquer the Gemini system! Starpoint Gemini Warlords is a space, rpg and open world game developed and published by Little Green Men Games. Released on May 23rd 2017 has received 3,532 reviews of which 2,593 were positive and 939 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 85% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in open world games.
7.1
2,593
939
-85%
31.99€
4.79€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in open world games.
6.8
2,843
1,250
-99%
31.99€
0.50€
4. 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 7,897 reviews of which 5,407 were positive and 2,490 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.7
5,407
2,490
-99%
24.99€
0.42€
5. 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. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.2
659
374
-99%
24.99€
0.43€
6. 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. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.2
4,224
2,476
-99%
28.99€
0.28€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for open world games.
9.0
1,003
47
-98%
14.79€
0.39€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.8
11,638
1,261
-98%
19.99€
0.49€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.4
380
42
-98%
29.99€
0.68€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.0
3,236
658
-98%
19.50€
0.48€
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 July 03rd 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 23,776 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
23,776
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 132,673 reviews of which 98,340 were positive and 34,333 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 13,550, this open world game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
7.3
98,340
34,333
13,550
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 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 10,699, this open world game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
9.0
506,516
48,852
10,699
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 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 8,785 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
65,583
17,491
8,785
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, anime and action game developed and published by KURO GAMES. Released on April 28th 2025 has received 16,768 reviews of which 15,124 were positive and 1,644 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 7,156 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
15,124
1,644
7,156
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 5,041 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
5,041
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 3,129 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
3,129
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 2,416 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
2,416
players
9. 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 92,370 reviews of which 74,103 were positive and 18,267 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 838 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.9
74,103
18,267
838
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 749 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
749
players