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
How to Survive
“A real Gem” – Destructoid at E3 “Offers a different experience for zombie game veterans” – Co-Optimus“Has a lot more going for it than smashing brains and gory, red goo ... With a surprisingly deep crafting system” – GamesRadarYou're shipwrecked on an isolated island, a desperate castaway in a total freakshow world. How will you survive?
Metro 2033 Redux
In 2013 the world was devastated by an apocalyptic event, annihilating almost all mankind and turning the Earth's surface into a poisonous wasteland. A handful of survivors took refuge in the depths of the Moscow underground, and human civilization entered a new Dark Age. The year is 2033.
Metro: Last Light Redux
It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above.
Risen 3 - Titan Lords
The world has been abandoned by its gods and is scarred from the rampage of the Titans. Humanity is struggling to regain strength. You, however, have more pressing concerns: your own life has been shattered and you must set off to reclaim what is lost amidst the darkness spreading throughout the world.
Cubic Castles
Your blocks, your castle, your world! Build anything you can dream up and explore with other players! Cubic Castles is a mini-MMO that combines the best of block-building and 3D platform action! Create fantastic parkour challenges, explore worlds made by other players, or even make friend!
The Expendabros
The Expendabros have assembled and set their sights on the forces of ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks in the forests of Eastern Europe.
Guns and Robots
Guns and Robots is free to play online third person shooter. The game brings robot action with massive customization. Players get cartoony bright 3D graphics in attractive environments and challenge each other in open arenas.
Pixel Piracy
Embark on an epic 2D pirate simulator RPG adventure, where you navigate both land and sea. Upgrade your ship, recruit and level up your crew, and uncover hidden treasures as you become a legendary pirate.
Wildlife Park 2
Now’s the chance to build the Zoo of your dreams! Just like in a real Zoo, your animals must receive complete care. Feed them, train them, cure them and even relocate them. Observe their realistic interactions with one another, the landscape, the play equipment and even Zoo visitors.
Black Ice
Hack greedy megacorps to help as many people as you can in a high-agility cyberpunk looter/shooter RPG. Explore vast cyberspace vistas and outmaneuver AIs to customize your loadout with an arsenal of weapon combos. Think Borderlands meets Tron. Play solo or online co-op with up to 10 people!
Sniper Elite 3
Sniper Elite 3 is a tactical third-person shooter that combines stealth, gameplay choice and genre-defining ballistics with huge, open levels and the exotic terrain of World War 2 North Africa.
Enemy Front
ENEMY FRONT is the first truly modern WW2 FPS, featuring stunning visuals, open-ended levels and a richly interactive combat experience that breaks out of the standard model of highly linear scripted FPS experiences, giving the player full freedom to own their playing style.
Murdered: Soul Suspect
MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT™ takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach, challenging gamers to solve the hardest case of all… their own murder.
Bus Driver
In Bus Driver, your job is to transport passengers around an attractive and realistic city. You must drive to a timetable on a planned route, whilst obeying traffic rules, and taking care not to upset or injure your passengers.
Final Fantasy III (3D Remake)
FINAL FANTASY® III, one of the best-loved games from the epic RPG series, available on Steam.
Watch_Dogs™
In today's hyper-connected world, Chicago operates under ctOS, the most advanced computer network in America.
Tropico 5
Return to the remote island nation of Tropico and expand your Dynasty’s reign from the early colonial period to beyond the 21st Century, facing new challenges including advanced trading mechanics, technology and scientific research, as well as cooperative and competitive MULTIPLAYER.
A.I.M.2 Clan Wars
A.I.M. 2 is the sequel to the epic science fiction first-person action RPG developed by SkyRiver Studios. Its compelling story and unique look lift off exactly where the original ended. New clans led by Mechminds of the Fifth Generation are powerful and well-organized formations with far-reaching plans.
RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe
One of the best games from acclaimed Tycoon series, with well designed gameplay mechanics, appealing graphics, and really high re-playability value. There’s no limit to what you can create so design and build the most thrilling roller coaster the world has ever seen!
DreadOut
DreadOut is a third person supernatural horror game where you play as Linda, a high school student trapped in an old abandoned town. Equipped with her trusty smart-phone, she will battle against terrifying encounters and solve mysterious puzzles which will ultimately determine her fate.
Bound By Flame
You are a mercenary possessed by a flame demon in a desperate world ravaged by seven Ice Lords. In this RPG where every choice counts, you will have to choose between unleashing the powers of the beast within and rejecting its demonic influence.
You Have to Win the Game
You Have to Win the Game is a free exploration platformer with a retro 1980s PC aesthetic.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