Must-Play Open World Games 2024

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a thrilling and immersive game that follows the adventures of two Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales, as they face off against two deadly foes, Kraven and Venom. The game offers a rich and varied gameplay, with different suits, abilities, and activities for each hero. The game also showcases the stunning graphics and performance of the PlayStation 5, creating a realistic open world. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a must-play game for fans of the action-adventure games in general.

Far Cry 5 is a shooter game released on March 27, 2018, by Ubisoft Montréal, Ubisoft Shanghai, and Ubisoft Kiev, for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, that lets you explore and fight in an open-world Montana under the grip of a doomsday cult, with the help of various allies, weapons, vehicles, and animals, either solo or in co-op mode. While its successor, Far Cry 6, is also a wonderful open-world game, Far Cry 5 feels much more expertly crafted and delivers an exciting, thrilling gaming experience compared to Far Cry 6.

Forza Horizon 5 stands as a pinnacle in open-world racing games, consistently dominating the genre since its inception. The game achieves an unprecedented level of realism with thrilling missions, dynamic terrains featuring mud roads and water elements, creating an immersive driving experience that feels remarkably close to reality. Published by Xbox Game Studios, Playground Games has excelled in the development of Forza Horizon 5, setting a new standard in graphical excellence.

Watch Dogs 2 is a vibrant open-world adventure set in San Francisco, where charismatic hacker Marcus Holloway joins DedSec to combat the corrupt CTOS 2.0 system. The game features a light-hearted tone, engaging narrative, and diverse gameplay, including hacking elements, stealth, combat, and racing. With a meticulously recreated Bay Area setting, dynamic soundtrack, and seamless multiplayer integration, Watch Dogs 2, released on November 15, 2016, is an action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft Montreal, available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It serves as both a sequel to Watch Dogs (2014) and a precursor to Watch Dogs: Legion (2020).

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the tenth installment released in October 5, 2018, diverges from its predecessors with a stronger focus on role-playing over stealth. The game, set during the Peloponnesian War, offers a stunning open world with the choice of two protagonists, Alexios or Kassandra, each influencing the narrative based on player decisions. Blending historical and mythical elements, Odyssey stands as a notable departure in the series, delivering an immersive and engaging experience.

Elden Ring, an action role-playing game, set in a third-person perspective, players navigate a vast open world, utilizing the steed Torrent for travel across six main areas. Linear dungeons hide useful items, and a range of weapons and magic spells offer diverse combat options, including stealth mechanics. Checkpoints facilitate fast travel, with runes as in-game currency for attribute improvement. The game features online multiplayer for cooperative and player-versus-player modes. Elden Ring was released on February 25, 2022 for various platforms.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt thrusts players into a Slavic mythology-inspired world, navigating Geralt of Rivia's quest to find his adopted daughter, pursued by the Wild Hunt. With combat, magic, and questing, players shape Geralt's abilities. The narrative offers three endings based on player choices, enhancing replayability. Launched in December 2022, the Complete Edition earned acclaim, amassing over 200 Game of the Year awards and selling 50 million units. Advanced AI, dynamic environments, and a day-night cycle contribute to its immersive appeal, while an in-game bestiary aids combat preparedness through looting enemies for valuables.

Grand Theft Auto V sets the gold standard for open-world games with its vast and intricately detailed map. Beyond the driving and shooting, the three-protagonist story, and myriad side activities, the city pulses with life and activity. Whether in the single-player mode or the expansive Grand Theft Auto Online, the game's creative tools and mods elevate the experience to extraordinary levels, players control three interconnected criminals with distinct skill sets, navigating a captivating narrative with heists requiring strategic planning and AI-controlled accomplices. With flashing compass avatars indicating danger or advantage, and multiple heist strategies available, GTA V remains a pinnacle of immersive gaming. As Rockstar has confirmed the release of GTA 6 in 2025, anticipation is building for a return to Vice City and the introduction of the series' first female playable character in a Bonnie & Clyde-inspired narrative.

Cyberpunk 2077, an action RPG released on December 10, 2020, immerses players as V, a customizable mercenary, in a first-person perspective. Stat categories (Body, Intelligence, Reflexes, Technical, and Cool) influence gameplay, featuring three primary styles: Netrunner (hacking), Techie (machinery), and Solo (combat). Upgrading cyberware via a "ripperdoc" is essential, with equipment rarity indicated by a colored tier system. V's versatility includes cover, aiming, running, jumping, double jumping, sliding, and close-combat melee. Ranged weapons, customizable into Power, Tech, and Smart types, offer varied combat. Ricocheting bullets and bullet time add strategic elements. Damage types (Physical, Thermal, Electric, and Chemical) introduce tactical considerations. Weapon use influences accuracy and reloading speed, reflected in animations. The game supports non-lethal approaches, allowing completion without killing, emphasizing choices in weaponry and cyberware.

Red Dead Redemption 2 released on October 26, 2018, a Western-themed action-adventure masterpiece, immerses players in a fictionalized 1899 United States. With single-player and online multiplayer components, players control outlaw Arthur Morgan, progressing the story and transitioning to Red Dead Redemption's John Marston in the epilogue. The PC version enriches the experience with new content, enhancing the already expansive 60+ hours of storytelling. The diverse landscape, responsive NPCs, and dynamic interactions create an immersive world. Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC is a must-play, capturing the romanticism and horror of the old west through stunning visuals and an emotionally complex narrative. It stands out as an exciting and beautifully detailed open-world.