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
Death to Spies
Smersh is Russian for "Death to Spies" and was the name of a set of counterintelligence agencies formed in the Soviet Army during World War II. Their mission was to secure the rear of the active Red Army by arresting traitors, deserters, spies and criminal cells.
Frontlines™: Fuel of War™
Frontlines™: Fuel of War™ is an open-world First Person Shooter set on the frontlines of tomorrow. In a world ravaged by a global energy crisis, environmental decay, and economic depression, players assume the role of an elite soldier in the Western Coalition Army on an epic crusade against the Red Star Alliance to control the last of...
Overlord™: Raising Hell
How evil can you get? Discover how corruptible you are in Overlord, the twisted fantasy action adventure where you can be evil (or really evil). In the game's seriously warped fantasy world, players will become the Overlord and get first-hand experience of how absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Darkstar One
Darkstar One offers a fantastic amount of freedom of choice. The story-based missions gradually lead you deeper into the galaxy to new races, new technologies and ever stronger opponents. Explore a vast array of solar systems in search of hidden artifacts of ancient races, essential objects for upgrading your ship--the Darkstar One.
18 Wheels of Steel: American Long Haul
Your American Dream Starts Behind the Wheel of Your Own Big Rig! North America's open roads await! You ain't working for the Man any more! You're the owner of your own trucking business and you call the shots. Build your empire one rig at a time to dominate the roadways and outbid the competition. Can you handle the pressure?
Call of Juarez
Call of Juarez is an epic adventure western themed FPS game. The player alternately assumes the roles of two distinct, antagonistic characters: a sneaking fugitive Billy and his hunter the reverend Ray.
Overlord™
Prepare to be tempted, mesmerized and thrilled, become the Overlord, how corrupt you become depends on how you handle any given situation. Your actions impact the game world. With incredible power at your disposal and a team of evil minded minions to do your evil bidding, how will you resist the temptation to be incredibly despotic?
Arx Fatalis
This critically acclaimed first-person RPG from Arkane Studios takes the player on an amazing journey into the fantasy world of Arx. Arx is wrought with turmoil, brought to the brink of destruction by a violent war.
Thief: Deadly Shadows
You are Garrett, the master thief. Rarely seen and never caught, Garrett is the best that ever was. Able to sneak past any guard, pick any lock, and break into the most ingeniously secured residences. Garrett steals from the wealthy and gives to himself, making his living in the dark and foreboding City.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl tells a story about survival in the Zone – a very dangerous place, where you fear not only the radiation, anomalies and deadly creatures, but other S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s, who have their own goals and wishes.
Just Cause
Your world...Your rules!
GUN™
When life robs Colton White of all that matters, the only thing left he can trust is his GUN. From award-winning developer, Neversoft, and accomplished screenwriter, Randall Jahnson (The Mask of Zorro, The Doors), GUN follows Colton on his quest for discovery as he seeks to exact vengeful justice on those who have wronged him.
X3: Reunion
X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.
X2: The Threat
X²: The Threat is of a new generation of space simulator games, you play the role of Julian Gardna who continues the story set by X: Beyond The Frontier. The updated graphics engine gives the universe a fresher feel with newly designed ships and stations adding to the complexity of the universe.
Sid Meier's Pirates!
Sail the Caribbean, marauding all on the high seas or ally your ship and crew as a privateer in search of riches - the life you choose is up to you. Face dogged enemies, raid unsuspecting villages, woo fair maidens, avoid capture or dig for buried treasure. Discover what it takes to become one of the most famous pirates in history!
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero
With its extensive Tour of Duty campaign, a near-limitless number of skirmish modes, updates and new content for Counter-Strike's award-winning multiplayer game play, plus over 12 bonus single player missions, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a tremendous offering of single and multiplayer content.
Mafia
It’s 1930. After an inadvertent brush with the mafia, cabdriver Tommy Angelo is reluctantly thrust into the world of organized crime. Initially, he is uneasy about falling in with the Salieri family, but soon the rewards become too big to ignore.
Gothic 1
War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed...
Arma 2
Building on 10 years of constant engine development, ARMA II boasts the most realistic combat environment in the world. It models real world ballistics & round deflection, materials penetration, features a realtime day/night cycle and dynamic wind, weather and environmental effects.
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.
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 April 18th 2025.
1. 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 137,767 reviews of which 135,794 were positive and 1,973 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played open world game, thanks to its 201,130 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
135,794
1,973
201,130
players
2. 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 1,210,131 reviews of which 1,055,970 were positive and 154,161 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 106,773 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among open world games based on player count.
8.7
1,055,970
154,161
106,773
players
3. RuneScape: Dragonwilds
On RuneScape’s forgotten continent of Ashenfall, dragons have awoken. Gather, build, skill and craft to survive in this co-operative (1-4) survival crafting game. Only by mastering survival and uncovering ancient secrets can they hope to slay the Dragon Queen—alone or with allies. RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a early access, survival and multiplayer game developed and published by Jagex Ltd. Released on April 15th 2025 has received 5,183 reviews of which 4,334 were positive and 849 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. While seeing 43,771 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world games based on player count.
8.1
4,334
849
43,771
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 424,833 reviews of which 325,442 were positive and 99,391 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 35,111 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played open world games.
7.6
325,442
99,391
35,111
players
5. 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 709,021 reviews of which 653,299 were positive and 55,722 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 31,845 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played open world games.
9.1
653,299
55,722
31,845
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 1,041,494 reviews of which 967,131 were positive and 74,363 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 31,410 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
967,131
74,363
31,410
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 38,602 reviews of which 24,147 were positive and 14,455 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. With 28,926 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played open world games.
6.2
24,147
14,455
28,926
players
8. 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 330,938 reviews of which 304,270 were positive and 26,668 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 22,586 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world games.
9.1
304,270
26,668
22,586
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 622,838 reviews of which 496,312 were positive and 126,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 22,558 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world games.
7.9
496,312
126,526
22,558
players
10. Valheim
A brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players, set in a procedurally-generated purgatory inspired by viking culture. Battle, build, and conquer your way to a saga worthy of Odin’s patronage! Valheim is a open world survival craft, survival and online co-op game developed by Iron Gate AB and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on February 02nd 2021 has received 494,961 reviews of which 467,117 were positive and 27,844 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 20,563 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world games.
9.4
467,117
27,844
20,563
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 18th 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 1,328 reviews of which 859 were positive and 469 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
859
469
-96%
29.25€
1.17€
2. Crash Drive 3
Are you ready for THE car stunting playground? Experience ridiculous fun in this cross-platform multiplayer, free-roaming game! Drive monster trucks, tanks and more amazing vehicles across a huge open world. Level up, play events, earn cash, unlock new cars and discover secrets.... Crash Drive 3 is a racing, multiplayer and open world game developed and published by M2H. Released on July 08th 2021 has received 408 reviews of which 373 were positive and 35 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in open world games.
8.5
373
35
-95%
21.40€
1.07€
3. 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 3,806 reviews of which 3,155 were positive and 651 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in open world games.
8.0
3,155
651
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut
Play as special agent Francis York Morgan in this open-world action-adventure as you solve the case of the Red Seed Murders and survive in a small, quirky American mountain town where supernatural creatures and a mysterious raincoat-clad, axe-wielding killer seek to end his investigation for good. Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut is a story rich, adventure and horror game developed and published by Rising Star Games. Released on October 29th 2013 has received 4,407 reviews of which 2,922 were positive and 1,485 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
2,922
1,485
-95%
24.99€
1.24€
5. 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 4,075 reviews of which 3,998 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for open world games.
9.4
3,998
77
-94%
18.83€
1.13€
6. 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 1,136 reviews of which 763 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
763
373
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
7. 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 2,902 reviews of which 2,582 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 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.
8.5
2,582
320
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
8. Pine
An open-world action adventure game set in a simulated world in which humans never reached the top of the food chain. Pine is a singleplayer, open world and adventure game developed by Twirlbound and published by Kongregate. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 1,789 reviews of which 1,319 were positive and 470 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for open world games.
7.1
1,319
470
-93%
21.71€
1.52€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for open world games.
7.1
1,197
439
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
10. 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 22,485 reviews of which 15,160 were positive and 7,325 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.7
15,160
7,325
-93%
56.00€
3.92€
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 18th 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 622,838 reviews of which 496,312 were positive and 126,526 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 22,558 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
496,312
126,526
22,558
players
2. 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 553,929 reviews of which 505,358 were positive and 48,571 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 14,804, this open world game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
9.1
505,358
48,571
14,804
players
3. 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 81,775 reviews of which 64,605 were positive and 17,170 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 8,723, this open world game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
7.8
64,605
17,170
8,723
players
4. 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 mmorpg game developed by Broadsword and published by Electronic Arts. Released on July 21st 2020 has received 66,606 reviews of which 59,691 were positive and 6,915 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,030 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.8
59,691
6,915
4,030
players
5. 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 35,998 reviews of which 26,538 were positive and 9,460 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,511 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.3
26,538
9,460
3,511
players
6. 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 25,076 reviews of which 20,721 were positive and 4,355 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 2,546 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.1
20,721
4,355
2,546
players
7. 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 20,740 reviews of which 16,900 were positive and 3,840 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,094 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
8.0
16,900
3,840
1,094
players
8. 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 92,331 reviews of which 74,109 were positive and 18,222 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 849 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.9
74,109
18,222
849
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 11,734 reviews of which 9,113 were positive and 2,621 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 722 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
9,113
2,621
722
players
10. Stay Out
Stay Out - is a MMORPG with shooter elements, based on spirit of “stalking” - an urban exploration, searching and exploring mysterious, abandoned and forgotten by humanity pieces of our planet. Stay Out is a free to play, survival and multiplayer game developed and published by MOBITECH LLC. Released on November 27th 2019 has received 25,214 reviews of which 16,371 were positive and 8,843 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 674 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
6.4
16,371
8,843
674
players