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
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 23rd 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 1,212,646 reviews of which 1,058,194 were positive and 154,452 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 123,159 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
1,058,194
154,452
123,159
players
2. Don't Starve Together
Fight, Farm, Build and Explore Together in the standalone multiplayer expansion to the uncompromising wilderness survival game, Don't Starve. Don't Starve Together is a survival, open world survival craft and multiplayer game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. Released on April 21st 2016 has received 494,883 reviews of which 471,668 were positive and 23,215 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 56,599 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among open world games based on player count.
9.4
471,668
23,215
56,599
players
3. 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 713,581 reviews of which 657,608 were positive and 55,973 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 55,040 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world games based on player count.
9.1
657,608
55,973
55,040
players
4. 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 1,043,758 reviews of which 969,273 were positive and 74,485 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 49,379 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
969,273
74,485
49,379
players
5. 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 425,469 reviews of which 326,033 were positive and 99,436 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 48,462 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played open world games.
7.6
326,033
99,436
48,462
players
6. Euro Truck Simulator 2
Travel across Europe as king of the road, a trucker who delivers important cargo across impressive distances! With dozens of cities to explore, your endurance, skill and speed will all be pushed to their limits. Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a driving, transportation and simulation game developed and published by SCS Software. Released on October 12th 2012 has received 858,916 reviews of which 836,229 were positive and 22,687 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 41,359 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played open world games.
9.7
836,229
22,687
41,359
players
7. 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 366,841 reviews of which 325,023 were positive and 41,818 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 37,897 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played open world games.
8.8
325,023
41,818
37,897
players
8. 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 multiplayer game developed and published by Pocketpair. Released on January 18th 2024 has received 376,938 reviews of which 354,816 were positive and 22,122 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 34,623 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world games.
9.3
354,816
22,122
34,623
players
9. 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 833,276 reviews of which 701,353 were positive and 131,923 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 34,225 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world games.
8.4
701,353
131,923
34,225
players
10. ARK: Survival Evolved
Stranded on the shores of a mysterious island, you must learn to survive. Use your cunning to kill or tame the primeval creatures roaming the land, and encounter other players to survive, dominate... and escape! ARK: Survival Evolved is a open world survival craft, survival and multiplayer game developed by Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios and Virtual Basement LLC and published by Studio Wildcard and Snail Games USA. Released on August 27th 2017 has received 725,588 reviews of which 607,889 were positive and 117,699 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 33,961 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world games.
8.3
607,889
117,699
33,961
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 23rd 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 1,330 reviews of which 860 were positive and 470 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
860
470
-96%
29.25€
1.17€
2. 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 3,826 reviews of which 3,173 were positive and 653 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in open world games.
8.0
3,173
653
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in open world games.
6.5
2,922
1,485
-95%
24.99€
1.24€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for open world games.
9.4
4,024
77
-94%
18.83€
1.13€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
763
373
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
6. 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 855 reviews of which 573 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 #6 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
573
282
-94%
43.00€
2.58€
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%
33.86€
2.37€
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 1,788 reviews of which 1,319 were positive and 469 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
469
-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 23rd 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 25,431 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
25,431
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 554,157 reviews of which 505,538 were positive and 48,619 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 22,604, this open world game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free open world games on Steam.
9.1
505,538
48,619
22,604
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 11,830, 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
11,830
players
4. 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 36,059 reviews of which 26,584 were positive and 9,475 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,329 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.3
26,584
9,475
4,329
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 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 3,853 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
59,691
6,915
3,853
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 2,468 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
2,468
players
7. 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 1,812 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
6.4
16,371
8,843
1,812
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 20,796 reviews of which 16,940 were positive and 3,856 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,240 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
16,940
3,856
1,240
players
9. Will To Live Online
Will To Live is a MMORPG-shooter whose action takes place in a severe post-apocalyptic world. Explore the world, engage in fights with mutants and other survivors, join the clans in the struggle for existence and prove your right to Live. Will To Live Online is a survival, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by AlphaSoft LLC. Released on April 05th 2018 has received 17,482 reviews of which 12,218 were positive and 5,264 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,042 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
6.9
12,218
5,264
1,042
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 92,331 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 1,015 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
74,109
18,222
1,015
players