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
Weed Shop 2
Weed Shop 2 is a first person recreational Marijuana dispensary simulator where you'll get to grow the hottest strains, expand your business, hire employees and much more!
Rain World
You are a nomadic slugcat, both predator and prey in a broken ecosystem. Grab your spear and brave the industrial wastes, hunting enough food to survive, but be wary— other, bigger creatures have the same plan... and slugcats look delicious.
Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King
Explore a huge open game world in classic action-adventure fashion! Prove your worth by fighting through monster-infested dungeons to save the Kingdom of Blossom!
Therian Saga
Therian Saga is a MMORPG that tries to stand out of the crowd by offering a compelling storytelling surrounded by a massive mathematical set of rules that define the world your hero will evolve in. It could be said that it borrows elements from old-time MUD games, strategy games and even tabletops RPG.
Battle Brothers
Battle Brothers is a turn based tactical RPG which has you leading a mercenary company in a gritty, low-power, medieval fantasy world. You decide where to go, whom to hire or to fight, what contracts to take and how to train and equip your men in a procedurally generated open world campaign.
Day of Infamy
Experience close-quarters battles in iconic WWII settings. Defend the line, storm the beach, torch the enemy, or use a radio to call in fire support. Day of Infamy is a teamwork-oriented shooter that will keep you on your toes and coming back for more with its diverse game modes and authentic arsenal.
Train Mechanic Simulator 2017
Take your opportunity as real Train Mechanic. Find locomotives around game world that needs your help and repair them in one of 3 workshops localized in huge 25 km2 open world. You will be face all types of damages in all genres of trains: Diesel, Electric and even Old-School Steam units.
Toukiden 2
Slayers! Go forth and eradicate the Oni menace! Experience the latest hunting action game featuring a dynamic targeted destruction system! The latest installment in the hunting action series "Toukiden".
Kona
Northern Canada, 1970. A strange blizzard ravages Atamipek Lake. Step into the shoes of a detective to explore the eerie village, investigate surreal events, and battle the elements to survive. Kona is a chilly interactive tale you won't soon forget.
NieR:Automata™
NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines.
Pastelia Stories
"Pastelia Stories" is a turn-based JRPG. You will be summoned into Pastelia world, and here begins your wonderful journey. Explore big world just like you want, pick any out of 30 companions, chose one of the story lines and factions to find your way back home.
Train Sim World® 2020
Train Sim World is an immersive first-person simulator perfect for everyone, with complete in-cab interactivity, accurate detail on locos, real-world routes and hours of gameplay. Take to the rails with the brand-new Train Sim World 2020 Edition and find everything you need to master new skills.
Styx: Shards of Darkness
Styx returns in a new stealth adventure! Explore and master huge open environments, sneak past or assassinate new enemies and bosses, and experiment with the new array of lethal abilities and weapons in our goblin assassin's arsenal.
Shadows Peak
Shadows Peak is an atmospheric, open-world horror game focused on exploration that doesn't hold your hand. You play as a writer who has decided to visit a mysterious place called Shadows Peak to gather materials for a new book about legends.
Revhead
Revhead is a car racing simulation game, where you have to build your own race car. You start your journey somewhere in a small village in Australia. You have to think as a real Revhead! You can buy or sell cars and components, fix and tweak your car to make it the fastest around.
LEGO® Worlds
Experience a galaxy of Worlds made entirely from LEGO bricks. EXPLORE gigantic landscapes, DISCOVER countless surprises, and CREATE anything you can imagine by building with LEGO bricks.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon® Wildlands
Create a team with up to 3 friends in Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® Wildlands and enjoy the ultimate military shooter experience set in a massive, dangerous, and responsive open world.
River City Ransom: Underground
Alex and Ryan must take to the streets to help a new crop of fighters. You'll earn money, unlock moves, and upgrade your skills in a sprawling city. This modern take on an old classic features over 500 unique street fighting moves, dozens of weapons, and fun online multiplayer modes.
Hollow Knight
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Impulse of War
Stop! You haven't captured the train yet? Didn't build a base and haven't mastered the planet? I won't jump from a springboard to take the flag! I'll be waiting for you!![MadOut2 BigCityOnline [CLOSED]](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/586980/header.jpg)
MadOut2 BigCityOnline [CLOSED]
Open world game, with free roam game play, many cars, missions and - online mode!
theHunter: Call of the Wild™
Discover an atmospheric hunting game like no other in this realistic, stunning open world – regularly updated in collaboration with the community. Immerse yourself in the single player campaign, or share the ultimate hunting experience with friends.
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Dear Esther immerses you in a stunningly realised world, a remote and desolate island somewhere in the outer Hebrides. As you step forwards, a voice begins to read fragments of a letter: 'Dear Esther...' - and so begins a journey through one of the most original first-person games of recent years.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 19th 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 204,837 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
135,794
1,973
204,837
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 114,699 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
114,699
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 4,514 reviews of which 3,711 were positive and 803 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 47,839 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among open world games based on player count.
8.0
3,711
803
47,839
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 44,343 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
44,343
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 1,041,494 reviews of which 967,131 were positive and 74,363 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 35,441 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played open world games.
9.2
967,131
74,363
35,441
players
6. 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 35,189 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played open world games.
9.1
653,299
55,722
35,189
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 40,938 reviews of which 26,015 were positive and 14,923 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. With 32,233 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played open world games.
6.3
26,015
14,923
32,233
players
8. 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 25,922 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played open world games.
7.9
496,312
126,526
25,922
players
9. 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 25,592 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played open world games.
9.4
467,117
27,844
25,592
players
10. 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 331,569 reviews of which 304,883 were positive and 26,686 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 24,935 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played open world games.
9.1
304,883
26,686
24,935
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 19th 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. 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. 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 7,874 reviews of which 5,396 were positive and 2,478 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 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.
6.7
5,396
2,478
-95%
23.40€
1.17€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
2,922
1,485
-95%
24.99€
1.24€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for open world games.
9.4
3,998
77
-94%
18.83€
1.13€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
763
373
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for open world games.
6.5
573
282
-94%
43.00€
2.58€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for open world games.
8.5
2,582
320
-93%
32.86€
2.30€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for open world games.
7.1
1,319
469
-93%
21.71€
1.52€
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 19th 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 25,922 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
25,922
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 15,006, 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
15,006
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 9,614, 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
9,614
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 4,544 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
4,544
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 3,730 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
3,730
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 2,772 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
2,772
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 20,796 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 1,190 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
16,940
3,856
1,190
players
8. 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 927 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
6.4
16,371
8,843
927
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 92,331 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 866 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
74,109
18,222
866
players
10. 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 717 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free open world games on Steam.
7.6
9,113
2,621
717
players