Large worlds you can explore freely, where you decide where to go next and something new waits behind every hill.
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How to find games that really suit you:
Select up to 5 games you have played and enjoyed. Playalike compares 50 traits such as combat, story and atmosphere and suggests games that hit exactly the same spot, even across genres.
A vast, freely explorable northern realm packed with dragons, dungeons and side quests, where you grow into any role simply by doing it – warrior, mage or thief. The joy lies in wandering off in any direction and stumbling into stories everywhere.
A sprawling irradiated wasteland around Washington D.C. to roam freely, full of darkly funny stories and VATS-assisted gunfights. Moral choices shape towns, factions and the ending.
A vast, freely explorable northern realm packed with dragons, dungeons and side quests, where you grow into any role simply by doing it – warrior, mage or thief. The joy lies in wandering off in any direction and stumbling into stories everywhere.
2011PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable14.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 180,952 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Strong character progression
Dense, handcrafted world
A vast, freely explorable northern realm packed with dragons, dungeons and side quests, where you grow into any role simply by doing it – warrior, mage or thief. The joy lies in wandering off in any direction and stumbling into stories everywhere.
A sprawling irradiated wasteland around Washington D.C. to roam freely, full of darkly funny stories and VATS-assisted gunfights. Moral choices shape towns, factions and the ending.
2008PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable9.99 €80 % positive
Very positive, 18,103 reviews on Steam
Post-apocalyptic setting
Choices with consequences
Dark, serious atmosphere
A sprawling irradiated wasteland around Washington D.C. to roam freely, full of darkly funny stories and VATS-assisted gunfights. Moral choices shape towns, factions and the ending.
A vast, freely explorable Cyrodiil packed with guilds, side quests and dungeons, where you shape your character however you like. Its memorable guild questlines and quirky, charming NPCs keep this classic beloved.
2006PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable14.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 43,112 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Strong character progression
Lore and world history
A vast, freely explorable Cyrodiil packed with guilds, side quests and dungeons, where you shape your character however you like. Its memorable guild questlines and quirky, charming NPCs keep this classic beloved.
A near-infinite procedurally generated universe where you hop freely between vivid alien planets, gather resources, build bases and upgrade your ships. Years of free updates have turned it into a relaxed sci-fi sandbox with optional co-op.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified58.99 €84 % positive
Very positive, 319,592 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Distinctive, stylised art style
Sandbox with your own goals
A near-infinite procedurally generated universe where you hop freely between vivid alien planets, gather resources, build bases and upgrade your ships. Years of free updates have turned it into a relaxed sci-fi sandbox with optional co-op.
A legendary open-world RPG set on the alien volcanic island of Vvardenfell, prized for its total freedom, bizarre world design and deep lore. With no quest markers, you navigate by directions, join factions and shape your character however you like.
A legendary open-world RPG set on the alien volcanic island of Vvardenfell, prized for its total freedom, bizarre world design and deep lore. With no quest markers, you navigate by directions, join factions and shape your character however you like.
The definitive sandbox: mine, craft, survive the nights and build anything you can imagine in an endless procedurally generated block world, solo or with friends on servers. The Java Edition adds a massive modding community on top.
The definitive sandbox: mine, craft, survive the nights and build anything you can imagine in an endless procedurally generated block world, solo or with friends on servers. The Java Edition adds a massive modding community on top.
As pirate Edward Kenway you sail a freely explorable 18th-century Caribbean, boarding ships, diving for treasure and hopping between countless islands. Its naval battles and sea shanties make it one of the definitive pirate adventures.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable39.99 €88 % positive
Very positive, 72,358 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Dense, handcrafted world
Strong soundtrack
As pirate Edward Kenway you sail a freely explorable 18th-century Caribbean, boarding ships, diving for treasure and hopping between countless islands. Its naval battles and sea shanties make it one of the definitive pirate adventures.
As the lone survivor of Vault 111, you roam the irradiated ruins of Boston, blending gunplay with the slow-motion V.A.T.S. targeting system and building your own settlements. Faction choices and countless darkly funny side quests shape the fate of the Commonwealth.
2015PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck verified19.99 €81 % positive
Very positive, 292,040 reviews on Steam
Post-apocalyptic setting
Shooting and gunplay
Sci-fi setting
As the lone survivor of Vault 111, you roam the irradiated ruins of Boston, blending gunplay with the slow-motion V.A.T.S. targeting system and building your own settlements. Faction choices and countless darkly funny side quests shape the fate of the Commonwealth.
A 2D sandbox adventure where you dig, build and craft while ever-tougher bosses unlock new gear tiers and biomes. Its huge item pool and hidden secrets make it a near-endless experience, especially with friends.
2011PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified9.75 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 1,249,720 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Building and crafting
Loot and gear
A 2D sandbox adventure where you dig, build and craft while ever-tougher bosses unlock new gear tiers and biomes. Its huge item pool and hidden secrets make it a near-endless experience, especially with friends.
A vibrant anime-styled open world where you swap between a team of heroes and chain elemental reactions in fast real-time combat. Every region is packed with puzzles, secrets and climbable vistas, and regular updates keep expanding the world.
A vibrant anime-styled open world where you swap between a team of heroes and chain elemental reactions in fast real-time combat. Every region is packed with puzzles, secrets and climbable vistas, and regular updates keep expanding the world.
A voxel sandbox adventure that blends block building and exploring a procedurally generated fantasy world with RPG-style combat, dungeons and creatures. Powerful modding and server tools turn it into a platform for custom minigames and worlds.
A voxel sandbox adventure that blends block building and exploring a procedurally generated fantasy world with RPG-style combat, dungeons and creatures. Powerful modding and server tools turn it into a platform for custom minigames and worlds.
Stranded on an ocean planet, you dive ever deeper into a gorgeous yet terrifying alien sea. You build bases and submarines while piecing together the planet's mystery, and the dark depths themselves become the real source of dread.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified29.99 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 343,949 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Resources and survival
Dread and tension
Stranded on an ocean planet, you dive ever deeper into a gorgeous yet terrifying alien sea. You build bases and submarines while piecing together the planet's mystery, and the dark depths themselves become the real source of dread.
As CJ you return to Los Santos and fight your way across a huge state full of gang wars, corrupt cops and absurd side activities. Vehicles, shootouts, RPG-like stats and a legendary radio soundtrack make it one of the most expansive sandbox classics.
2004PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable92 % positive
Very positive, 83,375 reviews on Steam
Strong soundtrack
Driving or flying
Dense, handcrafted world
As CJ you return to Los Santos and fight your way across a huge state full of gang wars, corrupt cops and absurd side activities. Vehicles, shootouts, RPG-like stats and a legendary radio soundtrack make it one of the most expansive sandbox classics.
A vibrant, deserted island packed with line-maze puzzles whose rules you must figure out entirely without instructions. The real reward is the epiphany of grasping each hidden principle, even in the landscape itself.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable−75 %36.99 € 9.24 € 11 days left85 % positive
Very positive, 17,464 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Challenging difficulty
Distinctive, stylised art style
A vibrant, deserted island packed with line-maze puzzles whose rules you must figure out entirely without instructions. The real reward is the epiphany of grasping each hidden principle, even in the landscape itself.
A sprawling, still-in-development space MMO where you fly seamlessly from planet surfaces into orbit to trade, fight, haul cargo or crew huge multi-person ships with friends. Its level of detail is astonishing, though bugs and rough edges come with the territory.
A sprawling, still-in-development space MMO where you fly seamlessly from planet surfaces into orbit to trade, fight, haul cargo or crew huge multi-person ships with friends. Its level of detail is astonishing, though bugs and rough edges come with the territory.
An underwater survival adventure on a new alien ocean world where you gather resources, build bases and push into ever deeper, more dangerous waters. This time you can also dive together in four-player co-op.
2026PC, Xbox, Steam Deck verified29.99 €91 % positive
Very positive, 119,245 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Resources and survival
Lavish presentation
An underwater survival adventure on a new alien ocean world where you gather resources, build bases and push into ever deeper, more dangerous waters. This time you can also dive together in four-player co-op.
As reformed outlaw John Marston, you ride across a vast, evocative frontier at the twilight of the Wild West to hunt down your old gang. Tense gunfights, hunting and side activities frame a melancholic story with an unforgettable ending.
2010PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable7.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 21,158 reviews on Steam
Emotional impact
Strong, story-driven narrative
Historical setting
As reformed outlaw John Marston, you ride across a vast, evocative frontier at the twilight of the Wild West to hunt down your old gang. Tense gunfights, hunting and side activities frame a melancholic story with an unforgettable ending.
A post-apocalyptic RPG set in the Mojave, where rival factions vie for control of Vegas and your choices, dialogue and skills decide the fate of the whole region. Sharp writing, dark humor and huge freedom in how quests unfold make it a genre classic.
A post-apocalyptic RPG set in the Mojave, where rival factions vie for control of Vegas and your choices, dialogue and skills decide the fate of the whole region. Sharp writing, dark humor and huge freedom in how quests unfold make it a genre classic.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−10 %29.99 € 26.99 € 4 days left93 % positive
A Viking survival game set in a procedurally generated Norse afterlife where you explore biomes, build longhouses and ships, and take down massive bosses. It shines in co-op, balancing relaxed base building with tense, dangerous expeditions.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified−10 %29.99 € 26.99 € 4 days left93 % positive
Very positive, 476,812 reviews on Steam
Building and crafting
Boss fights as highlights
Playing together in co-op
A Viking survival game set in a procedurally generated Norse afterlife where you explore biomes, build longhouses and ships, and take down massive bosses. It shines in co-op, balancing relaxed base building with tense, dangerous expeditions.
An online Fallout set in the irradiated hills of Appalachia, where you explore a huge world solo or with friends, build camps, join public events and shape your character with perk cards. After a rocky launch, NPCs, factions and steady updates turned it into a lively post-apocalyptic sandbox.
An online Fallout set in the irradiated hills of Appalachia, where you explore a huge world solo or with friends, build camps, join public events and shape your character with perk cards. After a rocky launch, NPCs, factions and steady updates turned it into a lively post-apocalyptic sandbox.
A punishing survival shooter set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, where deadly anomalies, mutants and rival factions wait around every corner. You scavenge for gear, hunt rare artifacts and make decisions that shape the story, all wrapped in a thick, oppressive atmosphere.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox59.99 €81 % positive
Very positive, 108,641 reviews on Steam
Post-apocalyptic setting
Dark, serious atmosphere
Shooting and gunplay
A punishing survival shooter set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, where deadly anomalies, mutants and rival factions wait around every corner. You scavenge for gear, hunt rare artifacts and make decisions that shape the story, all wrapped in a thick, oppressive atmosphere.
A vast, freely explorable Myrtana under orc rule where you side with orcs, rebels, assassins or nomads and carve your own path through the world. The game is notoriously buggy but beloved for its atmosphere and Kai Rosenkranz's sweeping score.
2006PC, Steam Deck playable19.99 €80 % positive
Very positive, 9,157 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Strong soundtrack
A vast, freely explorable Myrtana under orc rule where you side with orcs, rebels, assassins or nomads and carve your own path through the world. The game is notoriously buggy but beloved for its atmosphere and Kai Rosenkranz's sweeping score.
A space sim recreating the entire Milky Way at 1:1 scale, letting you pilot your own ship as a trader, bounty hunter, miner or explorer across billions of star systems. Demanding flight controls and sheer vastness create an unmatched sense of scale and solitude.
A space sim recreating the entire Milky Way at 1:1 scale, letting you pilot your own ship as a trader, bounty hunter, miner or explorer across billions of star systems. Demanding flight controls and sheer vastness create an unmatched sense of scale and solitude.
A visually stunning open-world adventure across the harsh continent of Pywel, where the mercenary Kliff fights bandits and colossal bosses with weighty, acrobatic combat built around parries and grapples. Its richly detailed world invites free exploration on foot and horseback.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox69.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 118,905 reviews on Steam
Lavish presentation
Fantasy setting
Action-packed real-time combat
A visually stunning open-world adventure across the harsh continent of Pywel, where the mercenary Kliff fights bandits and colossal bosses with weighty, acrobatic combat built around parries and grapples. Its richly detailed world invites free exploration on foot and horseback.
A realistic space simulator and planetarium that lets you freely fly through a procedurally generated universe built on real astronomical catalogs, landing on planets and even traveling through time.
2019PC28.99 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 16,235 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Cosy, great for unwinding
Sandbox with your own goals
A realistic space simulator and planetarium that lets you freely fly through a procedurally generated universe built on real astronomical catalogs, landing on planets and even traveling through time.
As the Medjay Bayek, you roam a vast, gorgeously recreated ancient Egypt of pyramids, deserts and the Nile. Its blend of stealth, hitbox-based combat and loot pushed the series firmly into action-RPG territory for the first time.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable59.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 120,785 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Lavish presentation
Loot and gear
As the Medjay Bayek, you roam a vast, gorgeously recreated ancient Egypt of pyramids, deserts and the Nile. Its blend of stealth, hitbox-based combat and loot pushed the series firmly into action-RPG territory for the first time.
A vast, sun-drenched ancient Greece explored by land and sea as a Spartan mercenary, with dialogue choices, naval battles and mythical beasts. The series' full shift to action RPG brings loot, skill trees and romances.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable59.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 173,791 reviews on Steam
Dense, handcrafted world
Lavish presentation
Melee combat with weapons or fists
A vast, sun-drenched ancient Greece explored by land and sea as a Spartan mercenary, with dialogue choices, naval battles and mythical beasts. The series' full shift to action RPG brings loot, skill trees and romances.
A colorful, relaxed open-world adventure where you explore Miraland as Nikki alongside Momo, tackle light puzzles and platforming, and express your style through outfits that double as abilities.
A colorful, relaxed open-world adventure where you explore Miraland as Nikki alongside Momo, tackle light puzzles and platforming, and express your style through outfits that double as abilities.
A satirical crime epic set in a huge, bustling Los Santos where you switch between three very different criminals and pull off elaborate heists. Car chases, biting humor and the sprawling GTA Online sandbox make it a playground you can sink endless hours into.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox88 % positive
Very positive, 1,900,221 reviews on Steam
Lots of humour
Driving or flying
Dense, handcrafted world
A satirical crime epic set in a huge, bustling Los Santos where you switch between three very different criminals and pull off elaborate heists. Car chases, biting humor and the sprawling GTA Online sandbox make it a playground you can sink endless hours into.
An astonishingly realistic flight simulator that lets you fly across the entire planet using satellite imagery and live-style weather. From light planes to airliners, every flight feels authentic and demanding.
An astonishingly realistic flight simulator that lets you fly across the entire planet using satellite imagery and live-style weather. From light planes to airliners, every flight feels authentic and demanding.
Sable sends you on a calm, self-directed coming-of-age journey across a vast desert on an alien planet. With no combat, a hoverbike, light climbing and a striking Moebius-inspired comic look, you discover places and people at your own pace.
2021PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck verified24.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 5,414 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Cosy, great for unwinding
Strong soundtrack
Sable sends you on a calm, self-directed coming-of-age journey across a vast desert on an alien planet. With no combat, a hoverbike, light climbing and a striking Moebius-inspired comic look, you discover places and people at your own pace.
Play as pirate Edward Kenway sailing the Caribbean in the Golden Age of Piracy, boarding ships and exploring a huge open world. This remake of the classic brings modern visuals and reworked gameplay.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck verified59.99 €81 % positive
Very positive, 27,996 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Lavish presentation
Dense, handcrafted world
Play as pirate Edward Kenway sailing the Caribbean in the Golden Age of Piracy, boarding ships and exploring a huge open world. This remake of the classic brings modern visuals and reworked gameplay.
Kenshi is a brutal sandbox RPG set in a vast, harsh wasteland where you decide whether to become a trader, mercenary, slave or warlord. Instead of a scripted story, you build your squad, base and reputation in a world that gives you nothing for free.
Kenshi is a brutal sandbox RPG set in a vast, harsh wasteland where you decide whether to become a trader, mercenary, slave or warlord. Instead of a scripted story, you build your squad, base and reputation in a world that gives you nothing for free.
As the Viking Eivor you raid your way across 9th-century England, grow your settlement and forge alliances. Brutal melee combat meets a vast world full of secrets and Norse mythology.
As the Viking Eivor you raid your way across 9th-century England, grow your settlement and forge alliances. Brutal melee combat meets a vast world full of secrets and Norse mythology.
A shared-world pirate sandbox where your crew sails a ship together, hunts treasure and runs into other player crews who might become allies or attackers. The thrill comes from teamwork and unscripted encounters at sea rather than grinding for stronger gear.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck verified39.99 €88 % positive
Very positive, 323,241 reviews on Steam
Co-op or multiplayer
Playing together in co-op
Sandbox with your own goals
A shared-world pirate sandbox where your crew sails a ship together, hunts treasure and runs into other player crews who might become allies or attackers. The thrill comes from teamwork and unscripted encounters at sea rather than grinding for stronger gear.
As Tommy Vercetti you rise from lackey to crime lord in a neon-soaked take on 1980s Miami, with sharp satire, a sprawling city to cause chaos in, and an iconic licensed radio soundtrack.
2002PC, PlayStation, Xbox92 % positive
Very positive, 29,820 reviews on Steam
Strong soundtrack
Lots of humour
Driving or flying
As Tommy Vercetti you rise from lackey to crime lord in a neon-soaked take on 1980s Miami, with sharp satire, a sprawling city to cause chaos in, and an iconic licensed radio soundtrack.
An extremely detailed flight simulator that lets you fly across the entire Earth with realistic weather and flight physics. Beyond free flights, it adds career paths and missions built around various aviation jobs.
An extremely detailed flight simulator that lets you fly across the entire Earth with realistic weather and flight physics. Beyond free flights, it adds career paths and missions built around various aviation jobs.
A merciless survival game with a gothic, Tim Burton-esque hand-drawn style, where you scavenge, craft and fend off hunger, insanity and monsters in a procedurally generated wilderness. Death is permanent, but every run teaches you something new.
2013PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable8.19 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 97,308 reviews on Steam
Resources and survival
Distinctive, stylised art style
Challenging difficulty
A merciless survival game with a gothic, Tim Burton-esque hand-drawn style, where you scavenge, craft and fend off hunger, insanity and monsters in a procedurally generated wilderness. Death is permanent, but every run teaches you something new.
Palworld mashes creature collecting together with survival crafting and base building. Captured Pals fight beside you, carry you across the islands or toil away in your factory while you explore an open world armed with guns. Its cheeky, slightly macabre humor gives the whole thing a flavor of its own.
2026PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck verified28.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 417,787 reviews on Steam
Building and crafting
Co-op or multiplayer
Sandbox with your own goals
Palworld mashes creature collecting together with survival crafting and base building. Captured Pals fight beside you, carry you across the islands or toil away in your factory while you explore an open world armed with guns. Its cheeky, slightly macabre humor gives the whole thing a flavor of its own.
Stranded on an island full of dinosaurs, you gather resources, build bases and tame prehistoric beasts to ride and fight alongside you. On multiplayer servers it becomes a harsh, time-hungry struggle of tribes, raids and alliances.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.79 €83 % positive
Very positive, 589,225 reviews on Steam
Resources and survival
Building and crafting
Co-op or multiplayer
Stranded on an island full of dinosaurs, you gather resources, build bases and tame prehistoric beasts to ride and fight alongside you. On multiplayer servers it becomes a harsh, time-hungry struggle of tribes, raids and alliances.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %39.99 € 7.99 € 12 days left73 % positive
A bright, Zelda-inspired open-world adventure through Greek myth, mixing snappy dodge-and-parry combat with plenty of puzzle vaults. Zeus and Prometheus narrate the journey with constant comedic banter.
2020PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−80 %39.99 € 7.99 € 12 days left73 % positive
Mostly positive, 4,745 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Lots of humour
Melee combat with weapons or fists
A bright, Zelda-inspired open-world adventure through Greek myth, mixing snappy dodge-and-parry combat with plenty of puzzle vaults. Zeus and Prometheus narrate the journey with constant comedic banter.
A fantasy MMORPG where the players reshape the world: settlements grow into cities, can be besieged and razed, and unlock new quests and content as they develop. Politics, trade, crafting and PvP are tightly woven together.
2025PC27 % positive
Mostly negative, 12,974 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Co-op or multiplayer
Competing against other players
A fantasy MMORPG where the players reshape the world: settlements grow into cities, can be besieged and razed, and unlock new quests and content as they develop. Politics, trade, crafting and PvP are tightly woven together.
The landmark that took GTA into 3D: as a silent criminal you climb the underworld of grim Liberty City, stealing cars, running jobs for mob bosses and causing mayhem whenever you like. Satirical radio stations and the freedom of its open city made it the template for the entire sandbox genre.
2001PC, PlayStation, Xbox87 % positive
Very positive, 14,600 reviews on Steam
Driving or flying
Dense, handcrafted world
Dark, serious atmosphere
The landmark that took GTA into 3D: as a silent criminal you climb the underworld of grim Liberty City, stealing cars, running jobs for mob bosses and causing mayhem whenever you like. Satirical radio stations and the freedom of its open city made it the template for the entire sandbox genre.
A colorful 2D sandbox adventure where you hop between procedurally generated planets to mine, build, farm, found colonies and fight, solo or with friends. There is a main quest, but the real draw is the near-endless freedom of roaming the galaxy.
2016PC, Xbox, Steam Deck playable14.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 87,446 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Sci-fi setting
Sandbox with your own goals
A colorful 2D sandbox adventure where you hop between procedurally generated planets to mine, build, farm, found colonies and fight, solo or with friends. There is a main quest, but the real draw is the near-endless freedom of roaming the galaxy.
An unforgiving zombie survival sandbox where you loot, build, craft and train skills until your inevitable death. Its deep simulation and highly customisable rules turn every run into a personal survival story, solo or with friends.
2013PC, Steam Deck verified25.49 €94 % positive
Very positive, 373,195 reviews on Steam
Resources and survival
Post-apocalyptic setting
Sandbox with your own goals
An unforgiving zombie survival sandbox where you loot, build, craft and train skills until your inevitable death. Its deep simulation and highly customisable rules turn every run into a personal survival story, solo or with friends.
A lonely, unforgiving survival experience in the frozen Canadian wilderness after a geomagnetic disaster, where cold, hunger and wolves are your real enemies. Its painterly visuals and quiet atmosphere turn every trek into a tense, often melancholic journey.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified16.99 €88 % positive
Very positive, 111,223 reviews on Steam
Resources and survival
Post-apocalyptic setting
Challenging difficulty
A lonely, unforgiving survival experience in the frozen Canadian wilderness after a geomagnetic disaster, where cold, hunger and wolves are your real enemies. Its painterly visuals and quiet atmosphere turn every trek into a tense, often melancholic journey.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch47.99 €78 % positive
Unforgiving multiplayer survival across a vast zombie-infested countryside where hunger, sickness and above all other players are the real threat. Every encounter can turn into an alliance or a betrayal, and death means starting over from nothing.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch47.99 €78 % positive
Mostly positive, 390,707 reviews on Steam
Resources and survival
Post-apocalyptic setting
Co-op or multiplayer
Unforgiving multiplayer survival across a vast zombie-infested countryside where hunger, sickness and above all other players are the real threat. Every encounter can turn into an alliance or a betrayal, and death means starting over from nothing.
An open-world shooter set in the fictional Himalayan nation of Kyrat, where you liberate outposts, ride elephants, and explore the mountains by wingsuit and gyrocopter. The charismatic despot Pagan Min and the choice between two morally murky rebel leaders drive the story.
2014PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable−80 %29.99 € 5.99 € 12 days left84 % positive
Very positive, 69,743 reviews on Steam
Shooting and gunplay
Action-packed real-time combat
Fast pace
An open-world shooter set in the fictional Himalayan nation of Kyrat, where you liberate outposts, ride elephants, and explore the mountains by wingsuit and gyrocopter. The charismatic despot Pagan Min and the choice between two morally murky rebel leaders drive the story.
A gorgeous open-world adventure in feudal Japan where you swap between the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the hard-hitting samurai Yasuke. Dynamic seasons, castle infiltrations and weighty sword combat define the experience.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified69.99 €74 % positive
Mostly positive, 36,036 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Lavish presentation
Sneaking and hiding
A gorgeous open-world adventure in feudal Japan where you swap between the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the hard-hitting samurai Yasuke. Dynamic seasons, castle infiltrations and weighty sword combat define the experience.
2024PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified30.49 €94 % positive
An extremely deep science-fantasy roguelike where you explore a vast, part handcrafted, part procedural world turn by turn. Dozens of mutations and interlocking simulation systems enable unusual builds and emergent stories where you can do almost anything.
2024PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified30.49 €94 % positive
Very positive, 12,045 reviews on Steam
Build variety
Turn-based combat
Runs that play out differently every time
An extremely deep science-fantasy roguelike where you explore a vast, part handcrafted, part procedural world turn by turn. Dozens of mutations and interlocking simulation systems enable unusual builds and emergent stories where you can do almost anything.
A classic isometric RPG set in nuclear-ravaged California, celebrated for its sweeping freedom of choice, dark humor and morally grey factions. Nearly every problem can be solved through combat, persuasion, stealth or trickery.
1998PC, Steam Deck playable9.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 13,970 reviews on Steam
Choices with consequences
Post-apocalyptic setting
Turn-based combat
A classic isometric RPG set in nuclear-ravaged California, celebrated for its sweeping freedom of choice, dark humor and morally grey factions. Nearly every problem can be solved through combat, persuasion, stealth or trickery.
The genre-defining MMORPG: explore the vibrant world of Azeroth alongside thousands of players, level and gear your hero, tackle dungeons and raids with a group, or clash in Alliance-versus-Horde PvP.
The genre-defining MMORPG: explore the vibrant world of Azeroth alongside thousands of players, level and gear your hero, tackle dungeons and raids with a group, or clash in Alliance-versus-Horde PvP.
A grounded medieval RPG set in 15th-century Bohemia where you play a lowly blacksmith's son who must learn everything from reading to demanding, timing-based swordplay. Historical authenticity and deep immersion take center stage over heroic fantasy.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable29.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 144,635 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Challenging difficulty
A grounded medieval RPG set in 15th-century Bohemia where you play a lowly blacksmith's son who must learn everything from reading to demanding, timing-based swordplay. Historical authenticity and deep immersion take center stage over heroic fantasy.
Hideo Kojima's sequel sends Sam on grueling delivery routes across Mexico and Australia, centered on route planning, infrastructure building and asynchronous cooperation with other players. It pairs this with a bizarre, lavishly cinematic story and more combat options than the original.
2025PC, PlayStation, Steam Deck verified79.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 16,101 reviews on Steam
Lavish presentation
Strong, story-driven narrative
Post-apocalyptic setting
Hideo Kojima's sequel sends Sam on grueling delivery routes across Mexico and Australia, centered on route planning, infrastructure building and asynchronous cooperation with other players. It pairs this with a bizarre, lavishly cinematic story and more combat options than the original.
Open-world games work best when the map itself becomes the story: you pick a direction, follow a landmark on the horizon and end up somewhere the main quest never pointed you. The list above covers very different takes on that idea, so it helps to know what kind of freedom you want before you start. Some games reward patience and skill, others focus on story and choices, and a few are pure sandboxes where you set your own goals.
If you enjoy a challenge, Elden Ring pairs a vast world full of secrets with demanding combat that expects you to learn from every death. For story and consequences, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out for side quests that often feel as strong as the main plot. Players who like to wander without guidance should try The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, which has no quest markers and makes you navigate by directions. If you want company, No Man's Sky offers a relaxed sci-fi universe with optional co-op, and Minecraft: Java Edition lets you build and survive with friends on servers.
Pace matters too. Red Dead Redemption 2 takes its time with a detailed, realistic western world, while Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag keeps things lively with naval battles and island hopping. On PC, Minecraft: Java Edition is only available here and comes with a massive modding community, which adds a lot of extra life to it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best open-world game on PC for beginners?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Special Edition is a forgiving start, since you grow into a warrior, mage or thief simply by using your skills. No Man's Sky is another relaxed option if you prefer sci-fi exploration without much pressure.
Which open-world games on PC can I play co-op with friends?
Minecraft: Java Edition, Terraria and No Man's Sky all support playing together. Terraria is especially fun with friends as you take on ever-tougher bosses side by side.
Which open-world PC games have choices that really matter?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is known for choices with lasting consequences. In Fallout 3 and Fallout 4, your moral and faction decisions shape towns, factions and the ending.
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