If you’re a fan of freedom, exploration, and immersive gameplay, 2025 is already shaping up to be a dream year. With new hardware in full swing and developers pushing boundaries, the genre is expanding with stunning landscapes, deeper narratives, and unprecedented interactivity. This list features the top open world games to play in 2025 — from fantasy epics to post-apocalyptic survival titles.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive in.
1. Elder Scrolls VI (Expected Late 2025)
The long-awaited return to Tamriel is finally coming. While Bethesda hasn’t dropped all the details, what we know is enough to get excited: a massive world, next-gen graphics, and lore-rich storytelling.
🎮 Stay updated on Elder Scrolls VI news via GamesRadar.
2. Star Wars: Outlaws
Ubisoft’s first open-world Star Wars title takes you across the galaxy as an outlaw smuggler navigating both the Empire and the criminal underworld. Expect dynamic environments, bounty missions, and ship-to-ship combat.
🚀 See what makes this game unique on the official Star Wars: Outlaws page.
3. GTA VI (Highly Anticipated)
Rockstar’s return with Grand Theft Auto VI is one of the most hyped releases in gaming history. Leaks suggest a dual-protagonist system, a sprawling Vice City map, and more realism than ever.
🔥 Catch up on GTA VI updates and leaks from IGN.
4. Avowed
Obsidian’s answer to Elder Scrolls, Avowed is a first-person RPG set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Expect faction-based choices, rich lore, and a mystical open world.
5. Dune: Awakening
This survival MMO combines the open-world elements of Conan Exiles with the lore of Dune. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, players must manage spice harvesting, navigate political intrigue, and survive sandworm encounters.
🌍 Want to know more? Explore the game’s unique mechanics on Dune: Awakening’s official site.
6. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
BioWare returns to Thedas with Dreadwolf, a highly anticipated RPG where choices will shape the world in massive ways. Known for character-driven storytelling, this could be BioWare’s redemption arc.
🐺 Read everything we know so far about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf.
7. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Past (Rumored)
While not officially confirmed, strong rumors suggest a 2025 launch for the next Zelda installment. If it builds on Tears of the Kingdom, expect sandbox exploration, time travel mechanics, and more creative gameplay than ever.
8. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
After years of delays, this gritty post-apocalyptic shooter finally arrives. With detailed survival mechanics, faction-based quests, and atmospheric horror, it’s one of the most immersive worlds you can get lost in.
9. Ark 2
With Vin Diesel as the lead character (yes, really), Ark 2 expands on the dino-survival formula with better storytelling and combat. A true open world sandbox where you tame, build, and battle to survive.
🦖 Dive into features and previews on Ark 2 from Studio Wildcard.
10. Black Myth: Wukong
This action-RPG blends Chinese mythology with Dark Souls-inspired combat and an expansive, mythic open world. Beautiful graphics and fast-paced gameplay make this a must-watch for 2025.
🐵 Want to see it in motion? Watch the Black Myth: Wukong gameplay trailer on YouTube.
Bonus: Honorable Mentions
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Hades II – While not fully open world, it adds more exploration elements than its predecessor.
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Fable – Microsoft’s reboot of the fantasy franchise is in the works, likely for late 2025 or 2026.
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Palworld – Pokémon with guns? This wild mashup of crafting, monsters, and chaos is worth keeping an eye on.
Final Thoughts
From long-awaited RPGs to boundary-pushing survival games, the list of open world games to play in 2025 is stacked. Whether you’re into fantasy, sci-fi, or sandbox survival, this year promises rich worlds to explore and endless hours of gameplay.
Be sure to wishlist your top picks and stay updated as release dates drop!
