Latest News On GTA 6
Latest News On GTA 6
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Stay updated with the latest developments about the much anticipated GTA 6. We bring you news, rumors, and leaks about the next installment in the popular Grand Theft Auto series.
Best Open-World Games To Explore In 2026
Best Open-World Games To Explore In 2026Open-world games offer players large worlds to explore, often with a massive amount of optional content. While these games tend to overlap with the RPG genre , they can also work well with other types of games, like racing or stealth. The common thread through all the games on this list are worlds that you can explore with a large amount of freedom, often with persistent progression to build your character and tackle increasing challenges. That sense of discovery is a key part of what makes open-world games special. Some of the most notable games in the genre are also some of the best-selling games of all-time , like The Witcher 3 and Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, touting huge worlds full of side quests, lovable characters, and hidden places to discover. Below you can see our picks for the best open-world games you can play right now. These span a variety of platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, and we've tried to lean into games that are still widely available and well worth playing in 2026. Red Dead Redemption 2 Developer: Rockstar Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre: Action-Adventure Multiplayer: Yes Red Dead Redemption 2 is an incredibly deep cowboy simulator, touting an expansive version of the Wild West. Made by one of the best open-world developers, Rockstar, it shouldn't come as a surprise that this game is incredibly detailed and full of side stories to discover in its large world. Plus, Red Dead Redemption 2 features a massive narrative about the death of the Wild West, offering an incredible story for you to engage with in between exploring the world. The simulation aspects can't be overlooked either, whether it's slowly riding your horse to the next destination, or taking care of you or your horse's hunger needs, to just stumbling upon a strange situation between NPCs. Plus, it features Red Dead Online, a multiplayer experience set in the same open world, so you can play cowboy with your friends. See at Amazon Dragon's Dogma 2 Developer : Capcom Platforms : PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre: RPG Multiplayer: No Dragon's Dogma 2 won't be for everyone, but if you love responsive open worlds and games filled with systems, you will likely love it. The world features tons of NPCs, who can be interacted with in multiple interesting ways, including being killed--either by you, the plague, or roving monsters. The combat and classes offer depth to its RPG systems, and while it contains a fast-travel system, it's designed for you to not use it, emphasizing that this is an experience where the journey is far more important than the destination. That said, these systems create a lot of pushback, so if you are looking for a more relaxed or checklist-style open-world experience, look elsewhere. See at Amazon Forza Horizon 5 Developer : Playground Games Platforms : PS5 (April 25), Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre: Racing Multiplayer: Yes One of the few non-RPGs on the list, Forza Horizon 5 features an open-world version of Mexico for you to race around. Sitting somewhere in between arcade racing and simulation, Forza Horizon 5 has plenty of secrets to discover in its open world, along with events like jumps or point-to-point races that you can find and start throughout the world itself. While the main races do happen in instanced versions, the tracks are made up of parts of the open world, creating a seamless racing experience. It's not just one of the best open-world games out there, but also one of the best racing games . Plus, it has two expansions that add new environments to race through, including a Hot Wheels-themed area. See at Green Man Gaming No Man's Sky Developer : Hello Games Platforms : PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC Genre: Survival-Crafting Multiplayer: Yes Sure, one open world to explore is cool, but what about an unlimited number of worlds? No Man's Sky offers an infinite universe of procedurally generated worlds for you to fly to and explore, letting you seamlessly run around the surface of a planet, fly into the atmosphere, and then move through space before landing somewhere else. You can explore these worlds to find new plants, resources, and creatures, which you can collect and use. You can become a merchant, a builder, or a fighter across a universe shared with other players in multiplayer. Plus, Hello Games regularly releases free updates for the game, so there are new systems being added, offering new ways to interact with the massive universe of No Man's Sky. Fanatical and GameSpot are both owned by Fandom. See at Fanatical Sea of Thieves Developer : Rare Platforms : PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre: Action-Adventure Multiplayer: Yes If you've ever thought that a pirate's life was for you, Sea of Thieves has an ocean begging to be explored. A co-op multiplayer experience by design , you can gather your crew and sail the seas, plundering islands and ships for loot. There are quests to take on, and you can even steal treasure from other players you may encounter out on the open seas. (A PvE mode has also been introduced since launch, in case you don't want to contend with hostile players.) Plus, Sea of Thieves is an ongoing game, with updates regularly adding new content to engage with. Who hasn't wanted to gather a few friends, sing a sea shanty, and search for hidden treasure? See at Steam Genshin Impact Developer : Hoyoverse Platforms : PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mobile Genre: Action-Adventure Multiplayer: Yes One of the few free-to-play games on the list, Genshin Impact offers a massive open world heavily inspired by Breath of the Wild. There are puzzles to solve, monsters to defeat, and a long list of quests to complete. Genshin Impact has received multiple new regions since launch, expanding the open world even further. While Genshin Impact is free-to-play, it does feature gacha mechanics, asking you to roll for new characters who are available for a limited time. You can earn rolls by playing and you can see everything Genshin Impact has to offer without a full roster, but if the idea of gambling for new characters sounds unappealing, you'll be better off with a different open-world game. See at Epic Games Store Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Developer : Insomniac Games Platforms : PS5, PC Genre: Action-Adventure Multiplayer: No While all three Marvel's Spider-Man games developed by Insomniac Games feature open-world versions of New York for you to swing around, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 offers the biggest and highest fidelity version of it. Offering fun exploration via web-swinging, there are side quests, collectibles, and puzzles to seek out across the city and complete. On top of that, there is an excellent Spider-Man story for you to experience as well, offering a complete package for anyone who loves the webhead or just wants to explore a detailed version of New York City. See at Best Buy Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Developer : MachineGames Platforms : PS5 (April 17), Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre : Action-Adventure Multiplayer : No Indiana Jones and the Great Circle isn't a traditional open-world game, as it features multiple levels across the globe, but it does scratch that itch in a unique way. While not every level is massive, there are multiple large areas, like Vatican City, which have a variety of secrets to find and collect. These levels are incredibly detailed, letting you experience these places in a way not found in many video games. Discovery is a huge part of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, so if that's what draws you to open-world games, it's a great game for exploring detailed spaces. You even get a fantastic Indiana Jones story as the cherry on top. See at Amazon Elden Ring Developer : From Software Platforms : PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2 Genre: Action RPG Multiplayer : No Elden Ring takes the difficult and methodical combat From Software is known for and places it into an open-world setting. Of course, that undersells just how well-realized that open world is and how perfectly it works with the intense combat. You are encouraged to explore, as there are limited map markers and few specific objectives outlined for you, allowing you to discover caves, dungeons, and hidden bosses. This exploration and discovery is what open-world games are all about, and Elden Ring rewards players for finding and scouring new areas, so long as you can defeat whatever enemies are lurking in the space. Plus the horse has a double-jump, something you won't find in most open-world games. See at Best Buy The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Developer : Nintendo Platforms : Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 Genre: Action-Adventure Multiplayer: No The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom --and its predecessor Breath of the Wild--are perfect for open-world fans who love exploration. Hyrule is filled with puzzle shrines to tackle, enemies to defeat, and chests to crack open. Building upon Breath of the Wild's foundation, Tears of the Kingdom offers a ton of freedom when it comes to exploring the world, thanks to the Ultrahand ability. This allows you to combine different objects to build flying robots, monster trucks, and long bridges, giving you complete control over how you explore the open world, on top of being able to go in whichever direction you please. Even if you spent tons of time exploring Hyrule in Breath of the Wild, this adds a new dynamic to the world--and there are new areas in the sky and deep underground to check out, too. If you're getting a Switch 2 , you'll be able to enjoy an enhanced Switch 2 Edition . See at Best Buy Cyberpunk 2077 Developer : CD Projekt Red Platforms : PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2 Genre: RPG Multiplayer: No Cyberpunk 2077 may have had a rough launch back in 2020, but the first-person RPG has become one of the best open-world games thanks to updates and the spectacular Phantom Liberty expansion. You get to explore the massive Night City, which is filled with futuristic vehicles, and tons of side activities. You can steal cars, take down rogue criminals, or perform criminal jobs yourself. You can get yourself a ton of cyber enhancements and follow in the footsteps of Johnny Silverhand as you take on the corporation ruling the city in a fantastic main narrative, matched in scope by the large open world. Phantom Liberty adds a distinct story that stands as some of the best Night City has to offer, and which can impact your understanding of the broader story in surprising ways depending on when you engage with it. A Switch 2 version is on the way . See at Amazon See at Best Buy Ghost of Tsushima Developer : Sucker Punch Productions Platforms : PS4, PS5, PC Genre : Action-Adventure Multiplayer : Yes Ghost of Tsushima takes inspiration from Assassin's Creed with its open-world experience. Offering opportunities for both intense samurai sword action and quiet stealth-focused sequences, Ghost of Tsushima excels thanks to a gorgeous open world. It has plenty of side activities, including some less-common ones, like composing Haikus or slicing through bamboo. It also has a visually stunning open world, using saturated colors to decorate its mountain ranges and open fields. While there are a few options for samurai open-world games set in Japan, Ghost of Tsushima is one of the best, and its sequel, Ghost of Yotei, is set for release sometime in 2025. See at Best Buy Death Stranding Developer : Kojima Productions Platforms : PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre : Adventure Multiplayer : No Have you ever felt the urge to explore nature? What about exploring nature while delivering packages? Death Stranding offers just that in a post-apocalyptic America, one where nature has reclaimed much of the world. Yes, you will spend some time shooting enemies and going through the wild story that could only come from Hideo Kojima, but much of this experience is about moving from place to place. You get to construct bridges or use the ones left by other players in a game as much focused on exploration and the journey as any game in the genre. That said, if the idea of trying to take countless packages across unpaved landscapes sounds a bit frustrating, you may want to pick another game on the list. Or if it was exactly your thing and you want even more, its sequel, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, releases on June 24, 2025 on PS5. See at Best Buy Mad Max Developer : Avalanche Studios Platforms : PS4, Xbox One, PC Genre : Action-Adventure Multiplayer : No The middle years of the Xbox One/PS4 generation were filled with middling open-world games, and if you didn't know any better, you might lump Mad Max into the group. It follows a pretty standard structure of exploring the open desert wasteland, completing side activities and struggling to survive amongst the vicious gangs that have survived to this point. Mad Max excels in its third-person combat and it delivers on the car-combat mechanics you would expect from a game based on the film franchise. It's become a hidden gem among open-world games, and one that gives you a vehicle-centric twist that many others on this list don't provide. See at Fanatical Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Developer : Monolith Productions Platforms : PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC Genre : Action-Adventure Multiplayer : No Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is an excellent open-world checklist game, set in the Lord of the Rings universe. It has great combat, taking inspiration from Arkham Asylum and Assassin's Creed, offering both the responsive brawling and stealth approaches. On top of being set in the Lord of the Rings universe, Shadow of Mordor also has the unique Nemesis system to help it stand out among the crowd. This system makes certain Orc enemies remember your actions, with some moving up the ranks for defeating you or taking the spot of a high-ranking Orc you took out. See at Fanatical Yakuza 0 Developer : Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Platform : PS4, Xbox One, PC Genre : Action RPG Multiplayer : No The Yakuza series feature a unique take on open-world games, using a smaller area like Kamurocho, but still filling it to the brim with side activities and missions. While the series features a ton of games, Yakuza 0 remains arguably the best place to start. It's a more modern entry in the series and, as a prequel, sets up the overall story of the franchise and its characters. Both Kiryu and Majima are playable characters, introducing you to some of the best video game characters in the business. Yakuza 0 has tons of great minigames, like running a cabaret club and racing pocket RC cars (complete with their own storylines that can vary from heartwarming to downright bizarre). See at Fanatical Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Developer : Warhorse Studios Platforms : PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre : Action RPG Multiplayer : No Warhorse Studios' Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an open-world RPG set in a realistic 15th century medieval Europe. Not only does it offer the freedom and depth you would expect from a good open-world game, but it weaves realism into its systems, perfect for those seeking a less fantastic experience. You need to bathe regularly, need a special drink to save, and generally have to deal with a high level of friction, making it an ideal open-world game for people who enjoy that friction. It's got a strong main narrative and a protagonist who is truly just a guy, letting you get a feel for what it would be like to be a normal person in medieval Europe. See at Amazon Ghostwire: Tokyo Developer : Tango Gameworks Platforms : PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre : Horror Multiplayer : No Ghostwire: Tokyo is a divisive game, but there aren't many examples of a real city being remade so intricately in a video game. This version of Tokyo is filled with Yokai, but you can visit real historical landmarks and explore a visually incredible city. If you don't enjoy horror , this may not be for you, but the unique combat system and horror-inspired enemies create a different kind of open-world game, even if it still has all of the side content and collectibles you would expect from the genre. See at Best Buy Octopath Traveler 2 Developer : Acquire and Square Enix Platforms : PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC Genre : Turn-based RPG Multiplayer : No Octopath Traveler 2 is a gorgeous turn-based RPG made in the HD-2D art style used in games like the first entry in the series and Dragon Quest 3: HD-2D remake. While Octopath Traveler 2 doesn't offer a seamless open space to explore, it does offer a ton of freedom in how you explore the world. Since you can choose any of the eight characters' stories to start with, and you can choose to tackle the different stories in whatever order, you have the freedom that is expected in these genres. You can go to different regions of the map as you choose and discover secret areas and side quests, making it an open-world game in multiple ways. You can also swap between day and night in Octopath Traveler 2, changing the available NPCs and opening up new areas. Each party member also has two unique overworld abilities, one for day and one for night, like pick pocketing or putting people to sleep. Plus, it has a strategic combat system and several excellent stories, making it an ideal choice for anyone that enjoys turn-based combat. See at Amazon Assassin's Creed Odyssey Developer : Ubisoft Platforms : PS4, Xbox One, PC Genre : Action-Adventure Multiplayer : No Most Assassin's Creed games are open-world games, but the modern kind, from Origins onward, takes that to the next level. In this case, we have Assassin's Creed Odyssey on the list for blending a massive open world with a strong narrative throughline. The base game offers over 100 hours' worth of side missions, bounties, naval combat, and so much more for you to sink your teeth into, with multiple DLCs that add even more open-world areas. The RPG elements give you tons of customization for your weapons and armor, and you can still take a stealth-first approach, making this a buffet of great content. It's one of the best Assassin's Creed games in the entire series. See at Green Man Gaming Fallout 4 Developer : Bethesda Platforms : PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre : RPG Multiplayer : No Bethesda is one of the most prominent developers when it comes to open-world games. It has classics like Fallout 3 and Skyrim, and while it has arguably missed with recent releases--looking at you Starfield-- Fallout 4 is a happy medium. It doesn't have as much RPG depth as Fallout 3, but it makes up for it with the size of its open world, which is filled with small dungeons to explore and tons of side activities to complete, and shooting that doesn't feel like an afterthought. There are fun companions, and if you are into it, base-building systems that are surprisingly deep. Fallout 4 also has a great DLC in Far Harbor, which features a strong narrative if you found the one in the base game to be lacking. Those who play on PC can also check out our list of the best Fallout 4 mods , which can further improve and expand the game. See at Fanatical Batman: Arkham City Developer : Rocksteady Studios Platforms : PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC Genre : Action-adventure Multiplayer : No While you might be able to argue that Batman Arkham Asylum is an open-world game, Batman: Arkham City is undeniably one. Significantly larger than the first game, Arkham City takes the hand-to-hand brawling and stealth takedowns and expands them into a large city. Not only is it one of the best superhero stories in a video game, but the expanded world lets you glide and grapple like you're really Batman navigating a city. There are Riddler Trophies galore, along with other side quests and collectibles, scratching that checklist open-world gaming itch. See at Fanatical Sunset Overdrive Developer : Insomniac Games Platforms : Xbox One, PC Genre : Third-person Shooter Multiplayer : Yes Sunset Overdrive had the unfortunate fate of being an Xbox One exclusive, resulting in it being severely underplayed. This open-world game features all of the side activities, collectibles, and enemies you would expect, but what makes it special is the movement, something Insomniac Games nailed long before making the Spider-Man games. There are rails to grind, walls to run on, and buildings to leap off of, coalescing in a fluid and fast movement system that works incredibly well with third-person shooting. It's colorful and silly, making Sunset Overdrive a blast to play. See at Fanatical Satisfactory Developer : Coffee Stain Studios Platforms : PC Genre : Management Sim Multiplayer : Yes Satisfactory might be primarily about building factories, but it is an open-world game at its core. You have a large alien planet that you can explore alone or with friends, along with combat and resources to discover in the world. The vast majority of your time will be spent creating elaborate factories with spider-webs of conveyor belts, but the open-world exploration plays a big enough role to put it on this list, even if it isn't a traditional open-world game. Plus, the factory building is so satisfying that anyone mildly interested in the concept should check it out. See at Humble State of Decay 2 Developer : Undead Labs Platforms : Xbox One, PC Genre : Survival-crafting Multiplayer : Yes State of Decay 2 is an open-world survival game , where you must recruit survivors, build communities, and take down hordes for the undead in one of the best zombie games . Supporting co-op multiplayer and a short narrative story, the main juice in State of Decay 2 involves exploring the open-world and choosing when to take risks--and when to take your toys and go home--to find resources and new survivors. This loop creates stressful situations and tough choices, while offering a deep and extensive zombie apocalypse to play in. See at Steam Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain Developer : Konami Platforms : PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC Genre : Stealth-Action Multiplayer : No The final game in the Metal Gear Solid series--no, Metal Gear Survive does not count-- Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain takes place in a large open-world, offering nearly endless opportunities for stealth-action. There are outposts to take down, soldiers and resources to collect via Fultons, and a creative main story from Hideo Kojima. While there are complaints against it, mainly the unfinished narrative, the freedom and creativity you get from combining the intricate stealth-combat mechanics with an open world creates a fantastic game and one of the best stealth-action experiences you can have. See at Fanatical Oblivion Remastered Developer: Bethesda Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre: RPG Multiplayer: No Oblivion Remastered was shadow-dropped in 2025 after years of speculation surrounding its existence, and it did not disappoint in the slightest. While a large majority of the Elder Scrolls attention goes to Skyrim, and rightfully so, Oblivion is the game that laid the foundation for Skyrim and an entire generation of open-world games. The remastered version of Oblivion keeps the core game intact while updating its graphics, gameplay elements, mechanics, and user interface to match the standards in 2025. The result is a masterpiece that comes close to, and arguably surpasses, the open world found in Skyrim. You'll go on a grand adventure across the land of Cyrodiil, where every choice you make matters. The world is extremely detailed with a slew of unique and interesting locations. Various factions are waiting for you in different parts of the map, as well as an arsenal of weapon and gear upgrades. Overall, Oblivion Remastered is a fantastic RPG with an open world you won't forget anytime soon after rolling the credits. See on Fanatical Avowed Developer: Obsidian Entertainment Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre: RPG Multiplayer: No We're playing it loose with the open-world term here, as Avowed is considered an "open zone" game. Instead of playing on one contiguous map that's fully explorable from the start of the game, Avowed features five smaller maps that you venture to as the story progresses. You can't advance to the next zone until certain story parameters are met, but you can freely go between any of the zones you've already unlocked. The zones in Avowed are quite large, though, and each one boasts its own distinct environment, unique capital city, and smaller locations. Each zone also has a host of characters, quests, and gear upgrades you can find. Aside from the maps and their content, Avowed is a slam-dunk RPG that features intertwining choices in its story, a party system that allows you to bring along a cast of characters with you, and varied combat where you can mix and match guns and bows, melee weapons, and magic to bring down your opponents. See on Best Buy Valheim Developer: Iron Gate Studio Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Genre: Survival Multiplayer: Yes Survival games play host to some of the best open worlds you can explore, but the world in Valheim is one that especially stands out. Valheim is a Viking-style survival game that thrusts you right into the middle of a Norse mythology-inspired land. You begin with nothing and have to acquire resources from your starting area so you can sustain and protect yourself. Valheim's world is divided into distinct sections, and each section offers new resources for you to acquire. However, you can't loot those resources until you've conquered your current area, as you need tools and weapons from that area to harvest the new resources. You've successfully conquered an area after defeating its boss, and each boasts different attacks, combat styles, and rewards. During this entire process, you'll also build up a true Viking base, which can be continually upgraded with the new resources you acquire. Valheim also offers a randomly-generated map, making every playthrough slightly different. See on Steam Old School RuneScape Developer: Jagex Studios Platforms: PC, Mobile Genre: MMORPG Multiplayer: Yes Old School RuneScape is one of the best MMORPGs on the market in 2025, and it has technically been around since the early 2000s. It offers 23 unique skills you can grind and level up, thousands of different items to use and equip on your character, and, most importantly, a truly massive world to explore. One big caveat with Old School RuneScape is that while it's free-to-play, the free version doesn't offer nearly as much content. You'll be locked to a significantly smaller map, which is still open, and you won't have access to a majority of the gear and items, or to several skills. However, if you're willing to pay or grind for membership, which costs $14 a month or purchasing an in-game Bond, you immediately unlock content that spans hundreds and hundreds of hours. The pay-to-play open world contains dozens of sprawling cities across a map with several unique kingdoms. You'll be able to go on over 150 quests, level up the 23 skills, and complete a truly overwhelming amount of content. Old School is booming in player count in 2025 and still receiving massive updates, so now is as good a time as any to start your journey. See on Steam Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth The Like A Dragon (formerly Yakuza) series had been known for their small but detailed open worlds but Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth elevates this to a whole other level with the addition of Honolulu, Hawaii as a main setting location. The unique spin on the famous vacation destination is given a unique yet authentic representation by studio Ryu Ga Gotoku and in turn becomes their largest world in the studio’s history. RGG’s worlds would be nothing without a bevy of things to do and Infinite Wealth features some of the greatest side activities in the studio’s history from delivering fast food, to karaoke, to the studio’s take on Animal Crossing with DonDonko Island. Buy on Amazon Death Stranding 2 While the first Death Stranding delivered a unique portrayal of a post-apocalyptic United States of America, its sequel expands on the world in smart ways by showing what Mexico and the Australian Outback are like in this world. Picking up a few years after the first game, players have access to a large arsenal of tools and weapons that help transform Death Stranding 2 from a repetitive sequel to a natural step forward for the series. Death Stranding 2 also provides a great deal of player choice and urgency that makes it feel like it had more in common with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain than the first Death Stranding. In many aspects Death Stranding 2 feels like a culmination of the years of gameplay design that Hideo Kojima and his team have reiterated on again and again. Buy on Amazon Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag While the Assassin’s Creed has delivered many virtual historical settings since 2007, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag feels like the high point of the series. Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Black Flag is set in the Caribbean and features cities such as Havana, Kingston, and Nassau. From British occupied cities to pirate hideaways and sunken caves, Black Flag helped players indulge in the ultimate pirate fantasy. This entry is also infamous for its ship combat that helped inspire a standalone title called Skull and Bones. With recent rumors swirling around a potential Black Flag remake, it’s not hard to see why this particular entry is so popular. See on Steam Grand Theft Auto V There's not much more that can be said about Grand Theft Auto V in 2026. Even after releasing more than a decade ago, GTA V stands out from every angle. You have the incredible story mode that allows you to control three totally different characters whose lives all become intertwined throughout the twisted tale that Rockstar Games weaves. While GTA isn't known for its choice-based stories, GTA V does have multiple endings that are based on specific choices you make with the different characters. If you're not feeling the story mode, though, you can always hop into GTA Online and explore the wide open world of Los Santos. Commit crimes, buy property and vehicles, complete heists solo or in a group, or take part in dozens of unique activities across the map. GTA V remains one of the definitive open world titles on the market, and it won't be surpassed until GTA 6 comes around. See on Amazon Horizon Forbidden West The Horizon series offers some of the densest and most detailed open worlds of any video game franchise. While Horizon Zero Dawn, the first game in the series, is an RPG you don't want to miss, Horizon Forbidden West offers a better open world. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world run by crazed machines and distinct tribes that have formed after humanity managed to rebuild itself after a thousand years of the machines ruling the planet. As the main character, Aloy, you have access to the entire world within the first couple of hours. From there, you can explore thick jungles, open plains, and lush beaches that are all teeming with new machines, cities of interesting sights and characters, and resources you can use to craft weapons, gear, and other items. See on Best Buy
GameSpot - All ContentFeb 10
14 Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2 To Get Lost In During 2026
14 Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2 To Get Lost In During 2026When you ask a fan of Red Dead Redemption 2 to name off some games like it, they'll often respond with "there are no games like Red Dead Redemption 2." Rockstar Games' masterpiece has been referred to as a "generational game" by many in the community, and that remark still holds up even seven years after the game's release date. Red Dead Redemption 2's attention to detail, map design, gripping and emotional story, and realistic gameplay have captured gamers' attention for the better part of a decade now, and few games come close to offering a similar experience. Fortunately, we have come up with a dozen games like RDR2. These titles might offer in-depth character interactions and development, a detailed open world, complete freedom, quirky combat, or all of the above. At the very least, you can expect the games on the list to offer one distinct aspect of Red Dead 2 in their gameplay. Grand Theft Auto 5 Developer : Rockstar Games Release Date : September 17, 2013 Platforms : PlayStation 3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC Could we have started this list with any other game? Grand Theft Auto 5 is one of the best-selling video games of all time, and it's Rockstar Games' other main franchise aside from Red Dead Redemption. Whether you like Red Dead Redemption 2 for the in-depth world, the incredible characters, or the sheer freedom you get from the get-go, you'll find all of that in GTA 5. While the settings of the two games couldn't be more different, with GTA 5 taking place in a fictional version of modern Los Angeles, you'll instantly recognize gameplay mechanics and features from Red Dead 2. Also, if you're a fan of Red Dead Online, you can hop into GTA Online, which is still receiving massive content updates over a decade after its release. See on Fanatical The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Developer : CD Projekt Release Date : May 19, 2015 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an easy suggestion for any fans of Red Dead Redemption 2. While it's a fantasy RPG that incorporates magic, gear progression, and mythical beasts, it's right up there with Red Dead 2 as one of the most immersive gaming experiences you can have. In The Witcher 3, you play as Geralt of Rivia, who's on a journey to find his adopted daughter. You'll travel across a massive open-world map complete with shanty towns, sprawling cities, and dangerous islands that present more than a few challenges. One of the best aspects about The Witcher 3 is that you don't have to pay any attention to the main story; you can go around the map meeting NPCs, completing quests, and interacting with the world. If that doesn't sound similar enough to Red Dead 2, The Witcher 3 also offers Gwent, an interactive card mini-game you can play with other characters. While it's a bit more complicated than Poker or Blackjack, you can easily sink hours into it. See on Best Buy Kingdom Come: Deliverance Developer : Warhorse Studios Release Date : February 13, 2018 Platforms : PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch If realism and immersion are your favorite parts of Red Dead Redemption 2, then Kingdom Come: Deliverance might be the best option for you on this list. It's an RPG that follows Henry of Skalitz in 15th-century Europe, whose hometown has been burned down by a militia that's on the opposite side of an ongoing war. At the start of the game, Henry won't have anything to his name, and you'll need to work through exhaustion, thirst, and hunger to build yourself back up to seek revenge on the men who caused you so much pain. In Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you need to keep Henry bathed or else NPCs will be repulsed by you, keeping your horse clean is an ongoing task, and maintaining your weapons and gear requires actual labor. It's a truly realistic game, both in its mechanics and the events of the story. See on Fanatical Elden Ring Developer : FromSoftware Release Date : February 25, 2022 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC In terms of mechanics, Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption 2 are almost nothing alike. Red Dead 2 offers simple, and oftentimes clunky, combat that revolves around a few guns and other weapons. Meanwhile, Elden Ring is an in-depth RPG that offers hundreds of build options, weapons, and other abilities to make use of as you battle against some of the toughest enemies and bosses in any video game. However, if you're willing to learn the combat mechanics, you'll be stepping into a world where you have the freedom to do anything you want. From the first moments of Elden Ring, you're given no quests, map markers, or anything of that nature. It's your job to explore a massive world, find out where to talk to NPCs, and how to progress the story. Elden Ring offers one of the most challenging gameplay experiences available, but you can get lost in the game for easily over 100 hours if you learn its mechanics. See on Fanatical Cyberpunk 2077 Developer : CD Projekt RED Release Date : December 10, 2020 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 1+2 Cyberpunk 2077 offers the complete opposite setting to Red Dead Redemption 2. However, as long as you're alright with a game that takes place in a distant future where technology has overrun the Earth, then you're in for a wild ride. Cyberpunk 2077 is set in Night City and is an in-depth RPG where you play as V, who can have one of a few backgrounds that you choose for them. This background gets thrown out the window when you get mixed up in a massive conspiracy that threatens your life and results in a dead rockstar being implanted in your mind. Between the varied world of Cyberpunk 2077 that offers distinct districts and fascinating characters you meet through the story or on your own, you'll never get bored roaming the streets and backroads of Night City. See on Fanatical Fallout New Vegas Developer : Obsidian Entertainment Release Date : October 19, 2010 Platforms : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC While the Old West and an apocalyptic version of the Mojave Desert and Las Vegas aren't exactly the same, it might be the closest setting to Red Dead Redemption 2 on this list. Fallout New Vegas is an RPG that takes place in an alternate reality where a nuclear war ravaged the world. You play as a deliveryman in the Mojave Desert of Nevada, but soon find yourself entrenched in a strange war over control of the renovated Las Vegas Strip. New Vegas' world is a desolate wasteland complete with human enemies and monsters that have been transformed as a result of radiation exposure. The world offers plenty of characters that all have something to say, unique locations to stumble across, and factions that each have their own storyline to complete. It's one of the best RPG experiences you can have, and any Red Dead 2 fan should find at least one enjoyable element throughout the game. See on Fanatical Ghost of Tsushima Developer : Sucker Punch Productions Release Date : July 17, 2020 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PS5, PC Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game that shares a lot of qualities with Red Dead Redemption 2. In Ghost of Tsushima, you play as a samurai during the 13th century when the Mongol Invasion of Feudal Japan occurred. In between taking part in battles across the Japanese countryside, you'll interact with a slew of interesting characters who evolve with the protagonist as the story goes on. Like in Red Dead 2, you have a trusty steed to make traveling enjoyable and easy. Exploration in Ghost of Tsushima is also similar to Red Dead 2, as you have a large map at your disposal with all the freedom you could ask for. You'll never know what you find around a corner in Ghost of Tsushima, but you will go on a fantastic adventure that features a particularly emotional story. See on Fanatical Days Gone Developer : Bend Studio Release Date : April 26, 2019 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PC Days Gone is unlike any other game we've mentioned so far on this list, but it's quite similar to Red Dead Redemption 2 in more ways than you might expect. The main purpose of Days Gone is to mow down hundreds of zombies that you can encounter at any time during your traversal of an open map. However, the game is gritty in its mechanics, features changing environments, and offers a cool way of getting around, which in this case is a motorcycle. You'll also experience a story full of twists and turns that involves betrayal from characters and a protagonist who goes on a personal journey of self-discovery. It's not quite Arthur Morgan's story, but it certainly comes close. See on Fanatical Horizon Zero Dawn Developer : Guerrilla Games Release Date : February 28, 2017 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PC We have another game that offers a completely different setting and gameplay loop compared to Red Dead Redemption 2. However, if you're willing to go on a slightly different experience, you'll find that Horizon Zero Dawn is a game worthy of your time. Horizon Zero Dawn follows the story of Aloy, an outcast in a post-post-apocalyptic version of the western United States. In this timeline, killer machines have taken over the Earth, and tribes of warriors have popped up that try to co-exist with the machines. As Aloy, you'll explore a gigantic map that's absolutely chock-full of lore to explain exactly what caused the downfall of civilization. You'll also fight extremely varied machines that all feature separate mechanics. Horizon Zero Dawn can be a non-stop thrill ride and a relaxing adventure where you read and hear about the intriguing story the developers created. See on Fanatical Hogwarts Legacy Developer : Avalanche Software Release Date : February 10, 2023 Platforms : PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch 1+2 Hogwarts Legacy is a game that manages to scratch some of the same itches that you get when playing Red Dead Redemption 2. While it's an RPG where you create your own character, it also offers environments that change with the story, large questlines for several NPCs you can meet during the game, and various side activities that distract you from the main story. Of course, Hogwarts Legacy is set in the Harry Potter universe, but it features an original story and a fabulous recreation of Hogwarts Castle and its surrounding areas. You can explore the castle grounds along with other locations such as the Forbidden Forest, hamlets outside the grounds, and the village of Hogsmeade. Hogwarts Legacy is a charming game that gives you plenty of freedom and content to take part in, as well as in-depth character development and a story full of intrigue and mystery. See on Fanatical Batman: Arkham City Developer : Rocksteady Studios Release Date : October 18, 2011 Platforms : PlayStation 3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch First and foremost, if you've never played any of the Batman Arkham games developed by Rocksteady Studios, you'll want to change that. Even if you're not a fan of superhero games or Batman altogether, the Arkham trilogy is one of the most complete gaming experiences you can have. For our list, we're choosing to highlight Batman Arkham City, which is the second game in the trilogy. It's the first game in the series to offer an open world, which is jam-packed with side missions and activities that will make you totally forget about the main story. You can take part in Riddler challenges, do battle with several classic Batman villains, clean up the streets of Gotham, and search the city for different collectibles. Also, Arkham City and the rest of the trilogy feature some of the most intuitive combat and movement that you'll find in a video game. While it is a different experience from Red Dead Redemption 2, Batman Arkham City certainly shares some of its qualities. See on Fanatical Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition Developer : United Front Games Release Date : August 13, 2012 Platforms : PlayStation 3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch Sleeping Dogs is an underrated action adventure that actually comes closer to mimicking the Grand Theft Auto games with its visual style, blood and gore, and criminally driven open world. Of course, those qualities are also a part of Red Dead Redemption 2, but Sleeping Dogs is set in a modern version of Hong Kong, so you'll definitely get more of a GTA vibe from the start. Still, Sleeping Dogs is a fantastic game that follows an undercover cop trying to infiltrate a Chinese gang. You need to prove yourself to the gang to be admitted, which means cracking skulls and doing dirt jobs all across Hong Kong. Sleeping Dogs mainly uses hand-to-hand melee combat, but you can also engage enemies while driving down the streets behind the wheel of a supercar. Like Red Dead 2, the entire world is at your disposal, and just about anything goes in this explosive action adventure game. See on Fanatical The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Developer : Bethesda Release Date : April 22, 2025 Platforms : PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC The Elder Scrolls series reinvented the open world genre of video games and helped make them what they are today. Oblivion, the original, was the game that truly pushed the envelope for the genre and RPGs as a whole, though. Now, in 2026, you can play Oblivion Remastered, which is a totally better experience than the original for a number of reasons. The character models and dialogue have been improved, you can sprint, and the graphics are gorgeous. As a Red Dead Redemption 2 fan, you'll find no shortage of attention to detail, worthwhile characters that you interact with beyond a single questline, and plenty of decisions that alter the course of quests and the story. While it's still a Bethesda RPG at heart, Oblivion Remastered plays like a whole new game in 2026. See on Fanatical The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Developer : Nintendo Release Date : March 3, 2017 Platforms : Nintendo Switch 1+2 While Red Dead Redemption and The Legend of Zelda have two totally different vibes as series, Breath of the Wild is a masterfully crafted RPG that features dozens of hours of content before you even have to think about completing a main story mission. Breath of the Wild takes place on a massive map full of bosses to take on, collectibles to find, and an abundance of quests that have you meeting new characters and seeing fresh sights all over the world. And even though it's an animated RPG from Nintendo, Breath of the Wild is no walk in the park. You have to contend with your gear being destroyed as you use it, difficult boss encounters that all require strategy, and puzzles so difficult that they'll make your head spin. At the end of it all, though, you'll get the same feeling of accomplishment and emotion that everyone gets throughout the course of Red Dead 2. See on Nintendo
GameSpot - All ContentFeb 9
Man jailed for murder goes viral after worrying he’d miss GTA 6
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Dexerto Latest PostsFeb 8
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Video Game News, Reviews, Walkthroughs And Guides | GamingBoltFeb 6
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Video Game News, Reviews, Walkthroughs And Guides | GamingBoltFeb 6
Microsoft Aiming To Launch Four Big Games This Year While Avoiding GTA VI - Report
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GameSpot - All ContentFeb 5
GTA 6 boss confirms the game is completely AI-free, then immediately contradicts himself
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Attack of the FanboyFeb 5
GTA 6’s Marketing Will Soon Commence, As Take-Two Says No More Delays
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Pokde.NetFeb 5
How big is the GTA 6 map? Fan-made projection shows it dwarfs GTA 5
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Dexerto Latest PostsFeb 5
'We're Not Selling Hamburgers' — Take-Two Boss Says GTA 6 Marketing Has to Be 'Delicate' and Feel 'Real'
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IGN AllFeb 5