Open world games offer gamers a world of their own, where gamers can embark on an adventure of their own. Open world games are one of the most immersive titles out there where the players are not forced to follow a linear storyline instead players have the freedom to indulge in a plethora of side quests or if they want just roam around and explore the virtual world. For those who are not familiar with the concept of an open world, it is a large sandbox that is populated with vehicles, NPCs, and various activities in which players can take part in various activities.
Open world games have been around since the 90s and since then with the help of technological innovations, we have played many astonishing open world titles. So let us have a look at some of the best open world games you should replay in 2022.
Mad Max
Mad Max may be one of the most underrated open-world games out there. If you have played this game then you surely know this game is immensely fun. The game is based on the famous movie franchise Mad Max and takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where your car is your ultimate weapon. As the story progresses you can customize your car with different bodies, spikes, blades, and a massive V8 engine to look like a complete badass.
Apart from the story, you have a lot of side quests you can endeavor on like gathering parts so you can upgrade your stronghold, take part in races and show off your driving skills or take out enemies roaming around to reduce the threat in the territory. But make sure nothing bad ever happens to your “metal angel”.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Based on the novels written by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher might just be one of the best RPGs ever made. Set in a fictional place known as “The Continent”, the game follows Geralt of Rivia, our fearless Witcher who is looking for his adoptive ward Ciri. But he is in a race with the forces of the Wild Hunt, so he turns to his old flame Yennefer.
The Witcher 3 has one of the most captivating storylines out there. Apart from the storyline you also have the option to interact with the NPCs and enlist your help to hunt various monsters. The world of Witcher is dynamic and filled with enemies. So, in this fictional world exploration can be fatal if you are not careful.
Sleeping Dogs
It has been a decade since this action-packed open-world game came out. The game revolves around the Hong Kong underworld where the gangs are fighting to gain control of the city and the police force is trying to lock them up. The story and the character development of the game are what make this game such a banger. The story follows Wei Shen who is an undercover cop trying to build up among Triad ranks so you can gather evidence to bring down the organization.
What makes this game an emotional ride is as you move forward in the story the line between right and wrong starts to blur out. Apart from the story missions you also have many side quests that you will get from your gang members and your cop buddies. Also, you can roam the city of Hong Kong and find collectibles, show off your Kung Fu skills in the underground fight clubs or just go shopping for some new threads in the market. Sleeping Dogs will give an all-around great open-world experience.
GTA V
Grand Theft Auto is one of the most well known titles in the realm of video games. Many might argue it was Grand Theft Auto that made the open world genre so famous. From the beaches of Vice City to CJ’s hood in San Andreas, many of us have invested hours and hours in this franchise. So why not revisit the 2013 hit GTA V. Los Santos has beautiful mountains, beaches, and long drives on the open highway? What sets GTA V apart from other titles of the franchise is the game has three protagonists. Hustle onto the streets of Los Santos as Franklin, plan elaborate heists as Micheal or close down your competitor businesses as Trevor just like Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmare closed down restaurants.
GTA V has a world so immersive that it is really easy to lose track of time. Another thing that makes GTA V extra special is you can do all kinds of mischief in the city with your buddies. Yup! With GTA Online you and your friends can rule Los Santos together. Buy properties, run businesses, own a nightclub, buy supercars, get tattoos, buy the best fashion has to offer, or rob the casino. With countless activities you and your friend can do together, it might be one of the best open-world games out there.
Saints Row: The Third
Want something light and goofy? Saints Row: The Third is exactly what you need. This game was the competitor of GTA but they took a much lighter and comic approach towards the gameplay. The story revolves around the Third Street Saints where you are “The Boss” and you are trying to rebuild the gang by setting up a base, recruiting new members, and taking on the enemy factions.
It’s the extra dose of chaos in the gameplay that you will love. The game has a lot of outrageous side quests that are extremely fun to play. From movie shoots to taking part in an over-the-top reality show this game can be straight-up hilarious. While Saints Row: The Third was very nice to play, Saints Row 4 and Saints Row: Gat Outta Hell did kinda go a bit overboard.
Red Dead Redemption 2
No open world game list is complete without this title. GTA might be Rockstar’s most well-known title but Red Dead Redemption 2 is undoubtedly their best open-world game. This game took realism in open-world games to a whole different level. The game has a vibrant landscape, interesting NPCs who have a personality of their own, and a storyline so gripping it will have you glued to the screen.
Another interesting mechanic the game has is the Karma, which lets you be a complete outlaw or someone who obeys the law. So your actions in the game will decide how the people in your camp and the NPCs in the open world will treat you. If you have played this game then surely revisit the game and if you are yet to play the game then no time like the present.
There are so many great open-world games that it was impossible to fit them all in this list but before we conclude here are some titles that barely missed a spot on the list: Horizon Zero Dawn, Cyberpunk 2077, Assassins Creed Origins, Far Cry 6.
