New Open-World RPGs That Are Officially 10/10
Open-world RPGs can catch a lot of flak, and I understand why. It's an undeniably ambitious (AKA expensive) and complex genre, not to mention something of a goldmine, and this has resulted in myriad mediocre projects…
Open-world RPGs can catch a lot of flak, and I understand why. It's an undeniably ambitious (AKA expensive) and complex genre, not to mention something of a goldmine, and this has resulted in myriad mediocre projects being published under the open-world umbrella, especially in the 2010s.
But few things are ever absolutely bad, and that maxim holds true for open-world gaming as much as anything else. There are definitely some classics worth praising, but even just the last two or three years have played host to some of the best open-world RPGs you could hope for. For anyone seeking a robust, engaging, or otherwise rewarding role-playing game set in a sprawling, open map, these recent releases are more than worth exploring.
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree
Good Enough To Be Judged On Its Own
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Released June 21, 2024I'm sure some will balk at my inclusion of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree expansion in a list of open-world games, considering that, technically, it's not a full game. However, I think that if we are recognizing the best open-world games from the past handful of years, Shadow of the Erdtree simply has to be included.
Click on the game with the higher OpenCritic rating.
Easy Medium Hard Score: 0 Best: 0 Medium orResults
0 PointsHigh Score: 0
More GamesIt might not be a full game on paper, but Shadow of the Erdtree might as well be Elden Ring 2, as it has more content, and content of a higher quality, than many leading AAA open-world titles. I would most certainly get more out of replaying just Shadow of the Erdtree than, say, Assassin's Creed Shadows, despite one of them not even being a "real game."
Tainted Grail: Fall Of Avalon
King Arthur Brought To Life
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon 8/10Released May 23, 2025There's a surprising dearth of Elder Scrolls-like games on the market, as many AAA developers have seemingly been content to let 2011's Skyrim rest on its laurels. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon arrived in 2025 to throw down the gauntlet, proving that other developers can make "Scrolls-type" games that are just as good, if not better, than Bethesda's mainstream offerings.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is more than just a Skyrim or Oblivion clone, though; it's a refreshing retelling of Arthurian legend, with a darker and more mature tone than what's typically seen in The Elder Scrolls. With a rock-solid understanding of what makes traditional western RPGs like Skyrim so appealing, Tainted Grail solidifies itself as a fantastic contemporary entry in the genre.
Dread Delusion
Black Metal Elder Scrolls
Dread Delusion Released May 14, 2024Much like Tainted Grail, Dread Delusion takes a lot of cues from The Elder Scrolls, but unlike Tainted Grail, Skyrim, et al., Dread Delusion doesn't aim for realism. In fact, it goes out of its way to be surreal, bizarre, and uncomfortable, an approach that ultimately makes it unforgettable.
Excellent dark fantasy world-building also helps Dread Delusion stand out amongst its high-fantasy contemporaries. There's a genuinely intriguing world to explore and investigate here, and this intrigue goes far beyond Dread Delusion's intentionally strange graphical style.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
It's Not So Bad Under A Steel Sky
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth 9/10Released February 29, 2024Not everyone loves the Final Fantasy 7 remake saga, and while I get the apprehension some may feel when dealing with such a beloved classic, I personally feel that these games are excellent. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is an especially exhilarating and joyful gaming experience that almost blots out my overall cynicism toward the AAA landscape, reminding me how wonderful a shiny, massive, and expensive blockbuster video game can truly be.
With a sprawling map comprised of distinct biomes, a wealth of diverse mini-games, stunning graphics, creative encounters, and a cinematic story with a charming dose of melodrama, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth manages to be one of the best Final Fantasy games, and certainly the best open-world Final Fantasy to date.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
As Epic As Ever
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II 10/10Released February 4, 2025Most medieval RPGs have a pointed emphasis on the fantastical, focusing on magic, mythical creatures, and other supernatural or mystical phenomena. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, much like its predecessor, is a game that takes a hard turn in the opposite direction, offering an almost ridiculously grounded role-playing experience.
On paper, this doesn't sound all that exciting, but thanks to Warhorse Studios' clever progression systems, a wide variety of gameplay styles, sharp writing, and overall attention to detail, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is just as captivating as its high-fantasy contemporaries. Kingdom Come's open-world elements are thoroughly enhanced by its sim-lite approach, as you have to travel in a more thoughtful, cautious, and engaged manner to get by in this harsh medieval world.
Honorable Mention: Dragon's Dogma 2
Could Be A 10/10... Soon
Dragon's Dogma 2 9/10Released March 22, 2024Dragon's Dogma 2 isn't a game for everyone. At launch, it was thoroughly critiqued for its lack of polish and detail, inability to meaningfully evolve the gameplay of its predecessor, and some frankly bizarre microtransactions. There's a great game in there somewhere, though, and the upcoming Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen might be enough to bring it to the forefront.
According to Capcom, the Dark Arisen re-release (also available as an expansion for the base game) was partially designed "based on the wide range of feedback received following the release of the main game." This will mean, at the very least, additional content, as Dark Arisen's main course is a substantial story DLC in a new, snowy region called Norgan. Arriving after some much-needed patches, the Dark Arisen DLC could help make 2026 Dragon's Dogma 2's comeback year.