The open-world genre has been around for quite some time. But what are the best open-world games with a great story? This is a question that many gamers ask themselves and, in this article, will list the top 15 open-world games with a great story. These games have been critically acclaimed and they're popular among gamers of all ages. They're fun, exciting and they'll be the perfect way for you to get away from your work or chores for a while. It is necessary to mention that we are looking at strictly RPGs here so let's get started!
15. Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord (PC)
The challenging medieval battlefield experience
Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord Trailer
Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord is the prequel to the well-acclaimed Mount and Blade and takes place 210 years before the first game. In it, you are tasked with creating your army of soldiers and go to battle with your foes. You can choose which faction to join in this game which has a key effect in its short story. You can persuade individuals into gaining favors for your faction. You can even marry and have children in this game. And get this, if you die your children take over your role and lead your army. How crazy is that?
It is currently in early access with an expected release date during Q4 2021.
14. Star Wars the Old Republic (PC)
Beware of destinies. They're rarely what you expect
Play as a Galactic Knight, a Sith or a Bounty Hunter along with many classes in this online multiplayer game beloved by fans and critics worldwide.
Star Wars the Old Republic is set about 4000 years before the films and puts you in a world where order is nowhere to be seen. Chaos is erupting and civil wars are starting everywhere. You can shine with the light side of the force or embrace its dark side. Slay with lightsabers and engage in space combat. You make your own destiny in this game. You can visit several huge planets in this game, each filled with details and different friends and foes.
The beauty and gameplay of this decade old game still holds up. So, if you’re looking for something with multiplayer elements, a rich story and a huge open world, this is it.
13. Middle Earth: Shadow of War (PC/PS4/XBOX ONE)
In the war against darkness, sometimes stalemate is victory.
Middle Earth: Shadow of War Trailer
Shadow of War is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor and continues the story of Talion, who is still infused with the spirit of Celebrimbor, the elf lord. Their main goal is to create a Ring free of Sauron’s corruption and influence and to bring peace and stability in the world. This video game adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien’s magnificent fantasy world is full to the brim with details. From fighting Orcs to exploring dark territories and ruins, you forget your own path against the dark forces.
Unlike the previous game, this has a more intense role-playing experience and has a dynamic time cycle which can alter enemy behavior and abilities during that period. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, this is a must-play.
12. Final Fantasy XV (PC/PS4/XBOX ONE)
When darkness veils the world, the King of Light shall come
Final Fantasy XV Trailer
Final Fantasy XV is the fifteenth main game in the critically acclaimed series. The game is set in the fictional world Eos, where you, like Noctis, heir to the Lucian family throne, pursue the evil Niflheim empire to save the magical crystal and protect the world from darkness. You explore the vast open-world with your three great friends while you search for the crystal. Ride chocobos, chill out in your car, and fight monsters in this explicitly detailed world.
The game has a battle system that makes combat more intuitive and engaging for the player and his companions. The AI companions are really well made which overall gives a fun experience. Check this game out!
11. The Outer Worlds (PC/PS4/XBOX ONE/ NINTENDO SWITCH)
The most fun sci-fi open world in recent years.
The Outer Worlds is a sci-fi game created by Obsidian Entertainment, the guys behind Fallout New Vegas. In this alternate reality world, you are the Stranger, who is stranded in your spaceship, the Hope, in the Halcyon system and soon rescued. You find out that the mega-corporation ruling over the Halcyon, The Board is controlling everything, and you are tasked with bringing salvation to the whole system. Your choices will affect the outcome of the story and even the fate of your NPC companions.
Obsidian really put their heart and soul into this game, and it shows. The beautiful vibrant sci-fi world and the rich gameplay and combat mechanics make this a must play.
10. Dragon Age Inquisition (PC/PS3/PS4/XBOX 360/XBOX ONE)
Let those who would destroy us step into the light.
Dragon Age Inquisition is a direct sequel to Dragon Age II and the story picks up after that. The world is suffering a bloody war between the mages and the templar. Unlike other games in the series, you start as the leader of the Inquisition bound to stop this ravaging war. What makes this a great game is that the outcome of the war depends on your choices and who you side with. You and your team members will battle your way by any means to achieve peace and solidarity in the world.
The world is divided into many open areas where you can freely explore. In each area there will be side quests and other activities to complete which will determine your influence in the war. The combat and customization have taken a huge leap forward in this game so you’re in for a treat!
9.Valheim (PC)
Fight, build, explore. It all ends in the grave.
Valheim Trailer
Valheim is a survival game set in a Nordic environment where all your patience will be tested.
Play as a Viking warrior who has been thrown into the unforgiving depths of Valheim. Fight mythical foes, build your sanctuary in these unforgiving lands, endure the harshest of weathers. When you succeed you will earn the favor of the Norse Gods and be cast into Valhalla, the majestic hall of champions and warriors.
If you are a history geek or even someone who wants to have fun this game will suit all your needs. It is currently in Early Access with the possibility of releasing this year.
8. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PC/PS4/PS5/XBOX ONE/XBOX ONE X)
My Destiny Is Mine to Weave.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla sets upon the foundation of RPG elements of Odyssey and is delivered as a well enriched open world game set in Early Medieval England.
You play as Eivor, a Viking who hunts his way across the English kingdom and builds a kingdom for his people. In the midst of that you encounter the Hidden Ones, the first incarnation of the Assassins Brotherhood who are in a secret battle with the Order of the Ancients, precursor to the Templars. ITt is you who changes the fate of England and subsequently the world for better or worse. First the world of Valhalla is filled with rich stories and quests you can spend countless hours one. You can engage in long range battles and sieges to take over castles and outposts each. The blend of Nordic mythology and reality makes the game’s story much more captivating as you’ll witness the Viking way of life.
The great combat along with its exceptional side quests balances out and makes it a seriously fun game.
7. Kingdom Come Deliverance (PC/PS4/PS5/XBOX ONE/XBOX ONE X)
A medieval tale of revenge and honor
If you are someone who enjoys medieval history and literature and want to experience Europe in all of its glory in the 15th Century, then oh boy, this is the game for you.
Kingdom Come Deliverance is set in Bohemia in 1403 and depicts real life events from the eyes of Henry, a blacksmith’s son, who lost his family during an invasion of King Sigismund’s forces. Filled with lust for revenge and justice, you as Henry embark on a journey across medieval Europe in this beautiful medieval world. A branching storyline and massive open world make this a fun game to put hours into.
The combat system, although amazing, will take beginners a little time to get used to but all in all, the game is detailed exquisitely and makes your experience much more pleasant.
6. Cyberpunk 2077(PC/PS4/PS5/XBOX ONE/XBOX ONE X)
Wake up, Samurai. We have a city to burn.
This much-anticipated game from CD PROJEKT RED has received its fair share of for its hilarious bugs and glitches on launch among the gaming community, but it's lively open world and good story somewhat fills the void. The game, as usual, is set in 2077 and in which corporations have taken over the USA for their own needs, Play as V as you rise your way to the top of Night City. You can start the story with 3 different storylines each with its own unique encounters and dialogues as you progress through the story.
The visuals of the game are seriously stunning and worthwhile. There are endless customization opportunities in the game and much to explore. If you’re still not sold, Keanu Reeves is in it.
5.Fallout 4 (PC/PS4/PS5/XBOX ONE/XBOX ONE X)
War. War Never Changes.
Fallout 4 Trailer
This quote defines the Fallout series and on a broader scale defines Fallout 4. Cast yourselves as the Sole Survivor of Vault 111 as you search for the man who killed your spouse and kidnapped your son across post-apocalyptic Boston and unlock shocking secrets. Upgrade your arsenal of weapons, blow up filthy creatures and raid your way across the Commonwealth. Bethesda upped their ante with this one because it makes you keep on playing it forever. Every choice, every encounter, every movement dictates your survival in this unforgiving wasteland.
If that doesn’t satisfy your needs, the mods community of this game surely will. The improved shooting mechanics and customization lacking from Fallout New Vegas makes it an icing on the cake. So, what are you waiting for? Start playing and prepare for the future!
4.Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (PC/PS4/XBOX ONE/ NINTENDO SWITCH)
Order, Chaos… If Either Triumphs Alone the World Dies
Odyssey differs from the other games in the beloved Assassin’s Creed franchise as it is the first game to incorporate RPG elements to Ubisoft’s open world gameplay and storytelling.
The story is set in Ancient Greece, where you play as any one of two Spartan Siblings, Kassandra and Alexios respectively. The huge Greek world the game is set in, is visually pleasing to say the least. From a big city like Athens to a small, isolated island, this game has it all. The story is of the old good vs evil but much more exciting.
Throughout the game as with series tradition, you’ll meet real life historical figures like Pythagoras, Perikles, Herodotus and you even get to play as the legendary general Leonida (yes, that Leonidas). So, it is a must have for gamers.
3. Fallout New Vegas (PC/ PS3/ XBOX 360)
You vs the Mojave Wasteland
Come on, this had to be included. New Vegas is a spin-off of the beloved Fallout series which takes place in the regions around Las Vegas. The game starts with the main character simply known as ‘the Courier’ who barely survives an ambush by a mobster called Benny, voiced by the one and only Matthew Perry, while delivering the coveted ‘Platinum Chip’. After being rescued, the Courier tracks Benny to settle the score and take back the Chip.
You roam around the vast but radiated Mojave Wasteland, meet different factions, fight bandits and mutated beings, like Deathclaws while in pursuit of Benny. What makes this game so unique is that you have the ability to do virtually anything, from playing in the Casino to blowing everything up, an all-in-one package in post-apocalyptic America.
The gameplay and customization have been really refined from the previous game. Your actions affect how the characters in the game react to you and which ultimately affects the whole story, so you know you’re in for a treat. And also, did I mention Deathclaws?
2.Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PC/PS3/PS4 /XBOX 360/XBOX ONE)
Kill well… and often.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Trailer
This is probably the king of all open worlds. It is not too often you find a game that has such an immersive and well-crafted lore. But with Skyrim, this is the case. The open-world standard Skyrim has defined the genre for years and will continue to do so. It’s just that intriguing.
You play as the Dragonborn whose main goal is to defeat the dragon known as Alduin, the World-Eater who is prophesied to destroy the world. The rich lore, the variety of characters, the deepest of secrets fill this amazing fantasy world crafted perfectly by Bethesda. The attention to detail in this game is spectacular which gives you just about the ability to do literally anything anywhere. This game has probably one of the most memorable opening scenes of all video game history because of the first spoken words, 'Hey you, you’re finally awake', introducing you to the world of Skyrim.
Even after a decade of its release, the modding community is keeping the game alive for more years to come with its exceptional graphics and gameplay improvement mods. In short, Skyrim is an experience.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PC/PS4/PS5/XBOX ONE/XBOX ONE X)
Evil Is Evil
An open-world video game list without this game is blasphemy, to say the least. The third game of the Witcher trilogy by CD PROJEKT RED is a masterpiece, both in terms of visual and storytelling.
Take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher who searches for his long-lost adopted daughter and protégé, Ciri, who herself is being chased by the demonic Wild Hunt. You’ll travel all across this fantasy world where you will meet all kinds of people on your journey. Search for hidden treasures, fight bloodthirsty monsters, and craft your own arsenal of weapons and spells. This game will keep you engaged forever.
You can choose who to help and who to betray which has a direct effect on the main story. The fantasy and magical elements of the world make it much more immersive for the player. If you think the main story is amazing, the expansions ‘Hearts of Stone’ and ‘Blood and Wine will surely satisfy your storytelling needs. The combat system is very refined and challenging but once you get used to it is pure fun. But if you find it easy, why not crank up the difficulty and see what it’s like?
