In video games, an open world is a virtual world in which the player can approach objectives freely, as opposed to a world with more linear and structured gameplay. Open world games can provide immersive experiences that have immense replay value - the two best games last year, God of War Ragnarok and Elden Ring are both open world.
Because of this, videogames enthusiasts should definitely look out for the following open world games in 2023 if they want quality gameplay.
1. Starfield
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.
The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
2. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Jump into Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the genre-defying, action-adventure third-person shooter in development from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. This title combines the studio's signature character-driven story gameplay with third-person shooter action to deliver a gaming experience unlike any other.
Discover the origins of Amanda Waller's infamous Task Force X (a.k.a. the Suicide Squad) as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark begrudgingly embark on their mission to take down the World's Greatest DC Super Heroes, The Justice League. Featuring an original narrative set within an expansive open-world city of Metropolis, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League puts the four DC Super-Villains on a collision course with an invading alien force and DC Super Heroes who are now laser-focused on destroying the city they once vowed to protect. All the while, the Suicide Squad must be mindful of the lethal explosives implanted in their heads that could go off at the first sign of defiance.
Each squad member has their own unique moveset with enhanced traversal abilities to freely explore the dynamic open-world of Metropolis, along with a variety of weapons to customize, and skills to master. Fans can tailor their experience, whether playing on their own as a single-player, or teaming up with friends in multiplayer co-op.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild pretty much brought the franchise back to the forefront of RPG, as it is the first Zelda game to adopt the open-world formula. The best part of BotW is the interaction system, where physics objects, tools, and abilities could be combined in non-conventional ways to defeat enemies, solve puzzles, and reach new areas.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is going to be the direct sequel to BotW. It'll be interesting to see how the ground world is innovated upon, but Link won't just be limited to Hyrule but also be able to explore above it. The handful of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom trailers out there now have shown islands and locations in the skies above Hyrule, showing that sometimes innovation really is just looking up.
There has only been one short reveal trailer for it - looks like TotK is going to follow BotW's formula, with an improvement in graphics. It is also likely to be the last Switch title before next-gen. TotK is coming out on May 12.
4. Assassin's Creed Mirage
In Assassin's Creed Mirage, you are Basim, a cunning street thief with nightmarish visions seeking answers and justice. Join an ancient organization and come to understand a new creed – one that will change Basim’s fate in ways he never could have imagined.
Explore a dense and vibrant city whose inhabitants react to your every move. Uncover the secrets of four unique districts, from the industrial Karkh to the lush gardens of the Round City. Discover surprising world events and interact with historical figures that shaped the Golden Age of Baghdad.
The focus on one city will likely bring back the AC franchise's more complex parkour system, alongside stealth and assassinations. Recent AC games have leaned too much into the open world RPG side of things and neglect stealth.
5. Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. For the first time, experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.
The wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area. Learn spells, brew potions, grow plants, and tend to magical beasts along your journey. Get sorted into your house, forge relationships, and master skills to become the witch or wizard you want to be.
Experience the wizarding world in an unexplored era to uncover a hidden truth from its past. Battle against trolls, Dark Wizards, goblins, and more as you face a dangerous villain threatening the fate of the wizarding world.
6. Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the next game in PlayStation’s critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Developed by Insomniac Games in collaboration with Marvel Games and PlayStation for the PS5 console.
is set for release in Fall 2023, although it has only received one trailer to this point. In other words, very little is confirmed, but players seem to be returning to New York to contend with new enemies. Marvel's Spider-Man 2's take on Venom seems to be a key figure, while Kraven the Hunter was also seemingly teased. It remains to be seen how the sequel iterates and innovates on the original's open-world approach, but fans will be swinging along before the year ends.
7. Skull and Bones
The world of Skull and Bones is a treasure trove to explore as you sail to the furthest reaches of the Indian Ocean. From the coasts of Africa to the East Indies discover distinct regions each with its own unique ecosystems.
Learn to use the wind to your advantage by trimming your sails to increase your speed as you try to survive treacherous waters, dangerous rogue waves, and deadly wildlife.
At the end of the 17th century, tales of a legendary heist attracted young outcasts from all over the world. In search of untold fortunes, ordinary men and women headed far from home. Armed with only their instincts to survive, they risked it all for a chance to attain immeasurable riches.
throws players into the reaches of the Indian Ocean, as they work their way up and forge their own Pirate legacy. They'll explore a huge open world at sea, with Skull and Bones' map size being around 625 kilometers in-game. This is because it's also a shared open world, with up to 20 players on each server, and it's a multiplayer-first vehicle game. The added size is thus needed to make its world as compelling as can be, especially with its focus on story and its minor, story elements strewn throughout.
8. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
The story of Cal Kestis continues in STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor, an epic new adventure that will push Cal further than ever as he fights to protect the galaxy from descending into darkness.
No longer a Padawan, Cal has come into his own and grown into a powerful Jedi Knight. Carrying the memories and expectations of the Jedi Order with him, his crusade against the Empire has only become more perilous. The cinematic combat system returns with additional Force abilities and new lightsaber fighting styles.
Discover new planets and familiar frontiers in the Star Wars galaxy, each with unique biomes, challenges, and enemies. Master new skills, equipment, and abilities that will augment the ways you explore, fight, and roam.
>>> Read more: 8 Best Survival Games To Look Forward To In 2023