The best open-world games to play right now

2026 has been pretty eventful so far for video games. Many incredible bangers have already seen the light of day: Crimson Desert, Resident Evil Requiemand Neoh 3to name a few. Many games are also making a comeback with DLC. Starfield Finally got a major free update and PlayStation 5 release, as well as story DLC. We also have some fresh new players on the field Windows Being the latest to try and conquer the beloved pirate genre of video games. We're not even halfway through the year yet, and there's a lot to look forward to with prospects GTA 6 Released in November and Subnautica 2 Finally entering early access in May.

But before we get excited about the future, let's talk about what we can enjoy right now on the open-world front. Whether you're playing primarily on Xbox Series X/S with a Game Pass subscription, on PC with Steam as your main platform, or you're a hardcore PlayStation 5 fan, here are recommendations for every type of gamer. We'll be focusing on games with very recent or older titles that have recently received some interesting updates and DLC. Find out which open-world games you should be playing now in 2026.

The best open-world games to play on Xbox Series X/S right now

Starfield

Starfield With the release of the Freelance update and its new story DLC, Terran Armada, it's the best it's ever been. Xbox Game Pass owners are now ready to jump into Bethesda's newest release with all these additions, which include some major quality-of-life changes, from vehicles to better weapon customization.

POIs have also been reworked, and with a new cruise mode, exploring and flying around in space is better than ever. Starfield. Terran Armada adds a new morally gray companion, which many players have been asking for. It's still far from being a perfect game, but it's in pretty good shape when it was first released to lukewarm reception.

Grounded 2

Grounded 2 It recently received an update that adds a new boss encounter, so if it's included in your Game Pass subscription, now is a good time to return to Obsidian Entertainment's open-world survival craft. In this adorable little game, you play as characters that shrink to the size of insects and learn to survive in the wilderness by exploring and crafting gear and weapons.

Ride buggies, build shelters, and do it all cooperatively with friends. While the game is still technically in development as it's in early access, there's already a lot to like about it on Xbox, with regular updates adding new areas, items and challenges to the game. It is perfect for players looking for more of a survival crafting experience rather than an RPG.

Kingdom Come: Redemption 2

If you missed it Kingdom Come: Redemption 2 When it was first released, and you're still on the fence about it, now is a good time to get it on Game Pass. Playing this game on console is also the way to go because of its demanding graphics.

It's one of the most immersive medieval RPGs out there, putting you back in Henry's shoes as you operate in a dynamic world where eating, sleeping and bathing are core parts of the game and not just fluff. Realistic sword fighting will charm you or disappoint you, but one thing is for sure: there is nothing like it on the market right now. Xbox gamers who dream of living the life of a brave medieval knight should not miss this chance to play.

The best open-world games to play on Steam (PC) right now

Windrose

Windows One of the big newcomers to open-world games on Steam, and currently exclusive to PC gamers. There has been some hole in the market for all things pirate, save Sea of ​​ThievesWhich caused havoc to the world a few years ago. After the tragic fate of Skull and bonesThe genre seemed doomed, however Windows Even early access is showing a lot of promise.

If you are familiar with games covered up Featuring crafting and survival gameplay, along with adventure and RPG features, it will be a hit home for you. There's action-packed pirate and naval combat, base building, procedurally generated open-world environments, and of course, the chance to jump on your next swashbuckling journey with friends thanks to co-op.

Where the wind meets

Where the wind meets Around the end of 2025, but shows no signs of slowing down in popularity. This charming, historical Chinese MMORPG has been gaining praise for breaking the curse of its genre and delivering a truly solid free-to-play experience with rich fantasy, gorgeous visuals, and excellent character creation.

It's a great game for anyone looking for a new live-action game to call home, with a satisfying exploration of a stunning world. Like most MMORPGs, expect to be filled with confusing systems at first, to be rewarded with one of the most addictive formulas in recent years, with really dynamic combat and a decent story to boot. Considering it's free-to-play, there's no excuse not to give it a chance.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

Easily one of the most underrated open-world RPGs on PC, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon The perfect next stop for players who have just finished Skyrim or The Witcher 3. Featuring a dark fantasy world similar to our favorite Soulslikes, The Stained Grail Takes inspiration from the story of King Arthur and puts a fun twist on it.

The game added some great updates and DLC to the mix in the first quarter of the year, so whether you're a new player or a returning fan, it's a great time to play. The tone has been praised for being a bit more mature and darker than some heroic open-world RPGs out there. If you're still a little on the fence about investing in it, you can also try the free demo available on Steam to see if it clicks.

The best open-world games to play on PlayStation 5 right now

Neoh 3

The Neoh The franchise recently enjoyed its first open-world setting Neoh 3 From Koei Tecmo, and so far, the game has wowed far and wide. This is a game made for consoles, and what better way to try it out than to add it to your PS5 collection? The mix of samurai and ninja style combat is a welcome addition to spice up the action-RPG formula, and thanks to the non-linear approach, exploration is actually fun and rewarding.

You can get disgustingly deep into buildcrafting here, and anyone even remotely a fan of the Soulslikes and Soulsborne games should give it a shot. While the jury is still out on whether it can top this masterpiece Neoh 2 Theo, there is no doubt that it has earned its place in the Hall of Fame of Soulslikes.

Ghost of Yotei

Ghost of Yotei Opinion has been somewhat divided since its release. It turned out to be a disappointment for those who expected something completely new, but for those who wanted the same goodness. Ghost of TsushimaThis is absolutely correct. Atsu's Tale is another captivating, visually beautiful, and action-packed tale about revenge, all in an open-world environment where every frame is a painting.

Combat is a treat in this game, and while much of it will feel like its predecessor, there are some welcome additions and additions that make it feel a bit more than that. Ghost of Tsushima. While the story won't necessarily blow your mind, it's definitely a game that will hold you in its claws with its gameplay loops.

Crimson Desert

No game has been talked about more since the start of 2026 Crimson DesertBut it seems it has finally found its feet as expectations have been tempered. Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game, not the RPG you might believe at first glance. Taking on the role of Cliff, you set out to revive Greymanes and explore a vast world with no shortage of details.

Crimson Desert The visuals are a feast, and the game is rich in content, and experiencing it on PS5 is nothing short of magical, its world filled with these incredible visuals, breathtaking details, and mysteries. If you're looking to be scared of exploring a new world and feel like a kid again, Crimson Desert Won't let you down. The developers have also been quick to keep the game alive with patches, which shows that they are committed to keeping the game on its toes.