Summary
Modern open-world games areoften vast, with expansive, diverse maps, and packed with activities to engage players. Beyond exploration, combat, and quests, many of these games offer something more subtle and captivating — a living world where players can lose themselves in discovery and, in a way, escape reality for a while.
When considering the best open-world games for those seeking a “second life,” several key factors stand out. A truly immersive experience requires a sprawling, visually stunning map brimming with adventures and secrets to uncover. The game should also offer significant longevity, providing at least a hundred hours of content on average. Additionally, immersive mechanics such as owning orupgrading a house, base, camp, or even a settlementadd layers of interaction, helping players feel connected to the world and its inhabitants.
Below are some of the best open-world games that excel in these aspects, offering players an opportunity to disconnect from reality for a deeply satisfying and immersive experience.
Of all open-world games,Red Dead Redemption 2remains unmatched in its believability, with a world that feels truly alive and reactive. Its vast map, dotted with several townsteeming with people to interact with, sets the stage for Arthur Morgan’s journey as a member of the Van der Linde gang. This group of outlaws even has its own upgradeable camp, which moves across the map as the story unfolds. Being part of a “family” with unique, believable characters, each with their agendas, is one of the most captivating aspects ofRed Dead Redemption 2. Equally compelling is Arthur’s bond with his horse, which fosters a rare sense of attachment.
The freedom and interactivity inRDR2are extraordinary, supported by an astonishing variety of immersive side activities. Players' choices and actions shape Arthur’s reputation, allowing him to be seen as a respected community member or as a troublemaking outcast. Together, these elements let players fully immerse themselves in the slow, rhythmic flow of life in the Wild West, living each day as Arthur Morgan.
Blurring the line between action RPG and first-person medieval life simulator,Kingdom Come: Deliverancehas earned a reputation for its immersive and grounded approach to every element of gameplay. It delivers an unparalleled experience of stepping into the shoes of an ordinary individual living in 1403 Bohemia. Arguably one of the most synonymous examples of a “second life” open-world game,Kingdom Comegoes to extraordinary lengths to recreate the mundane everyday life of its era, eschewing the typical genre clichés and oversimplifications that many other titles rely on. Naturally, that comes at a cost, asDeliverancecan be very time-consuming even for the most ordinary tasks.
With its meticulously accurate depiction of activities like weapon training, blacksmithing, alchemy, and more,Kingdom Come: Deliveranceinvites players to savor the seemingly small, unassuming moments of medieval life. Evenmore exciting, the upcoming sequel,Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, appears to double down on everything that made the original such a distinctive and memorable experience.
Few RPGs can rivalSkyrimin terms of enduring popularity. Over the years, it has become a second life for countless players who find themselves continually drawn back into its sprawling world. Arguably the pinnacle of Bethesda’s RPG formula,Skyrimmasterfully blends everything fans cherish about the studio’s games: an immersive atmosphere, a richly detailed setting, unparalleled freedom, and a vast array of possibilities. Players can live out their days inSkyrim, buying and furnishing homes in various regions, embarking on hunts or treasure quests, joining guilds, and uncovering the secrets of countless ruins and caves.
Additionally,Skyrimreigns as the undisputed king of modding, boasting hundreds of thousands of mods created since its initial release. This modding scene allows players to tailor their adventures,shaping a personalized worldand gameplay experience that aligns perfectly with their preferences.
A truly epic adventure,The Witcher 3: Wild Huntredefined the RPG genre with its vast scope, featuring a multi-region immersive open world, extensive character-building freedom, and a richly crafted narrative filled withbranching, emotional quests. As Geralt of Rivia, players embark on a gripping journey to find Ciri, delving into murky politics, unraveling complex mysteries, and engaging in thrilling monster hunts.
While the base game lacks traditional “home” mechanics, aside from a nostalgic chapter at the witchers' stronghold, Kaer Morhen, the final expansion,Blood and Wine, introduces Corvo Bianco (Gwyn Cerbin), a vineyard in Toussaint inherited by Geralt. This estate offers players the chance to renovate and decorate, transforming it into the White Wolf’s new home and a perfect meeting place for his old friends.
The Zone is at the core of the player experience inSTALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, acting as an endlessly hostile yet strangely captivating environment brimming with unexpected moments of exploration. The game’s structure revolves around players gradually learning theintricacies of the Zone, its dangers, and its peculiar beauty.
Much like its predecessors, some of the most memorable moments inSTALKER 2: Heart of Chornobylunfold beyond the main missions. These include personal tales of discovery, survival, and sudden triumph. Over time, players come to perceive the Zone as a living, breathing entity, learning how to make the most of every foray into its treacherous expanses. Simply living day by day in the Zone — enhancing gear, collecting artifacts,and navigating its unpredictability— can be enough to keep players immersed in the game for hours on end.
Fallout 4is the largest single-playerFalloutgame to date, featuring the most expansive and detailed map in the series. It’s packed with dozens of quests, towns, underground areas, and countlessopportunities for exploration and combat. Yet, one of its standout features is the in-depth crafting system, allowing players to reshape the Wasteland to their liking.
Throughout the game, players can liberate multiple settlements of peaceful survivors and improve their quality of life by providing essentials like shelter, water, food, and security against raiders and bandits. The crafting mechanics are impressively flexible, enabling players to dismantle almost anything (entire buildings included) and build whatever they can imagine. It’s a true paradise for creative players who feel connected to this unique post-apocalyptic world.
Assassin’s Creed Valhallaoffers an epic adventure, taking Eivor Wolf-Kissed across continents, time, and even realms of mythology. From the snowy fjords of Norway and the misty landscapes of Britain to the exotic Vinland (America) and mythical realms like Asgard and Svartalfheim,Valhallais so expansive thatcompleting its sprawling Viking sagacan easily take over a hundred hours.
One of the game’s standout features is Ravensthorpe, a Viking settlement in 9th-century England. As players progress, they take on the role of Ravensthorpe’s leader, returning frequently to upgrade and expand it. This includes recruiting valuable community members and celebrating victories with the settlement’s residents. Even for those not particularly drawn to settlement-building,Valhallastrikes a perfect balance, keeping Ravensthorpe accessible and rewarding without overwhelming complexity. Over time, it becomes more than a hub — it transforms into a true home for Eivor and their people, as well as the players.
When it comes to offering players a second life,Cyberpunk 2077can feel like a conflicted experience. The game presents a vast and uniquely futuristic setting in the form of the dark megapolis Night City, where players are free to buy and customize apartments, collect an array of vehicles, amass a collection of cult weapons, and spend time with friends and love interests. However, the game’s central conflict — a protagonist battling to delay their death — adds an unnecessary sense of urgency that can undermine the immersive freedom this open world otherwise provides.
That said, outside of the main story, V’s condition rarely interferes with the enjoyment ofCyberpunk 2077. The game excels in exploration, combat, and its many gigs, offering asatisfying balance between intense actionand dialogue-driven assignments. With key characters delivering rich, branching conversations,Cyberpunk 2077pulls players deep into its gripping world, filled with intrigue, tragedy, and unforgettable personalities.
