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Top 40 Sandbox Games & Open World Titles of All Time (Updated 2021)

Open-world and sandbox games are everywhere. Just take a look at some of today’s most popular video games. Notice any trend? For the keen observer, you may see that these games are almost always of those two genres. Expansive maps, choose-your-own-adventure storylines—these are common features in these games.

But understand this: sandbox games nowadays are a dime a dozen. Developers seem to keep riding this trend so far. Maps are larger than ever and there is more content than before—but critics seem to grow tired of it all. A world might be massive but devoid of interesting content. This is why out of all the ones out there, only a select number stand out as amazing titles. 

On this list, we compile 25 of the best open-world and sandbox games of all time. Many of these are available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox One. If you’re on PC, buying a reliable budget rig can help in maximizing your gaming experience.

 

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Bethesda Softworks LLC. Online Store - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
Photo from Bethesda

Even eight years after its initial release, Skyrim still has one of the most loyal player bases in gaming. This is due to its customization potential. Players can create whatever character they want and go do whatever they want. And the customization doesn’t end there. Skyrim’s thriving community of modders keeps the game updated to modern standards. And at times, some mods are born out of pure nonsense. For instance: replacing the dragon at the beginning of the game with Thomas the Tank Engine. 

 

2. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Guide to The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind
Photo from Bethesda

Morrowind did what Skyrim has done best since 17 years ago. You read that right: seventeen years. The game is that old and still has its legion of fans. Morrowind was a game ahead of its time, especially when it comes to player freedom. You get to explore the world as soon as the quick tutorial and cinematic is over. There is also an all-encompassing story full of social, magical, and political intrigue. This makes a classic game that keeps on surviving the test of time. 

 

3. GTA V

Original Grand Theft Auto V Artwork: To Have and to Hold - Rockstar Games
Photo from Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto V’s open world is a fun-filled representation of rural and modern America. Every single street, avenue, and even backwoods can be home to an interesting activity. Upon release, critics praised it as one of the best sandbox games that PC, PS4, and Xbox One players can get their hands on. You can even play with your friends with GTA Online and partake in epic rampages together. Play this game on Playstation 4 Pro to experience this masterpiece in all its glory.

 

 4. Minecraft

What is Minecraft? | Minecraft
Photo from Minecraft Official Website

If we’re talking a literal do-whatever-you-want game, this is it. You can create anything, do anything, and go anywhere. That’s the main focus of Minecraft. There is an almost endless amount of gameplay possibilities to explore. Heck, you can even create a working computer inside the game. Yes, that’s a real thing. Its popularity seems never-ending these days. 

 

5. Just Cause 2

 Just Cause 2
Photo from Just Cause 2 on Steam

Just Cause 2 is like the Michael Bay film of video games. Or perhaps the entire Just Cause franchise is a Bay flick in itself. The second installment of this popular franchise has a simple goal: wreak havoc in a vast open world. Make eardrum-splitting explosions with plumes that reach the sky. Soar through the air like a man unleashed from gravity. Everywhere you go, make everything explode. It’s mind-numbing fun packed in a canister full of TNT. 

 

6. Arma 3

Arma 3
Photo from Arma 3 Official Site

Tired of all the mindless, strategically lacking shoot-em-up first-person shooters? Arma 3 is your go-to game. According to hardcore military sandbox fans, this is the shooter to play. Partake in military operations and command squads, tanks, and even planes on vast maps. If the same old maps aren’t exciting anymore, you can create your own with its meaty map editor. Arma 3 is so good as a shoot-em-up simulator that it inspired some of the biggest games of today. PUBG and DayZ can trace their roots to this gem of a game. 

 

7. Hitman (2016)

Hitman – Enter a world of assassination
Photo from Hitman Official Site

Fans of the Hitman series adore the games for their free-rein assassination mechanics. The missions give you a target, and that’s it. It’s up to you how to take them out. You can use the environment however you want, as long as you kill the target. The 2016 release of Hitman takes this freedom to a whole new level. You can use disguises, sneak around, or lure an unsuspecting target to “accidental” death. Or, just go in, guns blazing. It’s free-form murder at its best. 

 

8. Garry’s Mod

Garry's Mod
Photo from Facepunch

As a so-called physics sandbox, this game doesn’t have any goal. Nope. Nada. You have a world where you can do everything and anything, at any time. Put a silly face on an NPC? Cool. Put them in a box and make the box explode? Sure. Garry’s Mod is an odd game, but odd isn’t a bad thing. Imagine a real-life sandbox that you can play with any way you see fit. That’s Garry’s Mod for you. This is the literal definition of what sandbox games should be, and nothing else comes close. 

 

9. Red Dead Redemption

Buy Red Dead Redemption 2
Photo from Rockstar Games

Live the life of a rough rider with Rockstar’s most popular title since the GTA games. Hop on your horse and explore the world to find interesting side content, set within the classic old west. Also, some may say that it’s not only the story and the unique gameplay that draws them in. The world itself acts like the game’s main character, and it sure delivers on the promise of an amazing ambiance. 

 

10. Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas
Photo from Fallout: New Vegas on Steam

Fans of the Fallout series love them some New Vegas. Here’s why. Developers often throw out the “play your way” buzz phrase out there when the games they release aren’t. New Vegas still has a story, but you’re often free to play as you see fit. You can even fail missions and not worry about losing progress and reloading a save file. This makes New Vegas’ sandbox as free-rein as any game world there is. 

 

11. Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4)

Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4)
Photo from Insomniac Games

Insomniac Games’ take on Spidey is the best Spider-Man game yet. Critics and fans consider it as one of the best PS4 sandbox games, and for good reason. Its sprawling open world is full of interesting content and stories. And zipping from one mission to another is a blast with the revamped web-slinging system. Seeing Spider-Man bolt whip through buildings shooting his webs is an exhilarating experience. Furthermore, its layered combat system elevates the gameplay to a whole new level. 

 

12. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Official Website
Photo from The Witcher Official Site

The third game of the Witcher series, Wild Hunt set the standard for most open-world sandboxes to come. 251 Game of the Year awards? That’s no small feat. That’s thanks in large part to CD Projekt Red’s knack for telling amazing stories every single chance they get. Each side quest is as interesting as the main one—a hard quality to emulate for games of a similar style. Not to mention, the world is as beautiful as it is dangerous. No wonder players can clock in hundreds of hours on this game. Interested in playing one of the greatest games of all time? Get The Witcher 3 Game of the Year edition and play a base game with all the downloadable contents included.

 

13. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild
Photo from The Legend of Zelda Official Site

Some gamers consider this as the best open-world game ever. Big claim, but let’s see why. Its open world is unlike any other because there are no quest markers. The game offers pure exploration. It begs you to pick a direction and see what secrets are out there. Add the power of nostalgia from past Zelda titles, and you have a title you can enjoy with childlike glee. Furthermore, Breath of the Wild’s original release on the Wii U and Nintendo Switch didn’t stop fans from making emulators. As such, it’s now playable on PC (albeit unofficial). 

 

14. Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program
Photo from Kerbal Space Program Official Site

Kerbal Space Program’s main goal makes the players design the space program for a race called Kerbals. It’s a true sandbox where you have free rein for almost anything. Design a landing rover that will withstand atmospheric entry. Explore uncharted planets. And if you have a grasp of astronomy and physics, you will have an absolute blast. It’s also an indie game—none of those big AAA developer shenanigans here. 

 

15. Terraria

Terraria game
Photo from Terraria Official Site

You like 2D retro stuff? Terraria is right up your alley. You can build stuff, battle pesky enemies, or explore the pixelated world to find valuable loot. Or, mine stuff from the ground and craft new weapons. The gameplay possibilities are expansive, too. And there’s no predetermined goal like most games out there. You have your tools and a world to explore; go out there and play. Make sure to stick around until you discover the game’s deeper mechanics, and you’ll enjoy it like no other. Consider it like Minecraft but in 2D. 

 

16. L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire Original Artwork: What's in the Trunk? - Rockstar Games
Photo from Rockstar Games

L.A. Noire captures the essence of the film noir genre, unlike any other game. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, the game makes you investigate and solve a slew of crimes ranging from theft to murder. Each case features a gripping story that unfolds with every clue you uncover. But the most amazing feature of the game must be the interrogation sequences. You sit down with a suspect to ask questions and try to see if they’re lying. Be on the lookout for body movements, and even the slightest eyebrow twitches so you don’t miss a hint. 

 

17. Scrap Mechanic

Scrap Mechanic | Introducing the Lift
Photo from Scrap Mechanic Official Website

Online sandbox games are a dime a dozen. But they’re not like Scrap Mechanic. In other games, you build stationary objects: fortresses, houses, even entire cities. In Scrap Mechanic, you can build stuff that works. You can make anything, from moving houses to hovercraft and then some. Only your imagination is the limit. Find the parts you need, let your creativity run wild, and start building. 

 

18. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Photo from Kingdom Come Official Site

Imagine a medieval game without dragons, wizards, elves, and magic. That’s the gist of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. This game focuses on realistic role-playing mechanics and expansive player choices. You also have the freedom to interact with anything in any way you see fit. Aside from the story, there’s not much hand-holding. Another thing that sets this game apart is it’s not the same old “chosen one” story. You’re no longer the lone savior of worlds. You’re a regular guy out to interact with the world, and it moves with or without you. 

 

19. No Man’s Sky

No Man's Sky
Photo from No Man’s Sky Official Site

A constant stream of updates now puts the game closer to its pre-release promise. Choose one of three game modes: normal (exploration), survival, and creative. The world—nay, universe—in No Man’s Sky also never ends. Every planet, star, comet, and galaxy is unique because of procedural generation technology. So wherever you might end up, you might be the first person to discover it. It’s the “do what you want, go wherever you want” game on a universal scale. 

 

20. Elite Dangerous

Elite Dangerous Gamestore
Photo from Elite Dangerous Official Site

Not everyone likes the colorful imagery of No Man’s Sky. If you’re not a fan, you can go for Elite Dangerous instead. It’s almost the same as the former, but with a darker, grittier tone. Be a space pirate, trader, political kingpin, or warlord. The potential for customization is immense. You can engage with different factions in any way you like, or go off into one direction and explore. But remember to stock up on supplies before traipsing around the cosmos. This is one of those multiplayer sandbox games that you have to try. 

 

21. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag | Ubisoft (US)
Photo from Ubisoft

This game stands out from most Assassin’s Creed titles because both fans and non-fans of the series can enjoy it. It features old-timey pirates, for Pete’s sake. There is nothing as amazing as sailing from island to island, hearing your crew sing sea shanties. Hop from island to island and see the beautiful sights of the Caribbean unfold. Black Flag is among the best sandbox games, and for good reason. 

 

22. Mount And Blade: Warband

Mount & Blade Warband - TaleWorlds Entertainment
Photo from TaleWorlds Entertainment

This game is a medieval sandbox that ticks all the right boxes. It’s both a sandbox and a simulator that does little if any, handholding. You can pick a specific career path for your character, then do whatever you want. Fancy raising an army to lay siege to cities? Sure. Or you might like to be a wealthy merchant that wields the undeniable power of gold? The choice is yours. Be sure to master the skill-based combat as well, and you will be the most powerful person in the realm. 

 

23. Horizon: Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn
Photo from PlayStation

Glorious setpieces populate its vast open world. You can see the spires of ancient skyscrapers, which connect to the game’s main story about the so-called “Old Ones.” There are also gigantic robot animals that you can hunt. With your array of tech weapons (including a super tricked-out bow), bringing them down is a blast. It’s hard to describe the wonders of this game so go play it and see for yourself. 

 

24. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey on PS4, Xbox One, PC | Ubisoft (UK)
Photo from Ubisoft

Odyssey is the best-received Assassin’s Creed game since Black Flag. This is due to the game introducing player choice. For the first time in the franchise, players have dialogue choices that impact the world in both subtle and grand ways. Ubisoft’s rendition of Ancient Greece is full of things to do that it seems never-ending. But that’s not bad at all. Almost every quest will make you think about your choices and leave your head spinning. It also has romance options and features the return of the much-beloved naval combat. 

 

25. ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK: Survival Evolved
Photo from ARK: Survival Evolved on Steam

Fancy a modern, different take on the classic Turok: Dinosaur Hunter? ARK: Survival Evolved is your jam. It’s a survival sandbox title—that’s one thing you should remember. You can build all the bases and outposts you want, but if you don’t survive continuous enemy attacks, it’s pointless. Taming animals is among the key features of this game. And by animals, we mean dinosaurs, dragons, and all manner of fierce beasts. Tame them, make them work for you, all while keeping yourself alive. 

 

26. Mad Max

Mad Max
Photo from Mad Max on Steam

As a movie, Mad Max made waves across the world. It presented a post-apocalyptic world that was bold and filled with action. At the same time, it cemented itself as a cornerstone in pop culture. 

Its world-building made Mad Max an attractive video game offering. In the game, you are a lone wolf trying to survive The Wasteland. Like the movie’s protagonist, you have to cross the driest of terrains and face the most dangerous enemies. Get familiar with repurposed cars, flamethrowers, and all types of guns. Do anything that it takes to survive, and find your way to the peaceful “Plains of Silence.” 

In this open-world game, see how far scavenging and repurposing can take you. Build the best vehicle/s that can take you to your goal and decimate anything that comes your way. It is a long journey for Mad Max, who takes “sandbox” quite literally. Join him through your PS4, Xbox One, or PC with this third-person adventure. 

 

27. Just Cause 3

Just Cause 3
Photo from Just Cause 3 on Steam

Play as Rico Rodiguez and explore the depths and heights of Medici in Just Cause 3. There are over 400 square miles for your character to traverse and discover on this Mediterranean island. However, this is not the haven it is made out to be. 

Ruled by a dictator named General Di Ravello, Medici is in need of refuge. Your character, Rodriguez, is the perfect man for this mission. Seize the General’s power with your arsenal of weapons and strategies. There is equipment for anywhere you go—may it be a journey to the skies or a hike around the mountains. 

Just Cause 3 gives its players the freedom to build their collection of weapons from the ground up. This way, all items have their purpose in creating the most havoc for General Di Ravello.  There are a lot of missions to choose from. Medici needs your help, and Just Cause 3 gives you complete control over how to provide it. You can even compare notes with the game’s active online community. 

Just Cause 3 is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. There are also a number of expansion packs for the game, all stretching the boundaries of this open-world experience. 

 

28. Eve Online

Eve Online
Photo from Eve Online Official Site

Appealing to millions of gamers around the world, Eve Online is a free-to-play title based in space. It matches the sandbox genre with sci-fi elements, making it a game with many areas to explore. 

Eve Online brings you inside a spaceship that can take you anywhere you want. Choose from its over 7,000 solar systems and learn from its 20-year history. As an immortal, you have a lot of ground to cover. It also does not help that the land of “New Eden” is home to countless PvP and PvE battles. 

Moreover, face the tragedies of this modern space era. There are many black market interactions to face: piracy, mining, trading, and more. Do what you want with this all by yourself, though you can also choose to team up with other players along the way. 

There are over 350 space vessels for you to choose from. Eve Online makes sure that you exhaust as many of its resources as possible. Get creative and explore space on your own terms.

 

29. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2
Photo from Red Dead Redemption 2 on Steam

Released eight years after the well-received Red Dead Redemption game is Red Dead Redemption 2. Live the life of an outlaw with Arthur Morgan and explore America as it was in the 1890s.  Joining you in your adventures is the Van der Linde gang. There are several government workers following your trail, as well as a few bounty hunters. You have a strong reputation to thank for that. 

Red Dead Redemption 2 is simple: do anything that it takes to survive and escape from the clutches of those hunting you. Steal and rob should you have to. Go head-to-head with these enemies when they close in on you. Decide on your allegiance and path, all given to you on a silver platter by this open-world game. 

Beyond these storylines, Red Dead Redemption 2 also breathes a new life in its gameplay. With its online community, the game gives players the choice to pick whatever 1890 career path they want. You can be a Trader, Collector, Bounty Hunter, and more. Interact with fellow fans as you build your in-game life. 

Beyond being a sandbox game, Red Dead Redemption 2 has been lauded as one of the best games of all time. It has over 175 Game of the Year awards and thousands of fans all over the world. Many mention its strengths in world-building, fully immersing its players in a beautifully flawed midwestern America.

You can play Red Dead Redemption 2 on the PS4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, and Microsoft Windows

 

30. The Sims 4

The Sims 4
Photo from The Sims 4 on Steam

When it comes to an open-world set-up, no game does it quite like EA’s The Sims 4. Released in 2014, this video game has garnered a large following because of its expansion packs, The Sims 4 mods, and even cheats

Due to these features, The Sims 4 boasts almost infinite possibilities. Your limit is your imagination: customize every aspect of your character, house, and world in this game. There are many environments to choose from and worlds to explore. 

Life can be as fantastical as becoming part vampire or part mermaid. It can also be as complex as choosing specific career paths as you finish your university life. Find love, get married, and have a house of your own. On the flip side, learn sorcery, traverse worlds, and make your fellow Sims’ lives all the more magical. 

The best part about this game is that it does not close the door to possibilities. Many can still innovate the gameplay with mods. At the same time, the team at EA continuously works on expansion packs that make The Sims 4 richer. 

With The Sims 4, life is what you make of it. Play this on consoles like the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. For PC users, this is playable on macOS and  Microsoft Windows.

 

31. Saints Row 4

Saints Row Sandbox Game
Photo from Saints Row 4 on Steam

Going back to sandbox games with deep lore and a long-running storyline, the next game on this list is Saints Row 4. This is the fourth installment in the Saints Row series, released in 2013. 

Like Red Dead Redemption, Saints Row 4 explores what it truly means to be American. In this game, you are the most powerful person in the world: The United States President. Uncover the secrets of countries and the universe, and make decisions that will impact history forever. Making this more interesting are your superpowers. The game grants you not only control over the world’s resources but also the most powerful physical attributes on the planet. You can target as many people as you wish, this open-world game delivers it all. 

Many compare the absurdity of this game to titles such as Grand Theft Auto V. Unlike GTA V, however, this game doubles down on its themes. Face an alien invasion as you play around with your powers. Save your friends—or don’t. It all depends on you. 

This game is available on the PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even on Nintendo Switch. PC players can also enjoy Saints Row 4 on Microsoft Windows and Linux.

 

32. Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is a 2020 action-adventure game with an open world presentation of the late 13th century. 

Without giving too much of the game’s plot away, Tsushima is a Japanese island. In this game, players find it in danger of a Mongol invasion. Thus, it is up to your character, samurai Jin Sakai, to make things right. 

Equipped with the best arsenal of swords, samurai Jin defends the legacy of his clan. He is the last of his people to survive, and it is his destiny to reclaim his home from Mongol General Khotun Khan. By doing this, he not only keeps Tsushima safe but also secures Japan’s future altogether. 

Jin is the Ghost in the title. His journey in this game is a surprisingly heartfelt one. Discover the nooks and crannies of the beautiful island of Tsushima, and let Jin take in the scenery that changes him for good. This game is in touch with nature, giving you access to hot springs, glimmering shrines, and flocks of brightly colored birds. This makes it one of the best open-world games to date. 

A classic samurai tale, play Ghost of Tsushima on the PlayStation 4. It is a Sony Interactive Entertainment exclusive. 

 

33. Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2
Photo from Steam

Journey to the modern West with Watch Dogs 2. Set in the San Francisco Bay Area, this open-world game gives you over three neighborhoods to choose from. Included in this is the famed Silicon Valley, where tech’s best and brightest minds get their big break. 

Now that the world is more connected than ever, being a hacker is a luxury. It is one of the most powerful weapons in the world, giving you the freedom to control everything about your world. With Watch Dogs 2, you can hack into every aspect of your city: from its cars to its infrastructures. To no one’s surprise, you also have valuable information about every person in the city. 

With a game format like this, it is impossible to be underwhelmed. The world-building for Watch Dogs 2 is top-notch, as it gives everything a personal database for you to discover. Complete missions with your talent and vie for the most power in the Bay Area. These tasks can go as big as hacking into your entire state’s database or as small as playing around with local traffic lights. 

Get in as much trouble with drones, smartphones, and security cameras as you would like; just do not get caught. 

This game is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft PCs. 

 

34. Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 Sandbox Game
Photo from Steam

Unlike Watch Dogs 2, Far Cry 5 is set in the countryside. Live in Hope County, Montana, and liberate members of the Eden’s Gate cult. 

Run by Joseph Seed and the Heralds, Eden’s Gate is responsible for country murders and local terrorism. It is up to you to start resistance and fight these powers once and for all. Be prepared to face Seed’s followers though, as they are as unforgiving as they come. 

At the same time, you are also in danger from your environment. Removed from city life, Far Cry 5 brings you into a world full of bears, mountain lions, and other life-threatening animals. Stand up to these creatures and live to fight another day. Far Cry 5 can be played solo or through a two-player co-op. The game recognizes that you do not have to do anything alone and helps you build your own team of liberators. 

While Far Cry 5 takes you in the middle of nowhere, it leaves you with a lot to explore. There are many facets to this game, giving you stealth missions, a large map, and many vehicles to explore. Keep your eye on deliberate distractions, though. Seed and his cult are smart enough to plot against you. 

Released in 2018, this game is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox, and Google Stadia. Microsoft PC players can download this game as well. 

 

35. Don’t Starve Together

Don't Starve Together Sandbox Game
Photo from Steam

The open-world genre thrives in the world of independent games too. Don’t Starve is an example of this. Published and developed by Klei Entertainment, Don’t Starve is a survival game that leaves every character to fend for itself. Enter a realm a la Wonderland with its magic and mystery, but use science and strategy to fight your way through. Assume the role of Gentleman Scientist Wilson, and overcome the challenges of being in the magical wilderness. At the same time, get revenge on the demon that brought you there. 

As you find your way home, you will meet many creatures along the way. These do not always have your best interests at heart. Be vigilant, and remember that you do not have to have their best interests at heart too. 

Gather resources, unravel mysteries and find your way back home. Don’t Starve lives up to its intimidating name: there are no instructions to get you through the night. Wilson has to think his way out of this situation and learn all by himself. 

Visually, Don’t Starve has a gothic 2D look. This does not translate as monotonous though, because these characters are set in a 3D world. Klein Entertainment also becomes creative with its maps, dropping you in a randomly generated world every time you begin the game. 

Don’t Starve is available on Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux PCs. Its latest release was in 2018, for the Nintendo Switch. 

 

36. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Sandbox
Photo from Steam

Created by TaleWorlds Entertainment, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is an RPG set in the land of Calradia. It succeeds Mount & Blade: Warband, a well-received combat simulator from the same company. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord takes you 200 years before the events of Warband. It draws the curtain on the land’s culture, fighting systems, and people. During this period, Calradia suffered from a civil war, with people fighting to establish newer kingdoms. 

As the key character, it is your duty to establish peace across Calradia. Gather your weapons and build your own team. Fight through the different landscapes of the nation—may it be city back alleys, mountainous ranges, and more. The world-building for Bannerlord leaves many of its players in awe. With a Singleplayer Sandbox Campaign, you can experience this for yourself. Freely choose your story’s direction and create unique playthroughs. 

Other features of Bannerlord include many character customization options, a dynamic economy, and a sizable modding community. All of these contribute to the steadfast world of Calradia. 

A game for the people and by the people, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is available on Windows PCs. 

 

37. Cyberpunk: 2077

Cyberpunk 2077
Photo from Steam

An action role-playing video game, Cyberpunk: 2077 finds you in the streets of Night City. This is a post-apocalyptic and technological wasteland. In many ways, it resembles the aesthetic of Mad Max, but with bustling city life. In Night City, people are all about body modification. You will assume the role of V, a mercenary that has to retrieve one of the world’s most coveted body implants. An implant key to immortality.

Many wonder why the Cyberpunk: 2077 gameplay failed to meet its deadlines time and time again. The answer lies in the game’s open-world genre. Upon roaming the streets of Night City, it is obvious that there are many tasks for you to do. Every nook and cranny of this world has a life of its own. This makes it a herculean task for its developers. 

Customize your character from top to bottom, including their skillset and playstyles. Play according to the game’s overarching story, but do not forget to carry out smaller local tasks along the way. Become a cyberpunk and cement your legacy in the world of Night City mercenaries. Cyberpunk: 2077 review articles are polarized. However, CD Projekt (its developer) is committed to fixing any of the game’s bugs or functionality issues. 

Play Cyberpunk: 2077 on consoles like the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. It can also be played on Microsoft Windows PCs. 

 

38. Assassin’s Creed: Origins

Another sandbox game that has made waves across the globe is Assassin’s Creed: Origins. Released by Ubisoft in 2017, this is an action-adventure video game. 

Being the 10th title of the franchise, Origins takes you to a land that is both popular and unknown. Ancient Egypt is where it all started for your community of assassins, and the game lets you discover this at your own pace. 

In the world of Origins, Egypt is under threat. There is a mysterious dark power terrorizing its people and culture. Playing as Bayek, you get to explore the oasis, desserts, and other landscapes of Egypt. At the same time, you can interact with virtually anything this world has to offer: from the ravaging crocodiles to the non-playable Egyptian bystanders. 

There are many quests for you to choose from. Your land is under threat, and you have the skillset to make things right. Many also love this game for its rich storytelling, giving each character its backstory and motivations. 

Play Assassin’s Creed: Origins on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

 

39. Trove

Trove Sandbox Game
Photo from Steam

Thousands of people interact on Trove every day. As a massively multiplayer online game, this is a platform for anyone of any age. It has many universes for you to explore, all made by its own players. 

Published by Trion Worlds in 2015, Trove is often compared to Minecraft for its art style and endless possibilities. However, Trove is in a universe of its own with its adventure portals and team challenges. Loot, fight, explore, or create inside Trove. This game has a niche for everyone. 

Whether you play Trove for the quests or the creative freedom, this game is available only on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PCs (Linux, Microsoft, and macOS).

 

40. Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman Arkham Knight
Photo from Steam

The appeal of Batman: Arkham Knight supersedes comic book fans. While this does target the plethora of DC fanboys, who hasn’t wanted to become Batman? 

This 2015 sandbox game from Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment and Rocksteady Studios has made a name for itself since its release. It provides an open-world experience into the life of Batman. Thus, the game gives you the freedom to roam around and defend Gotham City. Soar through the skyline or patrol the streets with your Batmobile; these are your decisions to make. 

As everyone knows, Gotham City is not the most peaceful place to be in. Batman, played by you, has to defend it from all types of threats. This can go as small as a back alley beat up or as big as bloody murder. While this is an open-world game, it does not freewheel its storytelling. The crimes of Gotham City all lead to the villain Scarecrow. He has built an army against you, and you have to step up to the challenge. 

Be Batman yourself with Arkham Knight. Winning the BAFTA Games Award for Best Video Game, this is playable on the PS4, the Xbox One, and PCs. 

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