Dive into the most immersive open worlds ever created! From the wild streets of Japan to the futuristic Night City, we're counting down the top 20 games that transport you into breathtaking, living, and unforgettable universes that redefine what it means to truly explore a virtual world.
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00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 20 Most
00:14Immersive Open World Games of All Time.
00:23Number 20 Yakuza Series
00:28If you've ever dreamed of exploring the streets of Japan, the Yakuza franchise is a must-play.
00:33In the earlier entries, you step into the shoes of the cool and collected Kiryu, taking
00:37on thrilling adventures and throwing down with anyone foolish enough to cross your path.
00:42Known for its gripping and emotional storytelling, the series keeps players hooked with its rich
00:46cinematic narrative.
00:48But it's not all about the Yakuza drama.
00:50There's a lighter side too.
00:52Whether it's go-karting, golfing, karaoke, or other quirky mini-games, there's always
00:56something fun to do.
00:58The world of Yakuza is alive, vibrant, and packed with activities, making it one of the
01:02most entertaining open world experiences you'll ever find.
01:10Number 19 Hogwarts Legacy
01:20This might be the closest we'll ever get to living out our Hogwarts dreams.
01:24Hogwarts Legacy lets you step into the shoes of your very own witch or wizard and dive
01:28headfirst into the magical world of Harry Potter.
01:31After a gripping introduction, you're sorted into one of the iconic houses and are free
01:35to explore the legendary Hogwarts Castle in all of its glory.
01:39But the adventure doesn't stop there.
01:41You can venture beyond the school grounds to uncover even more magical secrets.
01:45As one of the biggest games of 2023, Hogwarts Legacy delivers an immersive and spellbinding
01:51experience that fans of the wizarding world simply can't miss.
01:54It's a magical journey worth taking, even if just once.
02:02Number 18 No Man's Sky
02:10Even though it had one hell of a rocky liftoff, No Man's Sky has shaped up to become one
02:14of the best space games ever made.
02:16What began as a buggy and underwhelming launch has transformed into an epic, immersive adventure
02:22that's perfect for solo players and friends alike.
02:25Seamlessly traveling between planets in your trusty ship, you'll encounter breathtaking
02:29landscapes, harsh alien environments, and limitless opportunities for exploration.
02:34Build shelters, gather resources, and visit bustling space hubs as you chart your path
02:38through the galaxy.
02:39No Man's Sky is now one of the most rewarding space experiences out there, and credit goes
02:44to Hello Games for turning it into the intergalactic masterpiece fans dreamed of.
02:53Number 17 Batman Arkham Knight
02:59While not necessarily the best Batman story of the bunch, Arkham Knight does deliver the
03:04ultimate Gotham experience.
03:06Gotham City has never looked more stunning, even if it is in complete chaos thanks to
03:11Scarecrow's sinister plans.
03:13As the Dark Knight, you'll don the iconic cowl once more and traverse the city to stop
03:17Scarecrow and a host of other villains, all while dealing with a certain clown stuck in
03:22your head.
03:23One of the standout features is hands down the introduction of the Batmobile.
03:27Cruising through Gotham, taking down bad guys, and drifting like a boss adds a whole new
03:31layer of action.
03:32Rocksteady nailed it, giving us a Gotham that feels alive and making us feel like the ultimate
03:37vigilante every step of the way.
03:39Number 16 Death Stranding
03:51Okay so hear us out.
03:53While Death Stranding might sound like a package delivery walking simulator, it's so much more
03:58than that.
03:59Set in an almost apocalyptic version of the United States, you play as Sam Porter Bridges,
04:03tasked with reconnecting a fractured world.
04:06Each mission has you carefully planning routes, gearing up for challenges, and navigating
04:10a landscape filled with mystery and danger.
04:12Every delivery brings a satisfying sense of accomplishment as you move from one location
04:17to the next.
04:18The world may be vast and barren, but each area offers unique challenges, from climbing
04:22mountains to sneaking past deadly BTs.
04:25Death Stranding immerses you in Sam's journey, making each step of the way a memorable adventure.
04:35Number 15 Fallout New Vegas
04:40War never changes.
04:42In Fallout New Vegas, you are the Courier, a survivor of a failed assassination attempt
04:47seeking revenge against those who wronged you.
04:49The decisions you make shape not only your story, but the fate of the entire wasteland.
04:54New Vegas stands out for its rich environmental storytelling, with lore-packed locations that
04:59hide secrets and history at every turn.
05:01For an even deeper experience, Hardcore mode challenges you with survival mechanics like
05:06hunger, thirst, and sleep.
05:08For its time, Fallout New Vegas was a standout entry, delivering a personalized and immersive
05:13nuclear adventure that remains unforgettable.
05:19Number 14 Days Gone
05:27Slaying infected and riding your motorcycle sounds like one hell of a time.
05:31In Days Gone, you play as Deacon St. John, a drifter fighting for survival while uncovering
05:36mysteries and building relationships with a compelling cast of characters.
05:40Set in a post-apocalyptic Oregon, the game features a reactive ecosystem where weather,
05:46time of day, and roaming freaker hordes shape the gameplay.
05:49The deep crafting system, realistic motorcycle mechanics, and dynamic enemy encounters add
05:54layers of immersion.
05:56With stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design, Days Gone brings the brutal, unpredicted
06:01world to life, ensuring every moment is packed with tension and excitement.
06:09Number 13 Forza Horizon 5
06:15Start your engines.
06:16If you're a car enthusiast and want to experience a stunningly realistic recreation of Mexico,
06:21then Forza Horizon 5 might be the kind of experience you're looking for.
06:25This open-world racing experience lets you explore diverse biomes, from deserts and jungles
06:31to beaches and volcanoes.
06:32The game's seamless world design encourages you to explore, with dynamic weather, a full-day
06:37night cycle, and seasonal changes that impact both driving conditions and the environment.
06:42And with a rich multiplayer experience, you can race and explore alongside friends and
06:47other players.
06:48Forza Horizon 5 makes every moment on the road exciting and immersive, delivering a
06:53thrilling adventure for racing fans.
07:04Number 12 Horizon Zero Dawn
07:10What do you get when you mix the apocalypse with Jurassic Park?
07:14Horizon Zero Dawn, of course.
07:15Released in 2017, this game took the gaming world by storm.
07:19You play as Aloy, a fierce hunter on a quest to uncover her mysterious past while securing
07:24humanity's future.
07:25The game delivers stunning environments, dynamic weather, and a gripping story filled with
07:30twists that keep you hooked.
07:32With strategic combat and deep lore hidden in every corner of its expansive open-world,
07:36Horizon Zero Dawn offers an immersive experience that's both breathtaking and addictive.
07:42It's just the kind of game that leaves you wanting more.
07:54Number 11 Marvel's Spider-Man
07:58Get your web cartridges ready.
07:59Marvel's Spider-Man lets you swing into the streets of New York City as the legendary
08:03web-slinger himself.
08:05Zipping between skyscrapers and climbing to the highest points of the city is a thrill
08:09every Spider-Man fan has to experience.
08:12The main story pits you against iconic villains like Scorpion, Rhino, and Dr. Octopus, while
08:17also letting you team up with MJ and even Miles Morales.
08:21The emotional journey and thrilling action all set against a living, breathing city make
08:25Marvel's Spider-Man one of the best superhero games ever made.
08:29It's an absolute must-play for Marvel fans and anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure.
08:39Number 10 Assassin's Creed Odyssey
08:45Assassin's Creed has always delivered epic stories and breathtaking open-worlds, but
08:49Assassin's Creed Odyssey takes it to a whole new level.
08:52Set in one of the most stunning recreations of ancient Greece, this game lets you live
08:57out your hero's journey in a world full of freedom and adventure.
09:00Whether you're sealing the sparkling Aegean Sea, battling legendary mythical creatures,
09:05or diving deep into political conspiracies, Odyssey keeps you hooked at every turn.
09:10With intense combat, robust RPG mechanics, and jaw-dropping vistas, this game immerses
09:15you in a way that makes you feel like a true hero of legend.
09:18It's a must-play for fans of action, exploration, and incredible storytelling.
09:27Number 9 Ghost of Tsushima
09:36We're back to Japan with this one.
09:37Ghost of Tsushima invites players to step into the sandals of Jin Sakai, a samurai on
09:42a mission to rescue his uncle and liberate the island of Tsushima from the invading Mongol
09:47forces led by the menacing Khotun Khan.
09:50This emotionally charged journey is one for the ages, blending intense combat, a gripping
09:55story, and an unforgettable transformation as Jin embraces the path of the ghost to reclaim
10:00his homeland.
10:01The stunningly crafted open world of Tsushima is packed with breathtaking visuals, from
10:06serene bamboo forests to windswept coastlines, making every step of your journey as beautiful
10:12as it is intense.
10:13It's time to grab your katana, embrace the shadows, and become the Ghost of Tsushima
10:18in this masterpiece of storytelling and action.
10:26Number 8 Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild
10:36This is the ultimate Hyrule experience.
10:39Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild was an absolute game-changer for the Legend of Zelda
10:43franchise.
10:44As one of the standout launch titles for the Nintendo Switch, it revolutionized the series
10:48by introducing a massive open world that lets you explore the kingdom of Hyrule like never
10:54before.
10:55You'll embark on another epic adventure as Link, battling fierce bosses, solving intricate
11:00puzzles, and gathering the strength needed to take down the menacing Calamity Ganon and
11:04save Princess Zelda.
11:06From its stunning landscapes to its dynamic weather and physics-driven gameplay, Breath
11:10of the Wild offers an immersive journey that redefined open world gaming and remains a
11:15must-play masterpiece.
11:21Number 7 The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt
11:28Being one of the greatest RPGs of all time, The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt sets the gold standard
11:33for immersive open world gaming.
11:35You step into the well-worn boots of Geralt of Rivia, a monster-hunting witcher navigating
11:40a richly detailed and morally complex world.
11:43From bustling cities to misty swamps and snowy peaks, the sprawling landscapes are breathtaking
11:49and the expertly crafted quests feel like stories within a story.
11:53Whether you're hunting down a fearsome beast or unraveling political intrigue, every choice
11:58you make has weight.
11:59Years later, The Witcher 3 remains a masterpiece.
12:02So toss a coin to your retailer and dive into The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt for an unforgettable
12:07adventure.
12:08Number 6 Grand Theft Auto V
12:19Definitely one of the more chaotic open world games, Grand Theft Auto V has been wreaking
12:23havoc in the gaming world for over a decade.
12:26The single-player campaign lets you step into the lives of Franklin, Michael, and Trevor
12:31tackling a mix of heists, wild missions, and the madness of surviving the bustling, unpredictable
12:37city of Los Santos.
12:38But the fun doesn't stop there.
12:40GTA Online offers a playground of activities, from racing and golfing to gambling and elaborate
12:46heists with your friends.
12:48With Grand Theft Auto VI on the horizon, GTA V remains a must-play for anyone craving a
12:53sprawling, action-packed world that never sleeps.
13:00Number 5 Cyberpunk 2077
13:07While the launch for this one wasn't what everyone had hoped for, Cyberpunk 2077 has
13:12evolved into one of the most immersive open world experiences ever created.
13:16You step into the role of V, a mercenary caught in the chaos of Night City after a high-stakes
13:21heist goes catastrophically wrong.
13:24The game takes you on a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster as you navigate a world filled
13:28with danger, intrigue, and unforgettable characters.
13:32Night City is a vibrant, dynamic playground where every street corner holds a story, every
13:37NPC interaction has depth, and your evolving bond with the legendary Johnny Silverhand
13:42adds layers to the narrative.
13:44With the addition of the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers an unparalleled adventure.
13:50So wake up, Samurai, there's still a city to burn.
13:56Number 4 Elden Ring
14:05Who would have thought we'd get a Dark Souls with an open world twist?
14:09Elden Ring brings that dream to life, taking everything fans loved about Dark Souls while
14:13plunging us into the hauntingly beautiful yet brutal land between.
14:17This massive dark fantasy world is ripe for exploration, offering secrets, treasures,
14:22and challenges around every corner.
14:24From epic battles with brutally difficult bosses to uncovering lore-rich environments,
14:29Elden Ring keeps you on the edge of your seat.
14:31It's not a game for the faint of heart, but for those who crave challenge and adventure,
14:36Elden Ring is a masterpiece worth every struggle.
14:42Number 3 The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim
14:50When it comes to Bethesda games, Skyrim is the one that just works.
14:54Building on the greatness of Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion, this installment takes things
14:58to legendary heights.
15:00You are the Dragonborn, and you must fulfill your destiny in a sprawling, snow-dusted world
15:05full of dragons, magic, and endless adventures.
15:08The level of freedom is unmatched, whether you're joining factions like the Thieves Guild
15:13or Dark Brotherhood.
15:14Every choice shapes your story.
15:16Add in a thriving modding community that keeps the experience fresh, and it's no wonder
15:21the Elder Scrolls V Skyrim is hailed as one of the most immersive and iconic open-world
15:26games of all time.
15:35Number 2 Kingdom Come Deliverance
15:41This one is for our hardcore medieval fanatics.
15:44Kingdom Come Deliverance really delivers when it comes to the immersion factor of the gritty,
15:50historically accurate medieval times.
15:52Set in medieval Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son thrust into a world of
15:57political intrigue, brutal combat, and deep role-playing choices.
16:01From hunger and sleep mechanics to skill-based progression, the game's dedication to realism
16:06keeps you grounded.
16:07The sprawling landscapes and period-accurate towns make you feel like you've truly stepped
16:11into the Middle Ages.
16:13Whether you're sharpening your sword skills, navigating tense dialogue, or simply taking
16:17in the stunning visuals, Kingdom Come Deliverance is a dream come true for history buffs and
16:22RPG fans alike.
16:31Number 1 Red Dead Redemption 2
16:37This is open-world immersion at its finest.
16:40Red Dead Redemption 2 drops you into the gritty, untamed world of the Wild West, making every
16:45moment feel like you're truly living in a bygone era.
16:48You step into the boots of Arthur Morgan, an enforcer of the Vanderlyn gang, as you
16:52navigate a gripping story filled with betrayal, loyalty, and heartbreak.
16:57Beyond the narrative, the game offers a massive, dynamic world filled with life.
17:01With activities like hunting wildlife, playing poker, or getting into high-stakes shootouts,
17:06every interaction feels genuine.
17:08The jaw-dropping environments and attention to detail make Red Dead Redemption 2 a landmark
17:13in gaming history, delivering an unforgettable experience that awakens the outlaw in all
17:18of us.
17:23Were any of these immersive open-world games your favorite?
17:26Be sure to let us know in the comments.
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