Open-world games are often seen as the pinnacle of gaming experiences, allowing players to immerse themselves in expansive alternate realities with unprecedented freedom. These games invite you to chart your own path, turning gameplay into a personalized adventure that can easily become akin to a second life.
So, it’s no wonder many of the industry’s top titles are open-world games. With an Xbox Game Pass subscription, players have access to a wide array of these expansive universes. But with so many options, which ones truly stand out? Let’s look at some of the best open-world games available on Xbox Game Pass.
As of November 26, 2024, Xbox Game Pass has been a treasure trove for open-world enthusiasts, most recently marked by the big debut of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. While its launch wasn’t flawless, this survival open-world game from GSC has earned its stripes as a must-try title.
It’s important to note that a game’s debut on Game Pass can propel it to the top of the list, even if other factors might affect its ranking.
### 1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
#### Enter The Zone
For a game long thought never to see the light of day, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’s presence on Game Pass is a testament to GSC’s persistence. Beyond its mere existence, however, this open-world adventure delivers a tough but rewarding experience. Known for producing challenging games that focus on survival, the 2024 installment remains accessible yet intense, potentially overwhelming new players.
Set in the unforgiving expanse of The Zone, filled with mutants, mysterious artifacts, and scarce ammunition, the game’s world is breathtaking and massive, thanks to Unreal Engine 5. After addressing launch-day bugs with several patches, the game has become solidly playable. It’s a unique genre experience that excels in atmosphere and world-building, making it worth a try for newcomers and series veterans alike.
### 2. Minecraft
#### The Ultimate Sandbox
There’s no game that embodies freedom quite like Minecraft. Freshly spawned in a blocky universe, the choices of what to create are limitless—be it a towering mansion, a sprawling mine, or a dizzying roller coaster. The essence of Minecraft lies in its open-world sandbox, where imagination is your only constraint. Mojang’s enduring success isn’t just a recommendation; it’s an essential part of gaming culture, particularly for Xbox Game Pass users.
### 3. Skyrim
#### Timeless Open-World RPG
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a titan of the open-world genre, captivating players since its 2011 debut. This RPG lets you lose yourself in the vast wilderness, from its snow-covered peaks to its dense forests. Whether you’re stepping into this saga for the first time or returning for a modded replay, Skyrim is a quintessential experience for any gamer.
### 4. Palworld
#### Surprisingly Cohesive Concept Mix
Palworld entered the scene as something of a surprise hit, especially in its Game Preview stage. It offers a diverse experience that includes survival, exploration, and monster collection. Despite being in early access, it runs well, providing a compelling journey that will be enriched over time with updates. It’s fondly dubbed “Pokemon with guns,” but Palworld offers much more than that simplistic description implies, with its engaging mechanics and appealing open world.
### 5. Forza Horizon 5
#### Racing Through Mexico
Forza Horizon 5 keeps the open-world racing genre alive and kicking, set against the stunning backdrop of Mexico. Playground Games nailed the balance of realism and arcade fun, crafting a playground filled with events for solo racers and those who thrive in a multiplayer setting. It’s a visual treat and an exhilarating ride.
### 6. Diablo 4
#### A Flawed Classic Reimagined
Despite initial cheers, Diablo 4’s reputation took a nosedive shortly after its release. Still, it remains a decent isometric hack-and-slash game, even if its endgame content leaves something to be desired. The campaign offers many hours of enjoyment, especially for those looking to treat it as a stand-alone RPG experience. Its open-world, a first for the series, provides a vast field ripe for exploration.
### 7. Microsoft Flight Simulator
#### Soaring Across the Globe
Microsoft Flight Simulator isn’t everyone’s go-to, but those who crave the skies find it irresistible. After its PC launch, the game landed on Xbox, showcasing incredible earth-bound vistas from the air. For those inclined toward realism with a dash of wonder, the game offers a suitably grand open world in the form of Earth itself.
### 8. Terraria
#### Indie Sandbox Favourite
Since its 2011 release, Terraria has become a staple in the indie scene. It’s renowned for its blend of combat, crafting, and exploration across a sprawling, procedurally generated world. With modes to challenge and entertain, it has a dedicated fanbase that’s persisted over the years.
### 9. Grounded
#### Engaging Co-Op Survival
Grounded offers a fresh twist on the survival genre by shrinking players down to ant-size. The unique open world—your average backyard—becomes an expansive and terrifying jungle filled with creatures that tower over you. As you seek to survive and adapt, you’ll find Grounded a rewarding co-op adventure, courtesy of Obsidian’s world-building expertise.
### 10. Sea Of Thieves
#### High-Seas Adventure with Friends
Despite a rocky start, Sea of Thieves has grown into a treasure trove of pirate adventures. It’s best enjoyed with friends, as you’ll embark on voyages for glory, booty, and survival against mythical sea monsters. Continuous updates keep this nautical dream fresh, providing new ways to engage with the open seas and your fellow pirates.
### 11. Yakuza 0
#### A Gangster Epic
Xbox Game Pass is a welcoming home for the Yakuza series, and Yakuza 0 is a highly recommended jumping-off point. Meet Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima in this gripping prequel, set in bustling Japanese cities rich in story and character depth. From side stories to the main narrative, Yakuza 0 is an unparalleled experience. Further adventures await with subsequent titles, each unraveling more of the epic story and world.
### 12. Valheim
#### Masterful Open-World Survival
Originally a Steam favorite, Valheim brings its Viking survival adventure to Game Pass. Though still in preview, its immense potential is evident, offering a rich and varied world. Players can engage in survival challenges, base-building, and exploration across procedurally generated lands that promise nearly endless adventure.
### 13. Tchia
#### Unique Setting and Mechanics
Once exclusive to PlayStation, Tchia joins Game Pass with its tropical marvel inspired by New Caledonia. It offers a heartwarming journey with the ability to soul jump, allowing players to become creatures or objects, adding layers of interaction and exploration to this vibrant world.
### 14. Batman: Arkham Knight
#### Gotham at Its Finest
Rocksteady’s Arkham series sets a high bar for superhero games, culminating in Batman: Arkham Knight—a must-play experience available on Game Pass. Roam Gotham, a city filled with atmospheric brilliance as you embody the Dark Knight, engaging in Rocksteady’s trademark combat.
### 15. South Park: The Fractured But Whole
#### Humorous Yet Engaging RPG
While the open-world element is modest, South Park: The Fractured But Whole delivers as a comedic adventure RPG. Enter a zany superhero world with the New Kid, battling the absurd with farts and facing Cartman’s eccentric storytelling. While divisive, fans of the show will find a humorous adventure waiting.
### 16. Mafia: Definitive Edition
#### A Trip Through the 1930s
Arriving in August 2023, Mafia: Definitive Edition enhances the original’s allure with authentic historical detail. Experience Tommy Angelo’s rise through the ranks of organized crime, though the world is more scenic than interactive. It presents an atmospheric narrative-driven journey worth experiencing.
### 17. Dungeons of Hinterberg
#### Serene Dungeon Exploration
With its relaxing vibe, Dungeons of Hinterberg offers a comfortable RPG adventure. You follow Luisa’s escape to the Alps, solving puzzles and fighting monsters in dungeons wrapped in serene settings. It’s a great choice for those seeking an easygoing escapism.
### 18. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game (or SnowRunner)
#### Challenging Terrain Conquests
These games break the conventional open-world mold, instead offering rigorous challenges that test your patience and skill. Driving heavy-duty vehicles across unforgiving terrain, they require strategy and commitment. They aren’t for everyone, but fans find satisfaction in their methodical progression.
### 19. Octopath Traveler 2
#### Classic JRPG with Modern Flair
Octopath Traveler 2 builds on its predecessor’s strengths with an open and engaging 2D-HD world. Offering standalone stories woven into a larger tapestry, it combines nostalgia with modern design, perfect for fans of classic JRPGs.
### 20. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
#### Epic in Ancient Greece
Game Pass offers Assassin’s Creed’s rich worlds, including Odyssey’s Ancient Greece. With refined mechanics and dazzling visuals, Odyssey isn’t just an immersive epic; it’s a standout in the series. For newcomers to open-world games, it’s a captivating starting point, regardless of your familiarity with its predecessors.
In summary, whether you prefer racing across Mexican landscapes, exploring historical cities, or surviving in Viking lore, Xbox Game Pass offers a dynamic collection of open-world experiences, each one crafting a unique and liberating adventure.
