Despite being released almost a decade ago, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt continues to captivate players and critics alike. If this critically acclaimed RPG were launched in 2025, it’s likely that it would still be hailed as one of the most exceptional role-playing games of its time, garnering the same acclaim it received upon its debut in 2015.
This game offers a richly detailed and immersive open world where players can spend countless hours embodying Geralt of Rivia, battling various monsters and completing quests for rewards. The game’s intricate storytelling, vivid graphics, and expansive world have contributed to its status as a timeless classic.
Interestingly, several other open-world titles have achieved even higher aggregate review scores than what many consider the epitome of fantasy RPGs. To showcase this, we have compiled a list of these standout games within the vast history of modern gaming, which have either matched or surpassed the acclaim of Geralt’s adventures.
For the sake of clarity, we will focus solely on fully open-world games, excluding semi-open titles such as God of War Ragnarok, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, or Okami. We will also include only one game per franchise, featuring only those that have matched the aggregate score of The Witcher 3.
8 Forza Horizon 5
Go Wherever Your Wheels Will Take You
In an unconventional comparison that might provoke Witcher aficionados, we start with Forza Horizon 5. The game has garnered widespread acclaim for being the ultimate open-world racing experience. It provides a stunning and expansive environment to explore at your own pace, all while indulging in high-speed racing and stunt driving.
Players can traverse diverse and lush biomes, enjoying a rewarding progression system that makes every action feel fulfilling. Its online features breathe life into the single-player experience, allowing players to engage with friends or compete against AI counterparts that mirror real-world players.
While I have a soft spot for Burnout Paradise, which is known for its arcade-style chaos, I must admit that Forza Horizon 5 excels in balancing freedom, entertainment, and realism, making it a must-play for racing fans.
7 Fallout 3
The Sleeping Giant Awakens
The Fallout series has long been a sleeping giant in the RPG space until Bethesda reimagined it. Once a classic CRPG, it seemed stuck in the past, dominated by its 1990s roots, until Bethesda rejuvenated the franchise.
By discarding the isometric perspective, Bethesda ushered in an open-world format akin to its Elder Scrolls series while retaining the unique charm that defines Fallout. The game is filled with a gritty atmosphere, featuring super mutants and moments of comic relief within a harsh environment.
Although today’s players might find the graphics dated, it’s undeniable that Fallout 3‘s revival of the series was pivotal for both the franchise and the RPG genre as a whole.
6 Batman: Arkham City
The Open-World Gotham Deserves
For an example of how to close a trilogy effectively, look no further than Arkham City. This game elevated the Arkham formula to its pinnacle by presenting a fully explorable open-world Gotham.
Retaining elements from previous titles such as dynamic combat, captivating storytelling with fresh interpretations of beloved comic characters, and a variety of gadgets, Arkham City further enriches the experience by allowing exploration of the city filled with engaging side missions, like the Riddler challenges, adding depth beyond the main storyline.
While it may not be the largest game world, its tight design ensures that every moment is action-packed and rewarding. By many accounts, it stands as one of the best superhero games ever developed.
5 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Stealth Archer, Again?
During the 2000s, Bethesda emerged as a titan in the single-player RPG genre, establishing a legacy that has inspired countless developers. Among their offerings, Skyrim is often regarded as their magnum opus.
This landmark open-world game built upon the strengths of its predecessors, Morrowind and Oblivion, while transitioning into a more modern and accessible format that contributed to its legendary status.
Today, Skyrim maintains a robust player community due to its exceptional replay value and immersive world, filled with rich lore and engaging experiences. The modding scene continues to breathe new life into the game, ensuring that it remains relevant and loved. Beware, as venturing into Skyrim risks countless hours of gameplay, especially if you embrace the stealth archer path.
4 Ring of Fire
Miyazaki’s Magnum Opus
Although fans were initially skeptical about the possibility of an open-world installment in the Souls franchise, Elden Ring proved otherwise, showcasing Hidetaka Miyazaki’s masterful vision.
FromSoftware managed to create a title that not only retained the classic gameplay mechanics but also introduced a vast world where exploration and discovery resulted in natural progression. Players are transported from the scenic landscapes of Limgrave to the haunting depths of Caelid, all while engaging with intricate narratives and intense combat.
For many, The Witcher 3 may reign supreme as the ultimate fantasy RPG, but for those familiar with the challenges and triumphs of Elden Ring, it represents a unique pinnacle in the Souls genre.
3 Red Dead Redemption 2
Ride ‘Em, Cowboy
When discussing influential open-world games, it’s impossible to overlook Rockstar. Their dedication to crafting immersive experiences often results in games that transform player expectations.Red Dead Redemption 2 is a testament to their commitment to storytelling and gameplay.
The narrative immerses players in a tale that rivals the quality of feature films, complementing its magnificent visuals with meticulous detail across its open world. Engaging in activities ranging from train heists to casual fishing, everything feels rewarding and enhances the player’s connection to the world.
Simply exploring the beautifully rendered landscapes can be as satisfying as completing missions, making RDR2 an era-defining title and a must-have in any game collection.
2 Grand Theft Auto V
The Ultimate Sandbox
When it comes to open-world games that embody the sandbox experience, none do it better than Grand Theft Auto V. While GTA IV holds the series’ highest overall aggregate score, GTA V remains the more iconic and versatile title due to its innovative gameplay mechanics and enduring popularity.
This game has successfully crossed three console generations while maintaining a thriving online presence for over ten years. It offers players a dynamic, chaos-infused playground that continually entices newcomers and veterans alike, building anticipation for the next installment, GTA VI.
The core gameplay remains vibrant, reaffirming its status as a groundbreaking title in the open-world genre.
1 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Open-World Benchmark
While GTA paved the way for open-world design, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stands as the unparalleled benchmark for modern open-world titles. This game has redefined the genre and has sparked a wave of imitators attempting to capture its magic.
Breath of the Wild retains the beloved elements of the Zelda series, such as dungeon exploration and engaging combat, but exponentially expands on the scale and promising freedom available to players right from the outset.
While its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, refines and builds upon its predecessor’s framework, the revolutionary impact of Breath of the Wild makes it arguably the finest open-world game ever created, setting a standard that may never be topped.
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