5 Excellent Single-Player RPGs With Truly Immersive Open Worlds (Besides Skyrim)

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As a huge RPG fan, I’ve noticed a ton of new games are focusing on co-op and multiplayer, which is cool, I guess. Don’t get me wrong, playing a co-op RPG with friends like a virtual D&D session sounds amazing! But honestly, some of my all-time favorites are the ones where I can really lose myself in a great single-player story. It’s awesome to see that kind of experience making a comeback with games like Fable and 1348: Ex Voto. But you don’t even need to wait for those to come out – there are still plenty of open-world RPGs out there that really deliver a fantastic solo experience right now.

Open-world games used to be a major draw for players, but recently, gamers are starting to expect more. Games like Skyrim and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild showed how exciting it could be to explore a vast, beautiful world, but simply having a big open world isn’t enough to impress players anymore. Many open-world games don’t create a world that feels truly engaging. However, these 5 single-player RPGs stand out – they all offer compelling adventures and a world you’ll actually want to get lost in.

5) Avowed

RPG fans have a reason to celebrate! Avowed, previously a console exclusive for Xbox in 2025, is coming to PS5 in February. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this single-player, first-person fantasy RPG is being called a spiritual successor to Skyrim – which is high praise! While it’s not a completely open world, Avowed features large, immersive regions to explore as you advance the story.

In Avowed, players return to the world of Eora and can explore the expansive and magical Living Lands. You’ll investigate a mysterious new danger, meeting unique creatures and characters along the way, and making choices that affect your adventure. The game features exciting combat, beautiful graphics, and memorable companions, creating an immersive experience. While not a completely open world, Avowed encourages you to explore and discover its rich environment.

4) Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Although it received a few nominations, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 didn’t get much attention at the 2025 Game Awards. However, RPG fans shouldn’t overlook this immersive, open-world medieval game. It features a detailed and realistic medieval world to explore, with life-simulation aspects that add to the experience. Like Skyrim, the game is full of unexpected events and encounters, making it truly engaging.

In Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, you once again play as Henry, embarking on a quest to avenge his parents’ death. The game features a vast medieval world with tough battles and engaging side missions. You can also expect a compelling story and a remarkably realistic, immersive environment.

3) Horizon Forbidden West

The Horizon series is easily one of Sony’s strongest new franchises in recent years. While Horizon Zero Dawn was a great story-driven RPG, Horizon Forbidden West improves on it with a more engaging open world. Horizon Forbidden West delivers a compelling story and exciting combat, and even though its open world isn’t the absolute best part of the game, it’s still among the best open-world RPGs released in the last ten years.

If you enjoyed Zero Dawn, you’ll definitely want to play Horizon Forbidden West, which continues Aloy’s story. You’ll explore a massive and beautiful open world filled with threats like dangerous blight and powerful machines. This game builds on what made the first one great, with a much larger and more visually impressive environment. While it might not get as much hype as some other open-world RPGs, Horizon Forbidden West is a fantastic single-player adventure with a strong focus on exploration that you won’t want to miss.

2) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

As a huge RPG fan, I have to talk about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Even though it came out over a decade ago, so many people – myself included – still think it’s one of the greatest RPGs ever. Some debate whether it has the best open world – it’s amazing, but maybe not quite as free-roaming as something like Skyrim. Still, the world they created is just incredible – so immersive and unique, you really feel like you’re in that fantasy setting.

Most people know The Witcher 3, the latest major game in the story of Geralt of Rivia. Players take on the role of Geralt, completing monster hunts and searching for his adopted daughter, Ciri. It’s a long and engaging adventure with plenty of main story quests and optional side missions. Even with The Witcher 4 on the horizon, The Witcher 3 remains a fantastic game to play or revisit.

1) Red Dead Redemption 2

New games, like Crimson Desert, often compare their world size to Red Dead Redemption 2 for a reason. Rockstar Games’ 2018 Western RPG is considered one of the best open-world games ever made, alongside titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. But Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just big; it’s beautifully designed and filled with engaging things to discover, making exploration worthwhile.

If you haven’t played it yet, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows Arthur Morgan and his gang of outlaws. As players, you’ll navigate the wild West, surviving by fighting and robbing as you explore the expansive landscape. It’s considered one of the best open-world role-playing games ever made, and for good reason – it truly lives up to the hype.

What’s the best open-world RPG you’ve ever played? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-25 00:43