10 Open-World Games That Are (Almost) as Good As Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just a fantastic game—it’s considered the best of the best. It had a hugely successful launch and remains one of the top-selling games ever. Even seven years later, it’s still held up as a prime example of how open-world games should be made.

Although few games reach the same heights as Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2, several open-world titles offer a comparable experience. RDR2 is a must-play for many, but it’s not the only excellent game in the genre. These other titles may not be quite as polished, but they come very close to achieving a similar level of quality.

Final Fantasy XV Has A Massive Open-World

The Final Fantasy series is hugely popular, so fans were thrilled to hear the next game would be an open-world adventure. Originally planned as a side story, it eventually became a core installment in the main series. After a long development process, the game launched in November 2016 and quickly became considered one of the best Final Fantasy titles ever made.

The game’s move to real-time battles divided fans – some disliked the change, while others welcomed the fresh approach compared to previous Final Fantasy titles. A major draw for players was the expansive open world of Eos, which they enjoyed exploring both by car and on chocobos.

Death Stranding Has A Unique Open-World And An Interesting Story

I’m a huge fan of Hideo Kojima, and he really poured his heart and soul into this game. It definitely wasn’t for everyone when it first came out, but it ended up being incredibly popular and even got a follow-up! What I love is that you play as a delivery person in a broken, post-apocalyptic America, and the way you interact with the world feels totally unique – it’s not your typical open-world experience.

While Death Stranding might not be for players who prefer realistic games, it’s remarkably different from most others. Despite being played solo, the game features a clever online system where players indirectly help each other, creating a sense of community as they work together to restore a shattered world.

Batman: Arkham Knight Lets Players Become the Caped Crusader

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a fantastic game, and those wanting an immersive experience should definitely check it out. It captures a similar feel to The Dark Knight – exploring the world and taking down criminals feels incredibly rewarding, making it a perfect game for Batman enthusiasts.

The game is full of mysteries for players to uncover. It brilliantly recreates Gotham City and delivers a deeply moving Batman story. While some of the gameplay mechanics divided opinions, it remains the most immersive Batman experience available, and it’s perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted to be a superhero.

Horizon Zero Dawn Has One Of The Most Detailed Open Worlds Ever

Horizon Zero Dawn is a beautiful and immersive action-adventure game with incredible graphics for the PlayStation 4. It’s set in a strange world filled with robots, blending elements of fantasy and science fiction. The game world is not only visually impressive but also packed with detail, and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, expands on everything in even bigger ways.

The Horizon games are fantastic, offering a compelling story alongside a beautifully realized world. The game’s map is inspired by real-life locations, letting players explore recognizable landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Salt Lake City, all reclaimed by nature – it’s truly a sight to behold.

Days Gone Is An Underrated Third-Person Shooter

Days Gone is a thrilling open-world action game set two years into a zombie apocalypse. You play as Deacon, a biker who rides his motorcycle through a ruined Pacific Northwest, battling zombies as he goes. The game features a weapon and equipment selection system similar to the one found in Red Dead Redemption 2.

The game got a bit of a mixed reaction when it first came out, but it’s since gained a dedicated fanbase. If you enjoy open-world games, it’s worth a look! Riding a motorcycle to explore the world is really enjoyable, and the gunplay is satisfying – especially seeing a Freaker explode when you hit them.

Far Cry 5 Was Overshadowed When It Released

I remember when Far Cry 5 came out in 2018 – it was the same year as Red Dead Redemption 2, so it felt like it got a little lost in the shuffle. What was really different about this Far Cry game was the setting. Instead of exotic locations, it took place right here in the US, and that caused some talk at the time. But honestly, it was a huge success! They sold over 10 million copies, which is amazing, and it even led to a sequel called Far Cry New Dawn.

You know, I’ve been thinking about Far Cry 5 lately, and it doesn’t get talked about as much as some of the other Far Cry games, which is a shame. It’s seriously fun – you can go in guns blazing, or get up close and personal with melee weapons. Plus, you can even befriend and control wildlife, which is awesome! And if that wasn’t enough, the Far Cry Arcade is a huge bonus – you can build your own maps using everything from the game. It’s definitely worth revisiting if you haven’t played it in a while.

Rise of the Ronin Makes Players Feel Like A Samurai

This game takes place in feudal Japan, putting you in the role of a samurai. Throughout the story, your decisions will significantly impact the characters and world around you, leading to lasting consequences. While some story shifts might feel sudden, the focus on player choice makes for a compelling experience.

Exploring the world of Rise of the Ronin is enjoyable thanks to its varied traversal options – you can ride a horse, glide, or use a grappling hook. While the graphics aren’t the most cutting-edge compared to other open-world games, the world itself is beautifully designed, making it a great choice for fans of samurai RPGs.

L.A. Noire Is An Open-World Mystery Game

L.A. Noire is a fantastic, yet often overlooked, game from Rockstar. Set in the glamorous but corrupt world of 1940s Hollywood, you play as Cole Phelps, a determined detective working his way up the Los Angeles Police Department. Though created by Team Bondi, an Australian studio, the game features the detailed and immersive world players love in Rockstar titles, and its historical setting makes for a truly special experience.

I really got lost in the world of this game – it’s super interactive, letting you explore a 1940s Los Angeles either on foot or behind the wheel of classic cars. The whole thing revolves around solving cases, which means a lot of detective work and grilling witnesses to uncover the truth. Honestly, it got great reviews when it first came out, but it feels like people have forgotten about it, and it really deserves another look!

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Lets Players Live The Life Of A Viking

This game is quite divisive among fans. Some find it overly long and complicated, while others love its vast open world and immersive Viking setting. Regardless, it does a fantastic job of recreating a sense of history. While the story draws inspiration from Norse myths, the developers at Ubisoft made a strong effort to ensure historical accuracy.

Many players feel Valhalla has a lot to offer, making it a great choice for those who want a game that will last a long time. The game has also been expanded with downloadable content and updates since its release, meaning you could easily spend over a hundred hours playing it.

Red Dead Redemption Was Overshadowed By Its Sequel

While not as expansive as its sequel, the original Red Dead Redemption remains a fantastic game and set the stage for what came next. It’s a compelling story of revenge, and John Marston’s journey is definitely worth playing. Considering it was released in 2010, the game still looks beautiful, with a detailed world and realistic weather that truly bring it to life.

While many know Red Dead Redemption 2, it’s actually the sequel to the 2004 game Red Dead Revolver. It’s impressive to see how the series has grown, and Rockstar really maximized the technology available to them at the time. Any fan of RDR2 should definitely check out the original Red Dead Revolver.

2025-11-08 07:54