The 3 Best Open-World Games of 2025, Ranked

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Open-world games are incredibly popular because they allow players to get lost in detailed worlds full of things to do and find. 2025 was a particularly strong year for this type of game, with many excellent releases, but three games really stood out from the crowd.

As a gamer, what I’m really loving about the open-world games coming out in 2025 is how unique they all are. They all have huge worlds to explore, but what really sets them apart is how they play and the stories they tell. It’s not just the size, it’s the experience!

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Is Even Better Than the Original

The new game improves on what was already good about the first one and fixes its biggest problems. Players sometimes found the original Death Stranding slow because it took a while to get access to important things like buildings and vehicles. This time around, everything is available from the start.

Just like the first game, Death Stranding 2 lets you connect with other players and see the structures and items they create. The core gameplay remains the same: you play as Sam, delivering packages across a vast world.

Figuring out the best paths and what to bring along can actually be really enjoyable. Players often encounter unexpected opportunities along the way, such as discovering misplaced goods meant for another delivery.

Unlike the first game, Death Stranding 2 actively encourages combat. It’s really satisfying to clear out enemy camps using either stealth or direct attacks, without it automatically starting a larger story event. At times, the gameplay feels very similar to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

The game is visually stunning, particularly in places like Australia and Mexico. The environments are a significant improvement over those in Death Stranding, and they also affect how players navigate the game.

A key improvement in Death Stranding 2 is the ability to listen to music while completing deliveries. The game features excellent tracks from artists such as Woodkid and Caroline Polachek, enhancing the overall experience.

Even if you weren’t a fan of the original Death Stranding, On the Beach is definitely worth a look. It features improved gameplay and stunning visuals, and the world is much more enjoyable to explore. This sequel truly showcases Hideo Kojima’s talent, and that’s the highest praise Death Stranding 2: On the Beach could hope for.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Is One of the Best RPGs of 2025

So, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II takes me back to Bohemia, but it’s way better than the first game. This time around, I’m playing as Henry who’s been left with nothing and has to build himself up from the ground up, basically making a name for himself in the region.

Players begin with limited resources and average abilities. While it might be tough to develop Henry from the ground up, it’s rewarding because everything he does helps him get better.

As many have noted, the world of Bohemia in this game is incredibly immersive and full of exciting adventures. It feels like a real, breathing place, and players will constantly stumble upon interesting things – perhaps overhearing a character mention a hidden sword nearby.

Warhorse Studios has created a remarkably immersive and believable world in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. While the game can be challenging, it’s ideal for players who enjoy complex, open-world role-playing games.

Ghost of Yotei Is the Most Beautiful Open-World Game of 2025

The game somehow surpassed the beautiful island setting of Ghost of Tsushima and became one of the most visually stunning games of recent years. The land of Ezo feels incredibly realistic and often has a dreamlike quality. Its vibrant colors are reminiscent of a blizzard of falling leaves. The fact that you won’t want to use fast travel is high praise for an open-world game, because exploring every part of Ezo is a truly enjoyable experience.

Wow, I honestly think the new Ghost of Yotei expansion is even more beautiful than the original Ghost of Tsushima! The landscape of Ezo is just breathtaking – it feels like stepping into a dream, especially with all the colorful leaves falling. Seriously, it’s one of the most visually stunning games I’ve played in years.

Ezo is a beautiful and engaging world to explore, and Ghost of Yotei isn’t just visually appealing – its gameplay is excellent too. You play as Atsu, who is on a quest for revenge and quickly gains a reputation along the way.

Atsu naturally attracts beneficial opportunities, and completing them always feels worthwhile. Similar to the game Ghost of Tsushima, the game encourages exploration and discovery. Players can find all sorts of things, including quests, collectibles, and new equipment.

This review highlights how much better Ghost of Yotei is compared to the first game. Everything feels more authentic, including locations like wolf dens and alters of reflection. A fun new feature is Zeni Hajik, a coin-flicking minigame.

Sucker Punch Productions truly delivered with Ghost of Yotei. It’s a massive and beautiful game that’s incredibly fun to explore, making it the top open-world game of 2025.

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2025-12-29 04:45