21 Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2 – Epic Open-World Titles in 2025
Finding the best games like Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t easy. But if you loved its sprawling landscapes, moral weight, and cinematic storytelling, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to stop at Arthur Morgan’s world.
The games featured in this guide all offer open worlds teeming with life. Untamed frontiers, bustling cities, characters you’ll remember long after you log off.
Want to choose your own pace, forge your own story, and dive into worlds that feel lived-in, reactive, and unforgettable? Here are 21 games with immersive open worlds and rich storytelling for RDR2 fans.
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Our Top Picks for Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2
Some open worlds demand more than just your attention – they insist you live in them. Here are the three standout games that capture the scale, narrative depth, and freedom that RDR2 fans crave.
- Grand Theft Auto V (2013) – A sprawling urban playground where three intertwining lives collide. From high-octane heists to quiet night drives, Los Santos pulses with chaotic, darkly funny energy.
- Ghost of Tsushima (2020) – Feudal Japan rendered in cinematic detail, where every sword clash, stealthy ambush, and wind-swept vista feels alive. Elegant, poetic, and utterly immersive.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) – A legendary fantasy epic. Dragon-scarred mountains, hidden dungeons, and countless quests let you forge your own legend in a world that never stops moving.
Each of these titles shares a commitment to immersive storytelling, open-ended exploration, and nuanced characters. Keep scrolling to see the full list of 21 meticulously chosen alternatives that expand on every facet of open-world adventure.
21 Best Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2 That Capture the Wild Spirit
Anyone who loves RDR2 will likely spend endless hours playing the best games like Red Dead Redemption 2. Take your time, read the article carefully, and choose your next open-world adventure wisely – but whatever you pick, you’ll have a blast.
1. Grand Theft Auto V [Urban Epic Meets Wild Freedom]
| Our score | 10
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2013 |
| Creator/s | Rockstar North, Rockstar Games |
| Average playtime | 50–70 hours (main story), 200+ hours (completionist) |
| Best for | Fans of sprawling urban and rural open worlds |
| What I liked | Seamless protagonist switching, heist variety, living city & countryside |
Grand Theft Auto V is a sprawling, breathing ecosystem of crime, chaos, and dark humor – and one of the most praised open-world games of all time. You’ll move between three protagonists whose lives meet in unexpected ways, but each with distinct personalities that shape every mission.
The different characters offer contrasting perspectives on crime and morality, letting players experience the city of Los Santos from multiple angles.
From executing elaborate heists in the city to cycling dusty backroads on a stolen bike, the world feels incredibly lived-in – streets, wilderness, and towns packed with detail that rewards curiosity. Streets teem with pedestrians, traffic flows realistically, and hidden nooks reward curious explorers.
Every corner feels designed to encourage experimentation and improvisation. Honestly, things like cruising down Vinewood Boulevard or hiking up Mount Chiliad never get old!
Switch protagonists mid-mission to exploit unique skills and perspectives, turning simple encounters into cinematic moments that feel genuinely your own.
The open world thrives on choice and improvisation. You can follow the story or chase side adventures – hunting, racing, stockmarket investments, customizing your vehicle, or just wandering the city at night while listening to its radio stations. The online mode extends the sandbox endlessly, letting you sculpt your own criminal empire or just mess around with friends.
My Verdict: If you love RDR2 for its freedom and detail, GTA V offers the same sense of scale in a contemporary, chaotic urban setting.
2. Ghost of Tsushima [Cinematic Blend of Combat and Exploration]
| Our score | 9.9
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure |
| Platforms | PC (as Director’s Cut), PS4, PS5 |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Creator/s | Sucker Punch Productions, Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 40–60 hours (main story), 80+ hours (completionist) |
| Best for | Players craving cinematic landscapes and precise combat |
| What I liked | Fluid swordplay, immersive world, elegant storytelling |
Ghost of Tsushima turns feudal Japan into a living, immersive world, from mist-shrouded forests and golden rice fields to jagged, windswept coastlines. You take on the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai caught between tradition and necessity as Mongol invaders sweep across Tsushima, forcing him to question what it truly means to honor his code.
Combat is both elegant and demanding. Swordplay requires timing and precision, while stealth and strategy allow for creative approaches to every encounter. Each duel, ambush, and skirmish is a dance of risk and reward, rewarding patience and tactical thinking over pure aggression.
Use the guiding wind mechanic to explore without breaking immersion — it points to objectives subtly, letting you get lost in the world rather than just following a map.
Beyond the main story, every mountain trail, hidden shrine, and remote village has secrets to discover. Bandit hideouts, wandering spirits, and foxes leading to sacred shrines all create small, interconnected stories that make the island feel lived-in. Side activities and random encounters aren’t just filler; they deepen the narrative and give the world texture, making each moment memorable.
My Verdict: The combination of story, setting, and combat makes wandering the islands an experience you won’t forget.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim [Iconic Fantasy Adventure]
| Our score | 9.7
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| Type of game | Open-world RPG |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch |
| Year of release | 2011 |
| Creator/s | Bethesda Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks |
| Average playtime | 50–200 hours |
| Best for | RPG fans who love deep lore and exploration |
| What I liked | Vast world, rich quests, freedom to play your way |
Skyrim is one of the best action RPGs ever made. Players experience the frozen, rugged province of Tamriel, a land brimming with dragons, political intrigue, and endless adventure. You create your own hero – choosing race, skills, and alignment – and then step into a massive, reactive open world where every mountain, cave, and village has stories to uncover.
Invest time in the Shouts system; unlocking and chaining dragon shouts turns encounters into cinematic set pieces, letting you feel like a legend in your own story.
Combat balances swordplay, magic, and archery, giving you the flexibility to craft a playstyle that feels personal. The world reacts to your choices subtly – townsfolk gossip, factions shift, and rumors spread across the land.
My Verdict: Skyrim offers limitless exploration and epic storytelling, where every journey feels yours.
4. Days Gone [Survival-Driven Open World With Heart]
| Our score | 9.6
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| Type of game | Open-world survival action |
| Platforms | PC, PS5, PS4 |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Creator/s | Bend Studio, Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 40–80 hours |
| Best for | Fans of narrative-driven post-apocalyptic games |
| What I liked | Emotional story, dynamic world, motorcycle traversal |
Days Gone is among the best games in the survival horror genre. You’ll be faced with a desolate Pacific Northwest, where civilization has collapsed under the weight of a viral outbreak. You play Deacon St. John, a drifter biker haunted by loss, scavenging the open world while facing swarms of unpredictable Freakers and hostile humans.
The game excels in dynamic world-building – weather and day-night cycles affect visibility and enemy behavior, while roaming hordes feel alive, forcing strategy and planning.
Use your motorcycle to bait hordes into traps; mobility combined with environmental hazards turns overwhelming fights into cinematic escapes.
Riding your motorcycle is both survival and spectacle, with fuel management, customization, and upgrades adding weight to every journey. Side missions and encounters feel personal, revealing the fractured humanity of a society on the brink.
My Verdict: Fans of RDR2’s immersive landscapes and emotionally driven storylines will find a similar heartbeat in Days Gone, where freedom, danger, and narrative depth collide in a living world.
5. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey [Myth-Fueled Action RPG]
| Our score | 9.4
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| Type of game | Open-world action RPG |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Creator/s | Ubisoft Quebec, Ubisoft |
| Average playtime | 60–120 hours |
| Best for | Players craving choice-driven historical epics |
| What I liked | Branching narratives, naval exploration, lush environments |
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey immerses players in ancient Greece at the height of its civilization, blending myth, history, and sprawling landscapes. You choose to play as Alexios or Kassandra, shaping their journey through choice-driven narratives and multiple endings.
Combat is fluid and strategic, mixing melee, ranged attacks, and special abilities, while naval exploration adds scale and spectacle to your travels. Side quests and character interactions are deeply layered, rewarding curiosity with hidden stories and unique encounters.
Upgrade your ship and crew early to turn naval battles into tactical playgrounds, giving you both strategic advantages and cinematic moments on the waves.
The Aegean Sea is alive with trade, conflict, and discovery, and each region boasts distinct visual flair and environmental storytelling. Odyssey captures the tension between freedom and consequence – every decision ripples through the world.
My Verdict: A triumph of scope and storytelling, Odyssey cements its place among the best Assassin’s Creed games with its depth, beauty, and player-driven narrative.
6. Far Cry 5 [Wild Open-World Mayhem]
| Our score | 9.3
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| Type of game | Open-world FPS |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Creator/s | Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Toronto, Ubisoft |
| Average playtime | 40–80 hours |
| Best for | Players craving emergent chaos and exploration |
| What I liked | Dynamic world events, cult-driven story, versatile combat |
Far Cry 5 is set in rural Montana under the grip of a doomsday cult, blending explosive action with sandbox freedom. Missions are rarely linear – you can tackle objectives stealthily, gun-blazing, or by turning the world against itself.
The map is scattered with wildlife, hidden bunkers, and emergent events that make the environment feel alive and unpredictable. Vehicles and weaponry span everything from off-road trucks to helicopters, letting players approach scenarios creatively.
Recruit and upgrade your Fang, the canine companion, early on – he’s not just a combat ally but a natural scout, revealing enemy positions and turning fights in your favor.
Side missions and the expansive open world reward exploration, while dynamic weather and day-night cycles influence both combat and mood. It’s a mix of the best FPS action and environmental storytelling, with humor and tension coexisting in the chaos.
My Verdict: Far Cry 5 is the perfect balance of storytelling and unrestrained action in a world that reacts to your choices.
7. Mafia III [Crime Saga Alternative to the Wild West]
| Our score | 9.2
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Hangar 13, 2K Games |
| Average playtime | 35–50 hours |
| Best for | Fans of narrative-driven revenge sagas |
| What I liked | 1960s New Orleans setting, dynamic combat, rich story |
Mafia III immerses players in 1968 New Bordeaux, a reimagined New Orleans, alive with jazz, neon signs, and simmering racial tensions. You step into the shoes of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam veteran bent on dismantling the mob that betrayed him – but revenge here isn’t just gunfire. The world reacts to your choices, and each neighborhood feels distinct, full of story threads, side missions, and cultural detail.
Combat mixes stealth, strategy, and full-on chaos, while the city’s rich design encourages exploration – from quiet back alleys to vibrant waterfronts. Vehicles and weapon customization add tactical variety, and the soundtrack of period hits injects cinematic energy into every chase or firefight.
Prioritize recruiting loyal lieutenants early; their skills can drastically reshape how you approach missions, from firepower-heavy raids to silent takedowns.
Unlike more straightforward action games, Mafia III makes the world pulse with consequence, letting moral choices ripple across your criminal empire. It’s one of the best Mafia games in the series.
My Verdict: Mafia III offers a sprawling, revenge-fueled open-world experience grounded in historical authenticity.
8. Horizon Zero Dawn [Futuristic Wilderness Survival]
| Our score | 9
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5 |
| Year of release | 2017 |
| Creator/s | Guerrilla Games, Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 40–60 hours |
| Best for | Fans of exploration and rich world-building |
| What I liked | Robotic wildlife, deep lore, dynamic combat |
Horizon Zero Dawn thrusts players into a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic creatures, where nature has reclaimed the ruins of human civilization. You follow Aloy, a resourceful hunter with a mysterious past, across sweeping landscapes that range from lush forests to arid deserts.
The game balances cinematic storytelling with open-world exploration, letting you climb, sneak, and fight your way through richly detailed environments.
Combat is tactical and rewarding – exploit enemy weaknesses, craft specialized ammunition, and coordinate attacks against towering machines. Side quests, collectible lore, and hidden camps deepen the sense of a living, breathing world.
Invest in crafting traps and elemental arrows early; combining fire, shock, and freeze effects turns even overwhelming machines into manageable prey.
The visuals are stunning, with dynamic weather and day-night cycles that affect both strategy and atmosphere. At the same time, the narrative weaves themes of discovery, identity, and survival into the gameplay, giving players reason to linger off the beaten path.
Unlike more linear open-world titles, every encounter – from small robot skirmishes to massive battles – feels alive and consequential.
My Verdict: For RDR2 fans craving expansive exploration, deep lore, and layered combat, Horizon Zero Dawn delivers a futuristic wilderness teeming with life, danger, and story.
9. Red Dead Redemption [Original Wild West Classic]
| Our score | 9
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| Type of game | Action-adventure, open world |
| Platforms | PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Windows / PC |
| Year of release | 2010 |
| Creator/s | Rockstar San Diego, Rockstar Games |
| Average playtime | 35–50 hours |
| Best for | Fans of cinematic Western storytelling |
| What I liked | Immersive frontier, dynamic NPCs, moral choices |
Red Dead Redemption is the prequel to RDR2, capturing the final days of the Wild West with grit and gravitas. You play John Marston, a former outlaw pulled back into a life he thought he’d left behind.
The game combines cinematic narrative with open-world freedom, allowing you to ride across deserts, mountains, and bustling towns while hunting, dueling, and making morally complex choices.
Use Eagle Eye frequently to track wildlife and targets; it transforms hunting and combat into a strategic, cinematic experience.
Side activities – from poker to bounty hunting – feel organic, and the dynamic weather and day-night cycles influence both strategy and immersion. The story is leaner than RDR2 but packed with character-driven drama, delivering emotional beats that linger long after the credits roll.
My Verdict: For fans craving the authentic Western frontier with narrative depth, Red Dead Redemption remains a timeless benchmark for story-driven open-world games.
10. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain [Tactical Stealth Reinvented]
| Our score | 8.8
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| Type of game | Open-world stealth action |
| Platforms | PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Creator/s | Kojima Productions, Konami |
| Average playtime | 50–70 hours |
| Best for | Fans of tactical freedom and emergent gameplay |
| What I liked | Open-ended missions, base management, adaptive AI |
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain throws you into a sprawling, sun-bleached Afghanistan and African desert, where stealth is rewarded as much as bold action. You take control of Venom Snake, orchestrating missions with freedom rarely seen in a AAA title – approach targets from the air, land, or shadows.
Customize your loadout before each mission; swapping gear and companions transforms every approach, letting stealthy takedowns or all-out assaults feel fresh.
Base management and buddy systems add layered strategy, making the open world feel alive even when you’re away from missions. The narrative threads are dark, cinematic, and often unsettling, while side missions allow for emergent stories that feel personal rather than scripted.
Visuals and sound design heighten tension, turning each infiltration into a cinematic, edge-of-your-seat experience.
My Verdict: The Phantom Pain is a masterclass in open-world stealth. It’s the perfect sprawling sandbox for crafty gamers.
11. Just Cause 4 [Explosive Sandbox Chaos]
| Our score | 8.7
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| Type of game | Action-adventure / sandbox |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Creator/s | Avalanche Studios, Square Enix |
| Average playtime | 40–60 hours |
| Best for | Players who love over-the-top destruction and freedom |
| What I liked | Extreme physics, versatile traversal, chaotic sandbox gameplay |
Just Cause 4 is pure, unhinged chaos wrapped in a sun-scorched South American landscape. Rico Rodriguez returns with his grappling hook, wingsuit, and parachute – tools that turn traversal into a creative playground. Every building, vehicle, and object can be destroyed, letting you invent your own cinematic stunts.
Experiment with gadgets and vehicles together; combining the grappling hook with explosive barrels or helicopters yields chaos-worthy stunts that are immensely satisfying.
Story missions tie loosely to the game’s narrative, but the joy comes from experimenting – blowing up military bases, launching vehicles into the air, or creating chain reactions just for spectacle!
My Verdict: Those looking for freedom, scale, and playground-style fun will find Just Cause 4’s destructible world a thrilling escape.
12. Watch Dogs 2 [Urban Open-World With Hacking Twist]
| Our score | 8.5
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft |
| Average playtime | 30–50 hours |
| Best for | Players who love tech-driven freedom and creativity |
| What I liked | Hacking mechanics, vibrant city, flexible mission approaches |
In Watch Dogs 2, you’ll explore a sun-drenched, living San Francisco, where every device is a potential tool. You play as Marcus Holloway, a brilliant hacker in DedSec, blending stealth, tech, and parkour to disrupt corrupt systems. Missions reward creativity – manipulate traffic, drones, cameras, or phones to outsmart enemies without ever firing a bullet.
Hack environmental objects to create distractions or chain reactions; it’s not just fun, it’s often more effective than head-on combat.
Storylines mix humour with socio-political commentary, grounding the experience in a modern, relatable setting. Side activities range from races to cooperative challenges, keeping players engaged long after the main plot.
My Verdict: Watch Dogs 2 delivers a vibrant, reactive open world full of freedom, narrative, and clever mechanics.
13. Tomb Raider [Adventure with a Narrative Edge]
| Our score | 8.5
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| Type of game | Action-adventure, narrative-driven |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2013 |
| Creator/s | Crystal Dynamics, Square Enix |
| Average playtime | 20–30 hours |
| Best for | Fans of cinematic exploration and story-driven gameplay |
| What I liked | Engaging puzzles, survival mechanics, strong protagonist |
The 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider plunges players into Lara Croft’s origin story – young, resourceful, and determined. Stranded on a mysterious island, survival becomes the core of gameplay: crafting, combat, and environmental navigation all feel immediate and tense.
From climbing sheer cliffs to sneaking past hostile enemies, Lara’s journey blends action with exploration in ways that feel grounded.
Explore every nook; hidden tombs often contain upgrades that make Lara’s survival toolkit far more versatile.
The narrative is personal and intimate, focusing on growth, fear, and resilience, with cinematic cutscenes seamlessly integrated into gameplay.
Combat is fluid, letting players combine stealth, archery, and improvised weapons to tackle challenges creatively. The visual and sound design heightens immersion – every crash of waves, rustle of foliage, or creak of rope contributes to a sense of being somewhere real.
My Verdict: For players craving intense exploration, immersive storytelling, and cinematic adventure, Tomb Raider nails the balance between tension and reward.
14. Mad Max [Post-Apocalyptic Desert Survival World]
| Our score | 8.2
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| Type of game | Open-world vehicular combat, action |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Creator/s | Avalanche Studios, Warner Bros. Interactive |
| Average playtime | 25–35 hours |
| Best for | Fans of vehicular chaos and desert exploration |
| What I liked | Customizable vehicles, intense combat, atmospheric world |
Mad Max is a sun-scorched, unforgiving wasteland where survival is measured in horsepower. Players control Max, a lone wanderer, as they scavenge for resources, upgrade vehicles, and confront hostile gangs across sprawling deserts.
Vehicle combat is the heartbeat of the experience – car chases, ramming, and explosive takedowns feel weighty and thrilling, and each encounter is a mix of strategy and chaos.
Focus on upgrading the Magnum Opus car first; it transforms travel and combat, turning a fragile ride into a death machine capable of dominating the desert.
The world itself is a character: windswept dunes, rusted settlements, and abandoned highways convey both beauty and danger. The soundtrack and weather effects amplify tension, making every journey through the wasteland feel cinematic.
My Verdict: For fans of chaotic, open-world survival with tangible consequences, Mad Max delivers relentless action and desert immersion.
15. The Division 2 [Tactical Shooter With Open-World Depth]
| Our score | 8
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| Type of game | Online action-RPG / third-person shooter |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Creator/s | Massive Entertainment, Ubisoft |
| Average playtime | 30–50 hours |
| Best for | Tactical, strategy-minded shooters |
| What I liked | Cooperative play, dynamic world events, gear variety |
The Division 2 casts players as elite agents navigating a post-pandemic Washington D.C., where societal collapse has created a tense, unpredictable open world. Exploration blends RPG depth with some of the best TPS mechanics and tactical combat – weapon customization, cover mechanics, and team coordination define engagements.
Multiplayer modes emphasize cooperation without forcing it, letting solo players enjoy the story while offering rewarding group play.
Prioritize upgrading your Base of Operations early; it unlocks abilities and gear crafting that make both solo and group play far more manageable.
Side missions and collectibles enrich the narrative, making the world feel dense and reactive rather than hollow. Visuals and audio reinforce the tension of a city teetering on the edge, while loot progression keeps gameplay addictive without feeling grindy.
My Verdict: The Division 2 delivers tense, rewarding exploration and combat. Perfect for those who love strategic open-world shooters.
16. Far Cry 4 [Exotic Open-World Action Experience]
| Our score | 7.8
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| Type of game | Open-world first-person shooter |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2014 |
| Creator/s | Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft |
| Average playtime | 25–40 hours |
| Best for | Exploration and chaotic action |
| What I liked | Diverse vehicles, emergent gameplay, cooperative mode |
Far Cry 4 is one of the best Far Cry games. It’s set in Kyrat, a fictional Himalayan region dominated by a despotic king. The world is vibrant and vertical – snow-capped peaks, dense jungles, and villages teeming with life.
Players engage in missions, liberate outposts, and explore at their own pace, with a wide arsenal and vehicles enabling creative approaches.
Dynamic events, wildlife encounters, and unpredictable enemy patrols make the world feel alive. Cooperative play enhances exploration, letting friends join in firefights or side quests seamlessly.
Focus on capturing Bell Towers and Outposts early – they reveal map regions, unlock fast travel points, and make exploring Kyrat much easier while giving you access to better weapons and resources.
Verticality adds tension – scaling cliffs or parachuting into enemy camps rewards bold choices. Side missions, hunting, and collectibles provide downtime between the main story beats, balancing chaos with calm exploration.
My Verdict: For fans craving open-world freedom with a touch of chaos, Far Cry 4 delivers adventure, spectacle, and emergent fun.
17. L.A. Noire [Noir Mystery With a Sandbox Twist]
| Our score | 7.7
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| Type of game | Detective / open-world |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch |
| Year of release | 2011 |
| Creator/s | Team Bondi, Rockstar Games |
| Average playtime | 20–30 hours |
| Best for | Mystery-solving and narrative-driven play |
| What I liked | Facial animation interrogation, atmospheric city |
L.A. Noire casts players as detective Cole Phelps, navigating 1940s Los Angeles. Its streets pulse with life – cars, pedestrians, and neon-lit alleyways. Players investigate crimes, interrogate suspects, and gather evidence, blending classic open-world exploration with investigative depth.
Facial animation tech makes interviews tense: subtle tells can reveal the truth or lies. Missions range from brutal shootouts to careful evidence collection, balancing action with deduction. Period-accurate visuals, radio broadcasts, and authentic jazz heighten immersion, transporting players fully to post-war LA.
Pay attention to gestures and facial expressions during interrogations; catching lies early simplifies solving cases and can affect outcomes.
Open-world freedom allows side cases, traffic stops, and exploration between main story beats. The combination of narrative weight, world realism, and investigative mechanics makes each case feel like its own short film and the entry is one of the best detective games available.
My Verdict: L.A. Noire is perfect for those craving an investigative open world where observation and deduction are as thrilling as gunplay.
18. Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition [Best Upgraded Crime Epic]
| Our score | 7.6
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| Type of game | Open-world action / martial arts |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2014 |
| Creator/s | United Front Games, Square Enix |
| Average playtime | 20–30 hours |
| Best for | Combat-driven narrative and exploration |
| What I liked | Fluid martial arts, immersive Hong Kong world |
Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition drops players into a vibrant, neon-soaked Hong Kong as undercover cop Wei Shen. Streets bustle with life – markets, traffic, and NPCs reacting dynamically. Combat combines martial arts, gunplay, and environmental interactions for cinematic, over-the-top brawls.
The game balances main story beats with open-world freedom: drive, explore, or chase side missions. Investigations, triad missions, and undercover work deepen the narrative, creating a tense moral tug between duty and personal code.
Use environmental objects during fights to chain spectacular combos; it not only looks cinematic but keeps enemies manageable.
The city itself is a character – rich side with activities like street races, fights, and collectibles reward exploration while preserving the gritty, lived-in atmosphere. Choice-driven moments and branching mission paths add replayability, keeping the world alive beyond the main story.
My Verdict: For players craving an immersive crime epic with visceral combat and a living city, Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition delivers fully.
19. Fallout: New Vegas [Best Choice-Driven RPG With Moral Complexity]
| Our score | 7.2
☆
★
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★
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★
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★
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★
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★
☆
★
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★
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| Type of game | Open-world RPG / post-apocalyptic |
| Platforms | PC, PS3, Xbox 360 |
| Year of release | 2010 |
| Creator/s | Obsidian Entertainment, Bethesda Softworks |
| Average playtime | 50–100 hours |
| Best for | Deep role-playing, moral choice, exploration |
| What I liked | Branching storylines, faction mechanics, open-world freedom |
Fallout: New Vegas throws you into a sunbaked post-apocalyptic Mojave, where factions clash and every choice matters. The open world teems with secret locations, side quests, and morally gray decisions, giving a sense of freedom rare even in modern RPGs.
Your character’s skills, perks, and alliances shape not just the story, but the environment itself.
Align with different factions in stages; it opens hidden questlines and alters how NPCs respond to you, enriching replayability.
Combat blends gunplay, stealth, and tactical V.A.T.S. targeting, rewarding preparation and planning. From tense encounters in irradiated ruins to trading with eccentric survivors in neon-lit towns, the game balances exploration with strategic gameplay.
The game’s writing and humor give it personality – sarcastic companions, bizarre NPCs, and unpredictable events make wandering the Mojave consistently engaging. Mods expand the world further, adding replayability and customization for dedicated explorers.
My Verdict: For RPG fans craving branching narratives, moral dilemmas, and a reactive open world, Fallout: New Vegas remains a masterclass.
20. Cyberpunk 2077 [Best Futuristic RPG Open World]
| Our score | 7.1
☆
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★
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★
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★
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★
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★
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★
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| Type of game | Open-world RPG / futuristic |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Creator/s | CD Projekt Red |
| Average playtime | 40–80 hours |
| Best for | Choice-driven storytelling, immersive world, RPG depth |
| What I liked | Branching narrative, dense city world, side quests |
Cyberpunk 2077 immerses you in Night City, a neon-soaked metropolis buzzing with danger and opportunity. You play as V, a mercenary navigating gang politics, corporate intrigue, and personal ambition. Choices ripple through the world, affecting storylines, NPCs, and the city itself, giving a tangible sense of agency reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption 2’s moral depth.
Exploration is rich – rooftops, alleys, and hidden districts reward curiosity. Combat is fluid, mixing guns, melee, and cybernetic abilities. Side quests are cinematic, often telling intimate stories that feel alive rather than filler.
Experiment with cyberware and combat styles; combining stealth, hacking, and firepower opens creative ways to tackle missions.
Dialogue and decision-making are crucial – alliances, romances, and rivalries all hinge on player choice. Subtle details, from street chatter to hacking opportunities, make Night City pulse with realism.
My Verdict: Cyberpunk 2077 delivers cinematic flair and an unforgettable urban adventure.
21. Kingdom Come Deliverance [Best Realistic Medieval RPG]
| Our score | 7
☆
★
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★
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★
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★
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| Type of game | Historical RPG / open-world |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Creator/s | Warhorse Studios |
| Average playtime | 50–80 hours |
| Best for | Immersive historical RPG, realistic combat, slow-burn storytelling |
| What I liked | Historical accuracy, survival mechanics, moral choices |
Kingdom Come Deliverance is a detailed, 15th-century Bohemia – a world with no magic, only swords, politics, and survival. You play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son caught in a war-torn land. Every choice matters: decisions influence storylines, reputation, and how NPCs react, giving a grounded moral weight that fans of Red Dead Redemption 2 will appreciate.
Combat is unforgiving, emphasizing timing, weapon type, and skill rather than flashy stats. Exploration rewards patience – villages, forests, and castles are packed with historical detail.
Train with every weapon type early and manage your stamina carefully; survival hinges on preparation and tactical choices.
The world reacts realistically – hunger, sleep, and injuries affect performance, and the slow pace encourages strategic thinking. NPC routines and dynamic events create a living, breathing medieval society.
My Verdict: Kingdom Come Deliverance offers a dense, meticulous, and morally rich medieval adventure.
My Overall Verdict
For narrative-driven gamers craving sprawling worlds and deep stories, there’s no shortage of options beyond Red Dead Redemption 2.
For newcomers → Ghost of Tsushima
An accessible yet cinematic open-world adventure that blends elegance, exploration, and combat in a way that feels both peaceful and thrilling.
For RPG fans → The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
A timeless classic where your choices, skills, and imagination shape an endlessly replayable fantasy epic.
For players craving emotional storytelling → Days Gone
A gritty, heartfelt survival tale where every ride, storm, and loss hits with genuine weight.
For action seekers → Grand Theft Auto V
A chaotic, high-energy sandbox bursting with humor, detail, and cinematic moments that rival RDR2’s scope – just swap horses for helicopters.
For history buffs → Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
An immersive leap into ancient Greece where choices, battles, and mythological mysteries keep you exploring for hundreds of hours.
Each of these titles offers the freedom, moral nuance, and immersive storytelling RDR2 players love, letting you pick your ideal open-world playground.
FAQs
Grand Theft Auto V tops the list for sheer scale and freedom, while Ghost of Tsushima and Skyrim offer narrative depth and exploration. Each delivers a living world where choices and discovery matter.
It’s an open-world action RPG blending cinematic storytelling, moral choices, and immersive simulation. Players engage in combat, hunting, exploration, and side activities across a detailed, living frontier.
RDR2 focuses on slow-burn storytelling and realism, whereas GTA V prioritizes chaotic freedom and multiple lead characters. The “better” game depends on whether you want emotional narrative or sandbox chaos.
Main story completion takes around 50 hours. Exploring side quests, hunting, and wandering the world can easily push total playtime beyond 100 hours.
RDR2 features multiple endings shaped by your choices, morality, and actions in the final chapters, creating a sense of consequence that rewards careful play and engagement with the world.
