30 BEST Open World Games For Xbox One

Xbox one is almost at the end of its generation cycle, but it is ending on a high note with a large library of games. There are games from multiple genres that you can play on the Xbox One. We will specifically discuss the best Open World games for the Xbox One. As expected from a console that’s almost lived for 10 years, Xbox One features a massive catalog of open-world games. However, we will entail the Top 30 open-world games that have been praised as top-tier games over the years.

We’ve summarized all 30 best open world games for Xbox One below:

Game	Award	Release Date	Developer	Platform
Riders Republic	NAVGTR Award for Best Game in Original Sports	October 28, 2021	Ubisoft	PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series PC, Google Stadia, and Amazon Luna
Bully: Scholarship Edition	None	March 4, 2008	Rockstar Vancouver	Android, iOS, and PC
Dragon Age: Inquisition	Game Of The Year	November 18, 2014	BioWare	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PC
Sea Of Thieves	BAFTA Games Award for Evolving Game	March 20, 2018	Rare	Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming
Minecraft	Best Downloadable Game	November 18, 2011	Mojang	PC, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Xbox 360, Raspberry Pi, Windows Phone, PlayStation 3, Fire OS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Apple TV, tvOS, Nintendo Switch, and New Nintendo 3DS
Yakuza 0	PlayStation Game of the Year	March 12, 2015	Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna
Watch Dogs	Game of the Year	May 27, 2014	Ubisoft	Amazon Luna, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and series S, and Wii U
Outer Wilds	Best Indie Game	May 29, 2019	Annapurna Interactive and Mobius Digital	PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and series S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch
Far Cry 3: Classic Edition	None	May 29, 2018	Ubisoft	PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4
Sunset Overdrive	None	October 28, 2014	Insomniac Games	Xbox One and PC
Final Fantasy XV	Best RPG	November 29, 2016	Square Enix	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Google Stadia
No Man’s Sky	Innovation Award	August 9, 2016	Hello Games	PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and series S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, macOS, and iPadOS
Assassin’s Creed Origins	None	October 27, 2017	Ubisoft Montreal	PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Stadia, and Luna
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim	PC Game of the Year	November 11, 2011	Bethesda Game Studios	PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and series S
Just Cause 3	The ‘Cry Havoc And Let Slip The Dogs Of War’ Award	December 1, 2015	Avalanche Studios	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC
Grand Theft Auto 5	Best Multiplayer	September 17, 2013	Rockstar North	PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC
Dying Light	None	January 27, 2015	Techland	Linux, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S.
Saints Row: The Third Remastered	None	May 21, 2021	Deep Silver Volition	PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4
Prototype	None	June 9, 2009	Radical	PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Forza Horizon 5	Game Award for Innovation in Accessibility	November 9, 2021	Playground Games	Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming
Halo Infinite	Player’s Voice Award	December 8, 2021	343 Industries	Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming
Cyberpunk 2077	Outstanding Story-Rich Game of the Year	December 10, 2020	CD Projekt Red	Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PC, and Google Stadia
Middle Earth: Shadow of War	Best Console Game (Xbox One)	October 10, 2017	Monolith Productions	PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Yakuza: Like a Dragon	NAVGTR Award for Best Role Playing Game	January 16, 2020	Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio	PlayStation 4. PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, and Amazon Luna
Batman Arkham Collection	Game of the Year	November 27, 2018	Rocksteady Studios	Xbox One, Xbox series X and series S, PlayStation 4 and PC
Fallout New Vegas	Golden Joystick Award	October 19, 2010	Obsidian Entertainment	PlayStation 3, PC, and Xbox 360
Red Dead Redemption 2	Best Score and Music	October 26, 2018	Rockstar Studios	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt	Game of the Year	May 18, 2015	CD Projekt RED	PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain	Best Action/Adventure	September 1, 2015	Konami Digital Entertainment	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PC, and Xbox 360
Elden Ring	The Most Anticipated Game	February 25, 2022	FromFoftware	PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, and PC

SIMILAR Article: BEST Single Player Xbox One Games

Best Open World Games on Xbox One

Our list will consist of the top 20 single-player games. We will start from the lowest tier and slowly make our way upwards toward the top-tier games. The list is based on the general popularity of these games on the Xbox One. However, we did add some hidden gems and a few underrated single-player games that you might have missed. Now let us dive into our list of the best single-player game that you can play on the Xbox One.

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30. Riders Republic

• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Riders Republic has a massive open world centered around mountainous areas that you can either explore solo or with friends online. You can choose to either ride bikes in the plateaus, skateboards across snowy mountains, or just simply glide your way through the beautiful open world of RiderRepublic.

Riders Republic is a good open world to just chill around and explore. There is not much else to do other than racing around either solo or online with your friends/against other players. It is definitely an underrated open-world game that needs more attention from the Xbox One fanbase.

Pros:

• All of the bikes, skis and wingsuits are unlocked soon after you finish the tutorial rather than being locked away behind long hours of progression.
• There is a good amount of variety in the events, so not everything is about racing, which can get boring quickly.
• There is also an option to switch to first-person mode while racing on bikes, which immerses you in the experience.

Cons:

• There is a lack of a proper story or career mode in Riders Republic, which may be a big turn-off for some players.
• The controls can feel very awkward or stiff, which can take away from the adrenaline of playing an extreme sports game.
• Some of the dialogues and commentary can feel forced.

29. Bully: Scholarship Edition

• Publisher: Rockstar Studios 
• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Even after 14 years of its release, Bully: Scholarship Edition is one of the best Rockstar games as well as the best open-world game to have come out for Xbox One. However, the open-world setting of Bully: Scholarship Edition is quite unique and different from Rockstar’sother games.

You can either become a diligent student or just straight-up bully other kids into submission. The setting is that of a school and Rockstar has done very well in portraying the setting. The possibilities in the open world of Bully: Scholarship Edition are endless and it has even got a good story to back up the gameplay.

Pros:

• Bully Scholarship Edition offers a variety of gameplay elements, including fighting, racing, and puzzle-solving, which keeps the gameplay fresh and interesting.
• The dialogue in Bully Scholarship Edition is genuinely funny and interesting.
• The open world is full of areas to explore and activities to participate in.

Cons:

• The start of Bully Scholarship Edition is incredibly frustrating as you have limited access to the open world, no weapons, and many bullies can interrupt your missions.
• The cutscenes are not very cinematic which can take away from the immersion.
• The graphics and character models are outdated.

28. Dragon Age: Inquisition

• Publisher: EA
• Developer: Bioware
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Dragon Age Inquisition is an open-world role-playing game. The gameplay and open world are much like the Witcher 3 but the freedom of choice and customization are like the Souls games. You can choose different classes to play around with in Dragon Age: Inquisition. For more information on classes check out our Dragon Age Inquisition Best Class Ranked guide.

You will come across many different interactions with other characters that will affect your journey in Dragon Age. Moreover, the open world is additionally filled with many side quests that have an impact on the story. Dragon Age: Inquisition’s beautiful fantasy OpenWorld is best in class for Xbox One games.

Pros:

• Dragon Age: Inquisition features engaging and well-developed characters that you can become invested in.
• It includes a variety of romance options for you to pursue, allowing for a deeper level of character development.
• Dragon Age: Inquisition allows for numerous choices that you can make throughout the story, which can have significant consequences on the overall narrative and gameplay.
• There are multiple endings in Dragon Age: Inquisition based on the choices you make.
• Dragon Age: Inquisition is an incredibly in-depth and genuine RPG.

Cons:

• Dragon Age: Inquisition can be incredibly hard to get into for players that are new to RPGs.
• The story of Dragon Age: Inquisition might not be as well-written and complex as some players would like.
• The open world might not be as good as some others.

27. Sea Of Thieves

• Publisher: Microsoft Studios
• Developer: Rare
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Multiplayer Game

Sea of Thieves features a massive open world that’s built for seamless CO-OP and multiplayer gameplay. It is a massive sea for pirates to conquer and now you can do that with as many as four friends online. Being an online experience, Sea of Thieves also gets frequent updates so there’s never a shortage of content.

Although Sea of Thieves offers a massive pirate open world to explore, it is strictly an online experience and that may put off some players. However, when you actually do play online, you’ll realize why the game is considered one of the open-world games that you can enjoy on the Xbox One.

Pros:

• The graphics and visuals are stunning and do a great job of making the pirate world as realistic as possible.
• There are interactive sailing mechanics in Sea Of Thieves that add to the stunning graphics to give you the most immersive pirate-themed experience.
• Sea of Thieves multiplayer lets you play co-op.

Cons:

• The gameplay and quests in Sea of Thieves can get tedious very quickly.
• It can get frustrating if you struggle to find other players to join your crew or complete tasks with.
• There are some bugs and glitches present in Sea of Thieves.

26. Minecraft

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: Mojang and 4J Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Minecraft is a great open-world experience It’s nothing too extraordinary but its not bad either. The game has almost been released on every single console generation including the Xbox One. The survival aspect of the game is what makes its open-world lively.

Minecraft is famous for its resource gathering and crafting mechanics in order to survive in the open world. You can gather resources and build whatever you want in the game. Your crafts are just limited by your imagination and there is so much that you can achieve in Minecraft. The freedom of gameplay is one of the best for an open-world game in Minecraft that you can play on the Xbox One.

Pros:

• Minecraft is massive and has been active for over 10 years, it still retains one of the biggest player bases in gaming.
• Minecraft can be used as a learning tool, giving you a platform for creative expression and problem-solving.
• There is an endless amount of online servers in Minecraft that allow you to play with anyone across the world.
• Minecraft has very strong dev support, with consistent updates that keep you engaged.
• There is cross-platform support in Minecraft that allows you to play with anyone across the world, regardless of the platform they are on.

Cons:

• It can be extremely difficult to play with your friends in a survival world without having to pay money for a server or go through very tedious processes.
• Minecraft might not appeal to a lot of players as it is a building game with not much else to it.

25. Yakuza 0

• Publisher: Sega
• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

The Yakuza series is known to have a niche audience but ever since its rise in the current generation with excellent underdog spinoffs like Lost Judgment. You cannot undermine the quality of its Open-world design and structure. Though prominently featuring the same location, the evolution in its design is unforgettable.

Players stepping into the shoes of either Kiryu or Majima, the dual protagonists of the game will no doubt find a variety of hustle and glamour to tackle in the streets of Kamurucho and Sotenbori. These locations return in later games and the sense of knowing each street like the back of your hand gives off a familiar feeling of being back at home again.

These are the two main cities featured in the game, each hosting a plethora of activities you can unlock and enjoy. Whether it’s breaking the rules in Karaoke or fighting scumbags in the underground arena. There are Nightclubs to jam and dance around in as well as Hostess clubs to manage as the Night of the Lord, Majima.

Yakuza 0 even more than 5 years later, is easily one of the best open-world games with a high-octane and nuanced storyline that parallels the retro Japan crime feud drama. Kamurucho is a familiar open-world setting that never ceases to disappoint fans as it constantly shifts around in tone and complexity with each installment. RGG is always trying to reinvent its formula of exploration as seen by the recent Yakuza 7 and the Judgment series.

Pros:

• The story is filled with twists and turns, and you will be drawn into the world of the yakuza as you try to navigate the dangerous underworld of 1980s Japan.
• The soundtrack fits the hardcore tone of Yakuza 0 perfectly.
• Yakuza 0’s combat system is smooth and satisfying, with a variety of moves and combos you can master.

Cons:

• The start of Yakuza 0 can have incredibly slow pacing.
• Yakuza 0 is a Japanese game and does not have an English dub, so you have to watch the long cutscenes with subtitles, which may not be a problem for players who enjoy anime, but it can be a big turn-off for some other players.
• It can be confusing as to what to do next sometimes since the instructions are not always clear.

24. Watch Dogs

• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Watch Dogs is another original take of Ubisoft on the open-world genre of games. At first glance, some people might call the game another Grand Theft Auto 5 clone but that is definitely not the case. The gameplay of Watch Dogs is a breath of fresh air in open-world games.

The open world itself is not something extraordinary, but the gameplay takes it to greater heights. You are basically a hacker and can hack almost everything in Watch Dogs. From hacking street lights to mobile phones, use everything at your disposal in the open world of Watch Dogs.

Pros:

• Watch Dogs has an amazing, large, and detailed open world that is set in a fictionalized version of Chicago.
• There are both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes in Watch Dogs.
• Watch Dogs offers you a lot more content besides the main campaign, which keeps you invested in it for a long time.
• It features a large selection of vehicles for you to use, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and more.

Cons:

• Some players might find the characters in Watch Dogs to be underdeveloped and lacking in depth.
• The story in Watch Dogs might seem unoriginal and uninspired, with a predictable plot.
• The AI can be incredibly inconsistent in different parts of Watch Dogs.

23. Outer Wilds

• Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
• Developer: Annapurna Interactive and Mobius Digital
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Outer Wilds consists of many open-world areas in space. The game itself is mysterious and implements a gameplay system based on exploration. You will be solving puzzles while exploring the aesthetic settings of space in Outer Wilds.

Outer Wilds definitely deserves a spot on our list of best open-world games for the Xbox One console. The game will keep you entertained for hours with its beautiful open-world and mysterious gameplay design.

Pros:

• In Outer Wilds, you are encouraged to explore and discover new things in the game’s vast, open world.
• The graphics in Outer Wilds are stunning and have a very unique aesthetic.
• Outer Wilds is a challenging game that requires you to think critically and solve problems to progress.
• The sound design is incredible and very immersive.

Cons:

• Some of the puzzles in Outer Wilds can be a bit too easy to solve.
• You might not enjoy Outer Wilds if you are a fan of combat, as Outer Wilds does not have any.
• It can be a bit awkward to control the jetpack and the spaceship sometimes.

22. Far Cry 3: Classic Edition

• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Far Cry is an old-generation game but even for its release, it was ahead of its time. You can now experience the best Far Cry open-world game design by playing Far Cry 3: Classic Edition on the Xbox One. Enjoy a seamless experience without any problems that the Xbox 360 had.

Far Cry 3 is even appreciated by the fans today as not only the best Far Cry game but also the best open-world game. Its open world is further improved by an amazing storyline, character, and plot that you can follow. The map isn’t empty either and is filled with amazing side content.

The open world in Far Cry 3 doesn’t even get boring at any point due to its amazing gameplay. You’ll be hooked for hours just exploring and taking over the massive map of Far Cry 3: Classic Edition.

Pros:

• The Classic Edition has improved upon the graphics of the original Far Cry 3 and given them more of a visual appeal.
• Far Cry 3: Classic Edition’s open-world environment is vast and full of detail, providing you with plenty of opportunities to explore and discover new locations.
• The story of Far Cry 3: Classic Edition is great and engaging, as it does a great job of keeping you invested.

Cons:

• Far Cry 3: Classic Edition does not include a multiplayer mode, which may be disappointing for some players who enjoy playing with friends.
• While the graphics in Far Cry 3: Classic Edition have been improved from the original game, they are still fairly outdated compared to more recent releases.
• The driving is not fun and can feel very annoying in Far Cry 3: Classic Edition.

21. Sunset Overdrive

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Sunset Overdrive not only features a beautiful open-world design but also has best-in-class traversal for an Xbox game. Insomniac Games is the same studio that made Marvel’s Spiderman (2018) so you can expect some cool mechanics in Sunset Overdrive.

The plot is actually very comical but the emphasis is defiantly on combat and gameplay in the game. Sunset Overdrive probably has the most unique combat implementation for an open-world game. You slide around roads, jump around buildings, and parkour around the city while gunning down monsters.

Even the side quests in Sunset Overdrive have a lot to offer. The traversal in Sunset Overdrive is so amazing and polished that you’ll almost never use the Fast travel mechanic during your time in the game. Sunset Overdrive is an underrated gem and deserves a spot on our list.

Pros:

• Sunset Overdrive has fast-paced and rather wild action, which allows you to jump and wall-run across the city while battling enemies.
• Sunset Overdrive’s art style is vibrant and colorful, with a post-apocalyptic punk rock style aesthetic, which is very distinct.
• Sunset Overdrive has a co-op mode that features 8 players, called the Chaos squad, where you can team up with your friends and complete a series of missions.

Cons:

• There is not much replay value in Sunset Overdrive, and it can get repetitive very quickly after a few playthroughs.
• There is not much content outside of the missions and collecting things, which can be disappointing for some players.

20. Final Fantasy XV

• Publisher: Square Enix
• Developer: Square Enix
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

It is a post-apocalyptic open-world game for the Xbox One. The game offers a huge open world to explore that is also filled with towns. Final Fantasy XV is also the first game in the franchise to offer such a huge map that you can explore. You play as Noctis in the world of Final Fantasy XV.

There are beautiful sights to behold on your journey through the open world of Final Fantasy XV. Additionally, The problems in the game were also taken care of by the developers, and a DLC was also released for the game. Every Xbox player should experience the amazing and one of the best open-worlds of Final Fantasy.

Pros:

• The story of Final Fantasy XV is one of the best stories written in gaming history, as it is incredibly complex while doing an amazing job of keeping you engaged throughout.
• Final Fantasy XV’s protagonist, Noctis is incredibly well-written and goes through some very complex development throughout the story.
• The characters of Final Fantasy XV are relatable and have amazing personalities, the writing does a great job of building an emotional connection with the player and the characters.
• Final Fantasy XV’s graphics are stunning, with great detail in the environment and character models.
• The music in Final Fantasy XV is exceptional and very memorable.
• Final Fantasy XV’s combat is incredibly fun and satisfying.

Con:

• Some of the side quests in Final Fantasy XV are not designed well and can get a bit frustrating to complete.

An Interesting Read: Best Games Like Elden Ring

19. No Man’s Sky

• Publisher: Hello Games
• Developer: Hello Games
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

No Man’s Sky has one of the biggest open-world in the form of a vast galaxy that you can explore in your spaceship. Although, the game had an infamous launch with many bugs and glitches. Every little thing was fixed by the developers in a year’s time. 

Now you can explore countless planets in space without any problem whatsoever. The planets are procedurally generated with beautiful environments and astonishing creatures. The sheer vastness of this game makes No Man’s Sky one of the best open-world games to play around with on your Xbox One.

Pros:

• No Man’s Sky allows you to explore an almost infinite universe, with procedurally generated planets and celestial bodies to discover.
• The crafting and survival mechanics are deep as you can gather resources and craft a variety of items and equipment to survive on hostile planets.
• No Man’s Sky includes a multiplayer mode that allows you to explore the universe and interact with other players online.

Cons:

• Inventory management can get incredibly frustrating.
• The UI in No Man’s Sky is not the best.
• There can be a few glitches when playing with other people online.
• The repetitive nature of some activities can cause the gameplay to feel tedious.

Consider Reading: BEST Villains In Video Games History

18. Assassin’s Creed Origins

• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Assassin’s Creed Origins presented Ubisoft’s first step into an expansive open-world game that is set in ancient Egypt. The game is extremely different from its predecessors and is a fresh take on the RPG genre as well. Not only is the atmosphere top-tier, but the music in the game is also worth praising. There are many Easter Eggs that you can find in Assassin’s Creed Origins as well.

You still play as an assassin, but now there is more variety in a bigger open-world setup of Assassin’s Creed Origins. The developers did an amazing job in recreating Ancient Egypt. The whole open world feels alive and keeps you hooked for hours!

Pros:

• Visually, Assassin’s Creed Origins is one of the best-looking stealth games of all time.
• The open world is extremely vast and brimming with a plethora of content that you can experiment with throughout the game.
• Other than the main story, there are a ton of side missions that you can accomplish in Assassin’s Creed Origins.
• The combat system is top-notch and quite rewarding.

Cons:

• Minor technical hiccups such as bugs and choppy frame rates can spoil the immersion of the player.
• The stealth element is sorely lacking which can be a major turnoff for veteran players of the series.
• Some missions are a bit too stretched which can hinder the pacing of the main storyline.

17. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

• Publisher: Bethesda
• Developer: Bethesda
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Skyrim was considered the best open-world game at the time of its release. However, even today, the game is praised for containing Bethesda’s most ambitious environments that you can explore. Filled with a wide variety of monsters, dragons, and dungeons, Skyrim is a big package for Xbox gamers.

Even the gameplay has variety with you choosing the way you want to play. Different weapons and armor sets in Skyrim can be used to create very specific builds. Skyrim allows you to progress the story however you like. That is what makes the open world of Skyrim one of the best in Xbox Games.

Pros:

• There is massive variety when it comes to the builds in Skyrim.
• Crafting weapons or making potions is not difficult which makes it easy for beginners to get into Skyrim.
• Skyrim has one of the best open worlds for its time and it still holds up.
• You can choose to play and become whoever you want in Skyrim, either a Thief, hero, archer, or anything that suits your playstyle.

Cons:

• You may encounter several glitches during your playthrough, especially to do with saving, so make sure you are saving your progress often.
• The voice acting in Skyrim is terrible and is very off-putting.
• Some of the facial animations are weird.

16. Just Cause 3

• Publisher: Square Enix Europe
• Developer: Avalanche Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Just Cause 3 has one of the most fun open-world maps where you can experiment with literally anything and everything. There are many methods to traverse the world of Just Cause 3, which even include things like gliding and using parachutes. 

Your main goal in the game is to cause destruction, and Just Cause 3 is intelligently built to do just that. The freedom in the game is so prominent that following the story in Just Cause 3 is just secondary. The massive catalog of weapons and vehicles in Just Cause 3 makes it one of the best open-world games that you can play on the Xbox One. 

Pros:

• Just Cause 3 allows you to explore the world in various ways, including on foot, in vehicles, and by using the game’s signature grapple hook and parachute.
• The open world of Just Cause 3 is filled with several landscapes, including mountains, forests, and cities.
• Just Cause 3 has very satisfying movement and smooth controls that keep your gameplay experience as fun as possible.

Cons:

• The missions in Just Cause 3 might feel uninspired and incredibly repetitive.
• Just Cause 3 has been criticized for its poor optimization, leading to low frame rates and other performance issues on various platforms.
• While the open world of Just Cause 3 is beautiful, it is still lacking the depth that most good open worlds have.

15. Grand Theft Auto 5

• Publisher: Rockstar Studios
• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Grand Theft Auto 5 is studio Rockstar’s biggest open-world project to date. The game is so popular for its open-world design that it received releases across three different console generations.  Not only is the open world brimming with content, but the main storyline is impressive as well. 

You can play around the open world of Los Santos as three different characters. The game focuses on the relationships between these characters as they rob banks and perform heists together in the open world of Grand Theft Auto 5. 

Additionally, the amount of side content and attention to detail is mind-blowing, but that is also expected from a studio like Rockstar. You’ll be exploring the open world of GTA 5 for hours, and the game will always have something to offer. 

Pros:

• The story campaign is very good and entertaining.
• There are some very harsh decisions you will have to make in Grand Theft Auto 5 that will have a major effect on the ending.
• Grand Theft Auto 5 has several different modes with endless content.
• Grand Theft Auto Online is exceptionally enormous and has several things to do in the open world.
• There are community-integrated modes with endless creativity.
• The amount of customization for your character is amazing.

Cons:

• Grand Theft Auto 5 has notoriously long loading screens that can take up a lot of your time.
• You need to grind a lot to get money so you can buy your favorite item.
• The hand-to-hand combat is not great and very unsatisfying.

14. Dying Light

• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: Techland
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Dying Light is not an ordinary open world, but it is a unique world overrun by zombies with a post-apocalyptic setting. Developer Techland implemented the Survival-horror aspects into an expansive open-world game. Additionally, the game is played in first-person mode.

If you end up enjoying the open-world design of Dying Light, then you will also love playing Dying Light 2, which is a direct sequel. The survival aspect of Dying Light will make you gather resources from the open world in addition to crafting weapons. You will fight hordes of zombies on your Xbox One in one of the best Open World games. 

Pros:

• Dying Light’s gameplay provides an intense and thrilling gameplay experience.
• The combat system is satisfying and incredibly brutal in Dying Light.
• Dying Light has a rich, immersive story that keeps players engaged and invested in the game world.

Cons:

• Dying Light’s controls can take some time to get used to and you cannot map the buttons to where you want, which may be frustrating for some players.
• The combat and movement at the start feel slow and unsatisfying and you will need to unlock some updates for it to become really fun.
• Dying Light has a few animation issues which may be spotted as lip sync issues and some minor glitches.

13. Saints Row: The Third Remastered

• Publisher: THQ
• Developer: Deep Silver Volition
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

The third Saints Row had one of the most critically acclaimed open worlds for a previous generation game. However, you can experience the beautiful open world of Saints Row: The Third in its remastered version on your Xbox One. The remastered version has enhanced graphics and even comes with all the DLCs included. 

The gameplay of Saints Row is just you causing chaos and mayhem in a city with your guns. It is you, the player, who decides what goes around in the open world. Even after a decade after its release, Saints Row: The Third stacks up as one of the best open-world games that you can play on the Xbox One.

Pros:

• The remastered version of Saints Row: The Third features updated graphics and visual effects, which make the game look more modern and immersive.
• Saints Row: The Third Remastered has improved upon the AI of the original game, which makes enemy characters more challenging to defeat and adds more depth to the gameplay experience.
• The characters in Saints Row: The Third Remastered are incredibly quirky in personality and have great character designs.

Cons:

• There are a lot of different bugs and glitches that can disrupt your gameplay experience littered throughout Saints Row: The Third Remastered.
• The remastered version of Saints Row: The Third may not offer much in terms of new content, which may be disappointing for players who have already played the original game.
• Saints Row: The Third Remastered does not have the best gameplay and it might feel outdated to some players.

12. Prototype

• Publisher: Activision
• Developer: Radical
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

The first Prototype game is praised even today for its well-designed open world even after 10 years of release. Basically, the game plays a lot like the Infamous franchise. You play as Alex, who has many superhero-like abilities like shape-shifting. Although, the game itself has a very dark atmosphere and story.

The open world of Prototype is set in the city of New York, where a virus outbreak has infected almost everyone. Alex is a superhuman who can glide and fight monsters with his special abilities. Explore one of the best open worlds in Prototype on Xbox One by buying the Biohazard bundle for the game.

Pros:

• The combat of Prototype is incredibly fun and appeals to players that are fans of blood and gore in battles.
• Prototype features a wide variety of abilities you can use to defeat your enemies.
• The story is incredibly immersive and well-written, as it does a great job of keeping you attached and wanting to know what happens next.
• Prototype offers a great challenge to players who want it without ever getting too frustrating for beginner players.

Cons:

• The missions you get after finishing Prototype are not designed well and can get incredibly frustrating, which reduces its replay value.
• Prototype does not have much variety when it comes to enemies.
• The visuals of Prototype are outdated and look terrible for this modern age, which might be a deal breaker for some players.

11. Forza Horizon 5

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios 
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Forza Horizon 5 is not only the Best Racing Game, but it is also one of the top-tier Openworld games to have come out in recent years. The game itself is set in Mexico, with many different beautiful environments through which you can race. There is also a massive catalog of cars you can choose from.

Our Forza Horizon 5 Review explains in depth the open-world design of this racing game. Basically, there are areas like the Baja Desert, farmland, jungle, and La Gran Caldera. Baja Desert is a massive desert area where you can race around. In comparison, La Gran Caldera consists of beautiful volcanoes and mountainside tracks for you to race on.

It is rather amazing how the developers built such a vast open world only for the sole purpose of racing. Just riding around the beautiful maps of Forza Horizon 5 never gets boring. The aesthetic setting of its open world makes it one of the best games to play on Xbox One. You can even get Forza Horizon 5 on the Gamepass if you own the subscription.

Pros:

• The lighting in Forza Horizon 5 is incredibly well-executed and does a great job of immersing you in the game.
• There is very nice variability in tracks; each track is different in its own way.
• Forza Horizon 5 allows you to free roam, which can be a great change of pace.
• The range of customization is amazing
• The car selection is massive.

Cons:

• The microtransactions allow you to almost unlock anything, which can feel like pay-to-win.
• There can be a lot of loadings that can be very frustrating.

10. Halo Infinite

• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Developer: 343 Industries
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Halo Infinite is the latest and greatest Halo game which is also a direct sequel to Halo 5. Studio 343 took a fresh approach this time around by creating an open-world Halo game. The vast open world of Halo Infinite becomes accessible after completing the campaign mission 2.

The open world isn’t just empty either. There are many side missions in addition to other activities that you can do around the map. Even though the campaign of Halo Infinite is linear, the open world itself is not where you are granted freedom of exploration. 

Halo has always been the trademark of Xbox, and it is no surprise that we include it in our list of best open-world games for the Xbox One. You can also grab the game for free if you have access to Xbox Gamepass. Additionally, there is a whole separate multiplayer mode included as well.

Pros:

• The graphics and visuals in Halo Infinite are stunning and provide a truly immersive gameplay experience.
• The gunplay is great and makes for a very satisfying experience.
• Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is incredibly fun.
• The soundtrack is amazing.
• The story in Halo Infinite is engaging and captivating.

Cons:

• There is a lack of game modes which can lead to burnout quickly.
• Halo Infinite’s menu UI is lacking.
• Some of the weapon’s balancing issues can lead to frustration in multiplayer games.
• Halo Infinite does not contain a lot of different maps.

9. Cyberpunk 2077

• Publisher: CD Projekt Red
• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Cd Projekt Red is one of the best studios known for making amazing open-world games. Cyberpunk 2077 is no exception to Cd Projekt Red’s masterclass open-world design. However, the not-so-amazing launch of the game overshadowed how good Cyberpunk really is.

Cyberpunk 2077 had many issues at launch, which set a bad impression. However, all these issues are now ironed out by the developer in the recent updates. You can enjoy a seamless experience of Cyberpunk 2077 on your Xbox One without any problems.

For the best experience on Xbox One, read our Cyberpunk 2077 Best Controller Settings guide. There are various Legendary Armors and Katanas that you can play around with. The game even offers a huge set of Perks for more variety in gameplay. Also consider reading our Best Cyberpunk 2077 Lifepaths: Pros and Cons guide.

Explore the beautiful and futuristic open world of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077. Filled with amazing NPCs, aesthetic vehicles, and just an overall gorgeous setting of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers one of the best open worlds to date.

Create your own character through the character creation engine, which is much like that of Souls games. Then explore the massive open world either on a futuristic car or a Motorcycle in Cyberpunk 2077. Every Xbox One owner should definitely try the game at least once.

Pros:

• Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most beautiful games when it comes to graphics.
• The main story is incredibly well-written and engaging.
• The voice actors in Cyberpunk 2077 do an incredible job of bringing the character’s emotions in the most realistic way possible.

Cons:

• The close combat in Cyberpunk 2077 is horrible and gets very boring quickly.
• Many performance issues and glitches spread throughout Cyberpunk 2077, which can ruin the entire experience.
• Some of the dialogues might feel forced.
• Some of the animations can be weird.

8. Middle Earth: Shadow of War

• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: Monolith Productions
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

The successor to Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War improves upon an already amazing open world with its nemesis system. Middle Earth: Shadow of War features a massive open world filled with content that you’ll come across during your exploration. 

The nemesis system basically allows you to take over Orc camps and make armies of your own in the open world. Seize your enemy bases and make them your own. Make the Orcs fight alongside you against the enemy. It is a very unique aspect of Shadow of War’s gameplay that you won’t find in any other open-world game.

The size of the open world itself is also massive, with five different biomes in the game. Each biome is filled with collectibles and side quests in addition to a variety of enemies. Middle Earth: Shadow of War is one unique open world game in our list of best open world games for Xbox One.

Pros:

• The Dynamic Nemesis System creates unique enemy encounters and personalizes your journey through the game to give you a more immersive experience.
• You can recruit and command an army of orcs, each with its own unique abilities and personalities, to aid you in battle.
• Middle-Earth: Shadow of War features some of the most fun combat in RPG history.

Cons:

• The story’s pacing can feel a bit off because of some padding being done to lengthen it.
• The endgame part of Middle-Earth: Shadow of War may not appeal to some players.
• The graphics are inconsistent in different parts of Middle-Earth: Shadow of War.

7. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

• Publisher: Sega
• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Yakuza Like a Dragon is the best entry point into the Yakuza Franchise. It is the seventh installment of the critically acclaimed Yakuza series. Like a Dragon brings back everything that we loved about Yakuza and further improves on those mechanics.

Although the combat is significantly different from previous Yakuza games, it is like a breath of fresh air as RGG implements turn-based combat into Yakuza, which has some comical elements as well. Additionally, there are new cities added to Yakuza Like a Dragon, including Ijincho and Yokohama.

Create your own party in the expansive open world of Yakuza and take on your enemies. There are many side activities that keep you occupied for hours as well. Yakuza Like a Dragon is a testament to how far the open world has come in Yakuza games. Almost every Yakuza game is available to download on Gamepass. 

Pros:

• The story is very well-written and keeps you engaged throughout.
• The characters are amazing and very relatable.
• Yakuza’s aesthetic is very visually pleasing and unique.

Cons:

• The turn-based combat system might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
• Yakuza: Like a Dragon’s character animations can sometimes be clunky and stiff.
• The protagonist was changed in Yakuza Like A Dragon which a lot of players did not like.

6. Batman Arkham Collection

• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Developer: Rocksteady Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Games

Batman Arkham games are best-in-class superhero games developed by Rocksteady Studios. Play through an amazing open-world Gotham as Batman on the Xbox One. Additionally, the Batman Arkham collection consists of three Arkham games, including Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight.

You can even grab the collection on sale for as low as 10$. Grappling and Gliding your way through Gotham City while beating up the bad guys is an experience that every Xbox One owner should go through. You can even drive the Batmobile through Gotham in Batman Arkham Knight.

The combat in Batman games is also extremely fluid. With the gloomy and dark atmosphere of Gotham, Batman Games offer some of the best aesthetics in the open world. The open world itself is also filled with many secrets and rewards you for exploring it.

Undoubtedly, Batman Arkham games on the Xbox One are definitely deserving of the best open-world games title. These games not only have great voice acting, but they also feature some of the best cinematics for a superhero game.

Pros:

• Batman Arkham Collection includes all 3 of the Arkham games and the Arkham Knight season pass in an incredibly cheap and affordable package.
• The Arkham games have fluid and intuitive combat that makes every strike feel like there is weight behind it.
• The open world is enormous, with a variety of side missions and collectibles to discover.

Cons:

• The enemy AI can be a bit slow sometimes.
• The violence in the Arkham games may not be suitable for younger players.
• Some of the boss fights can feel very underwhelming or sometimes too easy.

5. Fallout New Vegas

• Publisher: Bethesda
• Developer: Obsidian
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

Fallout New Vegas is an action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Games and published by Bethesda. Despite being riddled with bugs at release, the game quickly became a cult classic in the open world genre. It amassed a huge fanbase because of its outstanding writing and open-world design.

Bethesda Games also receive many mods due to huge Modding Communities following these games. These mods generally bring the quality of life changes to the game in addition to added benefits. Even on its own, the open-world Fallout New Vegas sets itself apart from other open-world games.

Fallout New Vegas is originally an Xbox 360 title. However, it can be easily played on the Xbox One thanks to backward compatibility. The game is even available on Xbox Gamepass as well. 

Pros:

• Fallout New Vegas has a vast open world set in a post-apocalyptic setting.
• There are several unique factions that you can align with and each faction has its own goals.
• Fallout New Vegas’ Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.) allows you to pause the action and target specific body parts for more precise and dynamic combat.
• The hardcore mode of Fallout New Vegas gives a good challenge to players who want to put their skills to the test.

Cons:

• Fallout New Vegas has a bit too many bugs and glitches that can get incredibly frustrating at one point.
• The AI is incredibly dumb.
• The first-person shooting in Fallout New Vegas is very clunky and unsatisfying.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Publisher: Rockstar Studios
• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Another magnum opus of studio Rockstar, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption. However, the story is set before the events of the first game. You play Arthur Morgan, who is part of the biggest bandit gang in America.

It should be noted that the game was set well before the 1900s. Play through an extremely beautiful and well-designed open world filled with mountains, grasslands, farms, cities, and islands. Rockstar breathes life into its open-world games, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is no exception to that.

Brimming with life in each and every corner of the map, Red Dead Redemption 2 has a lot of content to offer through its open world. Secrets are hidden in every nook and cranny of the map, only to be discovered by open world fans. 

Red Dead Redemption also runs smoothly on the Xbox One, where it is locked at 30fps. Rockstar really outdid themselves with this title. Red Dead Redemption 2 definitely deserves the spot in the top 5 of the best open-world games available on Xbox One. 

Pros:

• The graphics are stunning and immerse you in a very detailed environment.
• Red Dead Redemption 2’s open world feels alive and has many things you can explore.
• The quests and missions are incredibly unique while being interesting and thrilling.
• The attention to detail is mesmerizing.
• Red Dead Redemption 2’s soundtrack is amazing and fits the atmosphere very well.

Cons:

• Red Dead Redemption 2’s wanted and honor systems can be unfair.
• The animations can be a bit awkward sometimes.
• There is a lack of a good fast travel system in Red Dead Redemption 2.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Publisher: CD Projekt Red
• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Single Player Game

The 2015 Game of the Year, The Witcher 3 is Cd Projekt Red’s most polished and successful game to date. An open world filled with literally hundreds of hours of content, The Witcher 3 is a must-play for open-world game lovers. 

With difficulties as hard as Death March and mini-games such as Gwent, Witcher 3 caters to all types of gamers. The world of Witcher 3 is an absolutely beautiful fantasy design filled with mythical creatures that you hunt as you go. 

The fate of characters in this world depends on your actions and choices. It makes the game feel more alive. The beautiful imagery in the game cannot be stressed enough, especially in the Blood and Wine DLC. Your choices make your story in the Witcher 3.

Not only is the open world brimming with dungeons, bosses, and NPCs to interact with, but it also has unique hidden easter eggs for the players who like to explore. 

Pros:

• The background and the environment in The Witcher 3 are incredibly well-designed and beautiful.
• The Witcher 3 has satisfying and fluid combat that is incredibly fun.
• The detailed and gorgeous graphics bring The Witcher 3 to life.
• There are many different things you can explore in the open world as you progress through the game.

Cons:

• Big loadings times that can be very boring and time-wasting.
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a lot of systems and mechanics that can be overwhelming for new players to understand, such as the alchemy and crafting systems.
• Some of the side quests can feel repetitive and uninspired.

2. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

• Publisher: Konami
• Developer: Kojima Productions
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

MGS V: The Phantom Pain was one of the most ambitious projects from Hideo Kojima, which resulted in an exceptional open-world design paired with the smoothest third-person action. The game even has amazing optimization as it runs at a smooth 60 frames per second on Xbox One.

The game drops you in two different regions based in Afghanistan and Africa. Experience gameplay in both tropical forests of Africa and the sandy dunes of Afghanistan. There is even a buddy system in the game which allows you to take different companions into battle.

MGS V doesn’t spoon-feed you content like many other open-world games. It allows the player to choose for themselves how they want to counter a certain situation. Gameplay is heavily dependent on freedom, and missions can be tackled in various different ways.

The open world is not the only amazing aspect of MGS V. The Storyline, Voice Acting, and Cinematics all contribute towards making MGS V one of the best open world games that you can enjoy on the Xbox One. 

Pros:

• The story in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is incredibly complex and unique, which keeps you engaged from start to finish.
• The graphics and visual design are incredibly stunning and appealing.
• The unique gameplay mechanics, such as the use of the Fulton recovery system and Mother Base management, add depth to the gameplay experience.

Cons:

• Some of the side missions can get incredibly tedious in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
• The excessively long cutscenes might not appeal to a lot of players and can get frustrating.

1. Elden Ring

• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Developer: From Software
• Single Player or Multiplayer: Both

Elden Ring is the most recent release of Studio FromSoftware and has quickly gained massive popularity as the best open-world game ever made. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has set new standards for the open world genre of gaming with the release of Elden Ring.

Elden Ring does things so perfectly and creates an almost flawless open world which even makes The Legend of Zelda: BOTW look ordinary. Undoubtedly, the content offered in Elden Ring is exceptionally greater than some other open-world games that are higher in price. 

Prior to its release, Elden Ring had already won Two Awards for the most hyped game. And on release, it lived up to that hype with its open-world design. So much so that no other game being released this year has a chance to compete against Elden Ring at the Game Awards.

From using Colossal Swords to Katanas to Seals and implementing incantations into your builds, there is a lot to do here. While you’re at it, check out our Elden Ring Best weapons guide. There are many difficult bosses like Malenia but you can use Mimic Tear for an easier time.

Elden Ring is probably one of the last few AAA games being released on the Xbox One. Players should definitely make the most of the game. Elden Ring is definitely the best open world to have come out in a long time, and it deserves the number 1 spot on our list of best open world games for the Xbox One.

Pros:

• The open world of Elden Ring is very well-designed.
• Some of the areas are exceptionally stunning, with detailed environments that are incredibly immersive.
• Elden Ring’s characters are amazing and memorable.
• The writing is great and does an amazing job of keeping you engaged in the story.
• Elden Ring’s combat system is unique and incredibly fun

Cons:

• The AI can be a bit dumb sometimes.
• Some bosses appear multiple times in a single run which can be repetitive.

 

A Similar Read: Best Soulsborne Games

Honorable Mentions

There are many other open-world games available on the Xbox One that are worth playing in addition to the ones that we have mentioned. These are some of the underrated gems that also deserve some appreciation for their open-world design. Following is the list of some additional open-world games available on the Xbox One that are also good;

• Dying Light 2
• Immortals Fenyx Rising
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Just Cause 4
• Mad Max
• Fallout 4
• State of Decay 2
• Riders Republic
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
• Watch Dogs: Legion
• Far Cry 4
• Batman Arkham Origins

Summary

This concludes our list of Best Openworld Games for the Xbox One. We explained in complete detail almost 20 different open-world games that you can download and play on the Xbox One.

Our rankings are based on the popularity of these games and their general review scores. Let us know about other open-world games on the Xbox One in the comments below!

NEXT: 15 BEST Villains In Video Games History