Open-world games remain a cornerstone of the gaming landscape, captivating players with vast, immersive environments. Despite some believing the genre is crowded, the allure of sprawling worlds continues to draw gamers eager for new adventures. This year has already delivered impressive titles like Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and Monster Hunter: Wilds, but 2025 promises an even more thrilling lineup. From innovative indie projects to blockbuster sequels, here’s a look at ten open-world games set to make waves in 2025, each with the potential to be a game-changer.
Ballad of Antara: A Fantasy Epic Awaits
Release: TBD 2025, Tipsworks Studio
Ballad of Antara is a free-to-play action RPG from Tipsworks Studio and Infoldgames that’s generating buzz as a fresh open-world experience. While free-to-play titles can raise eyebrows, this one stands out with its ambitious vision. Players embody Emissaries, beings who navigate between a vibrant world and a dark, twisted dimension called Para. The game blends a gripping single-player story with co-op gameplay for up to three players, tasking them with uncovering secrets across both realms. With its Soulslike elements and no confirmed release date yet, it’s one to watch closely.
Exoborne: A Fresh Take on Extraction Shooters
Release: TBD 2025, Sharkmob AB
Set in a post-apocalyptic world reclaimed by nature, Exoborne is a tactical extraction shooter aiming to stand out in a crowded genre. Its dynamic weather system ensures no two sessions are identical, with players facing not only rival factions but also unpredictable storms and tornadoes. Strategic gamers can turn these elements to their advantage, adding depth to the experience. Exoborne has the potential to redefine extraction shooters if it delivers on its unique premise.
Where Winds Meet: A Martial Arts Marvel
Release: US TBD 2025, Everstone
Where Winds Meet has already taken China by storm, amassing millions of downloads shortly after its PC launch. This open-world action RPG, set to hit the US in 2025, immerses players in a breathtaking world of beauty and conflict. Inspired by Chinese martial arts, it offers fluid combat, diverse weapons, and deep RPG mechanics, including robust character customisation. With over 100 hours of content playable solo or with up to four friends, it’s poised to captivate fans of story-driven adventures.
Wheel World: A Charming Indie Gem
Release: TBD 2025, Messhof
Wheel World is an indie open-world game that’s turning heads with its vibrant, cartoonish art style. Players control Kat, a cyclist chosen by ancient spirits to recover stolen Legendary parts and save a universe in peril. The game combines high-speed bike races with exploration, allowing players to uncover secrets and customise bikes with countless parts. A free demo is available on Steam, offering a taste of this cozy yet thrilling adventure.
Dune: Awakening: Survive the Sands of Arrakis
Release: June 10, 2025, Funcom
Dune: Awakening transports players to the unforgiving deserts of Arrakis in an open-world survival MMO. Set in an alternate timeline amidst a civil war, players act as undercover agents tasked with a mysterious mission. Survival demands scavenging, crafting, and building shelters to endure sandworms, rival players, and the harsh environment. With its rich Dune universe backdrop, this title could elevate the survival genre to new heights.
Dying Light: The Beast: Zombie Chaos Unleashed
Release: TBD 2025, Techland
Initially planned as DLC for Dying Light 2, Dying Light: The Beast has evolved into a standalone open-world action-adventure. Set in the zombie-infested Castor Woods, players control Kyle Crane, now enhanced with superhuman abilities after years of experimentation. With parkour, vehicular traversal, and a “Beast Mode” for devastating attacks, Crane seeks revenge against a shadowy villain. This title promises to thrill fans of zombie-slaying action.
Crimson Desert: A Medieval Fantasy Odyssey
Release: TBD 2025, Pearl Abyss
Crimson Desert, set in the Black Desert Online universe, offers a single-player, story-driven open-world experience. Players follow Kliff, leader of the Greymanes mercenaries, as he battles to save the continent of Pywel. The game features reactive combat, exploration via gliding and climbing, and deep worldbuilding. With its focus on narrative and exploration, Crimson Desert is shaping up to be a must-play for fantasy fans.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach: A Stranger Sequel
Release: June 24, 2025, Kojima Productions
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On the Beach builds on the original’s unique vision, promising an even weirder and more intricate world. Players reprise the role of Sam Porter Bridges, connecting fragmented communities in a post-apocalyptic America while battling otherworldly creatures. Enhanced mechanics and quality-of-life improvements aim to deepen the experience, making this sequel a standout for fans of innovative storytelling.
Elden Ring: Nightreign: A Soulslike Evolution
Release: May 30, 2025, FromSoftware
Elden Ring: Nightreign reimagines the Soulslike formula with a cooperative focus, designed for three-player teams, though solo play is an option. Set in the procedurally generated Limveld, players explore, battle enemies, and prepare for a climactic boss fight as the map shrinks over three in-game days. Directed by a FromSoftware veteran, this title blends familiar intensity with fresh mechanics, promising a thrilling experience.
Ghost of Yotei: A Samurai’s Revenge
Release: October 2, 2025, Sucker Punch
Ghost of Yotei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, is set 329 years later and follows Atsu, a samurai seeking vengeance against outlaws who killed her family. With refined combat, new weapons, and greater narrative control, the game builds on its predecessor’s cinematic excellence. Slated for release on October 2, 2025, it’s poised to deliver a gripping, visually stunning open-world adventure.