The only 2026 open world games that are 10/10 with no notes (yet)

Despite the seemingly quiet beginning 2026 (at least compared to what's to come in September and October), this year has truly been a huge success for the gaming industry. There's been very little missing and plenty of hits, from indie hits to triple-A hits, and the year isn't even half over yet.

Much of this success came in open world genre. Some games that weren't even expected to be fully open world have entered the game and brought some of the best items the genre has seen in a while. Therefore, even though we still have seven months of games to go, let's take a look at them 2026 open world games that are already hits 10/10.

Arrange the covers in the correct US release order.

easy (5)Medium (7)heavy (10)

Start

Arrange the covers in the correct US release order.

Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)Start

Crimson desert

An explorer's dream

It took a while, but Crimson desert certainly earned a lot of praise after a rocky start. With millions of units sold and lots of positive word of mouth from players around the world, this open world action RPG is gaining new players every day. The fact that it has been updated with new content several times since launch doesn't hurt either.

Crimson Desert it doesn't win any awards for its story, and its combat system is very unusual and takes a while to get used to (though once you do, it feels fantastic). No, the main appeal of this game is just how incredible its world is to explore. They are hidden secrets everywhere, many have no search mark or even landmarks to indicate their presence. It's a game that encourages its players to explore wherever and however they like, and consistently rewards that exploration with incredible finds. This is the kind of game that will have people uncovering secrets this time next year.

Forza Horizon 6

A visit to the Mecca of automotive culture

Meanwhile, not a ton has changed Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Horizon 6, but that's not a bad thing. Following up one of the greatest racing games of all time with another game, just as it is not opposed to this sequel. The biggest change is its new setting, which finally takes the series to Japan to celebrate one of the most passionate car cultures on the planet. And celebrate it.

Less focus is on off-road racing FH6, mostly because there's less off-road terrain on the game's map, but that's made up for with a much more varied environment, from bustling cities to gorgeous countryside vistas. The reward system has been tweaked to make winning currency feel more useful as you will no longer be unlocking each car with Wheel Spins. The rest is much more Forza Horizon, and that's all we really wanted.

Cairn

It's not your typical open world

Cairn it is not a standard open world game. It's all perched on a massive mountain, and while you're free to approach it as you please, you can't jump from the base straight to the top. You'll have to approach it methodically, like a true mountaineer, choosing your routes and planning well in advance so you don't get stuck or forced to backtrack and find a new route.

So while it's not a typical open world in the exploration sense, you can still access the output as you see fit. Take any route you want, stop and camp whenever you want, and track down lost climbers as you go. There's still plenty of variety in how you approach the game, and its unique focus is what makes it so special. You don't have to worry about side quests or completing the map. You have one goal, to reach the top of the mountain, and how you get there makes your personal journey unique.

Esoteric ebb

Disco pays homage to Terry Pratchett

There was a wave”Disco-likes” in recent times that borrow many iconic elements Disco Elysium, and aside from the ZA/UM sequel, Zero Parades for Dead Spies (which isn't open world), the best example of this trend is a weird little indie RPG called Esoteric ebb. Despite a good review, this game still hasn't been talked about much, but that's sure to change because it's absolutely brilliant.

Instead of your inner thoughts being talking characters, v Esoteric ebb, it's your stat categories like strength and charisma that do the talking. It's a wonderful twist, especially for DnD fans and it's always fun to hear these stats bicker over a minor in-game decision. Unlike Disco Elysium, there is a struggle Esoteric ebb, though it is still defined by the roll of the dice. The whole thing has a distinct Terry Pratchett feel to it Earth surface an atmosphere that creates the perfect humorous twist in the fantasy realm, and works on all fronts. The storytelling is great, the RPG systems are complex, and the voice acting is stellar. What don't you like?

Mine The Hollower

A tribute to retro games that surpass modern classics

Yacht Club Knight of Spades redefined how indie games could interpret retro aesthetics and mechanics into a modern package, and it's something countless games have since followed up on, from horror games like Crows of the earth to returns as Ninja Gaiden Ragebound. Yacht Club is at it again, this time turning the lens on the old school The Legend of Zelda games and create something truly special.

Mina the Hollower it won't show all of its cards right away, and between the extremely understated visual style and the simple but intensely challenging combat, it'll take some getting used to. However, once you get the hang of it, it's a game that will take over your life. There are secrets everywhere, it's just waiting for you to notice the little clues that give them away. The boss fights here are exceptional, with some of the boss sprites being truly spectacular. The combat is perfect, with dozens of customization options and even allows you to tweak the difficulty in over a dozen different ways if you find the game too challenging. It is almost certain that we will talk Mina the Hollower during the 2026 GOTY meeting.

Pokemon Pokopia

Silly addictive sandbox and the best Pokemon game in years

Drawing from games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley, Pokemon Pokopia sneaked up on everyone. The Pokemon games have been in a strange place lately, with a lot of recent entries feeling more like half-baked ideas than true next-gen experiences. That's why everyone was surprised when Pokemon Pokopia he wasn't just good, he was one of the best Pokemon games in recent memory.

If you're familiar with sandbox games, then you more or less know what you're getting here, but it's the Pokemon twist that makes it so special. The game takes place in a “post-apocalyptic” landscape where all humans have disappeared. You play as Ditto, who is tasked with restoring the world. It's a strange kind of emotion when you realize that all the pokemon left here really can't help themselves without a trainer and what it means to them when you come to their aid. Popopia is faster sandbox than animal crossing, and it provides more room for activities, which keeps things moving and makes it absurdly addictive. Best of all, the game is absolutely packed with content (and more on the way), guaranteeing you'll lose dozens of hours in its surprisingly rich world.