Top 10 Steam Open-World Games

Open world games are a huge category. We haven't reached complete fatigue when it comes to exploring large worlds, be it sandboxes, RPGs, or survival games. Being able to drop into a world and go wherever you want instantly, instead of being limited by loading screens or a linear storyline, is a huge appeal, though we may be at the crux of seeing that change soon.

Steam's Open World category is full of iconic video games that have wowed people around the world. Between incredible stories and smaller games that can be enjoyed in co-op on almost any PC, low-end or high-end, there's a pretty decent variety of titles depending on what you're looking for. Note that we're only discussing true open-world titles here, so games that may have a label but still impose restrictions on certain zones, e.g. Stardew Valleydoes not qualify this time.

These are the ten real open world games that appear in the Open World Games category on Steam when Top Rated is selected. Here they are sorted by percentage of user rating scores.

Rust

86% – very positive

Rust is a staple of the survival game genre, so it's no surprise that it ranks so high. Even if you've never played the game, chances are you've seen footage of it floating around the depths of the internet, with people tricking their way into an enemy base, or a new player setting up camp among the more advanced ones. It has a pretty grueling PVP side that cemented it as a place in the video game hall of fame. You spawn naked, with nothing to your name, and something to stand for.

It also goes a little further than some other survival games, with vehicles thrown into the mix and of course plenty of weapons. Raids are a common occurrence that can devastate unprepared player factions and destroy months of hard work. If you wanna be heartbroken but love to live on the edge Rust is an indisputable part of your gaming library.

Cyberpunk 2077

88% – very positive

Cyberpunk 2077 has improved a lot since its release, but its Steam rating is forever marred by the horrific dip it experienced in December 2020 when it was released in an unfinished state. After countless hotfixes and massive patches, as well as a great DLC, Phantom Liberty, it seems that the game's image has finally improved.

Just looking at recent reviews shows that players will love V's story and the lush, dystopian, neon world of Night City. It's far from a perfect game, but with many changes to loot systems, build balancing, and even more content thrown in, it's undoubtedly another showcase of CD Projekt RED's impeccable design and writing skills. If you're wondering if now is the best time to get into the game, the answer is yes, absolutely. Do it before we get more news about Project Orion!

Red Dead Redemption 2

91% – Very positive

Red Dead Redemption 2 is considered by many to be one of the best video games ever made, so it may be strange not to see it ranked much higher. The main reason for its lower score is the fact that its Steam version was a rocky introduction for PC gamers. The game, while absolutely perfect on the console, wasn't very well optimized.

There have been complaints about Rockstar's launcher, but looking at recent reviews it's clear that the game has come a long way and Rockstar Games has managed to iron out some of the bigger issues. The unforgettable story of Arthur and the gang ended up wowing PC gamers, just like the first impression on those on PlayStation, and it's an emotional ride into a fictional, dying Old West.

Elden Ring

94% – very positive

Elden Ring dominated the gaming scene in 2022 and won a GOTY award for providing top-notch open-world RPG content wrapped in FromSoftware's renowned software. It was the first time players who had never played a Soulslike or Soulsborne game entered FromSoftware's title, and there were few who weren't blown away by the incredible world design, unique yet challenging bosses, charming and obscure lore, as well as the epic soundtrack.

With little hand holding and total freedom to go wherever you want, Elden Ring thought of what an open world RPG could be. I know it was the first ever FromSoftware game for me, and it was a gateway to other titles from the studio that previously seemed too intimidating to attempt. It ranks pretty high on Steam for those reasons alone, and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, only increased the challenge by introducing more new enemies and bosses to conquer.

Forest

95% – Mostly positive

A survival game that leaves players stranded after a plane crash, Forest is one of the best examples of what it means to masterfully combine great survival mechanics and survival horror into a tight package. After seeing your son taken away by the not-so-friendly locals, it's up to you to find him and survive against the tribes that control the hostile wilderness while managing your hunger and thirst.

Enemy AI and their design v Forest has received a lot of praise over the years because it directly adapts and reacts to the player's actions, keeping you constantly on your toes when you jump into it without any prior knowledge. That kind of immersion is worth its weight in gold and easily explains why this game still ranks so high on Steam and remains almost universally loved.

Do not starve together

95% – Mostly positive

Expansion of the cult survival game Gothic, Do not starve together it has all the bells and whistles of the original gaming experience, but with the added bonus of being able to play with your friends. It's a game that combines the dark whimsy you'd find in a Tim Burton film with the real, tangible survival elements you'll find in many of the genre's great games. You choose between different playable characters and enter a harsh world where managing your needs and common sense is key, while everything wants to kill you at first sight.

The seasons are harsh, the world is unforgiving, and yet the game is somehow incredibly adorable and sweet, like a page in a nostalgic children's story picture book. Just… don't be fooled. This is a survival game that rivals all others (well, maybe not the Green Inferno, that one will really test your patience) and is best explored with a few friends in your party.

Subnautica

96% – Mostly positive

Another open world survival craft on this list, Subnautica has charmed players from all walks of life with its gorgeous underwater vistas, intriguing premise, and deeply hidden secrets. It is true that some of us were drawn into its depths thinking that it would just be a pleasant underwater exploration game, but no. If you are even slightly afraid of the deep and what lies beneath the surface, you have been warned!

It comes with a very fun story and a real twist when you end up stranded on an ocean world and have to find your way off the planet – or you can stay forever if that's your speed. At a time when most survival games take place on the surface in the wilderness, Subnautica was and is quite revolutionary, and its sequel, due sometime in 2026, has a lot to catch up on.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

96% – Mostly positive

The Charmer the game series really took off when CD Projekt Red released the hit The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt became It's a massive open-world RPG that remains both visually and tonally timeless. Even years later, it's pretty impressive how well it plays and how incredible it looks. Based on the book series of the same name, you play the role of Geralt, who searches for his adopted daughter Ciri, who is in grave danger.

But as always with open-world RPGs, there are side quests and activities to distract you. Namely Gwent! This addictive card game has become such a phenomenon that it now has its own game on Steam, but of course it won't hit as hard as Wild Hunt repetition. With how big The Witcher 3 was, it's safe to say that the hype is through the roof The Witcher 4.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

97% – Mostly positive

Driving games are a huge problem and Euro Truck Simulator 2 is one that no fan of the genre should miss if they are looking for quality and total immersion. This game was released over a decade ago and still holds up so well it's a bit of a miracle. Highly realistic with massive open world environments and simulation-style gameplay, Euro Truck Simulator 2 put yourself in the shoes of a trucker traveling through familiar vistas across the European continent.

It's not just about driving though: you also manage the entire business, upgrade your vehicles, match your rides, hire more truckers to work for you, etc. The sheer depth of this game is amazing and it's simply the perfect sim and driving title to relax when you've had a long day. Steam agrees with me and ranks it as the second highest open world game of all time. Impressive stuff.

Terrariums

97% – Mostly positive

oh Terrariumssandbox king and husband Minecraft. This charming 2D open world survival craft dominates Steam's open world section for very good reasons. It's a game that goes surprisingly deep, with lots of hidden bosses and mechanics that will have you scouring the wiki for information. Unlike Minecraftit leans a bit more towards RPG mechanics and you get a lot of cool weapons, armor, gear and tools to spice up your playstyle.

Build a house for yourself and NPCs to move into, or go exploring and gathering resources. What really takes this game to the next level is the modding community and the fact that it's a title that doesn't require you to have a beefy PC. Finally, it's the most affordable game on this list, and ultimately, affordability plays a big role when it comes to making a game that appeals to the widest possible audience.