7 best Open-World games launching in 2025

Open-world titles have always held a different charm for gamers worldwide: expansive virtual worlds, stories, and the freedom to choose the path of one's gaming journey. This game segment has now become a beloved genre, with creativity being its most alluring part.

In 2025, multiple exciting entries into this genre are officially set to land. Below is a rundown of the seven best open-world games launching this New Year.

Read on to explore what games have the potential to create a buzz in the global gaming landscape of 2025.

7 best open-world games that are scheduled for release in 2025

Grand Theft Auto VI

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Arguably the most anticipated game in recent history is Grand Theft Auto VI. It takes players to a fictional place, Leonida, a state home to the iconic Vice City and beyond. Rockstar has introduced a duo this time, Jason and Lucia. Lucia will be the series' first playable female protagonist.

The game uses the updated RAGE engine, which will come with immersive graphics to give the players an unparalleled experience. You can take a look at GTA VI's first official trailer below:

A fan, @FLilly18, commented on the trailer,

"Fun fact every time you watch this trailer you're a minute and thirty seconds closer to release."

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Platform: PlayStation 5, and more TBA

Death Stranding's creator, Hideo Kojima, returns with an On the Beach sequel. This sequel is based on the themes of human connection and survival in a beautiful yet perilous world. The developers present the game as

"Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam—with companions by his side—sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction."

It goes on,

"Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected? Step by step, legendary game creator Hideo Kojima changes the world once again."

Players will once again get a chance to step into the boots of Sam Porter Bridges, Norman Reedus, and Léa Seydoux, along with new faces such as Elle Fanning.

Ghost of Yōtei

Platform: PlayStation 5

Following the notable success of Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei introduces Atsu, a warrior navigating the tundras and grasslands surrounding Mount Yōtei. The gameplay narrative is set in 1603. It takes place over 300 years after Jin Sakai’s story.

With a new protagonist and freedom to explore Hokkaido, this title is expected to bring a new perspective on the Ghost’s legend. The official game description by PlayStation is as follows:

"At the northern edge of Japan, a new warrior rises. In 1603, Atsu sets out on a journey in the lands surrounding Mount Yōtei, an area filled with sprawling grasslands, snowy tundras, and unexpected dangers."

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Release Date: February 14, 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac

This installment of the Assassin's Creed series introduces two protagonists in a feudal Japan setting. Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and an African samurai, Yasuke, are the two new characters. The game promises an open world with castle towns and shrines. It will allow the players to explore Japan's Sengoku period.

Here is Ubisoft's take on the new characters:

"NAOE: Trained as a shinobi assassin from Iga Province, Naoe sets out to travel through Japan on a quest for revenge to fulfill an impossible promise."

"YASUKE: After completing his training to become a skilled samurai, Yasuke finds a new purpose confronting the demons of his past."

Monster Hunter Wilds

Release Date: February 28, 2025
Platforms: Multiple

Capcom’s Monster Hunter series takes a step forward with Monster Hunter Wilds. Players will now get to explore the Forbidden Lands, a region that features two different seasons: Fallow and Inclemency. You will be the monster hunter in these lands.

Players have to uncover the mystery of the White Wraith and rescue Nata’s people, the Keepers. This ecosystem-driven gameplay has been equipped with dynamic weather patterns, monsters, and locales like the Windward Plains.

The studio is describing the game as

"Dynamic, ever-changing environments. A story of monsters and humans in a world with two faces: one in which the lands are harsh and unforgiving, where monsters fight for scant resources—and another in which the lands are vibrant and brimming with life."

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Release Date: February 4, 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II comes with a virtual universe of chaotic 15th-century Bohemia. Henry of Skalitz, a young man seeking revenge for his murdered family, will be the player's character. From towns to forests: the game features a medieval environment. With an expansive open world, this action RPG is expected to garner love from fans of historical titles.

Below is what the developers had to mention regarding the upcoming game:

"Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a gripping tale of revenge, betrayal and discovery. Embark on an epic journey from a humble blacksmith's forge to the court of Kings."

Crimson Desert

Expected Release: Late 2025
Platforms: Multiple

Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert invites players into Pywel. This action-adventure title follows Kliff and the Greymanes as they fight for their survival in the virtual world of the game. The narrative comes with stories behind mercenary lives that will unfold for the players as they traverse through Crimson Desert.

Here is how the studio is introducing the title:

"An Open World Action Adventure: Step into the continent of Pywel, a continent embroiled in war for unprecedented power. Endless challenges and threats arise as the portents of calamity throughout the land begin to unravel."