The ultimate list of open world games releasing in 2025

Over the years, open-world games have become a staple in the gaming industry for their immersive experiences and expansive environments. These games promise to push the boundaries of what players have come to expect from their virtual adventures.  

But what makes them so popular, as compared to other games? The allure of open-world games lies in their ability to create a vast, interactive world where players can lose themselves.

The good news for gamers is that the upcoming titles slated for a 2025 release are no exception; they boast rich narratives and complex worlds. Furthermore, they are set in a range of settings, from post-apocalyptic landscapes to fantastical realms.  

That’s not all. These games also promise compelling stories and engaging gameplay mechanics. From the narrative-driven story of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) to survival challenges in Instinction, each of these upcoming open-world games offers something special. 

Here are the best upcoming open-world games releasing in 2025  

1. GTA 6

Genre: Action-adventure
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S  

One of the most anticipated titles of 2025, GTA 6, is set to continue the legacy of the iconic franchise with a massive open world and a compelling narrative. This latest instalment promises to deliver the same high-quality experience that fans have come to expect from Rockstar Games.  

The game will feature Vice City, a fictional location based in Miami, Florida. Players will navigate through a web of crime and corruption controlling two separate protagonists. When they are not playing through the story, they will find themselves exploring one of the most detailed virtual worlds ever created. 

2. Marvel’s Wolverine  

Genre: Action-adventure
Platform: PS5  

Currently in development at Insomniac Games, Wolverine is an open-world action-adventure game. As the name suggests, this game allows players to step into the shoes of the iconic Marvel character. The game promises to be a rich and immersive experience, with a detailed open-world version of Madripoor to explore.  

As is the staple of Insomniac Games, this game will feature a gripping storyline and well-realised gameplay mechanics so that players can believe they are controlling a relentless superhuman.  

3. Marvel’s Iron Man 

Genre: Action-adventure
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S  

Iron Man is another Marvel-themed open-world title in development at EA Motive. As is evident from the name, players will don the suit of the iconic superhero, flying through detailed environments and engaging in high-octane combat.  

While EA Motive has not revealed much about this game yet, we know it will be developed using Unreal Engine 5, which means it will be visually mind-blowing. Additionally, considering EA Motive’s track record making games like Star Wars: Squadrons and Dead Space Remake, there’s no doubt Marvel’s Iron Man will not lack in quality.  

4. The Sinking City 2

Genre: Puzzle, Horror
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S  

With The Sinking City 2, developer Frogwares continues the Lovecraftian horror adventures that started with its prequel. Set in a city slowly being consumed by dark supernatural forces, players must explore a hauntingly beautiful open world, solving mysteries and combating eldritch horrors.  

The game’s atmosphere promises to be both eerie and captivating, with a dynamic environment that reacts to player choices. Its narrative is deeply intertwined with the open-world mechanics, encouraging players to explore to advance the storyline.  

5. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach  

Genre: Walking sim, Action-adventure
Platforms: PS5  

With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hideo Kojima continues the story of Sam Porter Bridges in the post-apocalyptic United States. Developed by Kojima Productions, this game builds on the unique walking simulator-like mechanics of its predecessor.  

As with any other Hideo Kojima game before launch, we do not have much information about it yet. But one thing that we know for sure is that it looks quite promising. Built using the updated version of Guerilla Games’ Decima engine for the environment and Epic Games’ MetaHumans technology for photorealistic human characters, Death Stranding 2 will be one of the best upcoming open-world games set to release in 2025.  

6. Instinction

Genre: Survival, Action-adventure
Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One  

Developed by Hashbane Interactive, Instinction is an action-adventure survival game that drops players into a prehistoric jungle filled with dinosaurs. Its open world is both beautiful and dangerous, with lush landscapes and treacherous terrain. Players will be forced to use their wits and survival skills to solve puzzles and avoid deadly predators.  

Instinction’s narrative-driven gameplay promises a thrilling experience as players uncover the mysteries of this world. With realistic visuals and a dynamic weather system, Instinction offers an immersive adventure that will keep players on the edge of their seats.  

7. Monster Hunter Wilds

Genre: Action, Fantasy
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S  

Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest entry in Capcom’s renowned Monster Hunter series, was revealed at The Game Awards 2023 and is scheduled to launch in 2025. This instalment promises to blend the elements of Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter: Rise to give fans the most refined instalment in the series yet.  

Just like previous games in the series, Monster Hunter Wilds players will explore diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense forests and arid deserts to volcanic landscapes and icy tundras. However, the standout feature of the game will be the new companion, a raptor-like creature, which players can ride and use to navigate the vast landscapes efficiently.  

8. Fable 2025

Genre: Fantasy, Action-adventure
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series S/X

Fable 2025 will mark the return of the beloved fantasy role-playing game (RPG) series developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. This reboot promises to revive the magic of the original Fable games while introducing modern gameplay mechanics and a richly detailed open world.

Early leaks suggest that Albion, the world of Fable 2025, has been devastated by an asteroid summoned by a mad king using the Tattered Spire, a powerful magical artefact. As the game’s protagonist, players must navigate this world and restore it to its former glory. Above all, this game would feature the voice of British comedian Richard Ayoade, who was also seen in the game’s trailer.

9. Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Genre: Action
Platforms: Nintendo Switch  

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the exciting new entry in the Pokémon Legends series, set for release in 2025. It is being developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company. This game will take players on a journey through the urban environment of Lumiose City in the Kalos region.  

This new setting would be the most standout feature of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Unlike the vast wild areas of previous games, this setting provides a unique urban backdrop for players to explore.  

10. Exekiller  

Genre: Survival
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S  

Exekiller is a first-person shooter open-world survival game set in dystopian New York. In this game, players assume the role of a hunter navigating a dangerous, post-apocalyptic environment. In the open world of Exekiller, players will endure hazards such as dangerous weather conditions and deadly enemies.  

With its immersive setting and intense gameplay, Exekiller promises a thrilling experience for fans of the survival genre. Its unique blend of genres makes this game one of the most unique titles among all the upcoming open-world games set to release in 2025.

(Hero and featured image credit: Courtesy Rockstar Games, and EA Motive)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

– What is the next big open-world game?
GTA 6 is the next big open-world game.

– Which game has the best open world?
Red Dead Redemption 2 has the best open-world setting.