Best Upcoming Open-World Games with Historical Settings

Open-world games are always popular, giving players the freedom to explore and do as they please, and while fantasy or sci-fi settings can be fine, some players prefer historical backgrounds. Period-accurate games can feel more grounded, making deaths and choices hit harder, and some games will even help players learn more about history.

Everything from ancient China up to the Middle Ages and then various stages of 20th century Japan, the following upcoming open world games all have historical settingssome of which are underrepresented in the current market.

Chronicles: Medieval

A medieval sandbox game with big battles

• Historical setting: Medieval Europe

Chronicles: Medieval is an ambitious medieval sandbox game that plans to enter Early Access in 2026. Players will be able to create their own character before forging their own path in a large and vibrant world. The main focus seems to be on combat, with players being able to lead their own armies in large-scale battles.

Following in the footsteps of arguably the greatest medieval series of all time, Kingdom Come: Deliverancethere seems to be a lot of attention to historical accuracy, with color for clothing and buildings seen in all current screenshots and footage.

Stranger than heaven

A historical game from the creators of the Yakuza series

• Historical environment: 20th century Japan

From the creators of Yakuza game, Stranger than heaven is an upcoming open-world game set in 20th century Japan, which players may recognize by its previous development name, Project Century. This working title makes sense when you realize that the game will feature at least three time periods: 1915, 1929, and 1943, all times of turmoil.

Although not much else is known, the trailer shows a vibrant and diverse world that ranges from sleek jazz bars to violent market streets where brawls seem to be commonplace. It also appears that the story will follow a mysterious man struggling with identity, known as Mako Daito, although there may be different characters for each period.

The lively world

A beautiful Top-Down Open World RPG set in ancient China

• Historical environment: Ancient China

If nothing else, The lively world looks set to be one of the most beautiful games ever made thanks to its hand-painted aesthetic, and if it can live up to some gaming promises, it could be the next big thing. It's a top-down RPG where players can decide what kind of life they want to live in ancient China.

For example, players can farm, build, craft and trade, or they can live a life of crime or war and adventure. The world also appears to be deeply simulated, with every action rippling through it. It's definitely one to keep an eye on.

Verny horn

A moody and atmospheric early medieval RPG

• Historical environment: Early Medieval Europe

If players like atmosphere and cinematography in their historical games, Verny horn is an upcoming third-person RPG that hopes to deliver. Ostensibly set in early medieval Europe, with on-location scans from across Poland, the game looks fantastic and makes the most of Unreal Engine 5.

Gameplay wise, players should expect classic RPG mechanics inspired by games such as The Witcheras well as a survival element that will forge stronger ties with the rural environment. As for the story, little is known, but the main character is apparently a man seeking inner peace in a harsh world.

The Legend of Khiimori

Explore medieval Mongolia on horseback as a courier

• Historical environment: 13th century Mongolia

While the medieval Mongols are featured in some games, such as Ghost of TsushimaMongolia itself is rarely depicted. However, it will be the center stage of The Legend of Khiimoriwhich sees players cross the vast steppe on horseback as a courier. Horses are of course a huge aspect of the game, with players being able to tame, bond with and care for horses, which can also be bred to give new traits.

Out in the wilderness, players will need to navigate, search and craft to survive, while hunting with a traditional Mongolian bow from horseback will be a common activity. As for the protagonist's role as a courier, players will sometimes deliver expensive cargo that needs to be protected. Planning the safest routes plays a major role in fulfilling these contracts.

Special mention – Agefield High: Rock The School

A nostalgic trip back to school in the early 2000s

• Historical environment: America in the early 2000s

While it might make many of us feel old-fashioned to call a game set in the early 2000s historical, that's two decades ago, and a lot has changed since then. Agefield High: Rock the School is a coming-of-age game where players take on the role of a new student, Sam, who is determined to make a name for himself.

Ride your bike around the typical American suburbs, meet friends, avoid bullies and get into trouble, but if you get caught, Sam's parents or even the police might get involved. At school, it's the teachers to watch out for, and the players are expected to attend classes as part of a real school system, similar to Bully by Rockstar Games.