The open world genre has often served as something of a benchmark for how far gaming has come as a medium. Combining massive and immersive seamless virtual worlds, cinematic narratives driven by memorable characters, and exciting exploration full of freedom and adventure in one enticing package, some of the most iconic and celebrated games of all time belong to the open world family. From Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption 2 to The Witcher 3 and Fire Ring — It is impossible to deny the global impact of these games.
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The eighth generation of video game consoles (PS4 & Xbox One) was among the most prolific periods for open-world games, with many of the most popular titles released and modern franchises established. But what about the current generation so far? While the upcoming GTA 6 are already poised to shake up the entire industry in just a few months, let's explore some of them the best open world games released during the ninth console generation. While the “flawless” part is definitely subjective, the games below are some of the highest rated in recent years, representing the best offerings from the modern open world lexicon.
Just to make it perfectly clear, the focus here is only on games released natively on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and not available on latest generation devices.
Ghost of Yotei
Perfect an already unique open world DNA
Sucker Punch's unique approach to its samurai-focused action-adventure series resulted in subsequent games that don't have numbers in their titles. These entries feel almost standalone in their appeal, bringing original stories and characters with each new game and not requiring players to experience its predecessor. While Ghost of Tsushima's The DNA is unmistakable when playing Ghost of Yoteithe new game managed to improve on almost everything from the original, perfecting the series' signature flow of brutal action, tight storytelling and the true spirit of adventure in a stunningly gorgeous virtual Japan.
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Ghost of Yotei works perfectly regardless of how players approach it. Whether you're looking for a condensed, cinematic story centered on action and narrative with little to no fluff or vice versa, value its less curated freewheeling side — it's the near-perfect blend of the two. Add in some of the most beautiful visuals in the genre this generation, and combat that's as deep and satisfying as it is flashy and accessible, and you've got an enticing mix of a game that's hard to put down. In the realm of modern open-world titles, Ghost of Yotei is truly flawless and lives up to its promise of being the ultimate sword adventure.
Forza Horizon 6
You don't even have to love cars to love this
It's amazing how many modern games (and not just open world titles) are set in Japan these days, but what's even funnier is how we still haven't had enough of it. Unlike the historical side of the country, however, Forza Horizon 6 embraces its contemporary allure, delivers the setting that series fans have craved for years, and does so with a bang. Even if FH6 is very light on innovation and offers mostly minor evolutionary changes, its setting and map alone are enough to hook even players who are usually indifferent to running sims.
And it's easy to understand why: every minute spent in Forza Horizon 6 is a good time, so why change things too much? Tons of side activities and racing events, hundreds of detailed and customizable cars, flexible difficulty and ongoing seasonal challenges and game modes. All of that aside, just cruising around a beautifully realized Japan, listening to a great score on any radio station, collecting fun collectibles and enjoying smooth driving feels almost like therapy after a long day at work. Forza Horizon 6 is an absolute masterclass in its own sub-genre, simply unattainable by the competition for nearly a decade now.
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
This generation's ultimate medieval open world RPG
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 represents one of the biggest leaps in quality across the board from an original game to its sequel, head and shoulders above the first entry. In fact, the game has already earned a reputation as this generation's ultimate medieval open-world RPG, standing side by side with titans that The Witcher 3 or Skyrim. On top of that, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 represents one of the most immersive games ever made, rivaling the Red Dead Redemption 2 in this regard, delivering a world and characters that feel alive even when you're doing nothing while exploring Bohemia.
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The biggest feat with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2However, that's how carefully the developers addressed all the issues from the original and made full use of its unique promise. The sequel is not only a better game in every way; it's miles more fun in its story and gameplay flow, striking just the right balance between careful attention to historical detail and an engaging moment-to-moment presence in this world as Henry. Everything you do or say really matters KCD 2while the central story this time is so tight that it simply grabs you by the scruff of the neck and pulls you into an unforgettable journey.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Not a revolution, but a perfect refinement
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is another example of the total dominance of open-world sequels in this era of gaming compared to the last generation, where many of these popular franchises were founded in the first place. When it comes to Death Stranding 2many fans were surprised by the sequel's announcement, believing the game to be unnecessary and unable to add anything truly substantial to Hideo Kojima's own established “beach” subgenre. But upon his arrival, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach proved that there is still plenty of potential left in this fascinating series, taking both gameplay and visuals to new heights while enriching its core formula in every way.
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Compared to the original, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a much more freedom-focused and flexible game, entrusting players with plenty of traversal and construction tools and even vehicles right from the start, and really letting them make their own way through its vast new territories of post-apocalyptic Australia, full of distinct biomes. With the basics already established, like any decent sequel, DS2 instead focuses on making the moment-to-moment interactions more enjoyable, throwing in some truly spectacular cutscenes, creative sequences and unforgettable boss encounters.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Its only flaw is being far too generous
Just like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth embodies a staggering step up in everything compared to the already celebrated FF7 Remake. From the size of the entire world and a generational leap in visuals to a much larger range of activities, a more nuanced story and characters, and drastically improved exploration and combat — Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is almost twice as long, and, as some say, almost twice as fun. In many respects, it's the kind of game that studios just don't make anymore, combining a winningly old-school approach to story and nostalgia with all the modern achievements to deliver the best of both worlds.
With FF7 Rebirththe only possible problem for some is that Square Enix literally survives trying to make the game as big as it is, packing so many side quests, storylines, and activities into a single title. Of course, that's hardly a shortcoming for most players, especially given how modern players constantly calculate value based on a game's length. Trust me: you won't be sold on this one. With Final Fantasy 7 Revelation already announced and set to be even more ambitious and grand than this spectacular middle chapter, now is probably the best time to dive into this classic reimagining that will undoubtedly take its place as one of the best trilogies ever made.
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