The Only 2026 Open-World Games That Are 10/10, No Notes (So Far)

Despite a seemingly calm start to 2026 (at least, compared to what's coming in September and October) this year has actually been a huge success for the gaming industry. There have been very few misses and plenty of hits, from indie hits to triple-A bangers, and the year isn't even halfway done yet.

Much of that success has come in open world genre. Some games that weren't even expected to be fully open world have stepped in and delivered some of the best entries the genre has seen in a while. Therefore, even though we still have seven months of games left, let's take a look 2026 open world games that already have 10/10 hits.

Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)

Start

Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.

Light (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)Start

Crimson Desert

An explorer's dream

It took a while, though Crimson Desert has definitely earned itself a lot of praise after a rocky launch. With millions of units sold and tons of positive word of mouth from players around the world, this open world action RPG is winning over new players every day. The fact that it has been updated with new content several times since launch doesn't hurt either.

Crimson Desert won't win any awards for its story, and its combat system is very unusual and takes a while to get used to (although once you do, it feels great). No, this game's biggest appeal is how incredible it feels to explore its world. There are secrets hidden everywhere, many of them have no mission marker or even landmarks to indicate their presence. It's a game that encourages its players to explore where and how they want, and it consistently rewards that exploration with incredible finds. This is the kind of game where people will still be uncovering secrets this time next year.

Forza Horizon 6

A visit to the Mecca of car culture

Not a note has changed between Forza Horizon 5 and Forza Horizon 6, but it's not bad. Following up one of the best racing games of all time with another game like it is is hardly a knock on this sequel. The biggest change is its new setting, which finally takes the series to Japan to celebrate one of the most passionate car cultures on the planet. And celebrate it do it.

There is a lesser focus on off-road racing i FH6, mostly because there is less terrain in the game's map, but it is replaced by a much more varied environment, from bustling cities to gorgeous countryside views. The reward system has been adjusted to make winning currency feel more useful, as you will no longer unlock all cars through Wheel Spins. The rest is pretty much just more Forza Horizon, and that was all we really wanted anyway.

Cairn

Not your typical open world

Cairn is not a standard open world game. It's located entirely on a huge mountain, and while you're free to approach it however you want, you can't jump from the base straight to the top. You have to approach it methodically, like a true mountaineer, choosing your routes and planning well in advance so you don't get stuck or forced to retreat and find a new route.

So while it's not a typical open world in the exploration sense, you're still free to approach the climb however you want. Take any route you want, stop and camp whenever you want, and track down lost climbers as you go. There's still plenty of variety in how you approach the game, and its unique focus is what makes it so special. You don't have to worry about side quests or filling out the map. You have a goal, to reach the top of the mountain, and how you get there is what makes your personal journey unique.

Esoteric Ebb

A disco-like tribute to Terry Pratchett

There has been a wave of “Disco-likes” lately, borrowing many of the iconic elements of Disco Elysium, and aside from ZA/UM's follow-up, Zero Parades for Dead Spies (which isn't open world), the best example of this trend is a weird little indie RPG called Esoteric Ebb. Despite great reviews, this game still hasn't been discussed much, but that will surely change because it's absolutely brilliant.

Instead of your inner thoughts being speaking characters, in Esoteric Ebb, it's your stat categories like strength and charisma that do the talking. It's a lovely twist, especially for DnD fans, and it's always fun to hear these stats rant about a minor in-game decision. Unlike Disco Elysium, there is battle in Esoteric Ebb, although still defined by a roll of the dice. The whole thing has a distinct Terry Pratchett feel to it Discworld vibe to what provides the perfect humorous twist on a fantasy world, and it delivers on all fronts. The story is fantastic, the RPG systems are complex, and the voice acting is fantastic. What's not to like?

My The Hollowers

A celebration of retro gaming that surpasses modern classics

The Yacht Club Spade Knight redefined how indie games could interpret retro aesthetics and mechanics into a modern package, and it's something we've seen countless games follow up on since, from horror games like Crowland to returns which Ninja Gaiden Ragebound. Yacht Club is at it again, this time to turn a lens on the old-school The Legend of Zelda games and create something truly outstanding.

Mine the Hollower doesn't show all of its cards right away, and between its extremely understated visual style and its simple but intensely challenging combat, it will take some getting used to. Once you get the hang of it, this is a game that will take over your life. There are secrets everywhere, just waiting for you to see the little clues that give them away. Boss fights are a standout here, with some boss sprites that are truly spectacular. The combat is pitch-perfect, with dozens of options for customization, and it even lets you adjust the difficulty in over a dozen different ways if you find the game too challenging. It is almost a certainty that we will talk about it Mine the Hollower during the 2026 GOTY deliberations.

Pokemon Pokopia

A stupidly addictive sandbox and the best Pokémon game in years

Draw a lot from games that Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley, Pokemon Pokopia snuck up on everyone. The Pokémon gaming has been in a strange place lately, with many of the latest entries feeling like half-baked ideas rather than true next-gen experiences. That's why it surprised everyone when Pokemon Pokopia was not only good, but it was one of the best Pokémon games in recent memory.

If you're familiar with sandbox games, you pretty much know what you're going to get here, but it's the Pokemon twist that makes it so special. The game takes place in a “post-apocalyptic” landscape where all humans have disappeared. You play as a ditto who takes on the mission of restoring the world. It's a special kind of feeling when you realize that all the Pokemon that were left behind really can't help themselves without a trainer nearby, and what that means for them when you come to the rescue. Pokopia is a faster sandbox than Animal Crossing, and gives more room for activities, which keeps things moving and makes it absurdly addictive. Best of all, the game is absolutely loaded with content (with more on the way), guaranteeing you'll lose dozens of hours in its astonishingly rich world.