Upcoming Open-World Adventures You Shouldn’t Miss

29 January 2025

The gaming world is a vast expanse of creativity, and open-world adventures truly embrace that spirit. I mean, who doesn’t love the freedom to roam sprawling landscapes, take on quests at your own pace, and stumble upon jaw-dropping moments of discovery? If you’re as excited about open-world games as I am, then buckle up because there are some absolute gems on the horizon. These upcoming open-world adventures are shaping up to be unmissable experiences, and I’m here to tell you all about them.

What Makes an Open-World Game So Irresistible?

Before we dive into the upcoming titles, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes open-world games so special. It’s not just about the size of the map—it’s about what you do in that space.

Picture this: You’re wandering through a dense forest, the sun peeking through ancient trees, when you hear the distant growl of a creature you didn’t even know existed. Or maybe you’re scaling a mountain, only to stumble upon ruins brimming with lore. Open-world games are like playgrounds for the curious, rewarding you for stepping off the beaten path. They let you be the storyteller in a way linear games just can’t.

But enough about the philosophy of gaming. Let’s talk about the future. Which upcoming open-world games are going to steal the show? Grab your notebook (or, you know, maybe just scroll) because this is the list you’ve been waiting for.

1. Starfield: A Journey Beyond the Stars

Bethesda’s first new IP in 25 years. Let me repeat that—25 years! If that doesn’t get your heart racing, I don’t know what will. Set in the vastness of space, Starfield is primed to be a game-changer (pun fully intended).

What Makes It Special?

Think of Skyrim, but in space. You’ll be captaining your very own spaceship, exploring uncharted planets, and navigating galactic politics. The level of customization Bethesda’s promising sounds bonkers too. From customizing your ship to your character’s backstory, it’s all about making the universe feel like yours.

The sheer scale of it is staggering—over 1,000 planets to visit! Sure, some might just be rocky wastelands, but the thrill of “What’s out there?” is half the fun.

Expect deep lore, immersive environments, and that classic Bethesda touch (bugs included, but we love them anyway).

2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

If you thought Breath of the Wild was revolutionary, wait till you see Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo has been awfully mum about this highly anticipated sequel, but from the trailers, it’s clear we’re in for something special.

Why It’s a Must-Play

Remember climbing anything and everything in BotW? Well, Tears of the Kingdom is taking that freedom to the skies. Sky islands, new traversal abilities, and even hints at revamped combat systems—it’s all coming together beautifully.

Nintendo has a knack for filling every nook and cranny with secrets, and you know this game will have surprises you won’t see coming. Plus, the story seems darker and more intense, which is always a win.

3. Hogwarts Legacy

Alright, Potterheads, hold onto your wands. Although it’s set in the Harry Potter universe, Hogwarts Legacy is doing its own thing, and boy, does it look magical.

Set in the 1800s...

You’ll play as a student at Hogwarts long before Harry, Ron, and Hermione ever roamed the halls. This fresh timeline means the game has room to carve out its own identity, and from what we’ve seen, it’s doing just that.

Explore not just the iconic Hogwarts castle, but its surroundings too. Ever wondered what it’d be like to walk through the Forbidden Forest or explore Hogsmeade on your broomstick? Well, wonder no more. From dueling dark wizards to crafting potions, there’s a ton packed in here for any fan of the Wizarding World.

4. Fable (Reboot)

Ah, Fable. The OG open-world fantasy series that’s as whimsical as it is ambitious. After a long hiatus, the franchise is coming back, and it’s being handled by Playground Games (yeah, the same folks behind Forza Horizon).

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Fable games have always been about choice—the hero or villain path, humor-infused storytelling, and creating a world that feels alive. While we don’t know too much about the reboot yet, the teaser hints at all of those signature Fable elements, plus next-gen graphics that look jaw-dropping.

The humor? Still there. The adventure? Bigger than ever. It’s a classic tale reimagined for a new generation, and I, for one, am counting the days.

5. Crimson Desert

At first glance, Crimson Desert might look like just another medieval fantasy RPG, but trust me—it’s so much more than that. Made by the creators of Black Desert, this game combines single-player narrative with MMO-like elements, and the result looks stunning.

What to Expect

Imagine leading a band of mercenaries across a gritty, war-torn world. With combat that’s fast, fluid, and just a little over-the-top, Crimson Desert’s gameplay already feels like something special.

And let’s not forget the visuals. The game’s landscapes range from snowy mountaintops to bustling cities, all rendered in eye-popping detail. This is one game where “photo mode” will probably see a lot of use.

6. Beyond Good and Evil 2

Alright, let’s get real. Beyond Good and Evil 2 has been in development for ages. But every new glimpse we get at this ambitious space opera has us saying, “Take your time, Ubisoft. Just make it perfect.”

Why You Should Be Hyped

Think open-world exploration on a galactic scale. Airships, dynamic cities, and even online co-op possibilities—it’s the sequel fans of the cult-classic original have been waiting for.

Michel Ancel and the team have described it as a game where you’ll have the freedom to do things your way. Want to stick to the skies? Sure. Prefer a more grounded approach? Go for it. It’s ambitious, yes, but also endlessly exciting.

7. Avowed

Obsidian Entertainment is back at it again. These are the folks who brought us Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, so you know they’ve got a knack for crafting memorable RPGs. Avowed is their next big venture, and it could very well be their best yet.

The Details We Know

Set in the world of Eora (the same universe as Pillars of Eternity), Avowed promises first-person swordplay, magic, and exploration. Expect a world brimming with lore, choices that matter, and Obsidian’s signature sharp writing.

If you’ve ever wished Skyrim had more depth in its storytelling, Avowed might just be the answer.

8. Skull and Bones

Ready to trade your swords for sails? Skull and Bones takes you into the treacherous waters of the high seas in a pirate-themed open-world adventure.

Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me

Ubisoft has been teasing this game for what feels like forever, but it finally looks like smooth sailing ahead. Build your fleet, plunder enemy ships, and carve out your legacy as a fearsome pirate.

While the focus is heavily on naval combat, there’s also exploration, trade, and, of course, plenty of treasure. Set sail, captain—it’s about to get wild.

Honorable Mentions

Let’s not forget about other promising titles like DokeV (a colorful open-world game by the makers of Black Desert), Forspoken (a fantasy RPG with fast-paced traversal), and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (because why not save the world and cause a little chaos while you’re at it?).

Final Thoughts

Open-world games continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re soaring through uncharted galaxies, wandering magical forests, or battling foes in gritty medieval landscapes, these games are proof that the best adventures are the ones where you call the shots.

Got your eye on any particular title? Or are you planning to try them all (because, honestly, that’s my plan)? Either way, these upcoming open-world adventures are going to keep us glued to our screens for years to come.