Here at SVG, we definitely love a good open-world game, with some of our favorite open-world games of all time still holding up beautifully years later. 2026 has been a great year for open-world games too, from the return of established franchises to impressive new series’ debuts. More than just the usual third-person action-adventure games, there are multiplayer co-op and even racing games that have embraced the possibilities of a wide-open map. Nine months into 2026, we’re looking at the greatest open-world titles that have received their full release this year.
Of course, we’re aware that “Grand Theft Auto VI” is poised to be the game to beat in this ever-expansive genre in 2026, but we haven’t tried that title out for ourselves yet. In the meantime, we wanted to take a look at the currently available open-world games before that expected “GTA” dominance in the months to come. Each of these titles offer a welcome alternative and are fully immersive in their own way. Here are the five best open-world games of 2026 so far, each providing engrossing environments for players to explore.
Crimson Desert
One of the earliest ambitious open-world titles released in 2026 is “Crimson Desert,” developed and published by South Korean studio Pearl Abyss. A medieval fantasy adventure, the game follows an order of warriors who are trying to rebuild after a devastating attack, and who must still defend their realm. In addition to the hack-and-slash combat, players have access to a whole host of mechanics and activities as they explore the continent of Pywel. The game’s upcoming DLC expands the scope further, most notably adding naval combat and underwater exploration.
“Crimson Desert” is a game that’s noticeably improved since its launch through post-release updates, fixing things like the game’s inventory system. With its more uneven bits ironed out, the game is a rewarding experience worth sinking dozens of hours into. Pearl Abyss has given players quite the world to explore and immerse themselves in, something that has remained consistently enjoyable since its launch. An early gem that should thrill fans of the genre, “Crimson Desert” provides a solid open-world to explore and experience.
Forza Horizon 6
After the enthusiastic response to “Forza Horizon 5,” expectations were high for the 2021 game’s eventual follow-up. Fortunately, “Forza Horizon 6” raised the bar for what is possible from Xbox Game Studio’s long-running racing series. The game continues its emphasis on open-world gameplay, this time in a recreation of Japan and its various cities, including Tokyo. There are numerous activities for players to engage and to progress in the racing career as they explore the country and challenge rival racers.
The Japanese setting for “Forza Horizon 6” is one of the series’ best, with its depiction of Tokyo incredibly detailed in its presentation. Similarly, there is an absolute wealth of activities available for players to choose from; players certainly won’t be at a loss for things to do. At the same time, the high-octane action is on full display and the automotive handling is as intuitive as ever. Handling open-world racing far better than last year’s “Mario Kart World,” “Forza Horizon 6” is a standout in its series.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
The original “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” is one of the best “Assassin’s Creed” games ever made, something that Ubisoft is acutely aware of. With that in mind, the studio remade the 2013 title for modern audiences with this year’s “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.” The game retells the swashbuckling saga of Edward Kenway, a pirate who joins the Assassin Brotherhood during the 18th century. The remake adds additional content to the experience while bringing some of the gameplay mechanics and quality of life improvements from more recent “Assassin’s Creed” games.
“Black Flag Resynced” is an ambitious remake of the beloved original “Black Flag,” with Ubisoft pulling out all the stops. This includes a gorgeously rendered Caribbean open-world map for players to explore, with fantastic water and environmental effects demonstrating its technical advances. Moreover, the game retains so much of the charm of the 2013 title, leaning into what made it such a joy to play in the first place. A showcase for “Assassin’s Creed” and its strengths, “Black Flag Resynced” feels like reuniting with an old friend for fans of the original.
Big Walk
Not every open-world game needs to have technically advanced presentation or pulse-pounding stakes, which is something “Big Walk” recognizes intuitively. The game is built around cooperative exploration, with teams of players navigating a sprawling environment. Players progress by solving puzzles and completing challenges strewn throughout the world by working together in admittedly wacky ways. This places a strong gameplay emphasis on communication, with players interacting through proximity chat and nonverbal gestures.
Anyone who played developer House House’s preceding title, the enormously successful “Untitled Goose Game,” is aware the studio mixes imaginatively unassuming gameplay with loads of humor. Those qualities are prominent in “Big Walk,” adding a funny dimension to its teamwork-driven gameplay. This is as cozy as open-world games get, reveling in the power of friendship (as cheesy as that description might sound). A tremendous amount of fun that’s even better if more players are involved, “Big Walk” derives its gameplay pleasure entirely from the journey that friends embark on together.
The Blood of Dawnwalker
If you were looking for a video game like “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” with a greater emphasis on vampires, there is a new release that’s got you covered. The action RPG “The Blood of Dawnwalker” is set in a 14th century European kingdom ruled by vampires. The game’s protagonist, Coen, turns into a half-vampire while his family is kidnapped by the ancient vampiric despot Brencis. Coen has 30 days to rescue his family before they’re executed, liberating his community — using his newfound abilities — from the evil that has been mercilessly dominating it.
The amount of freedom afforded to players beyond the open-world exploration makes “The Blood of Dawnwalker” a truly deep gameplay experience. Depending on whether it’s day or night, players alternate between their human and vampiric builds, each with their own distinct playstyles. But the ticking clock mechanic really helps the game stand out, fueling a sense of urgency visible through an ever-changing world around Coen. A fantastic third-person adventure that makes full use of its premise, “The Blood of Dawnwalker” is a bloody good time.
