Most Beautiful Open Worlds To Run Through Right Now

Defining Open-Worlds as established in this article ‘Is every game open world now?’: player agency defines open-world games. But they mostly feature beautiful environments and world-building which is important too. This is not going to be a list of the most realistic looking beautiful games, there are many of them but beautiful environments to run through, does not mean photo-realistic. But there are a good few of those here too. 

Playing games is the chance to gallop through a world wishing it was real and you could feel the magic of it on your skin. Open world games give players the chance to sprint around enjoying the beautiful world the developers have created. And it’s often how players forget about the main stories of these games. Here are 5 of the most beautiful open world games you can play right now.

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced 

The most beloved game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise and the remaster looks so good. I would sail those oceans forever if I could and I’m sure many players will. The graphics alone are convincing me to finally play Black Flag, it’s time to live out my pirate dreams. The ocean has never looked so exciting and inviting, with details of the golden age of piracy to find on every island and in every chest.

The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild

I’m going to also include Tears of the Kingdom but Breath of the Wild, breathed new life into the open world genre. Having that moment on a cliff top, over looking the world that you can’t see the edges of, for many fans this is now referred to as a ‘Breath of the Wild moment’: that feeling of awe was revitalised in this game.

Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Another game that has been remastered, reformed into new editions and ported to every console possible. A gaming classic from the moment it released. The graphics shocked a generation with looks amazing to this day. The world building every step of the way encourages the player to go in different directions and make your own story.

Elden Ring

The color and vibrancy in Elden Ring challenged a genre that is defined by how dark, grey and gritty it can look. It brings a beautiful world to the souls-like genre. Use of color and light makes for beautiful landscapes, combat and cutscenes for players to stare at open mouthed. Going into a new world you’re never sure what you’re going to run into. Every corner asks new questions about the world, the player and the NPCs in it. I’m always a sucker for a dark world with glowing magic that makes certain lights a threat.

Octopath Series

HD-2D looks beautiful and I never get bored at looking at the environments. Whether the characters are crossing a huge vast landscape or exploring a small town, there’s great details at every turn. Every entry in the Octopath franchise looks stunning. Different areas on the map provide such a different vibe, different colours and environmental factors for your characters to content with mostly in battle.

Xenoblade franchise 

These Wii U and Switch games have no right to look as beautiful as they do. No games can use hardware as an excuse for bad graphics. Xenoblade has worlds we all want to walk through, brushed by grassy fields and staring up at monstrous mountains. The exploration is one of the main draws of this series to me, exploring every corner for enemies, friends and trickets.

Silksong

Following on from the gorgeous styles of Hollow Knight, Silksong is beautiful. At the most daunting moments you’re in awe of the atmosphere the environments have created. Half of the exploration is motivated by finding secrets to the open world through the beautiful areas. The characters encourage your exploration as the one who can help, who can survive outside of the towns.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 

Stares at every light source like a moth discovering light. The enemies are part of the environment, the fallen world of Paris and France is so amazing to explore. Stylised environments but they feel so real and change so much from one area to another. The beauty is unnerving to the players and to the characters because we know we can’t trust it to be safe.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

There is a reason this game has been remastered and ported to every console known to mankind. Not only is it a great adventure but the open world is gorgeous and so full of life. Every inch of the environment has purpose and adds to the wider world building. There is always some thing for Geralt to do, and different problems appearing in different corners of the world.

Forza Horizon 6

Even racing games can blow you away graphically. Speed through and explore this world through the tight mechanics and adventure but also the

Cyberpunk 2077

A completely different vibe, rather than beautiful sprawling vista, you’re entrapped in a world of skyscrapers, neon lights and the vibrant characters that interact with the environments. The variety of side quests and who gives them to you, throw you into new areas of the city and gives you the chance to explore the interpersonal dynamics of those in charge