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The open world RPG is one of the most demanding genres in gaming: it requires dense writing, a coherent world and enough freedom for players to lose themselves for dozens of hours. In 2026, the library of open world RPGs has never been richer — from timeless classics to recent releases that have redefined the genre. Here is our selection of unmissable titles.
Released in 2015 and enriched with a next-gen update in 2022, The Witcher 3 remains in 2026 the open world RPG that every fan of the genre must have completed. Its world is unmatched in coherence and narrative density: every side quest is written with the care of a main quest, and Geralt's world breathes with a life of its own.
FromSoftware's Elden Ring demonstrated in 2022 that a Soulslike could thrive in an open world without sacrificing its game design philosophy. The Lands Between are an organic exploration ground where every corner hides a discovery, a boss or a fragment of lore. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion (2024) was unanimously praised as one of the best expansions ever released.
Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 is arguably the most ambitious RPG of the decade. While not strictly open world in the broadest sense, its narrative freedom and the depth of its systems make it the most complete RPG experience available. Every decision has consequences, every character has a story, and every run is radically different.
Good to know: Baldur's Gate 3 continues to receive content updates in 2026, with Patch 8 improvements notably adding new subclasses and significantly improving photo mode. The game remains actively supported by Larian Studios.
After a catastrophic launch in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 with its Phantom Liberty expansion and overhaul via the 2.0 update became in 2023 one of the best open world RPGs available. Night City is one of the most detailed cities ever created in a video game, and the expansion's narrative rivals the best games in history.
Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 remains in 2026 a unique experience in the open world RPG landscape. Its level of daily life simulation, the depth of its writing and the beauty of its world make it one of the most accomplished works in the video game medium.
Released in early 2025, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 by Warhorse Studios delivered on all its promises. True to the spirit of the first entry, it offers a medieval historical simulation of uncompromising rigour — no magic, no fantasy creatures, just a coherent and demanding world that rewards patience and exploration.
Over fifteen years after its release, Skyrim remains one of the most played open world RPGs in the world, largely thanks to its modding ecosystem that keeps it perpetually updated. For a player who has never touched it, it is a foundational experience of the genre.
| Game | Developer | Style | Estimated playtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Witcher 3 | CD Projekt RED | Narrative fantasy RPG | 100–200h |
| Elden Ring | FromSoftware | Demanding action-RPG | 60–150h |
| Baldur's Gate 3 | Larian Studios | Tactical D&D RPG | 100–300h |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | CD Projekt RED | Sci-fi action RPG | 60–120h |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Rockstar Games | Western simulation RPG | 60–150h |
| Kingdom Come 2 | Warhorse Studios | Historical medieval RPG | 80–150h |
| Skyrim | Bethesda | Fantasy sandbox RPG | Unlimited |
Good to know: if you are looking for your first open world RPG and do not know where to start, The Witcher 3 remains the most universally recommended choice for its storytelling and relative accessibility. If you prefer challenge and pure exploration, Elden Ring is the one. For an old-school role-playing experience with maximum narrative freedom, Baldur's Gate 3 has no equivalent in 2026.