Summary
With theXbox Series Xoffering the best modern gaming for Microsoft fans, console gamers may be interested in some of the best titles the successor of the iconic Xbox could offer fans. Now that open-world games have become a more popular method of showcasing the best in graphical fidelity across environments and narrative storytelling through NPC encounters,Xbox Series Xowners may be curious about the most compelling open-world titles in the PlayStation 5’s rival.
Much to the delight of Xbox Series X fans, the console is well-spent in its open-world offerings. Among the best in the Microsoft device’s roster of free-roam titles are sci-fi hits, fantasy worlds, and even stories set in the modern day.
Updated June 12, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:With games such as Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Tekken 8, and even Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League making their way to the Xbox Series X, fans of the Microsoft console may be wondering what other worthwhile titles should they grab for their Xbox gaming experience. Should players want more freedom in their gameplay sessions, open-world games remain a must-have in their current libraries.
And while Skyrim and Grand Theft Auto remain standouts in the genre, other titles worth consideration include games depicting the lives of members in the Japanese criminal underworld, a pet simulator with combat elements, a Norse-inspired survival RPG, an RPG set in the Wizarding World, and a sci-fi planet-hopping experience.
Only open-world games released natively on the Xbox Series X/S will be considered.
Whereas other isometric RPGs often feature confined spaces to emphasize jaw-dropping action,The Ascentsurprises genre fans with a fully open world that does justice to its cyberpunk setting. Set in a dystopia known as Veles, the recent collapse of the Ascent Group megacorporation will force players to uncover the truth behind this society’s descent into further chaos.
The Gameplay ofThe Ascenttakes the form of a twin-stick shooter, emphasizing long-ranged fights and the usage of cover across the game’s destructible environments. However,The Ascent’s open world shines in its attention to detail. Moving NPCs breathe life into the game’s neon-bright structures, with the occasional perspective shift paving the way for artistic presentations of skylines and other environmental elements.
Ubisoft’sWatch Dogsseries breathes modern life into the AI dystopia conspiracy, withWatch Dogs: Legiontransforming urban London into the newest haven of the centralized computer network ctOS. Instead of playing as a single protagonist,Legionlets players recruit both citizens and hostile NPCsto become a part of DedSec, a hacker group that wants to fight those who use ctOS for their selfish desires.
Unlike other open-world games,Watch Dogs: Legionallows players to actively “hack” the environment for their benefit, such as spying on NPCs and interacting with electronic objects such as cameras, lights, and doors. This degree of interactivity extends to a rich iteration of near-future London, with the game’s accurate depiction of the city interspersed with the activities of other factions.
Despite an underwhelming 2016 launch,No Man’s Skygrew to become one of the strongest entries in both the sci-fi and default open-world genre. Players take on the role of the Traveler, a space explorer in an unexplored universe comprised of up to 18 quintillion procedurally-generated planets. Sadly, the game’s initially-plain atmosphere failed to strike a chord with players.
However, whereNo Man’s Skyshines started with 2016’s base-building Foundation Update and the gameplay overhaul via 2017’sNext Update. Since then,No Man’s Skyand its vibrant aesthetic became home to modular bases and ships, a challenging Survival Mode, and a stronger procedural generation system that made each planet more intentional in terms of details and features.
Players who want an alternate take on the criminal lifestyle of theGrand Theft Autoseries may appreciateYakuza: Like A Dragonfor its heart-warming story and equally hilarious hijinks. Set in 2019 within the Isezakicho-inspired district of Isezaki Ijincho,Yakuza: Like A Dragonintroduces a new protagonist in the form of Kazuma Kiryu. Unfortunately, his attempt to leave the yakuza lifestyle results in events that force him to settle some scores.
In a stark departure from the beat ‘em up action of its predecessorYakuza 6,gameplay inLike A Dragontakes the form of a turn-based RPGwith a twist of using nearby objects to attack enemies. The new combat works well with the game’s vibrant open world, with activities such as kart racing and karaoke letting players pursue a more relaxing playthrough compared to other open-world titles.
Fans of theGrand Theft Autofranchise once again return tothe fictional state of San Andreas, specifically in LA-inspired Los Santos, asGrand Theft Auto 5shows how a failed robbery will unite three figures from different walks of life in hilariously strange ways. While San Andreas has become a fan-favorite location in the franchise’s other entries, better graphics, and mechanics inGrand Theft Auto 5modernized the iconic setting.
The game’s roamable open world became much livelier with improved AI on top of better gameplay options such as swimming, cover, and auto-aim. Moreover, the inclusion of different heists helped players more accurately “live” the life of a criminal in theGrand Theft Autotitle. Lastly, the game’s iconic multiplayer section spawned an entirely new game,Grand Theft Auto Online, which showcased the potential of a full-fledged cooperative experience.
While not necessarily the most difficult entry among FromSoftware’s selection ofSouls-like games,Elden Ringis a departure from its cousins with its fully interactive open world. InElden Ring, players take on the role of the Tarnished who are tasked to “reform” the eponymous artifact to restore order in the Lands Between. Courtesy of world-building from George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones),Elden Ringapplies the acclaimed difficulty ofSoulsgamesin a fully interactive sandbox.
Similar to other open worlds,Elden Ringis also filled with hidden catacombs, caves, and dungeons for players to explore. However, the demand for technical combat and increased chances of meeting hostile enemies will keep enemies on their toes. The rich visual design interspersed with the Lands Between’s locales gives the game a stronger open world.
A racing game is only as good as how it showcases cars racing in beautiful locales, andForza Horizon 5strikes this perfect balance. Being the fifthForza Horizontitle, franchise fans will be familiar with the game’s traditional open world on top of staple vehicle customization. However,Forza Horizon 5also introduces new features such as dynamic weather, a custom race creator, a battle royale mode, and even more car customization features.
However, whereForza Horizon 5sets itself apart from other open-world racing gamesis its in-depth take on its environment. Taking place in a fictionalized Mexico,Forza Horizon 5didn’t settle for the standard city setup. Rather, beyond notable towns and cities,Forza Horizon 5’s Mexico is home to beaches and jungles, Mayan temples, as well as an active volcano.
AlthoughCyberpunk 2077had quite the buggy launch, the dystopian setting of Night City and sci-fi concepts from itsCyberpunkTTRPG source material got a much-needed gameplay overhaul withCyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Still starring the mercenary V and Johnny Silverhand, the events of the core game andCyberpunk 2077: Phantom Libertyrevolve around V and Johnny’s efforts to get their consciousness separated.
In tandem with the game’s options of hacking, using machines, andreliance on weaponryis a robust upgrade system comprised of cyberware implants, modded weapons, and vehicles. However, it’s the dystopian cyberpunk backdrop of Night City that gaveCyberpunk 2077a stark separation from other open-world RPGs. Night City’s six locales are separated by differences in theme and predominant population, allowing each area to offer something new to players.
Despite its polarizing reception among fans,Starfieldremains an interesting take on the open-world concept courtesy of Bethesda’s signature flair forin-depth lorewith the new inclusion of firearms, base-building, and spaceships. In the game’s setting of more than 1,000 planets alongside moons and space stations, players get a familiarElder Scrollslevel of exploration but this time in space.
What makesStarfielda change of pace among open-world games is its focus on a NASA-punk aesthetic, this time leaning towards a semi-realistic take on outfits and architecture in the game’s post-Grav Drive timeline. This is a stark contrast toFallout’s atompunk setting, where nuclear energy became the center of development in its universe. While fans have found the game’s story and overall gameplay contentious given the title’s development period,Starfield’s world remains worth the exploration.
The adventures of Harry Potter in Hogwarts and the Wizarding World have inspired fans to come up with headcanons of their own place in the wizarding school, withHogwarts Legacyfinally making this true for players. Set in Hogwarts in the 1800s, players create a character sorted into one of the great Houses of Hogwarts as they try to stop nefarious forces from tapping into a powerful forgotten magic. In the game, players train on casting spells and brewing potions, eventuallydeveloping their way of duelingbased on strategies such as attack bombardment, strategic use of the environment, or relying on potions.
The game’s much-awaited open-world aspect comes in the form of a huge map of the Wizarding World, with players being able to explore on foot or via broom to reach quest destinations, unlock secrets, or immerse themselves in the fictional setting. Class also plays a vital role in the player’s experience, contributing to the game’s mechanics across the story.
