Introduction
2025 is going to be full of open-world games, and Gamix has got them all—at least the ones that are probably going to be talked about the most. Hi folks, it's Zaid, and today on Gamix, the top 25 open-world games of 2025.
The Precinct
Starting off with number 25, *The Precinct*. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a cop in a neon-soaked, 1980s-inspired city, at this point, you probably don't wonder—you've probably experienced this a couple of times. But *The Precinct* puts you in the shoes of a rookie cop by the name of Nick Cordell. Now, to be fair, this is not a cyberpunk game; it is actually set in 1983.
Yes, there are quite a few neon lights, but no, it is not cyberpunk. It's basically reverse *Grand Theft Auto*. You're a cop, and we're not talking about massive stuff like, "Oh my God, there's a terrorist attack going down, and I, the cop, am the only one that knows." It's parking tickets, mundane stuff, "I need some backup here, dispatch," but it does go up to bank heists. *The Precinct* is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series sometime this year.
Mind's Eye
Number 24 is *Mind's Eye*, a single-player action-adventure thriller set in a kind of AI cyberpunk hyper-capitalism. You've got the *Blade Runner*, you've got the *Total Recall*, you've got the greedy CEOs and the neural implants and the amnesia. Your whole idea is figuring out what the hell has happened to you and surviving what looks like a completely crazy world. Honestly, it's a pretty cool-looking game. *Mind's Eye* is landing on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series in the summer.
Adam Fall
At number 23, it's *Adam Fall*. You take a little *S.T.A.L.K.E.R.*, take a little *Fallout*, take even maybe a little bit of *Bioshock*, and that's what *Adam Fall* looks like. This game takes place in an alternate 1962 Britain. You're in a quarantined countryside district in an area five years after a nuclear disaster with mutated creatures, cults, and all that stuff. "Temporary quarantine," they said. "It's been bloody years. They're hiding something from us—something terrible." You've got exploration, crafting, survival, moral choices. Honestly, it looks like a lot of fun. If you like *Fallout: London*, you probably have to have a look at this. *Adam Fall* is coming to PlayStation, the Xboxes, and PC on March 27th.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
And number 22 is *Assassin's Creed: Shadows*. How could we not be talking about this one? Feudal Japan—honestly, probably the best place for an *Assassin's Creed*. It takes place during the Sengoku period. You've got Nae, a ninja, and Yasuke, an African-born brawler. Nae is made up; Yasuke is actually a historical figure, although the accuracy of the depiction will no doubt be up for debate. Basically, *Assassin's Creed* realized they were being out-*Assassin's Creed-ed* by *Ghost of Tsushima* and went wild. Finally, what it needs to be.
I mean, the stealth is really solid. The setting is incredible. Ubisoft never really doesn't make beautiful, detailed worlds, but it's not the world that's the problem—it's often other little things. There's some repetitive side activities you're going to see in games, some rough story spots, but honestly, I think a lot of people are going to be happy with this one. We're maybe a little pickier, but also, it's good to see the series on the up. *Assassin's Creed: Shadows* is landing on PS5, Xbox Series, iPad, and PC on March 20th.
Crimson Desert
Number 21 is *Crimson Desert*. What started out as an expansion or maybe a sequel to *Black Desert Online* turned into, like, *Game of Thrones* and *The Witcher* wrapped up into one crazy-looking thing. You're a battle-weary mercenary haunted by your past, and your only therapy is, like, sword fights. I don't know. There's a lot more than sword fights going on here. You saw the trailer. It's nuts. *Crimson Desert* is coming to PS5, Xbox Series, and PC late this year.
Dune: Awakening
Number 20 is *Dune: Awakening*. Hey, you want a *Dune* MMO? Well, that's it. You've got one. Basically, we're looking at kind of a *Conan Exiles* meets *No Man's Sky* type situation. You start with a knife, you scavenge for resources, build shelters, and also, it's *Dune*, so everything wants to destroy you. Will you become the king of the spice trade? We'll see. *Dune: Awakening* is landing on PC May 20th, with a PS5 and Xbox Series release coming sometime later.
Like a Dragon: Pirate
At number 19 is *Like a Dragon: Pirate*. Yakuza in Hawaii—boy, *Like a Dragon* is crazy. And here's a canon entry into the series where Goro Majima is a pirate. He wakes up with amnesia on a Hawaiian island, and for whatever reason, that means he ends up a pirate pretty quickly. We've talked about this game plenty—it's fun as hell, it's crazy. It's not necessarily exactly on the level of, say, *Infinite Wealth*, but it's definitely a worthwhile trip into this world as Majima brings his Mad Dog style (which, if you've played the games, you already know). There's also the new Sea Dog style, where you dual wield a cutlass and pistols—it's crazy. And yes, you have a ship. It's not quite *Black Flag*, but it's certainly much better than *Skull and Bones*. This one's been out for a while. I've played it, I've enjoyed it, and I recommend it. It's out on the PlayStations, the Xboxes, and PC.
Ghost of Yoai
At number 18 is *Ghost of Yoai*. We've moved forward about three centuries from *Ghost of Tsushima*, so we're dealing with slightly more modern things—not necessarily powerfully more modern, but obviously, Jin Sakai is not alive anymore. You're Atsuo, a different warrior. And I don't know if it's going to exactly be more of *Ghost of Tsushima* or if they're throwing in some other elements—like maybe we'll see a little bit of Sakoku stuff in it. I do hope Atsuo's journey is as compelling as Jin's. We'll see. *Ghost of Yoai* is coming to PS5 later in the year.
Alcahest
Number 17 is *Alcahest*. Hey, do you like *Dark Messiah of Might and Magic*, *Kingdom Come*, or maybe even a little *Bioshock*? Well, we've got an adventure RPG here that looks like it has some sort of alchemical chaos tossed into a...I hesitate to say *Dishonored*-esque vibe exactly, but I can't help but think of it. I mean, you have a complex alchemy system, which is something none of those games had, but I don't know—it looks pretty interesting to me. I hope it's anything like any of the games I'm referencing—maybe with a little bit of *Skyrim* or *Resident Evil* thrown in there. I get a sense of a lot of different things here. This one's coming to PC, though we don't have a date for it yet.
Hell is Us
At number 16 is *Hell is Us*. This one puts you into the shoes of Remy, a UN peacekeeper who goes AWOL to go back to his home country of Hidaya to uncover his roots—but the place is crawling with what they're calling Hollow Walkers. Sounds very *Death Stranding*-like to me, but the game itself is very different. You have archaic melee weapons because the Hollow Walkers are immune to modern weaponry. It’s kind of a *Dark Souls* meets *Death Stranding* meets *Spec Ops: The Line* combination. Definitely an odd combo, but something that looks interesting. *Hell is Us* is coming to PS5, Xbox Series, and PC on September 4th.
Ark 2
And number 15 is *Ark 2*. Remember *Ark*, that crazy prehistoric survival game? Well, hey, guess what—it’s going more *Fast and Furious* because now it has Vin Diesel. That’s not really all that’s different from the first one. It's got a massive overhaul. The world looks incredible. There’s third-person Souls-like combat, which I think is probably a good idea. But perhaps the most interesting aspect here is full platform cross-mod support in Unreal Engine 5. Meaning, Bethesda really has no more excuses—it’s time to move to a new engine, guys. At least, that’s the case if this game isn’t awful. Maybe then they’ll have an excuse. We’ll see—it looks good to me! *Ark 2* is coming to Xbox Series and PC late in the year.
Light No Fire
At number 14 is *Light No Fire*, Hello Games' next title after *No Man's Sky*. An interesting shift, this game transitions from exploring every planet to just one—a procedurally generated world the size of Earth. It gives off *Valheim* meets *Breath of the Wild* vibes, with a hint of *Tears of the Kingdom*. You’ve got expansive caves, sandbox-style gameplay, and even the ability to build structures—something absent from *Breath of the Wild* or *Valheim*. It feels like a mix of familiar elements from *No Man’s Sky* combined with new ideas. *Light No Fire* is coming to PC later this year—speculatively speaking.
Exoborn
At number 13 is *Exoborn*. We’re really starting to feel the impact of *Death Stranding* on the gaming world, and this game is no exception. The United States has been transformed into a chaotic wasteland, and the gameplay involves navigating dynamic weather events. You get to customize your exo-rig, which feels like what *Anthem* could’ve been if it reached its potential. A combination of *Death Stranding* and *Anthem* sounds incredibly promising, and if it lives up to that potential, it could be something unique. *Exoborn* is coming to PS5, Xbox Series, and PC later this year.
Project The Perceiver
Number 12 is *Project The Perceiver*, an open-world action game brought to us by Paper Games. You step into the role of the Master of Varietas, a figure tasked with perceiving and consolidating diverse ideals into powerful masks. These masks grant different combat abilities, giving the game a unique edge. It’s as if *Majora’s Mask* meets *Assassin’s Creed*. It sounds intriguing, and while they haven’t announced a release date yet, *Project The Perceiver* is coming to PlayStations, with other platforms possibly in the mix.
The Outer Worlds 2
At number 11 is *The Outer Worlds 2*. The sequel to the fantastic *Outer Worlds* by Obsidian, this time it’s set in a different star system—the Arcadia star system. It feels like a Fallout-meets-*Futurama* kind of experience, with a blend of humor, seriousness, and quirky charm. If you enjoyed the first game, you’ll likely love this one too. *The Outer Worlds 2* is coming to PS5, Xbox Series, and PC later this year.
The Ballad of Onara
Number 10 is *The Ballad of Onara*, a free-to-play Soulslike. This isn’t something you see too often—a Soulslike modeled off *Dark Souls* but also carrying free-to-play elements. Imagine *Genshin Impact* but leaning heavily into the *Dark Souls* formula. The landscapes are varied and visually striking, from forests to wastelands, and the game holds a lot of potential. Of course, free-to-play games often come with monetization risks, but this one might be worth keeping an eye on. *The Ballad of Onara* is launching on PS5, PC, and mobile platforms later in the year.
Dying Light: The Beast
At number 9 is *Dying Light: The Beast*. We thought Kyle Crane was gone for good, but nope, he’s back after enduring 13 years of experimentation. And now, he’s out for revenge against those responsible for his suffering. This game adds some new, exciting elements—Kyle Crane can now transform into a Werehog and use a grappling hook. What’s not to like about that? *Dying Light: The Beast* is set to release on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC this summer.
Borderlands 4
Number 8 is *Borderlands 4*. Gearbox promises to rein in the humor from *Borderlands 3* while delivering a darker, more mature tone. However, we can still expect some silliness—it’s Borderlands, after all. With a fully open world, no loading screens, grappling hooks, gliding, and tons of new guns, it feels like an evolution of the formula. If you’re a fan of the series, this one looks like it could be a great addition. *Borderlands 4* is coming to PS5, Xbox Series, and PC on September 23rd.
Gothic 1 Remake
Number 7 is the *Gothic 1 Remake*. A classic RPG getting a modern upgrade, *Gothic 1* pioneered a genre that it dominated for years. The question is whether its old-school mechanics and faction dynamics will adapt well to modern graphics and controls. Will it capture the charm of the original or fall flat? Only time will tell. *Gothic 1 Remake* is coming to PS5, Xbox Series, and PC later in the year.
Where Winds Meet
At number 6 is *Where Winds Meet*. This martial arts-centric open-world game is set during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of ancient China. Beyond the combat, the game offers roles like doctor or merchant, allowing you to influence the world around you in unique ways. It gives off major *Witcher 3* vibes, though the combat seems quite different. Already released in China, it’s coming to PS5 and PC for global audiences later this year.
Terminator Survivors
Number 5 is *Terminator Survivors*. Picture a *Fallout*-style game set in the *Terminator* universe—but leaning more heavily into survival elements. With co-op gameplay for up to four players, you’ll face battles with Terminator units while building and defending bases. *Terminator* games have had their share of misses, but this one shows a lot of promise. It’s launching via Steam Early Access on PC first, with console releases to follow.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Number 4 is *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Already released, this latest entry in the franchise refines the *Monster Hunter World* formula while introducing elements of *Monster Hunter Rise*, such as increased verticality. While some streamlining choices have sparked debate, the game manages to maintain the essence of what makes the series so enjoyable. *Monster Hunter Wilds* is available on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
At number 3 is *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*. Out now, this sequel builds on the foundation of the first game, offering more of Bohemia to explore. The reset of abilities and progression is cleverly explained through the narrative, making the experience feel natural. Bigger, better, and more immersive—*Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* is an excellent follow-up, available across all platforms.
Death Stranding 2
Number 2 is *Death Stranding 2*. Hideo Kojima's latest project amps up the surrealism and chaos, blending more Metal Gear-esque elements into the *Death Stranding* formula. Troy Baker plays a mysterious, Kafka-inspired character, adding to the intrigue of this bizarre and compelling world. Whether or not *Death Stranding* is normally your thing, this sequel is undeniably fascinating. *Death Stranding 2* is coming to PS5 on June 26th.
Grand Theft Auto VI
And finally, number 1—*Grand Theft Auto VI*. The most anticipated open-world game of the year, this installment features dual protagonists and is set in a fictional version of Florida, evoking a *San Andreas*-like vibe. Though details are scarce, expectations are high, and Rockstar is sure to surprise us with groundbreaking new features. *GTA VI* is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series late this year.
Conclusion
To keep it simple, 2025 is packed with amazing open-world games that have something for everyone. From exploring ancient Japan in _Assassin's Creed: Shadows_ to surviving futuristic chaos in _Dune: Awakening_, developers are making bigger, better, and more exciting worlds than ever before. There are sequels to fan favorites like _Grand Theft Auto VI_ and _Death Stranding 2_, as well as fresh ideas like _Light No Fire_ and _Hell is Us_.
Whether you enjoy action, survival, or crafting, there’s plenty to look forward to. These games promise thrilling adventures and incredible stories to immerse yourself in. It’s a great year to be a gamer!
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