Top open-world games for first-person adventures

The Thrill of First-Person Exploration in Open-World Games

Exploration is a fundamental element of the open-world genre. Even games that emphasize long stories, epic boss battles, or engaging combat often incorporate exploration as a way to encourage players to venture beyond the main path and discover hidden treasures. First-person games are especially well-suited for these kinds of adventures, offering some of the most immersive and satisfying experiences in the industry.

Whether you're looking to visit an alien planet, an alternate reality, an exotic country, or a bygone era, the open-world genre has something for everyone. And you don't have to be a fan of first-person shooters to enjoy these games. Let's take a look at some of the best first-person exploration games that offer an incredible experience.

Ghostwire: Tokyo – A Supernatural Journey Through Japan

Despite a catastrophic paranormal event that has removed the population of Tokyo, the open-world map in Ghostwire: Tokyo feels surprisingly lived-in. Player-character Akito is possessed by a spirit that grants him special powers to aid in his quest to battle evil specters and uncover what happened to the city's people.

The game may not have the largest map, but it's filled with meaningful content. Collectibles are few and offer interesting perks, and many missions follow a linear path. However, the world is otherwise open for exploration, with plenty of environmental storytelling for those who want to uncover its secrets.

Far Cry 4 – Kyrat’s Diverse Landscape

Fans of the Far Cry series will have their favorites when it comes to locations and world-building, but many consider Far Cry 4 to be the best. Its Nepal-inspired setting, Kyrat, is said to be the perfect size, with just the right amount of content to keep players engaged without feeling overcrowded or empty.

The diverse environments of Kyrat range from rugged snow-capped mountains to lush green forests, and players can travel between these areas using various vehicles. North Kyrat is initially off-limits, but the map gradually opens up as Pagan Min’s influence is diminished by liberating bell towers.

Cyberpunk 2077 – The Futuristic City of Night

Even during its turbulent launch, Cyberpunk 2077 received praise for its sprawling metropolis, Night City. Discovering the many secrets of the futuristic megacity’s seven districts is incredibly satisfying, with intriguing points of interest hiding around every corner.

V’s adventure allows players to experience much of the city’s offerings, but they are free to explore on their own. The city is full of side quests and activities, and while some parts are bleak due to extreme inequality, it remains a fascinating and beautiful place to explore.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – A Cyberpunk Prague

Some aspects of gameplay in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided switch to third-person, but exploration is always first-person. There are also scripted moments that follow a set path, but otherwise, players are free to tour around the cyberpunk dystopian city of Prague in 2029, plus sections in Dubai and London.

Unraveling a worldwide conspiracy involving the Illuminati, Adam Jensen must use his advanced weaponry and augmentations. While the story received criticism for its abrupt ending, the setting is striking, blending the old architecture of Prague with the technological advancements of the future.

The Outer Worlds 2 – A Planet-Hopping Adventure

Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds is a solid space adventure with a great sense of humor, but its planets are relatively small hubs. The sequel improves upon the original by offering vastly improved gameplay and far bigger areas, with many of the locations being breathtakingly beautiful.

Unlike other massive open-world games, this series keeps things relatively contained, offering zones that provide room for exploration without overwhelming players. The Outer Worlds 2 does a great job of filling its worlds with worthwhile discoveries, rewarding players for going off the beaten path.

Sons Of The Forest – A Survival Horror Adventure

A survival horror game is not typically known for fun exploration, but the world of Sons Of The Forest is perfect for investigation, especially with friends. There are cannibals and mutated monsters to contend with, along with the threat of starvation and dehydration.

Player-character Jack seeks out a missing CEO and his family on an island called Site 2. Surviving on the island is difficult, but it's still a fascinating place to explore for resources that can help with shelter and survival. Players can choose to play in peaceful mode, where they can craft and move around without fear of attack.

Outer Wilds – Explore a Solar System in 22-Minute Chunks

Most games on this list are not solely exploration-focused, but Outer Wilds is the purest example of an "exploration" open-world game. The entire experience revolves around discovery, with no combat or sandbox activities to distract from the main focus.

Stuck in a 22-minute time loop that resets when the sun goes supernova, an astronaut must travel to different planets in search of knowledge about an instinct race and the cause of the upcoming catastrophe. Outer Wilds encourages players to get lost, stumble about, and waste time in the best possible way.

Subnautica – Discover the Beauty and Horror of the Deep

Another survival horror game with a unique and immersive setting, Subnautica takes the action below sea level after Ryley Robinson crashes his spaceship on the ocean planet 4546B. There are plenty of alluring locations to explore, but players must always be cautious of large sea monsters waiting to attack.

Going deeper often leads to great rewards for crafting, and there are two islands above the surface that are fully explorable. There are more forgiving game modes for those who want to focus on building and exploring, and Hardcore mode offers permadeath for those seeking a real challenge.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – A Realistic Medieval Europe

Set in the year 1403, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 features a map that is twice as big as its predecessor. Following the events of the first game, players embark on a journey to avenge the death of Henry’s murdered parents.

The rich open world captures life in 15th-century medieval Europe, with plenty of activities and interactions that impact the overall story. The choices made will shape Henry’s traits and characteristics, influencing future encounters and how the story unfolds.