Progression
Best Open world Games
Non-linear exploration of a large world
48 games ranked by open world intensity
Hearts of Iron IV
WindowsmacOSLinux
DiplomacyMap scaleSandboxOpen worldMethodical
Imperator: Rome
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleOpen worldSandboxDialogue choices
Total War: WARHAMMER
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleOpen worldMethodicalFantasy mythologyReal-time combat
Total War: ATTILA
WindowsLinux
Map scaleOpen worldMethodicalResource managementTurn-based combat
Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldResource managementTech/research trees
HUMANKIND™
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingOpen worldMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
ENDLESS™ Space 2
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleOpen worldSandboxMethodicalResource management
ENDLESS™ Legend
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationOpen worldSandboxMethodical
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Windows
Map scaleTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxOpen world
Factorio
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxOpen worldPixel artCity/empire building
Satisfactory
Windows
Automation designOpen worldSandboxExplorationResource management
Dyson Sphere Program
Windows
Automation designOpen worldSandboxCity/empire buildingResource management
shapez
WindowsmacOSLinux
Automation designSandboxOpen worldPuzzle solvingResource management
Voxel Tycoon
WindowsmacOSLinux
SandboxVoxelAutomation designCity/empire buildingPixel art
Hydroneer
Windows
Automation designSandboxOpen worldResource managementMethodical
FOUNDRY
Windows
Automation designSandboxOpen worldVoxelResource management
RimWorld
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldBase managementResource management
Oxygen Not Included
WindowsmacOSLinux
Base managementSandboxExplorationOpen worldResource management
Kenshi
Windows
Open worldSandboxCity/empire buildingCraftingResource management
Dwarf Fortress
WindowsLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldExplorationBase management
Amazing Cultivation Simulator
Windows
SandboxFantasy mythologyBase managementOpen worldAnime/manga
Embark
Windows
Base managementSandboxOpen worldVoxelResource management
Songs of Syx
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxTerritory controlPixel artOpen world
Surviving the Aftermath
Windows
City/empire buildingOpen worldExplorationResource managementBase management
Surviving Mars
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldBase managementResource management
Dawn of Man
WindowsmacOS
Base managementCity/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldDialogue choices
Foundation
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldDialogue choicesBase management
Patron
Windows
City/empire buildingOpen worldSandboxBase managementResource management
Sapiens
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingOpen worldExplorationBase managementResource management
Against the Storm
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldAutomation designRoguelike loops
Norland
Windows
City/empire buildingOpen worldSandboxResource managementBase management
Manor Lords
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldResource managementTech/research trees
Cities: Skylines II
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldBase managementResource management
Anno 2205™
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldBase managementResource management
Tropico 5
WindowsLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldResource managementBase management
Banished
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldBase managementResource management
Kingdoms and Castles
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldBase managementResource management
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Windows
SandboxOpen worldResource managementTech/research treesBase management
Townscaper
WindowsmacOS
SandboxCity/empire buildingMinimalistOpen worldBase management
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Windows
City/empire buildingOpen worldResource managementReal-time combatWarfare emphasis
Wartales
Windows
Open worldExplorationSandboxTurn-based combatMethodical
For The King
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldLocal multiplayerRoguelike loopsCo-op chaosTurn-based combat
ELDEN RING
Windows
Skill masteryOpen worldMelee combatTenseCompetitive ranked
DARK SOULS™ III
Windows
Skill masteryExplorationOpen worldMelee combatTense
Dragon's Dogma 2
Windows
Open worldSolo contemplativeExplorationPhysics puzzlesCollection
Hollow Knight
WindowsmacOSLinux
PlatformingSkill masteryOpen worldExplorationMelee combat
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Windows
Open worldDialogue choicesSandboxLinear storyExploration
Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
Windows
Melee combatStealthOpen worldSkill masterySolo contemplative