Xbox Game Passhas so many incredible games on it, especially open-world ones, including the likes ofSTALKER 2,Yakuza 0, andFlock. There are plenty players will have never heard of and many that are familiar classics, all of which are equally worth jumping into. These are some of the best and most immersive worlds in all gaming, and they’re all available in one subscription.
Of course, many of these open worlds also fall into thebest RPGs on Game Passcategory, which is great for those who want a 100-hour adventure. However, not all of them are and there are plenty that will take players only a handful of hours to beat. From cozy indies to enormous immersive RPGs,there are so many wonderful open-world games on Xbox Game Pass.
10STALKER 2 (GSC Game World)
A Truly Immersive Open-World
STALKER 2is a mesmerizingly beautiful open-world RPGthat manages to completely transport players thanks to its plethora of immersive features. From its immensely impressive animations to the importance it places on choices, fans of RPGs or of living, breathing open worlds,STALKER 2will feel incredibly appealing. Of course, fans of the original trilogy should definitely check it out, especially as itsopen world is comparatively massiveto evenCall of Pripyat’slarge open areas.
Of course, it is worth noting thatSTALKER 2features a lot of horror elements, from its tense atmosphere to its creepy monsters. While they don’t play a huge role inSTALKER 2’soverall exploration, they’re present enough to make it a spooky experience at times. Luckily, it’s all worth it asSTALKER 2at its absolute best is easily one of the best open-world experiences on Xbox Game Pass.
9Assassin’s Creed Origins (Ubisoft)
One Of The Best In The Series
Assassin’s Creed Originswas the first game in theACseries to move away from the original parkour-focused experience to more of an action RPG one.Originsarguably did this new style of combat and exploration the best, especially thanks toits impressive cast of characters who remain some of the best inAssassin’s Creed’shistory. Bayek is a truly one-of-a-kind protagonist who helps elevateOrigins' otherwise compelling narrative.
OdysseyandValhalla, the otherAssassin’s Creedgames that utilize this new style of combat and exploration, are also available on Xbox Game Pass. They offer incredible experiences, although they can feel a bit more bloated thanOrigins.
Origins' recreation of Egypt is a staggering achievement, one that introduces players to its sprawling scale at a steady pace and is packed full of fascinating things to discover. If players can get over the slightly underwhelming future plot points,Assassin’s Creed Originsis truly one of the best games in the series and a remarkable open-world game on Xbox Game Pass.
8Batman: Arkham Knight (Rocksteady Studios)
An Incredible Recreation Of Gotham City
Batman: Arkham Knightis easily thebest adaptation of Gotham Cityin pretty much every format outside the comic books. It’s bleak and depressing, yet oftentimes surprisingly colorful, evoking much of the design details established inBatman: The Animated Series. For players who want a more broody and intense open world,Arkham Knightabsolutely delivers.
Of course,Batman: Arkham Knightis a terrific game for fans of the comics or even those hoping to get into them. While consider play the other games in the series first,Arkham Knightoffers an incredibly satisfying Batman adventure that will stick with fans long after the credits have rolled. It is a phenomenal world to get truly lost in and a great game to play through Xbox Game Pass.
7Fallout: New Vegas (Obsidian Entertainment)
An Open-World Where Choices Truly Matter
Fallout: New Vegasis often considered the best in the series thanks to the sheer amount of effort Obsidian Entertainment put into the writing and characters.The way players' choices genuinely affect the world around them is a staggering achievementand makes it such a compelling RPG. Of course, most importantly,Fallout: New Vegas’open world is a joy to explore.
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With unlimited access to hundreds of Xbox Game Pass games, players can enjoy indie games like Powerwash Simulator, Moonlighter and more.
It is a perfectly designed world, one that constantly pushes players in the direction of both something interesting and the main story progression without ever feeling linear. It also has thebestFalloutfactionsin the entire series, which players can side with or mess with to their heart’s content. There’s a lot of diversity to it as well, despite being a giant desert, soplayers can rest assured that they’ll never be bored while exploring inFallout: New Vegas.
6Tchia (Awaceb)
Indie Breath Of The Wild
Tchiais, in both spirit and mechanically, an indie version ofBreath of the Wild. It sees players take control of a young girl namedTchiawho must save her island from a corrupt force that wants to sap it of all its resources. She’s also on a personal quest, with the two main plots eventually intertwining in a beautifully spiritual journey that’s thoroughly compelling.
Unlike Link,Tchiahas a few interesting abilities up her sleeve. She can take over any animal or inanimate object she sees, allowing her to soar through the sky as a bird or shoot herself across the island as a boulder. This fun mechanic adds a lot to exploration, which is already engaging thanks to the plethora of activities on offer across the large island.Tchiais a great indie and perfect for those looking for a shorter open-world experienceon Xbox Game Pass.
5Flock (Hollow Ponds/Richard Hogg)
A Cozy Creature Collecting Open-World
It’s not hard to see whyFlockreviewed so well, especially thanks to its immensely cozy vibes. For those who really want to get immersed inFlock’sengrossing gameplay loop, there are rare creatures to find. This can lead to a fairly lengthy playthrough for those who want it, but it’s also the perfect game to play in short bursts.Flockis certainly a unique open-world gameand one everyone should try at least once.
4Ghostwire: Tokyo (Tango Gameworks)
The Ultimate Virtual Tourism Experience
Ghostwire: Tokyois a great open-world game, at least from a virtual tourism perspective.It allows players to explore a fairly faithful recreation of Tokyo, including some of its most iconic locations, like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Most interestingly is the fact that players get to explore it all with complete freedom as not only is there no one else in the city throughout the entire game, but players can also reach rooftops and enter a number of buildings.
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Of course,Ghostwire: Tokyois also one of thebest FPS games on Game Pass, and for good reason. Its combination of magical attacks and stealth abilities make fighting its hauntingly spooky collection of enemies incredibly satisfying.Ghostwire: Tokyo’sstory is also incredibly unique thanks to its blend of surreal visuals and creepy antagonistwith an amazing design.
3Little Kitty, Big City (Double Dagger Studio)
An Adorable Open-World Cat Game
Little Kitty, Big Cityis one of the smaller open-world games on Xbox Game Pass, but it is nevertheless worth checking out. Coming in at around two hours - around three or four for those who want to collect everything - it is a perfectly adorable way to spend a weekend on Xbox. For fans of cats or those who just love running around colorful open worlds,Little Kitty, Big Cityis the perfect adventure.
Whether it’s collecting shinies for a crow to unlock funny hats or finding a duck’s missing children who are peskily playing arcade games or spinning around in a washing machine drum, there’s a lot to do and see inLittle Kitty, Big City’stitular location.Those aforementioned collectibles give players plenty of reasons to come back after beating the main story, but it’s more than satisfying enough to have a quick jaunt around as a cat for a few hours.
2Far Cry 5 (Ubisoft)
The Best Far Cry Open-World
Far Cry 5may not be at the top of everyone’s favoriteFar Crygames, but it easily has the best open world in the series. From its ditching of the repetitive radio towers to its inclusion of companions to help take down the Seed family,there’s a lot to love aboutFar Cry 5’sgorgeous world. It’s also completely unpredictable, with enemies roaming everywhere, and the player getting attacked and kidnapped at surprising moments in the story.
The various compounds that the player can attack are all a joy to take over, andthe story told across the world’s multiple regions is terrifically fascinating, with its shocking ending leaving a horrifying lasting impression. Of course, players who want to invest in the follow-upFar Cry: New Dawncan get a far more colorful and unique version ofFar Cry 5’salready stunning world.
1Yakuza 0 (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio)
The Most Detailed Open-World
LikeLittle Kitty, Big City,Yakuza 0is a much smaller open world but easily one of the most detailed in gaming. Its streets are packed with passersby, blinking neon signs, hustlers trying to get people into bars, music blaring from nearby speakers, and more, all of which coalesce to makeYakuza 0’srecreation of 80s Japan feel completely and utterly alive.
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The smaller map size means that players will quickly become very familiar with the sights and sounds of Kamurocho, further helping to make it feel like a real place. Of course,Yakuza 0’sstory is absolutely phenomenal, featuring some of the best writing in gaming, the combat is a blast to engage with, and the many mini-games and side quests add a lot of brevity to the dark narrative. Overall,Yakuza 0is the perfect startingpoint for players looking to begin theirYakuzaadventure onXbox Game Pass.
