With some of its biggest games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 still to come, it’s impressive how there are already so many massive gaming worlds in 2023. Whether you’re indulging in some medieval fantasy, venturing into the mysterious Depths or parkouring through at breakneck speeds, there’s something for everyone (even those who don’t like open worlds). Here are 15 of the biggest game worlds of 2023 so far.
Final Fantasy 16
Final Fantasy 16 may start fairly linear with some levels but quickly expands into more open environments like Rosaria and Sanbreque. The vistas are gorgeously rendered, and you’ll discover more side quests, interesting characters, and Notorious Marks to take down. Later, you’ll probably search for some rare materials and maybe take on some high-level Hunt targets.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Tears of the Kingdom’s events are in the same Hyrule as Breath of the Wild, and while there are similarities between the two maps, the sequel’s size is simply breathtaking. The Sky Islands hold numerous secrets, while the surface has been revamped with new dungeons, Shrines, Skyview Towers and areas. Then there are the Depths with overwhelming Gloom and hidden secrets that beg to be explored. Suffice it to say that the new Zonai vehicles are a must when getting around.
Diablo 4
Even if one region can blend into another at times, Diablo 4 has an impressive scale. The Fractured Peaks with their snow-covered surroundings; Scosglen with its creepy woods and shores – there’s a lot to take in, and that’s before you wander off towards the dozens of different Dungeons. When that’s not enough, Strongholds with unique goals, side quests, World Events, and more await your frantic clicking.
Everspace 2
It’s crazy to think that Everspace 2 wasn’t supposed to start with this massive scale when it entered early access. The full title offers multiple star systems, each with random distress calls, side missions, puzzles, High-Risk Areas and much more to explore. You can pick up new spaceships, mine materials, take on new companions and maybe venture into Ancient Rifts for some end-game challenges.
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
Burning Shores is an expansion, meaning it won’t approach the base game’s scope and scale. However, considering Forbidden West’s massive size, being one-third as big is still pretty significant. Along with venturing into Fleet’s End and meeting its various characters or venturing to the newest Cauldron, underwater exploration expands significantly thanks to the new Waterwing, while the skies are like their own region due to the massive clouds.
Forspoken
Its open-world design leaves much to be desired, but you can’t accuse Forspoken of not being large in scale. Each region has its share of treasure chests, resources, activities and hidden Labyrinths. There are even powerful world bosses providing a tough challenge, side quests, the standard towers, refuges and much more to discover. Traversing all of it is also pretty enjoyable once you master the magical parkour.
Hogwarts Legacy
Not factoring in the 100-plus side quests, the world of Hogwarts Legacy can be pretty absurd in its scale. When you venture outside the school and start taking in the Highlands with its enemy outposts, Trials and powerful foes, there is much to discover. Whether you’re content with raising fantastic beasts in the Vivarium or battling in Dark Arts Arenas, the world provides plenty of chances to test your spell-wielding.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was already incredibly vast with its environments, but Jedi: Survivor goes much bigger. Some areas like Coruscant are straightforward but offer plenty of chests, Bounty Targets and secrets.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
The Yakuza/Like a Dragon series has prided itself on packing its worlds with stuff to do, and Like a Dragon: Ishin! is no exception. Kyo during the Bakumatsu is full of restaurants to eat at, schools to train and even underground arenas to fight (not counting the dungeons). You’ll spend much time running around, helping people in deep Side Stories, and maybe some farming on the side. Even if its structure is from 2014, Ishin!’s world design carries over into the modern era quite well.
Sons of the Forest
Despite being in early access, Sons of the Forest offers a vast sandbox to mess around in. The expanded building and options allow for creating extensive bases, but there’s plenty to see when you venture into the caves or discern the island’s mysteries. Foraging for resources during different seasons with Kelvin, sledding off the highest peak or fighting for your life – Sons of the Forest truly has it all.
Dead Island 2
Forgoing its predecessor’s open-world approach, Dead Island 2 relies on self-contained levels teeming with zombies. However, when you’re not progressing through the main story, there are plenty of weapon quests, Missing Person reports, Special Infected and more. There are tons of activities to experience, even if you’re just looking for better weapons to slay the undead.
Miasma Chronicles
Like Mutant Year Zero, Miasma Chronicles offers a massive world with side quests and secrets to explore. However, the post-apocalyptic United States is two to three times larger, with varied locales, tons of buildings to explore, containers to loot and enemy outposts to sneak through or attack head-on. It further feeds into letting you approach conflicts in any way you choose, even if combat could be improved.
Atomic Heart
Much like several other titles on this list, Mundfish’s action RPG shooter isn’t a massive open world but one broken up into different biomes. There are dozens of main story chapters to complete, but wandering through the different biomes reveals memorable side content, lore, loot, flying houses to find and robots to alert and subsequently fight. The story is the main appeal, but these little detours are worth it.
LEGO 2K Drive
LEGO 2K Drive has its share of issues, which is a shame, given the game’s potential. Bricklania is a fully realized playground with lots of content to experience, whether you’re venturing through the canyons and rivers of Big Butte Country and taking in the sights at Prospecto Valley. It’s not a seamlessly connected world like Forza Horizon, but each of the four biomes has enough to keep you busy.
WILD HEARTS
While Monster Hunter Rise saw Capcom going smaller scale with its levels, Omega Force saw the scale of Monster Hunter World’s levels and went even bigger. The different Hunting Grounds of Azuma each sport unique Kemono to hunt and are massive, making traversing them equally enthralling thanks to the combination of zip-lines, Rollers, and gliders.
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