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5 Best Open World Games Set in the Future, Ranked

Best Open World Games

Did you know that the open-world gaming genre is projected to grow to $27 billion by 2026, driven largely by futuristic titles? Imagine, you’re standing atop a skyscraper in a neon-drenched city, the hum of flying cars overhead, a voice in your earpiece whispering, ‘This is just the beginning.’ 

Whether you’re hacking into megacorporations or surviving dystopian nightmares, open-world games set in the future offer an unparalleled mix of exploration and storytelling. 

But which ones truly stand out in this crowded market? Buckle up, because we’re ranking the 5 most captivating future-set open-world games you absolutely can’t miss.”

The 5 Best Open World Games Set in the Future Ranked! 

Cyberpunk 2077

Launched in 2020 by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 had one of the most anticipated—and controversial—game releases in history. Set in the sprawling metropolis of Night City, a dystopian haven where tech, crime, and corporate greed collide, the game offers a richly detailed open-world experience that’s equal parts breathtaking and brutal.

Night City is the beating heart of Cyberpunk 2077. It’s a place where neon lights illuminate the streets, and cybernetic enhancements are more common than a morning coffee. 

Divided into six unique districts—like the affluent City Center and the gang-controlled Pacifica—each area pulsates with life and danger. The city feels alive, with NPCs going about their day, advertising drones buzzing around, and criminal factions vying for control.

You play as V, a mercenary finding your way through the chaos of Night City. 

Whether you choose to be a Nomad, Streetkid, or Corpo at the start, your story centers around the Relic, a biochip containing the digitized personality of rocker-turned-revolutionary Johnny Silverhand (played by Keanu Reeves). Choices matter here—dialogues, alliances, and even small decisions shape the course of V’s journey and determine the game’s multiple endings. 

The game’s skill trees—Body, Reflexes, Technical Ability, Intelligence, and Cool—allow you to craft V to suit your playstyle. Pair that with cybernetic implants, and you’ll truly feel like a futuristic superhuman. Despite its rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 has redeemed itself through updates, community mods, and the Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, which breathed new life into the franchise. 

Red Dead Redemption 2 

The next one on our list is the incredible Red Dead Redemption 2. 

Released in 2018 by Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 is widely regarded as one of the greatest open-world games ever made. Set in 1899, it acts as a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption and takes players on an emotional journey through the crumbling days of the American frontier.

The game’s open world is a sprawling representation of the American Wild West, including lush forests, snow-capped mountains, swamps, deserts, and bustling towns. Every region feels alive, with NPCs engaging in realistic day-to-day activities, wildlife behaving naturally, and weather dynamically changing the environment. The level of detail—from the fading light of sunsets to the mud on Arthur’s boots—makes the world immersive beyond measure.

You play as Arthur Morgan, a loyal enforcer of the Van der Linde gang. As the gang’s leader, Dutch, becomes increasingly unhinged, Arthur is forced to question his loyalty and the morality of his actions. 

The gameplay offers the perfect blend of exploration, combat, and narrative. From its cinematic storytelling to its unprecedented level of world-building, Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. 

Marvel’s Spiderman 

If you’re looking for the thrill of web-slingers and bring the nostalgic feel of swinging through the well-detailed open-world New York City, Marvel’s Spiderman captures the thrill of swinging between skyscrapers while delivering an emotionally charged story, one that fans simply fall in love with. 

You play as Peter Parker, balancing life as Spider-Man while facing his greatest enemies, including Doctor Octopus, Mister Negative, and the Sinister Six. The story is heartfelt and action-packed, delving into Peter’s relationships with Aunt May, Mary Jane, and his mentor-turned-foe, Otto Octavius.

The game’s recreation of New York City is stunning, from the bustling streets to the iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Avengers Tower. The city feels alive with pedestrians, traffic, and dynamic events that keep the world engaging. Marvel’s Spider-Man excels by capturing the essence of the character—his humor, his struggles, and his heroism.  

Horizon Forbidden West 

Horizon Forbidden West is another game title, one that’s been released back in 2022 by Guerilla Games. It takes players back to a breathtaking post-apocalyptic world where robotic creatures roam & humanity clings to survival. 

The Forbidden West expands on the first game’s open world, introducing deserts, forests, underwater ruins, and more. Almost every region is massively capturing, remarkably stunning with vibrant graphical landscapes teeming with life. 

You play as Aloy, a skilled hunter navigating the mysteries of the past to save the planet’s future. As she explores the Forbidden West, she faces new tribes, threats, and challenges, including advanced robotic enemies and the rogue AI HADES. If its lush visuals, deep narrative, or an exciting gameplay is what you’re seeking, Horizon Forbidden West sets the standard for open-world games. 

It’s indeed a masterpiece, one that promotes storytelling and innovation.  

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Another remarkable feat of CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 3 is often hailed as one of the best RPGs of all time. Set in a dark, medieval-inspired fantasy world, the game masterfully combines storytelling, exploration and combat. 

Set in a vast continent with a richly detailed world filled with war-torn villages, eerie swamps, crowded cities like Novigrad, and monster-infested wilderness. Every location feels alive, with unique NPCs, stories, and dynamic weather enhancing immersion.

You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his surrogate daughter, Ciri, while understanding the political intrigue and chaos of war. The game’s story is shaped by player choices, with consequences that ripple through the narrative and lead to one of several endings.

Combat revolves around using swords, magic (signs), potions, and tactics to defeat a variety of enemies, from humans to mythical beasts. The Witcher sense mechanic helps Geralt investigate clues and track monsters, adding a layer of strategy. With its complex narrative, morally ambiguous choices, and richly detailed world, The Witcher 3 is a landmark in RPG design. 

It’s not just a game—it’s a journey through a world that feels as real as our own.

Concluding Thoughts 

There you have it! These futuristic open-world games aren’t just about massive maps and eye-popping graphics—they’re about living out dreams in worlds where the impossible feels real. Whether you’re hacking through Cyberpunk 2077, battling machines in Horizon Forbidden West, or chasing your destiny in The Witcher 3, these titles prove the future of gaming is here, and it’s spectacular. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, explore, and let the adventure unfold!