If you love to explore a vast world, free of NPCS telling you where to go and what to do next, check out our roundup of the nine best open-world games on Xbox. Open-world games are among the most popular video game genres, and it’s easy to see why. From post-apocalyptic wastelands to deep space, these worlds are ripe for exploring.

1. Far Cry 6

The latest installment in the Far Cry series, Far Cry 6, is an open-world shooter and action-adventure game set in the fictional tropical paradise of Yara. Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, you can play alone or in online multiplayer mode with friends. Far Cry 6 is also available with Game Pass Ultimate, Ubisoft +, and Game Pass for Console subscriptions.

You play as Dani Rojas, part of a guerilla revolution that sets out to liberate Yara from the regime of Anton Castillo. With a vast map to explore, companions like Guapo the gator to unlock, hundreds of weapons to help you do battle, and free crossover missions including the likes of Danny Trejo and his tacos, Far Cry 6 is an exhilarating game that offers over 60 hours of gaming for 100% completion.

2. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Edition

No other open-world RPG even comes close to the epic scale of Skyrim, winner of over 200 Game of the Year Awards. With the Anniversary Edition released in 2021 for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, you get the core game and Special Edition add-ons. Skyrim is also available on Game Pass.

Take on the role of a hero of legend or be a career criminal as a Listener of the Dark Brotherhood, absorb every last bit of the game’s expansive lore, battle dragons, and enjoy a stunning soundtrack as you explore diverse, magical fantasy landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to underground cities. Will you still be playing this in a decade? Probably.

3. Fallout 4

The vast, post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 4 can seem daunting at times in its expanse, but with so much to see and do and so many interesting NPCs to meet, you’ll soon find yourself lost in the game — and your loyal buddy Dogmeat is always there to keep you company.

Available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, this single-player open-world adventure has won over 50 Game of the Year Awards and is included with Game Pass. As the sole survivor of Vault 111, you’re awakened from cryogenic sleep and find the world has been destroyed by nuclear war. The future of the Wasteland is in your hands as you explore, fight, craft, and hang out with your trusty buddy.

Focusing on the story, Fallout 4 takes around 30 hours to complete, but if you’re going for 100% completion, you could easily spend over 150 hours exploring the Wasteland. It’s hard to believe this game is coming to its tenth anniversary next year!

4. No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky was released in 2018 for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S and is available to play on Game Pass with all 25 updates, including Echoes.

This sci-fi open-world adventure has a vast galaxy to explore, and you can travel to any planet you choose without waiting for loading screens. The infinite procedurally generated world means every playthrough is unique, so you’ll see things nobody else has ever seen — or will ever see. Uncover the mysteries of Artemis and the Fourth Race as you choose your path — will you be a thief, a fighter, or a trader investing your riches in cargo?

With the main story offering around 30 hours of gameplay, depending on how distracted you get exploring the vast universe, and over 140 hours of gameplay to achieve 100% completion, No Man’s Sky is the open-world sci-fi game you should be playing this year.

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

Whether you loved the first RDR game or skipped it altogether, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a must for fans of open-world games. Available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, RDR 2 has won over 175 Game of the Year Awards.

Set in America at the turn of the 19th century, you play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw on the run with the Van der Line gang. Pursued by bounty hunters and federal agents, you must decide whether to follow your own path or stick with the outlaw gang who raised you.

With a vast open world of around 29 square miles to explore, you’ll need to consider not only your own health and longevity but that of your horse, too. Take on robberies and shootouts, interact with NPCs, each with their fascinating tales, and work to maintain your honor rating by making the right choices throughout the game.

6. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

The most recent installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, AC Valhalla, is optimized for Xbox Series X/S but is also playable on Xbox One. Included with a Ubisoft + subscription and Game Pass, Valhalla has four DLC to dive into once you’ve conquered the base game, which takes around 60 hours, focusing on the main objectives.

Play as Viking warrior Eivor Varinsdottir, exploring a vast open world that sees you travel from the icy mountains of Norway to Dark Ages England and later Paris and Ireland in the DLC. Packed with Viking lore and history, Valhalla is a gorgeously stunning game that sees Eivor caught up in the conflict between the controlling Templar Order and the peaceful Assassin Brotherhood.

Following the death of your parents as a child, you’ll travel to England to build alliances with leaders, raid and plunder enemy settlements, and take control back from the Templar Order.

7. Elden Ring

Elden Ring got a lot of slack when it came out for being a tough game, but that difficulty level is a huge part of its success. Yes, the boss fights are challenging, but no, it doesn’t detract from what’s undeniably a visually gorgeous game from FromSoftware.

With a vast open world to explore — the map is massive — dragons to battle, huge dungeons to complete, and epic character customization that suits your individual play style, Elden Ring also has a fantastical multilayered story. The character creation is pretty outstanding, too.

8. Elite Dangerous

Released in 2016, Elite Dangerous may be one of the older open-world titles to make our list, but it’s no less worthy of a place here than any of the newer releases. Sometimes, it feels like massive multiplayer space games never quite get it right, but Elite Dangerous ticked many boxes.

You begin the game with a small starship and must gain knowledge, skills, power, and wealth to survive and stand among the Elite. A rich, evolving narrative, a vast galaxy to explore, and actions and choices that influence the narrative all add up to a game you won’t want to miss.

The “largest designed playspace in videogame history” gives you a massive Milky Way to explore, featuring real planets, stars, and moons from our galaxy. You can even explore and battle with friends thanks to the multi-crew co-op mode.

9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

What can we say about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that hasn’t already been said? This is one of our favorite games of all time, so it was an obvious choice for this list. It’s almost hard to believe it came out in 2015, as it still looks great today, thanks to the next-gen update. That means faster loading times, real-time ray tracing, and more, including a built-in photo mode so you can share your adventures.

You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster slayer sent to track down Ciri, the Child of Prophecy. Along the way, you’ll explore a vast, war-torn continent with monsters of all shapes and sizes around every corner. Your quest log will often be packed with things to do and new locations to explore, but the joy of the game comes in getting off the beaten track and uncovering side quests and adventures for yourself. The new version even includes alternate outfits, swords, and armor inspired by the Netflix series.

So there you have it — nine open-world games that you’ll want to sink your teeth into this year. With most offering huge worlds to explore and hours upon hours of gaming time, one of these games could become your new obsession. Not a fan of open-world games? Why not check out our roundup of the best horror games on Xbox or the top fighting games?