Open-zone RPGsblend the freedom of open-world exploration with structured, story-driven gameplay, offering vast landscapes while guiding players through meaningful narratives. Unlike fully open-world games, these RPGs feature segmented yet expansive areas, striking a balance between scale and design.
From fantasy epics to sci-fi adventures, open-zone RPGs create immersive experiences with vast environments, deep character progression, and compelling storytelling. New titles are constantly pushing the boundaries of what open-zone RPGs can offer, so there has never been a better time to explore these dynamic worlds. Here are some of the best open-zone RPGs available today.
Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed is an RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, promising a vast open-zone experience with deep lore and reactive storytelling. Players will explore the Living Lands, a mysterious and treacherous region filled with secrets, factions, and dynamic encounters.
Withoptional first-person combat, spellcasting that feels responsive, and meaningful choices that shape the world, Avowed aims to bring Obsidian’s signature narrative depth to an open-zone structure. The game’s segmented yet expansive environments allow for immersive exploration while maintaining focused storytelling, and their vertical design makes them even bigger than what it may seem at first glance.
Capcom’s Monster Hunter series has gradually transitioned into an open-zone format, with Monster Hunter Wilds being the latest example. Instead of traditional segmented areas with loading screens, modern entries feature vast, interconnected regions teeming with wildlife, ecosystems, and formidable monsters.
Players take on the role of hunters, tracking andbattling massive creatureswhile gathering materials to craft powerful weapons and armor. The freedom to approach hunts strategically, combined with fluid combat mechanics, makes the series a standout in the open-zone RPG genre. Whether solo or with friends, Monster Hunter offers thrilling encounters and rewarding progression.
The GreedFall series brings a unique colonial-era fantasy setting to the open-zone RPG genre. The latest entry, GreedFall 2: The Dying World, expands on the original’s narrative-driven exploration, offering players larger regions to traverse and deeper interactions with factions and companions.
With rich world-building, meaningful player choices, and tactical combat, GreedFall delivers an engaging experience for those who enjoy political intrigue and exploration. The series' emphasis on diplomacy, relationships, and moral dilemmas makes every decision impactful, shaping the fate of the world and its inhabitants in unexpected ways.
Breaking from traditional Pokemon gameplay, Pokemon Legends: Arceus introduced an open-zone structure where players could explore sprawling regions freely while capturing and battling Pokemon in real-time. Set in the past, the game emphasizes research and discovery, tasking players with documenting Pokemon in the wild while avoiding dangers from aggressive species.
This fresh take on the franchise offers dynamic exploration, seamless transitions between battles, and an immersive world that feels more alive than ever before. Pokemon Legends: Arceus redefined what a Pokemon RPG could be, paving the way for future open-zone titles within the series.
The Xenoblade Chronicles series is known for its massive open-zone environments filled with breathtaking landscapes, intricate lore, and fast-paced combat. The latest entry, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, refines the formula with a seamless world design, deep character progression, and an emotionally charged story.
Exploring interconnected zones teeming with wildlife and hidden treasures, players engage in real-time battles using a dynamic party system. The series' ability to blend cinematic storytelling with open-ended exploration makes it a must-play for RPG fans who enjoy grand narratives and sprawling environments.
Bioware’s Dragon Age: Inquisition revolutionized the series by embracing an open-zone structure, allowing players to traverse large, detailed regions filled with quests, lore, and political intrigue. As the Inquisitor, players must unite factions, battle demonic forces, and make choices that shape the fate of Thedas.
The game’s expansive zones, from lush forests to war-torn deserts, offer exploration without sacrificing storytelling depth. With tactical combat, meaningful character interactions, and a world thatreacts to the player’s decisions, Dragon Age: Inquisition remains one of the best open-zone RPGs to date.
God of War: Ragnarök continues Kratos and Atreus’ journey through the Nine Realms, offering an open-zone structure that balances exploration with cinematic storytelling. Unlike traditional open-world games, its semi-open regions are meticulously crafted and filled with hidden secrets, side quests, and environmental storytelling.
Combat is visceral and rewarding, with a refined system that blends brutal melee attacks, divine abilities, and strategic enemy encounters. The game’s approach to open zones ensures that every area feels purposeful, making exploration an engaging part of the experience rather than an obligation. It’s a masterclass in merging narrative with open-ended gameplay.
Final Fantasy 16 introduces an open-zone structure to the long-running franchise, providing vast areas to explore while maintaining a strong focus on cinematic storytelling. Players step into the role of Clive Rosfield, navigating a world torn apart by warring nations and mythical Eikons.
With action-oriented combat, stunning visuals, and expansive regions filled with lore, Final Fantasy 16 delivers an immersive RPG experience. The game’s segmented yet richly detailed zones offer freedom without overwhelming players, striking a balance between exploration and narrative momentum. It redefines what a modern Final Fantasy game can be while staying true to the series’ core strengths.
