Best open world RPG and action-adventure games like The Witcher 3 give the same sense of freedom, deep storytelling, and immersive worlds that keep players hooked for hundreds of hours. If you love must play open world games and want single player open world action games worth your time, this guide breaks down the top picks and helps you choose what to play next.
Why Players Love Open World RPGs
Open world RPGs and action-adventures let you create your own journey instead of following a strict path. They combine character progression, branching quests, exploration, and meaningful choices into a single-player experience that feels personal and immersive.
These must play open world games are perfect if you enjoy rich narratives, side quests with real consequences, and worlds that reward curiosity. Many titles also support different builds and playstyles, so every playthrough can feel fresh.
Core Features Fans Expect After The Witcher 3
Players coming from The Witcher 3 usually look for a few core elements in single player open world action games. Understanding these helps you pick the right game for your taste.
- Large, detailed maps with varied biomes and secrets.
- Strong main story plus memorable side quests, not just filler content.
- Character builds, gear systems, and progression that actually change how you play.
- Combat that feels weighty, whether it leans toward action, soulslike, or tactical RPG.
- Choices that affect endings, factions, or character relationships.
Best Must Play Open World Games Like The Witcher 3
These are the standout must play open world games that deliver similar depth, world-building, and single-player focus.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is a dark fantasy open world RPG with a massive interconnected map and a huge amount of freedom. Instead of quest markers everywhere, the game encourages organic discovery, challenging bosses, and experimental builds.
Elden Ring is ideal if you want intense combat and cryptic lore instead of heavy dialogue-driven storytelling. It still scratches the exploration itch that Witcher 3 fans love, with rewarding dungeons, secrets, and optional areas.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim remains one of the best open world RPGs thanks to its flexible character system and sandbox design. You can ignore the main quest for hours while exploring, joining factions, and customizing your build.
For players who enjoy must play open world games with deep mod support, Skyrim’s community adds endless replay value on PC. It leans more into systemic freedom than carefully written side quests, but the sheer scope still appeals to Witcher fans.
Cyberpunk 2077 (with Phantom Liberty)
Cyberpunk 2077 shares a developer with The Witcher 3 and offers a dense open world in Night City instead of a medieval continent. With updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, its RPG systems, police AI, and progression have been significantly improved.
The game focuses on narrative-heavy single player open world action with branching quests, character builds, and impactful choices. If you liked the writing, moral gray areas, and companion arcs in The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk is a natural next step.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a modern open world action RPG that emphasizes reactive combat and vocation-based builds. Its pawn system lets you adventure with AI companions that learn from your playstyle.
The world is full of emergent encounters rather than heavily scripted quests, which makes exploration tense and unpredictable. It is a strong choice if you want single player open world action games with fast-paced, physical combat and big monsters.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a story-driven open world action-adventure set in a richly detailed depiction of the late American frontier. It offers a slower, more cinematic pace than The Witcher 3 but matches it in storytelling quality and world-building.
The game’s side activities, random encounters, and morality systems make your actions feel meaningful in a living world. It is essential for players who value narrative immersion and environmental detail in must play open world games.
Horizon Zero Dawn & Horizon Forbidden West
The Horizon games blend third-person action combat with a beautiful post-apocalyptic open world full of robotic creatures. Aloy’s journey features strong character development, lore-rich side content, and set-piece missions.
These games are perfect if you like single player open world action games with responsive ranged and melee combat plus light RPG elements. Exploration, crafting, and gear upgrades keep progression engaging through long play sessions.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima features a stylized open world inspired by feudal Japan, combining stealth, sword combat, and exploration. Its wind-based navigation system encourages organic movement through the world rather than relying on cluttered UI.
The game shines for players who want tight, skill-based combat, emotional storytelling, and side quests that feel like short samurai dramas. It fits nicely into the category of cinematic single player open world action games.
Assassin’s Creed Series (Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla)
Modern Assassin’s Creed titles have shifted into full RPG territory, with expansive open worlds, loot systems, and branching dialogue. Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla in particular offer hundreds of hours of quests and exploration.
These games are optimal if you want must play open world games with historical settings, large maps, and a strong mix of stealth and action. Be aware that they lean toward checklist-style design rather than the handcrafted quest writing of The Witcher 3.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a grounded, realistic medieval open world with a focus on historical detail and simulation. Its combat system is more technical, and survival elements such as hunger, clothing, and reputation matter.
This game is best for players who want immersion and realism over power fantasy, with quests that often have multiple solutions based on skills and social choices. It is a niche but rewarding option in the must play open world games category.
Other Notable Single Player Open World Action Games
Beyond the headliners, several other titles are worth considering if you crave more games like The Witcher 3.
- Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Wilds for large hunts and co-op-friendly worlds, even though they are more action than story-driven RPGs.
- Dragon’s Dogma (original) as a budget-friendly alternative to Dragon’s Dogma 2 with a cult following.
- Starfield for players who want the Bethesda-style formula in space with exploration-focused gameplay.
Quick Comparison Of Top Picks
| Game | Main Strengths | Best For |
| Elden Ring | Challenging combat, open exploration | Soulslike fans who love discovery |
| Skyrim | Sandbox freedom, mods | Role-players and explorers |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Narrative, builds, dense city | Story-focused players |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Cinematic narrative, realism | Narrative and immersion lovers |
| Horizon Series | Fluid combat, visuals | Action-focused players |
| Ghost of Tsushima | Swordplay, atmosphere | Samurai and stealth fans |
| Assassin’s Creed (RPG era) | Huge worlds, loot | Grind-friendly explorers |
| Kingdom Come: Deliverance | Realism, historical detail | Simulation and history fans |
How To Choose Your Next Must Play Open World Game
When deciding which must play open world games to try next, start with your priorities: combat, story, or exploration. If you prioritize narrative and character writing, Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2 will feel closest to The Witcher 3.
Players who enjoy demanding, timing-based combat and cryptic lore should move toward Elden Ring or Dragon’s Dogma 2. If you want relaxing exploration and a sense of freedom, Skyrim or recent Assassin’s Creed entries offer endless single player open world action games to get lost in.
FAQs About Games Like The Witcher 3
What is the most similar game to The Witcher 3?
In terms of studio DNA and storytelling style, Cyberpunk 2077 is the closest, since it comes from the same developer and emphasizes narrative-rich quests and character-driven arcs.
Which must play open world games are best for beginners?
Horizon Zero Dawn, Ghost of Tsushima, and Assassin’s Creed Origins are more beginner-friendly because they explain systems clearly and offer flexible difficulty options.
Are soulslike games like Elden Ring too hard?
Elden Ring is challenging, but its open world lets you outlevel difficult areas, summon help, and experiment with builds to make progress manageable. Players willing to learn patterns and invest time in practice often find the difficulty rewarding rather than unfair.
What single player open world action games have the best side quests?
The Witcher 3 is still a benchmark, but Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and some modern Assassin’s Creed titles provide memorable side content with strong writing and character focus.
Which open world RPG should I try if I have limited time?
Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon Zero Dawn are more contained than giant RPGs like Skyrim or Odyssey, offering complete experiences without demanding hundreds of hours.
Strong Call To Action
If you are ready for your next adventure after The Witcher 3, pick one of these must play open world games and commit to reaching the first major story climax before judging it. Then bookmark this guide, share it with fellow RPG fans, and consider creating your own ranking list or review content around your favorite single player open world action games to help other players choose their next world to explore.
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