Open world games have taken the gaming industry by storm, providing players with vast and immersive environments to explore. But when it comes to the biggest and most expansive open world games, which one takes the crown? From sprawling cities to vast wildernesses, these games offer endless possibilities for adventure and exploration. So, let’s dive in and discover which game is the largest open world game in terms of size and exploration.

Determining the Largest Open World Game

Factors Considered

• Map size: The size of the game’s world, including the landmass and bodies of water, is a crucial factor in determining the size of an open-world game.
• Number of quests and activities: The number of quests, activities, and missions available to players in the game’s world is another significant factor. A game with a vast array of quests and activities will offer players more opportunities to explore and interact with the game world.
• Availability of secrets and hidden areas: Open-world games often have secrets and hidden areas that players can discover, which adds to the game’s replayability and sense of exploration. The availability of these secrets and hidden areas is an essential factor in determining the size of the game world.
• Level of detail in the environment: The level of detail in the game’s environment, including the architecture, flora, and fauna, is another important factor. A game with a highly detailed environment will feel more immersive and offer players more opportunities to explore and discover new things.

Popular Candidates

Grand Theft Auto V

• Release Date: September 17, 2013
• Developer: Rockstar Games
• Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
• Setting: A sprawling, vibrant, and fictional city of Los Santos, based on Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas
• Gameplay: A blend of open-world exploration, heists, and a compelling story that follows the lives of three criminals
• Map Size: The game world measures approximately 36 square miles (93 square kilometers)

Red Dead Redemption 2

• Release Date: October 26, 2018
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
• Setting: The fictional state of West Elizabeth, based on the Western United States, during the late 1800s
• Gameplay: An open-world action-adventure game with a strong emphasis on storytelling, character development, and exploration
• Map Size: The game world measures approximately 29 square miles (75 square kilometers)

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

• Release Date: October 5, 2018
• Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
• Setting: Ancient Greece, spanning multiple historic and mythological locations
• Gameplay: An open-world action-adventure game with a focus on exploration, combat, and a vast, branching storyline
• Map Size: The game world measures approximately 19 square miles (49 square kilometers)

Fallout 4

• Release Date: November 10, 2015
• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
• Setting: The ruins of Boston and its surrounding areas, in a post-apocalyptic world
• Gameplay: An open-world first-person RPG with a strong emphasis on exploration, combat, and a deep, branching storyline
• Map Size: The game world measures approximately 15 square miles (39 square kilometers)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• Release Date: May 19, 2015
• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Setting: The fictional land of Toussaint, the realm of the Wild Hunt, and various other locations within the Continent
• Gameplay: An open-world action RPG with a strong emphasis on exploration, combat, and a rich, mature storyline
• Map Size: The game world measures approximately 35 square miles (90 square kilometers)

Comparing the Candidates

Grand Theft Auto V

• Map size:
  • Spanning across an impressive 39.19 square miles, Grand Theft Auto V’s map is one of the largest in the series.
  • The game world is comprised of several distinct regions, each with its own unique landscape, architecture, and activities.
  • The map features a diverse range of environments, including urban cityscapes, suburban neighborhoods, rural countryside, and even a vast desert.
  • Players can seamlessly explore these various regions, traveling between them by foot, vehicle, or other means of transportation.
• Number of quests and activities:
  • Grand Theft Auto V boasts an extensive array of quests and activities for players to engage in.
  • The game features over 60 main and side missions, each with its own storyline, objectives, and challenges.
  • In addition to the main missions, players can also partake in a wide range of side activities, such as street races, vigilante missions, and heist preparations.
  • The game also features numerous random events and encounters, providing players with a sense of immersion and unpredictability.
• Secrets and hidden areas:
  • Grand Theft Auto V is known for its abundance of secrets and hidden areas for players to discover.
  • There are over 50 unique jumps, stunt rings, and other hidden challenges scattered throughout the game world.
  • Players can also search for hidden packages, which can be found in various locations throughout the game world, unlocking special rewards and bonuses.
  • The game also features several hidden characters and locations, such as the elusive Bigfoot, which can be found by players who are diligent in their exploration.
• Environmental detail:
  • Grand Theft Auto V’s map is renowned for its detailed and intricate environmental design.
  • The game world features realistic cityscapes, complete with towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant neighborhoods.
  • The attention to detail extends to the smaller aspects of the environment, such as the unique architecture of each region, the lush vegetation of the countryside, and the vast expanse of the desert.
  • The game’s environmental design also incorporates a day-night cycle, which affects the behavior of both characters and players, adding an extra layer of immersion to the game world.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• Map size: Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts a sprawling map size of 29.22 square miles, which allows players to explore a vast and diverse landscape filled with diverse biomes, including rolling prairies, dense forests, arid deserts, and snowy mountains.
• Number of quests and activities: The game offers over 90 main and side missions, providing players with a rich and immersive narrative experience. These missions are interwoven with a variety of activities, such as hunting, fishing, and gambling, which add depth and variety to the gameplay.
• Secrets and hidden areas: Red Dead Redemption 2 is filled with secrets and hidden areas, including Stranger missions, treasure hunts, and more. These hidden gems encourage exploration and reward players for their curiosity, making the gameplay experience even more engaging and rewarding.
• Environmental detail: The game’s Wild West setting is rendered in exquisite detail, with intricate animal behavior, realistic weather patterns, and stunning visuals that immerse players in the world. The attention to detail in the game’s environment is truly impressive, making it a joy to explore and interact with.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a popular action role-playing game developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft. It was released in 2018 for various platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. The game features a vast open-world environment set in ancient Greece, offering players a wealth of content to explore and engage with.

Map size

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey boasts a map size of 21.41 square miles, making it one of the largest open-world games in terms of size. This expansive world is comprised of various biomes, including forests, mountains, and coastlines, which players can traverse using a variety of methods, such as on foot, horseback, or boat.

Number of quests and activities

The game offers an abundance of quests and activities for players to undertake, with over 70 main and side missions available. These missions range from combat-focused objectives to stealthy infiltrations and puzzle-solving challenges, ensuring that players always have something to do within the game world.

Secrets and hidden areas

In addition to the main quests and activities, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey also features a variety of secrets and hidden areas for players to discover. These include the Lost Tales of Greece, which are a series of side quests that delve into the history and mythology of ancient Greece, as well as Kassandra’s secret mission, which offers players a unique perspective on the game’s story.

Environmental detail

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s world is meticulously detailed, with a focus on accurately recreating ancient Greece. Players can explore a variety of historical locations, such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Apollo, while also interacting with a diverse cast of characters based on real-life figures from the era. The game’s attention to detail helps to immerse players in the world and make their exploration feel all the more rewarding.

Fallout 4

Fallout 4 is one of the most popular open-world games in recent years, developed by Bethesda Game Studios and released in 2015. The game is set in the post-apocalyptic world of Boston, Massachusetts, and features a vast and detailed environment for players to explore.

The map size of Fallout 4 is quite impressive, covering an area of 12.46 square miles. This means that players have a huge amount of space to explore, with plenty of room for side quests, hidden areas, and other surprises. The map is divided into different regions, each with its own unique environment and challenges.

Fallout 4 offers a huge variety of quests and activities for players to enjoy. There are over 80 main and side missions to complete, each with its own storyline and objectives. Players can choose to follow the main questline or explore the world at their own pace, completing side quests and exploring the environment as they see fit.

One of the great things about Fallout 4 is the number of secrets and hidden areas that can be found throughout the game world. These include hidden settlements, Vaults, and other locations that offer unique challenges and rewards for players who are willing to explore off the beaten path.

The environment in Fallout 4 is incredibly detailed, with a wide range of weather and day-night cycles that add to the immersion of the game world. The dynamic weather system means that players will need to prepare for different conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog, which can affect gameplay in a variety of ways. The day-night cycle also adds an extra layer of realism to the game, with different enemies and activities being more active during certain times of day.

Overall, Fallout 4 is a fantastic open-world game that offers a huge amount of content for players to explore. With its detailed environment, vast array of quests and activities, and hidden secrets and areas, it is no wonder that the game has become such a beloved classic in the gaming world.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt boasts a sprawling map that spans an impressive 10.95 square miles. This vast open world is filled with diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests and rolling hills to treacherous swamps and arid deserts. The game’s map is so expansive that it would take dozens of hours to explore every nook and cranny.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is packed with content, offering over 70 main and side missions for players to undertake. These quests range from battling fearsome monsters and thieving guilds to political intrigue and personal vendettas. With so many quests to choose from, players can easily spend dozens of hours exploring the game’s world and completing its various challenges.

In addition to its main quests, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is also home to numerous hidden areas and secrets. These include Witcher contracts, which task players with hunting down powerful monsters, as well as side quests and other hidden surprises. Seeking out these secrets can be a rewarding endeavor, as they often lead to valuable treasures and unique experiences.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s world is richly detailed, with a variety of environments that feel unique and distinct. The game features a dynamic weather system and day-night cycle, which affects the behavior of both characters and creatures. The world is also home to a variety of different cultures and societies, each with their own customs and traditions. All of these elements combine to create a living, breathing world that feels truly alive.

The Largest Open World Game

When it comes to open world games, few titles can match the sheer size and level of exploration offered by Grand Theft Auto V. This critically acclaimed game has established itself as a benchmark for open world gaming, with its vast map size, immersive quests and activities, and a seemingly endless supply of secrets and hidden areas to discover.

One of the key factors that contribute to the game’s impressive size is its sprawling city environment, which spans across multiple boroughs and neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere. From the bustling streets of Downtown to the upscale elegance of Richman, there is always something new to discover around every corner.

But it’s not just the size of the map that makes Grand Theft Auto V stand out. The game also boasts a staggering amount of content, with a wide variety of quests, missions, and activities to keep players engaged for dozens of hours. Whether you’re taking on heists with your crew, racing cars through the streets, or simply exploring the city at your own pace, there is always something new to do.

Of course, no open world game would be complete without a healthy dose of secrets and hidden areas, and Grand Theft Auto V delivers in spades. From hidden packages and stunt jumps to mysterious landmarks and secret locations, there is always something new to discover. And for those who really want to put their exploration skills to the test, there are even hidden trophies and achievements to be earned by finding every last one of them.

But what really sets Grand Theft Auto V apart is its attention to detail. From the meticulously crafted architecture and landscaping to the intricate world-building and character development, every aspect of the game has been designed to immerse players in a fully realized world. Whether you’re admiring the sunset over the beach or exploring the neon-lit alleys of the nightlife district, there is always something new to marvel at.

All of these factors combine to make Grand Theft Auto V the largest open world game in terms of size and exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, there is no denying the sheer scope and ambition of this incredible game.

FAQs

1. What is an open world game?

An open world game is a type of video game where the player is able to freely explore a virtual world. The game typically has a large, contiguous map that the player can roam around in, completing quests, interacting with non-playable characters, and discovering new locations.

2. What is the largest open world game in terms of size and exploration?

There are several open world games that could be considered the largest in terms of size and exploration, but one of the most notable is “Grand Theft Auto V”. This game has a massive, detailed map of the fictional city of Los Santos, which is based on Los Angeles. The map is full of interconnected roads, buildings, and landmarks, and players can explore it by foot, car, or boat. In addition to the main storyline, the game has numerous side quests and activities, making it one of the most expansive and immersive open world experiences available.

3. How big is the map in Grand Theft Auto V?

The map in Grand Theft Auto V is massive, with a land area of approximately 38 square miles (61 square kilometers). This makes it one of the largest open world maps in any video game, and it’s full of diverse environments, including urban cityscapes, suburban neighborhoods, and rural countryside. The map is also highly detailed, with realistic architecture, intricate road systems, and numerous landmarks and points of interest.

4. Are there any other open world games that are as large as Grand Theft Auto V?

While Grand Theft Auto V is certainly one of the largest open world games available, there are other games that could be considered similarly sized. For example, “Red Dead Redemption 2” has a map that is nearly as large as Grand Theft Auto V’s, and it is also set in a fictionalized version of the American West. Other games, such as “Fallout 4” and “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”, also have very large and detailed open world maps that players can explore.

5. What makes an open world game enjoyable to play?

The enjoyment of playing an open world game can vary from person to person, but some common factors that make these games enjoyable include a sense of freedom and exploration, engaging storylines and characters, and a variety of activities and quests to complete. Some players also enjoy the sense of immersion that comes with exploring a detailed and realistic virtual world, as well as the opportunity to discover hidden secrets and Easter eggs.

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