15 Best Open World Games To Play In 2022 | Top Games Like GTA

An open-world environment in video games generally feels like a different universe in which players can do all sorts of activities. And undoubtedly, when it comes to open-world games, the Grand Theft Auto franchise is the undisputed king.

GTA 5, the latest edition in the Grand Theft Auto series, came out in 2013. Of course, millions of players are still enjoying GTA 5 in 2022; but there’s no questioning that the world is desperate for GTA 6. Unfortunately, besides GTA 6 leaks, we have nothing official on the next Grand Theft Auto title. However, there are several other amazing open-world games if you want to take a break from GTA 5. So, in this post, we’ve mentioned the 12 best open-world games like GTA 5 that you can play in 2022.

Best Open World Games In 2022

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is definitely one of those open-world games you should play in 2022. If you are a Grand Theft Auto fan and haven’t played Red Dead Redemption 2, you’re missing out on a masterpiece. It is a video game that will leave you in awe.

The world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is gigantic; there are many side quests you can do besides following the story mode. The detailing and impressive graphics make Red Dead Redemption 2 one of the legendary video games of all time. 

You get lost for hours while exploring the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 set during the early 20th century United States.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, Microsoft Windows
Download: Red Dead Redemption 2

2. Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is probably one of the best samurai games ever produced. Sucker Punch did an amazing job with the storytelling and narrative; the story of the protagonist Jin Sakai is touching and heartwarming. Paired along with gruesome combat, the game is one of the best games on PlayStation.

Furthermore, Ghost of Tsushima, being one of the best open-world games, gives players the option to explore many parts of Tsushima island. Along with completing side quests and upgrading the samurai gear and armor. In addition, Ghost of Tsushima is arguably one of the most beautiful games, with every scene of the game worthy of a screenshot.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Download: Ghost of Tsushima

3. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was released last year and is one of the best open-world games you can play in 2022. Of course, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s time and the setting are nowhere close to GTA 5; however, it is still an amazing open-world game.

As the name suggests, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is inspired by Norse mythology. Similar to other Assassin’s Creed Games, stealth is an important element in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. When you explore the beautiful and strange world of AC Valhalla, you’ll realize that everything about this game is astonishing.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
Download: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

One of the biggest and best open-world games, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been in the market for a long time. An action RPG, Skyrim is playable via third-person or first-person perspective. The world of Skyrim is a big one; set 200 years after the events of Oblivion, and takes place in the northernmost province of Tamriel called Skyrim.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released way back in 2011, and still has a massive following with a big player count. These things are alone to tell anyone that Skyrim is one of the best open-world games to play in 2022.

Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Download: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

5. Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon and Forza Motorsport are two big names in the video game industry; however, in 2022, with Forza Horizon 5 coming out, the franchise has leaped further. Forza Horizon 5 features a beautifully designed open world to race and free roam; the game is set in Mexico.

While everyone was hyped for the game to come out, Forza Horizon 5 did complete justice to the hype. The game has elevated the Forza series to another level altogether. Beautiful landscapes, multiple terrains, life-like graphics; while we could go on talking about how beautiful Forza Horizon 5 is, the game is definitely one of the best open-world games to play in 2022.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Download: Forza Horizon 5

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Hands down, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the best open-world RPG games ever developed. CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3 continues the story of Geralt of Rivia in a world full of monsters.

Everything about The Witcher 3 is awe-inspiring, including its story, music, and characters. In short, The Witcher 3 is a world that will surprise you at every moment. That’s the reason why even in 2022, it is considered one of the best open-world titles for PC and consoles.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Download: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

7. Riders Republic

Another one of the best open-world sports games to play in 2022, Riders Republic, is a gem of a game by Ubisoft. The game features four sports, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, wingsuit flying, and players can compete against one another in all these 4 sports.

Riders Republic supports lobbies of up to 64 players to compete in online multiplayer. However, the console version of the game only supports the lobby of up to 20 players. In addition, the game also has a ‘tricks battle arena,’ wherein players need to do as many tricks as possible to score maximum points.

While the gameplay of Riders Republic is great, the game’s graphics are great too. The free roam in Riders Republic features some beautifully crafted locations; all these things make Riders Republic one of the best open-world games to play in 2022 with your buddies.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Download: Riders Republic

8. Horizon Zero Dawn

This gem of a game by Guerrilla Games still has the charm, released in 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn is hands down one of the best open-world games to play in 2022. Furthermore, a sequel to the game called Horizon Forbidden West has also come out.

For those who haven’t played the first game, this is a great time to follow Aloy’s story and get familiar with Horizon Forbidden West; before you take on Horizon Zero Dawn.

Platforms: PlayStation, Microsoft Windows
Download: Horizon Zero Dawn

9. Days Gone

This post-apocalyptic survival open-world game is set in Oregon, with a really good narrative and storytelling. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic Oregon, with our protagonist, Deacon St. John searching for his presumed dead wife, who might still be alive.

The part where days gone excels the most is the zombies, the adaptation of zombies, and the zombie hordes in its gameplay. Furthermore, Days Gone probably has one of the most realistic settings depicting zombie hordes in a video game title.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Download: Days Gone

10. Fallout 4

An action role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic open-world environment, Fallout 4 by Bethesda is the fourth game in the series. The game is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC; however, Fallout 4 doesn’t support crossplay.

Upon launch Fallout 4 has received numerous accolades and positive reviews from critics. While the game is similar to its predecessors Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas; Fallout 4 does something differently. The game has the option to switch between the first-person and third-person perspectives.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Download: Fallout 4

11. Far Cry 5

Ubisoft’s Far Cry 5 is not much different from the revolutionary Far Cry 3. The game gives you a dark story with unique game mechanics. As usual, you can follow the main story, or you can go for side quests.

Side quests in Far Cry 5 can be unlocked by talking to different people in the game, which is an incredible way of exploring the game’s open world. Just like in Watch Dogs 2, you can go all guns blazing, or you can follow stealth.

There are more than enough combat choices and lethal weapons in the game. So, the gameplay will be action-packed where you’ll be killing a lot of cult members with creepy faces.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Download: Far Cry 5

12. Watch Dogs 2

Here we are with another Watch Dog title on our list. Let’s be honest; Watch Dogs 1 didn’t land in the right place among gamers. However, Ubisoft took in all the feedback from the first game and improved a lot in Watch Dogs 2 and then in Watch Dogs Legion.

If you love open-world games or have a love for computer hacking, then Watch Dogs 2 is the game for you. It is a typical open-world game like GTA with a slight bit of activities, side-missions, and primary objectives, which is a great thing.

Like other Watch Dogs titles, you can listen to someone’s conversation and see their criminal history in Watch Dogs 2. That way, you can scavenge side missions to take a short break from the main story.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Download: Watch Dogs 2

13. Saints Row 4

The fourth title in the Saints Row series is an action-adventure game developed by Volition. If you’re looking for a serious tone like GTA 5, then Saints Row 4 isn’t the game for you. Volition’s brainchild is everything that GTA 5 isn’t, excluding the open-world aspect, of course. Along with the story, the fighting style is entertaining, and what’s the word I am looking for? Oh yes, silly.

The game’s plot goes like this; a gang needs to fight off an alien invasion after receiving superpowers. In addition to that, there’s a constant struggle to become the president of the United States of America. Yeah! I know things in this game are crazier than your wildest dreams; however, this is also what makes it worth trying, even in 2022.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Download: Saints Row 4 (PC)

14. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Kojima Productions’ Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was released in 2015. Hideo Kojima, a very well-known video game developer, was behind Metal Gear Solid V. So, it’s no surprise that it is one of the best open-world stealth games you could play in 2022.

Besides the action-packed gameplay, Metal Gear Solid V flaunts a great storyline. Sometimes, the cutscenes are so long that you feel like you’re watching a movie. The game provides enough flexibility so you can choose how you want to approach different situations in Metal Gear Solid V. In short, it is one of the best open-world games like GTA you should be playing right now.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Download: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

15. Payday 2

Payday 2 is an open-world game like GTA that focuses only on heists and robberies. The game gives you full control over the thefts, as you strategize every step of the heist. You have to scan the place you want to rob and plan accordingly for a successful heist.

The game is a perfect tool to get some idea of how heists take place in the real world. Of course, I would recommend not to use that knowledge to do something illegal. Just kidding, I know you wouldn’t; gamers only do evil acts in the game.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Download: Payday 2 (PC)

Best Open World Games – Wrapping Up

So, these were all incredible GTA-like Open world games you can play in 2022. You can try one or maybe all of them before you can get your hands on the long-awaited next-gen title GTA 6. While not all of these games on this list of best open-world games like GTA are going to excite players; however, each of these games brings a unique taste of their own, with unique gameplay and storylines. Furthermore, we suggest our readers try these beauties in case they haven’t.