The upcoming 2026 release of Grand Theft Auto 6 has everyone incredibly excited. After many years of waiting and several delays, it’s no surprise that GTA 6 is many gamers’ most anticipated game of 2026.
But the huge AAAA game isn’t the only open-world title coming out in 2026. Fans of exploring vast open worlds will have plenty of options to choose from in the coming year. Whether you want to race through busy city streets, travel to a fantasy realm, or explore a futuristic world, there are plenty of amazing open-world games coming in 2026.
LEGO Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight Returns To Gotham City
Releasing May 29, 2026
Announced for a 2026 release at The 2025 Game Awards, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight brings back more of that LEGO silliness and fun that fans have come to expect from the franchise. Plenty of familiar faces will join The Dark Knight for this entry, including Batman, Nightwing, Catwoman, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, The Joker, and so many more.
Like other LEGO games, this one will feature a large sandbox world to explore at your whims. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to collect over 100 suits and outfits, 20 vehixles, and 250 collectibles for the Batcave.
Chrono Odyssey Uses Time As A Weapon
Releasing Q4 2026
Chrono Odyssey is an upcoming MMORPG being developed by Chrono Studio and published by Kakao Games, the gaming arm of South Korean powerhouse, Kakao.
In addition to regular combat, Chrono Odyssey will include time manipulation mechanics. Wield time as easily as your sword to stop and rewind time and change the flow of a battle.
The stunning title is being built in Unreal Engine 5 and will include a mix of fantasy, futurism, and time travel. This means your adventures will span across both medieval settings with dragons and sci-fi outer space in a massive and immersive open world you can explore however you want.
Mortal Shell 2 Has More Shells To Wield
Releasing In 2026
Mortal Shell 2 is a sequel to the 2020 title from Cold Symmetry. In the sequel, like the first game, you’ll be able to wield different characters as “shells” through a dark, Souslike world. While the first game had several separate zones, the sequel will have a completely open world.
Mortal Shell 2 expands on the lore and combat style, while still serving as a standalone experience. So, even if you haven’t played Mortal Shell, the sequel is potentially worth looking into if you’re a fan of open-world Soulslike games.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Has Dark Fantasy Vibes
Releasing In 2026
The Blood of Dawnwalker is a new saga from Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco. Created with the director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt at the helm, the title follows your half-vampire character through 14th century Europe.
With no linear narrative to follow, you truly create your own story in this sandbox adventure. Find your place in the world where the human population has been decimated and vampires and other shadow creatures come crawling from the shadows to seize the opportunity to rule. Which side will you find yourself on?
Fable Is A Return To A Classic
Releasing In 2026
When it was released in 2004, Fable offered a level of immersion and world interaction that had previously been unheard of. Every action you took in the game had real consequences for your character and the NPCs and world around them.
A reboot developed by Playground Games is planned for 2026, which will be the first Fable game since 2012’s Fable: The Journey. The upcoming reboot will feature a massive open world with the same playful and interactive spirit of the original. It’s shaping up to be a high-fantasy space that still leaves room for whimsy and an impressive level of interactivity.
Solasta 2 Brings D&D Back, With Co-Op
Releasing On March 12, 2026
Baldurs Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons fans will find a loving homage to both in Solasta 2, from indie studio Tactical Adventure. The small studio is supported by a large and devoted fanbase, and has managed to land an incredibly strong cast of voice actors, including Ben Starr, Devora Wilde, Amelia Tyler, and Ellen Thomas.
The game will be a sequel to the well-received Solasta: Crown of the Magister, though it will be playable as a standalone title. It’ll also feature a much wider and more open world, giving players even more freedom to interact with and affect the world around them.
Explore the lands of Neokos and guide a party of four adventurers through a quest to uncover their destinies. The tactical and immersive title is coming Early Access on March 12, 2026, and a demo is available now.
Crimson Desert Is Medieval-Inspired Adventuring
Releasing On March 19, 2026
Go back in time to the Medieval era in Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert. The game was originally intended to be a prequel to the the MMO Black Desert Online, but has since become its own singleplayer standalone title with a brand-new storyline and characters.
Crimson Desert depicts a historic fantasy setting, with a story centered around protagonist Kliff’s journey across the sprawling world to find his lost comrades. Along the way, Kliff will encounter many obstacles and monsters, engage in brutal combat, and gain the power he needs to go up against the evil forces threatening the land.
Forza Horizon 6 Takes Racing To Japan
Releasing In 2026
If you’re craving the thrill of hopping into a car and racing away in GTA 6, a different sixth franchise title might fill that void: Forza Horizon 6. Not much is known about the game yet, but a few official teasers confirm that the next Forza Horizon game will take place in Japan.
Considering Forza’s attention to detail and penchant for photorealism, you can expect the landscapes and locations to be absolutely breathtaking. As with the rest of the series, players will be able to explore the open world in their rides, for a unique vantage point.
Forza Horizon 6 will be available as a day one Xbox Game Pass launch, and will be coming to Xbox and PC before other consoles.
Nioh 3 Blends Samurai And Ninja Combat
Releasing On February 6, 2026
The Nioh franchise takes players through an alternative history of Japan, where the supernatural is a normal occurrence and Yokai are a real threat to your wellbeing. After two successful game launches, Nioh 3 is scheduled for release in 2026.
The third installment will continue the journey through fictionalized history. This time, players will be able to switch between a ninja and samurai style of fighting. The third game will also be the most open, giving players the freedom to explore a beautiful, art-like Japan.
Showa American Story Is Japan In America
Releasing In 2026
What if Japan had control over the development of the United States in the 80s? The result might look something like the world of Showa American Story. In this open-world RPG from NEKCOM Entertainment, you’ll get to adventure through a version of America which was strongly influenced by Japanese culture and history.
The story follows Chouko, a stuntwoman who’s assassinated while looking for film work at Neo Yokohama (aka Hollywood). When Chouko mysteriously returns to life, she finds the country ravaged by monsters, zombies, and groups of survivors.
The game’s blend of Japanese and American 80s pop culture is a love letter to the era. It might just be the most interesting open world you can explore in 2026, besides Grand Theft Auto 6.
- Released
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November 19, 2026
- ESRB
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Rating Pending – Likely Mature 17+
- Engine
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Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE)
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
