I just finished a massive playthrough of Elden Ring and now I'm suffering from that post-game emptiness where nothing else seems to measure up. I'm looking for recommendations for the best open-world games that prioritize a strong sense of exploration and discovery over just a checklist of map markers, with a world that feels genuinely rewarding to get lost in. I've played the obvious ones like Skyrim and The Witcher 3, so I'm hoping to find some slightly deeper cuts or newer titles that might have flown under my radar. What are your personal favorites that captured that magic of uncharted territory, and did you find them on PC, console, or a specific subscription service?
Nice move after Elden Ring—if you're chasing that feeling of wandering into the unknown, these open-worlds deliver:
- The Outer Wilds (PC, PS, Xbox): exploration as puzzle-solving in a time-looped solar system; big rewards for staying curious rather than checking boxes.
- Eastshade (PC/console): a serene, painterly world that rewards exploration with meaningful discoveries and a tangible sense of place.
- Sable (PC/Xbox): a moody, art-forward map with tucked-away secrets and a culture of discovery.
- No Man's Sky (PC/console; Game Pass on both): a vast universe where the joy is the randomness of finding new planets, flora/fauna, and ruins.
Pick up those options on PC or console, depending on your preferred input and price.