<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/rise-of-the-ronin/">Rise Of The Ronin</a> (PS5)</h2>

<p>This upcoming samurai game could give <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/ghost-of-tsushima/">Ghost of Tsushima</a> a run for their money. Rise Of The Ronin is an ambitious project from the developers of Nioh. Taking place in 19th Century Japan, fend off invading American forces using your wide array of skills with a blade… and a gun.</p>

<p>As a Ronin in the Boshin Era, you’re not only limited to a handful of cheap toys. The glider will be your most important tool to soar across its three major cities.</p>

<p>This game is heavy on hack and slash combat unlike its peers. Meaning there’s no need to hide in the shadows. Not only that, it also takes a page from Wo Long, letting you parry enemy strikes if you’re quick enough.</p>

<p>It is a massive game 7 years in development. We can’t wait for the final product this March 22.</p> 

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/dragons-dogma-ii/">Dragon’s Dogma 2</a> (PC, PS5, XSX)</h2>
 
<p>And speaking of ambitious projects, CAPCOM builds on their acclaimed RPG and brings it to a wider audience. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a sequel that pushes the limits of their powerful RE Engine. This medieval fantasy world is not only home to lush landscapes, but also dangerous monsters waiting to tear you in half.</p>

<p>The Arisen returns, but with his amnesia, you can catch up to the plot without playing the first game. This time around, war is brewing between two states and it’s up to you and your fellow pawns to put a stop to it.</p>

<p>The open world of <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/dragons-dogma/">Dragon’s Dogma</a> is a haven of adventure. Without fast travel, there’s a lot of traveling on foot. And its wide selection of classes gives you a lot of choice for gameplay. Whether you want to be a spellcasting Mage, or a brute sword-wielding fighter, you can make your own medieval fantasy story.</p>

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/stalker-2/">S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl</a> (PC, XSX)</h2>

<p>20 years in the making, GSC games’ long-running passion project is finally up for a September release this year. This sequel is a culmination of nearly two decades of development and it’s a testament to their skills amidst Ukraine’s situation.</p>

<p>Heart Of Chornobyl takes us back to the exclusion zone. As a Stalker, explore the zone and prepare for the worst. This irradiated wasteland is a literal melting pot of monsters and anomalies. You’ll be able to explore its open world, ranging from subterranean facilities to radioactive surfaces.</p> 

<p>There's been a lot of discourse about graphical downgrades since its announcement. This was debunked by the devs, who said it was just a case of an imperfect demo. With that said, fans are already looking forward to entering Pripyat and slaying some beasties with its satisfying gunplay.</p> 

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/elden-ring-shadow-of-the-erdtree/">Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree (DLC)</a> (PC, PS, Xbox)</h2>

<p>You know it’s a big deal when a DLC gets more attention than most AAA’s on the market. The hype around <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/elden-ring/">Elden Ring</a>’s huge DLC is palpable. Everyone’s been on their daily doses of hopiums and copiums since they found out Steam just had a sneaky update on Elden Ring’s DLC database.</p> 

<p>From then on, everyone’s been gearing up for their imminent return to the Lands Between.</p>

<p>No one knows what the expansion is about, but there are hints from the promotional artwork that Miquella will be a major player in the story. Apart from that, everything’s been hush hush. Meanwhile, fans are going crazy in the subreddits. It’s only a matter of time before FromSoftware drops the bomb for this DLC’s trailer and release date. Rumor has it it’s coming within this year!</p> 

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/avowed/">Avowed</a> (PC, Xbox)</h2>

<p>Obsidian Entertainment, the minds behind <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/fallout-new-vegas/">Fallout New Vegas</a> and <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/the-outer-worlds/">Outer Worlds</a>, found their next big game. Built for Skyrim fans, Avowed is an upcoming RPG taking place in the fictional fantasy world of Eora. As an Envoy from a distant land, investigate the mysterious plague that ravages this land.</p> 

<p>This living and breathing world is teeming with dangers. Thankfully your weapons and magic will aid you in your quest. In Avowed, you can mix and match your playstyle depending on your loadout. Whether it’s by dual-wielding wands at the same time or bringing guns to a swordfight. This game respects players' power fantasies.</p> 

<p>Like all games from Obsidian, choices and consequences are important. Depending on how you approach its story, you will be met with tough decisions that impact the overall feel of its world.</p>

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/flintlock-the-siege-of-dawn/">Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn</a> (PC, PS, Xbox)</h2>

<p>If it’s hack and slash you want, Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn has it for you. Armed with a pistol and a sword, take on Gods and monsters in its decrepit world now devoid of humanity.</p>

<p>Siege Of Combat’s fluid gameplay may be familiar to fans of <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/devil-may-cry/">Devil May Cry</a>, but what sets it apart is its open world approach. You’re not limited to tight corners and cramped levels. The world is yours for the taking. Alongside your pet Enki, traverse this ruined land and eliminate who needs eliminating.</p> 

<p>From its three distinct areas, there are a lot of challenges waiting that your Gun and Sword can’t save alone. Crafting and upgrades are essential to scale the game’s gauntlets.</p>

<p>It’s a promising game that marks another return for fast-paced combat. Let’s hope its story mixes well with its energetic combat.</p> 

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/star-wars-outlaws/">Star Wars Outlaws</a> (PC, PS5, XSX)</h2>

<p>The next Star Wars game is going open world. No longer limited to Lightsabers and Skywalkers, Outlaws focuses on the criminal underbelly of the galaxy far, far away. Set between Episode 5 and 6, we follow Kay Vess as she seeks freedom from the syndicates that plague the system.</p> 

<p>Featuring an original story, embark on familiar and fresh locations within the Star Wars universe. With your blaster, speeder and pet alien, take on high risk, high reward missions to gather resources and power up your ship.</p> 

<p>If you feel like role-playing as a scoundrel within the world of Star Wars, Outlaws gives you that opportunity. This is a Ubisoft game, so expect a massive open galaxy to explore with a ton of activities to do!</p> 

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/grand-theft-auto-vi/">Grand Theft Auto VI</a> (PS5, XSX)</h2>

<p>Rockstar’s billion dollar project is coming next year. GTA VI, is one of the most anticipated triple A games for 2025. The trailer alone has achieved a world record of 94 million views within 24 hours. That goes to show that a lot of people are already itching to get their hands on this open world wonder.</p> 

<p>Taking place in a fictional Florida called Leonida, players follow the story of two characters: Lucia and her male partner. Together, they explore this parody of real-life America with guns blazing and a lot of grand theft auto.</p> 

<p>There’s not a lot of details about how massive the world is, but rumors and leaks stated that it could be the biggest open world Rockstar has created. For now, all we can do is speculate. We’ll surely hear more about GTA VI before its release next year.</p> 

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/horizon-forbidden-west-complete-edition/">Horizon Forbidden West</a> (PC)</h2>

<p>Released February of last year exclusively for the PlayStation 5, Forbidden West marks the second <a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/horizon-zero-dawn-complete-edition/">Horizon game</a> to enter PC territory. That means all available Horizon games are now available to play for keyboard and mouse enthusiasts.</p> 

<p>With her bow and arrows, help Aloy save humanity and uncover a deeper conspiracy that caused the world's ruin. Its open world is packed with metallic monsters to fight and tame, and its gorgeous vistas make you wonder how the devs made it look so good.</p> 

<p>This sequel not only touches up the PC optimization and visual fidelity, it also includes its massive DLC. The Burning Shores takes place after the events of Forbidden West, taking Aloy into a now-devastated Los Angeles.</p> 

<p>This release is also another sign that more and more <a href="https://whatoplay.com/ps5/best/exclusive/">PlayStation exclusives</a> will come out on PC. With rumors circulating that Ghost of Tsushima is also slated for a port!</p> 

<h2><a href="https://whatoplay.com/games/hyper-light-breaker/">Hyper Light Breaker</a> (PC)</h2>

<p>The sequel to Machine Games’ acclaimed action game. Now a full-fledged 3D RPG with roguelike elements, Hyper Light Breaker takes players into the Overgrowth. An endless and shifting labyrinth where secrets lie.</p> 

<p>You can play with friends, or go solo as you venture deep into the wilds. These handcrafted biomes will be full of fearsome foes, but with your improved movement, you can slide, dash and glide into the world with ease.</p> 

<p>Build your loadout and optimize your runs after every death. There’s no ending here. Each run will offer unique challenges that will make or break your journey.</p> 

<p>The game is currently aiming for an Early Access release this year.</p>

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Hungry for new worlds to explore? Here's 10 open-world games you can look forward to this year.

10 Upcoming Open World Games for 2024 and Beyond

Hungry for new worlds to explore? Here's 10 open-world games you can look forward to this year.