The introduction of theXbox One Xbefore theXbox Series Xwas potentially controversial. The nomenclature alone was confusing for the average gamer. At the end of the day, people looked at the Xbox One’s games. It filled genres that were mostly ignored on other platforms. Withopen-world racing gameslikeForza Horizon, the system flourished in the market.
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Open-world games are part of a subgenre that is becoming ubiquitous. The ability to freely explore a region’s landmass and oceans is appealing for a multitude of reasons. Open-world games are evergrowing in detail and are far from reaching a plateau.
10Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
TheGhost Reconseries has come a long way since its initial release date in 2001.Ghost Reconnow has an immersive open-world to explore while you complete objectives.Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlandsis a tacticalthird-person shooterwith a massive open-world. you’re able to solo the missions or play with a squad of friends online. The diverse landscapes are breathtaking and expansive, making this one of the Xbox One’s best games for exploration.
9Sunset Overdrive
Insomniac Games, the development company behind games likeSpider-ManandSpyro the Dragon, released an Xbox One exclusive in 2014.Sunset Overdrivewas likely inspired by games likeJet Set Radio FutureandTony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
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The freedom toride rails and shoot enemieswhile doing so is a liberating feeling. Years after its release,Sunset Overdriveis recognized for its achievements in open-world design. It contains a detailed open-world and supports gameplay that allows you to explore the game freely.
8Minecraft
With variousbiomes to explorethroughout your journey,Minecraftoffers unique exploration.Minecraftcan be an enjoyable open-world exploration game if you can wrap your head around the game’s block building. Blocks might take away from the realism and immersion, yet players can delete and move any object in the game. Eventually, you’ll hit the edge of the map, only to find out the world has no bounds.Minecraftis now cross-platform so that you can play with VR,Nintendo Switch,and PC players.
7The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Just asThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimwas beginning to show its age, Bethesda Softworks released a remastered version calledThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition.The game is compatible with mods on PC and consoles, which is rare for consoles.
Exploring the game’s open-world, players becomein tune with its atmospheric environment.Wildlife and greenery are abundant throughout the region of Skyrim.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimis undoubtedly one of the Xbox One’s best exploration games.
6No Man’s Sky
Hello Games’No Man’s Skygoes above and beyond with surreal gameplay thatencourages interstellar exploration.The overarching objective to make it to the center of the galaxy. Afterward, you are transported to another galaxy to complete the same goal.
No Man’s Sky’sprocedurally generated universe is unlike any other game; it’s impossible to explore every nook and cranny. Those who deviate from the main objective can build bases, explore new planets, or play with friends—the universe is your oyster.
5Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhallawon acclaim across the board as possibly the most ambitiousAssassin’s Creedgame to date. The game takes place in the Viking era during the invasion of Britain.
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Assassin’s Creed Valhallahas improved combat over its predecessors, despite having less of astealth-focus.Some bugs keep the game from reaching its potential. Bearing in mind the game’s massive map, an extraordinary amount of detail went into constructing its open-world.
DeveloperRockstar Gameshas demonstrated the ability to create immersive open-world games. WhileGrand Theft Autotakes players into urban cities,Red Dead Redemption 2travels back in time to the wild west. It’s set in the old west, but the game showcases graphics ahead of its time. Rather than follow trends, the bright minds at Rockstar Games are continually innovating with their latest games.
3Forza Horizon 4
The Xbox One is a relevant last generation system because of theForzafranchise. Although the Xbox One didn’t have as many hit exclusives as the PlayStation 4, it had arguably better racing games.Forza Horizon 4is theflagship racing game of the Xbox One.Its open-world contains dynamic seasons and weather, bringing unparalleled realism for a racing game.
2The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Unlike games likeThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis divided into sections. The individual maps are large enough to consider the game open-world. Riding on horseback, players can visit a multitude of places, where they canform relationships and complete quests.
Witcher Senses add a layer to exploration as you can hunt for enemies like werewolves. This feature was introduced inThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and it proves that the game has anything but a basic open-world.
1Grand Theft Auto V
When it comes to open-world exploration games, few compare toGrand Theft Auto V. From an exploration standpoint, the game is rife with options to explore Los Santos. Whether you’re in the countryside walking through vineyards or visiting friends' apartments in the city,Grand Theft Auto Vprovides a seamless experience.It’s a feature-rich game that lets you swim in an ocean next to an aquatic ecosystem or hike the map’s mountainous places. According totheverge.com,“Grand Theft Auto Vwill be releasing for the next-gen console in the second half of 2021.”
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