Open-world games cost a hell of a lot of time. So we reveal which open worlds you should keep your calendar clear for in 2023 and beyond.
The best open worlds invite us to linger with their almost limitless game worlds and a sense of freedom. But that also makes them quite time-consuming. Just think of huge games like Assassin”s Creed: Odyssey or The Witcher 3, in which we haven”t seen everything even after 100 hours. You should invest this time well.
That”s why we”re going on an expedition into the wide world of upcoming open-world games in 2023 to track down the most promising candidates for you.
These open-world games coming out in 2023
Table of Contents
Gotham Knights
(Genre: Action Role Playing Game – Developer: Warner Bros. Games Montreal – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: Oct 25, 2022)
How does the Open World work? Alone or with a friend, you can put a stop to criminals in Gotham Knights Gotham Knights. Through Gotham City you fight, puzzle and sneak your way through a total of five different districts of the comic city. Unlike previous Batman games, the world in Gotham Knights will be animated with NPCs who follow a complex daily routine.
Suitable for whom? While the Arkham series around Batman was previously a feast for single-player gamers, the co-op aspect comes to the fore in Gotham Knights. Those who would like to beat up villains with someone else and can do without Batman as a playable character should not disregard Gotham Knights.
When is it coming? Actually Gotham Knights should have been released in 2021. However, due to the restrictions of the worldwide Corona pandemic, the developers need a little more time, which is why it is not scheduled to start until 25 October 2022. This makes it the last major open-world title to be released before 2022.
Forspoken
(Genre: Action-Adventure – Developer: Square Enix – Platforms: PC, PS5 – Release: 25. January 2023)
For whom? Forspoken is being developed by Square Enix and Luminous Productions, the makers of Final Fantasy 15. Accordingly, Forspoken will also offer an action-packed battle system in which magic plays a major role. The action adventure is also supposed to offer a strong story aspect.
When is it coming? If everything had gone according to plan, Forspoken would be released in May 2022. In the meantime, however, it has become known that nothing will come of the formerly planned date. Instead, Forspoken is now scheduled for release on 25 January 2023.
Hogwarts Legacy
(Genre: Role Playing Game – Developer: Avalanche Software – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 11. February 2023)
How does the Open World work? In the role-playing game set in the Harry Potter universe, we travel to 19th century Hogwarts – many years before the events of the books. Nevertheless, in Hogwarts Legacy we will meet some familiar characters, such as the young Dumbledore, who was himself a student at Hogwarts at the time. But the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is far from the only thing we can explore – familiar places like the Forbidden Forest or the village of Hogsmeade are also waiting to be discovered by us.
For whom? Hogwarts Legacy is clearly the role-playing game, Harry Potter fans have been waiting for for years. But because it”s a big fantasy open-world with an exciting story, role-playing combat and puzzles, even newcomers might enjoy Hogwarts Legacy.
Hogwarts Legacy is the game that Harry Potter fans have been waiting for for years.
When”s it coming? Hogwarts Legacy seems to have finally settled on a release date after several postponements. It is now scheduled to release on February 11, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Sons of the Forest
(Genre: Survival – Developer: Endnight Games – Platforms: PC – Release: February 2023)
How does the open world work? According to the survey, Sons of the Forest is currently the most eagerly awaited survival game in the GlobalESportNews community. This is probably due to the success of its predecessor, The Forest, because not much is known about the second part. We do know, however, that the open world is once again equipped with hostile events and enemies with a learning AI. This means that the enemies study our behaviour, follow us through the forest and recognise our patterns. New features include seasons, which will have an impact on our food sources and life in the world.
Suitable for whom? Sons of the Forest wants to inspire single players and co-op teams. Unlike many other survival games, it also relies on its story, which you gradually uncover as you fight your battle for survival. In terms of combat, the focus is on close combat, because there is extremely little ammunition for firearms, and that needs to be well invested.
When is it coming? Actually, Sons of the Forest should have been released in October 2022 after a postponement. But the team couldn”t keep to that either, which is why they are now aiming for February 2023.
Starfield
(Genre: Role Playing Game – Developer: Bethesda Game Studios – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 1st half of 2023)
How does the open world work? Starfield is the new game from the Elder Scrolls and Fallout makers at Bethesda. That in itself says a lot about the open world, although there is otherwise only scant information about it. What is clear is that you travel from planet to planet with the help of spaceships, follow a main task and countless side tasks and explore a lot. Similar to Skyrim the way is the goal and not necessarily the other way around.
Suitable for whom? Fans of single-player role-playing games should definitely keep an eye on Starfield. After all, it is also Bethesda”s first new brand in 25 years. How complex the role-playing mechanics and the combat system will be, however, is still unclear.
When is it coming? For Starfield you will have to wait a while longer. The role-playing game wasn”t due to be released until 11 November 2022, but has been pushed back to the first half of 2023.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
(Genre: First-person shooter – Developer: GSC Game World – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S – Release: December 2023)
Suitable for whom? Those who like intense and atmospheric first-person shooters with role-playing and survival elements might find their home in Stalker 2. However, the developers have not yet shown much gameplay from the upcoming large-scale project.
When is it coming? Actually, Stalker 2 was supposed to be released on 28 April 2022 – but then in January it was suddenly postponed to 8 December 2022. Due to the Ukraine war this date was also considered uncertain. In the meantime, December 2023 was roughly given as the release date. So it is possible that the game will even be delayed until 2024.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
(Genre: Role Playing Game – Developer: BioWare – Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One – Release: 2023 (probably)
How does the Open World work? Dragon Age 4 is actually called Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and sends players to the Empire of Tevinter – an area covered in lore but never playable before. Much about the setting and story is still in the dark, but in the video above we bring together all the secrets revealed so far for you.
For whom? After six years of waiting since the third part of the series Inquisition fans are eagerly awaiting Dragon Age 4. Unsurprisingly, Dreadwolf is aimed at fantasy fans who like to enjoy a lot of playful freedom and at the same time want to follow the thread of a narrative. After BioWare”s failed experiment Anthem Dreadwolf, by the way, no longer relies on multiplayer and live service elements (as originally planned), but will once again be a classic single-player role-playing game.
When is it coming? Dragon Age: Dreadwolf does not have an official release date yet. BioWare only announced that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will no longer be released in 2022. This raises hopes for 2023 as a probable release date, but the next few years were not explicitly ruled out either. However, with the PR campaign already underway, we think a 2023 release is the most likely.
The Day Before
(Genre: Shooter – Developer: Fntastic – Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 1. March 2023)
How does the Open World work? In The Day Before, you once again land in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. A pandemic has turned countless inhabitants of the USA into the undead, while the remaining survivors find themselves in a fight for survival. In the open game world, which includes an abandoned city as well as rural areas and forests, you fight against zombies and other players to pick up rare loot such as ammunition and crafting materials.
Suitable for whom? Players who don”t mind shuffling undead and global PvP. The Day Before is an MMO where you could theoretically be attacked by enemy players at any time. Sounds like you need to bring a good dose of frustration with you.
When is it coming? The PC version of The Day Before was supposed to be released on Steam on 21 June 2022. In the meantime, the release has been postponed to 1 March 2023.
Redfall
(Genre: Shooter – Developer: Arkane Studios – Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2023)
How does the Open World work? In Redfall Arkane Studios takes you to an island city that is full of vampires and rumoured to be about the size of Fallout 76. Either alone or in co-op mode, you shoot and fight your way through the open world with six different heroes, complete main and side missions and collect lots of loot.
Suitable for whom? According to a leak, Redfall is very similar to the Borderlands series in terms of gameplay. Players who are looking for an action role-playing game in shooter form, which unfolds its strengths especially in cooperative play, will get their money”s worth here.
When is it coming? Redfall was revealed by Microsoft at E3 2021 and is expected to be released in summer 2022. Possibly there will be more info at the upcoming E3 or even before.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
(Genre: Action-Adventure – Developer: Rocksteady – Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2023)
How does the Open World work? We don”t know exactly yet, because Rocksteady is still holding back with information about Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League so far. What is clear, however, is that we are either alone or with up to three friends in Metropolis as the chaos troop Suicide Squad. The mission? Kill the Justice League, because Superman, The Flash and Co. have gone crazy and are attacking humanity. The first gameplay trailer at least shows that the pace of the game will be quite fast and a bit reminiscent of Sunset Overdrive.
For whom? Clearly for comic fans who are already familiar with Rocksteady”s Arkham universe. Because even though Suicide Squad is set in Metropolis, according to the developers it belongs to its own game universe and individual story contents from the previous Batman games are to be continued. In addition, Suicide Squad should also be a hot item for friends of co-op games.
When is it coming? So far there is no firm release date for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. It was supposed to be released during 2022 for both PC and consoles, but has since been pushed back to 2023.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
(Genre: Action-Adventure – Developer: Massive Entertainment – Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2023)
How does the Open World work? In Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora you can freely explore the eponymous planet Pandora from the perspective of a Na”vi member. The focus, however, is on the western frontier, the areas of which played no role in the film. It is not yet known what the gameplay will look like, but it is already certain that the game will take place in the first-person perspective.
Suitable for whom? Of course, the Avatar game is based on the film and universe by James Cameron. However, you probably don”t have to know it, because Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is supposed to tell an independent story. There are no real details yet, however.
When is it coming? At the E3 announcement, Ubisoft announced that Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora will be released in 2023. There is no exact release date yet. However, it will not be released at the same time as the second Avatar film. This is because it is scheduled to start in US cinemas on 16 December 2022.
Ark 2
(Genre: Survival – Developer: Studio Wildcard – Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2023 (Early Access))
How does the Open World work? At the Game Awards 2020 Ark 2 was announced, since then there is not much new info about the dino survival game. What we do know already in any case: Vin Diesel is in the game. The first tidbits about the story are also known: Ark 2 picks up where Ark Genesis Part 2 left off and takes place on an alien planet. Once again, it will be a survival sandbox with dinos and other prehistoric animals that we can tame.
Suitable for whom? Dino fans and survival enthusiasts should put Ark 2 on their watch list. The first part has now become a cult game and the sequel is sure to bring some new ideas and improvements.
When is it coming? There”s no concrete release date yet, initially Ark 2 was supposed to come out in 2022. In the meantime, a new date has been set: 2023. It will be released exclusively for PC and Xbox.
Tchia
(Genre: Action-Adventure – Developer: Awaceb – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia – Release: Early 2023)
How does the Open World work? In Tchia you explore a tropical island with the eponymous heroine, which is based on the culture of New Caledonia. You jump and run through the different areas, solve puzzles and can even transform into animals and objects thanks to Tchia”s supernatural abilities.
Suitable for whom? Players who fancy a different open-world experience. Because in Tchia there is no real fighting, but a colourful 3D platformer awaits you, in which freedom of movement is to be writ large.
When is it coming? The still young developer studio Awaceb initially roughly gave the year 2022 as the time frame for the release. In the meantime, Tchia has been postponed to early 2023.
Nightingale
(Genre: Action-Adventure – Developer: Inflexion Games – Platforms: PC – Release: 1st half 2023) PC – Release: 1st half 2023. Half 2023)
For whom? Even though former Bioware developers are involved in Nightingale, the open-world game is aimed more at survival fans who have already had a lot of fun with Valheim. Solo players will potentially only get their money”s worth here to a limited extent.
When is it coming? Nightingale was once supposed to be released in Early Access at the end of 2022. However, nothing came of this, which is why it is now only due in the first half of 2023.
Atomic Heart
(Genre: First-person shooter – Developer: Mundfish – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release:1. Quarter 2023)
How does the Open World work? At this point we have to be honest enough to say: not a clue. There are always conflicting statements about whether Atomic Heart really has an open world. There are supposed to be different biomes, but whether they merge seamlessly into one another is still open. At least: On the (Steam product page) developer clearly speaks of an open world action RPG.
Suitable for whom? Imagine Fallout and Bioshock throwing a nuclear bomb back and forth until one of them drops the thing (probably Fallout). The atomic explosion causes the molecules of the two to first shatter, then randomly assemble, and in the end Atomic Heart stands before us. Atomic Heart promises to be an intense and thoroughly creepy first-person shooter, which, like Bioshock once did, will make a name for itself thanks to its extraordinary visuals.
When is it coming? As we all know, Atomic Heart didn”t make it in 2021. 2022 didn”t make it either. The next target is the 1st quarter of 2023.
Diablo 4
(Genre: Action Role-Playing Game – Developer: Blizzard Entertainment – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2023)
Suitable for whom? Diablo 4 is based on many innovations, but in many points it also wants to return to the old days and borrow a lot from Diablo 2, which was just revived with Diablo 2: Resurrected again. Above all, the character and item system from the classic was the model for Diablo 4.
When is it coming? There is no release date for Diablo 4 yet. After a release for 2022 seemed possible for a while, it has been clear since Activision-Blizzard s last financial report: Nothing will happen with the action role-playing game before 2023. The year 2023 was finally confirmed at Microsoft”s replacement event at E3. Meanwhile, there are regular updates on classes and gameplay, which we summarise for you in our overview.
DokeV
(Genre: Action-Adventure – Developer: Pearl Abyss – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: unknown)
How does the Open World work? In DokeV it is your task to collect different creatures, here called Dokebi, as in the Pokémon games. To do this, you travel through the open world, which consists of forests and even a huge city, and fight battles in real time against other Dokebi and, if necessary, their trainers. As is almost understandable for a good open world, there are also several side activities planned, such as flying kites or riding a bike.
For whom? For DokeV, you need to have a soft spot for a certain graphic style: The game is shrill, colourful and very over-the-top. But if you can live with that, you can look forward to a single-player adventure with Pokémon factor.
When will it come? That is the big question. Publisher Pearl Abyss has not yet made any concrete statements about a release date. Maybe it will be as early as 2022, but possibly not until 2023.
Crimson Desert
(Genre: Role Playing Game – Developer: Pearl Abyss – Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S – Release: unknown)
How does the open world work? Crimson Desert offers what at first glance appears to be a fairly classic open world for the genre. Either on foot, on horseback, by canoe or even via grappling hook, you explore a medieval fantasy world in which you complete quests, fight enemies and collect new loot. Along the way, you can stop off in villages and towns to sell items or talk to NPCs.
For whom? Although Crimson Desert actually started as a prequel to the online role-playing game Black Desert Online it is now a stand-alone game with its own background world – and a single-player experience in which you even have to make decisions. In addition, however, there is to be a multiplayer mode that is independent of the campaign.
When is it coming? Originally, the plan was to release Crimson Desert at the end of 2021 for PC and consoles. However, at the end of July 2021, the developers announced that the release would be postponed indefinitely in order to put more time into the game. Since then, Crimson Desert has gone quiet.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
(Genre: Role Playing Game – Developer: Unknown – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: Unknown)
How does the Open World work? Like its iconic predecessor, the world of Bloodlines 2 will not be a continuous Open World, but will be made up of individual hubs. Nevertheless, we can move around freely as far as possible. Not only do we wander through nocturnal Seattle on the streets, but we also explore the roofs of buildings or descend into the sewers. The world offers as many facets as there are vampire clans in it.
Suitable for whom? The first Bloodlines is considered a role-playing game for fans. A title that had many quirks when it was released but still managed to capture the hearts of many players and became a cult. Whether the successor will be just as edgy remains to be seen. But if you are attracted by the allure of evil and welcome vampires or dark fantasy as a setting, Bloodlines 2 should not disappoint you.
When is it coming? Originally, Paradox wanted to release the vampire role-playing game in early 2020. Then followed a postponement to 2021 – and in the meantime there is no release date at all. The developer responsible was fired at the end of February 2021 and the vampire game now faces an uncertain future.
Assassin”s Creed: Mirage
(Genre: Action-Adventure – Developer: Ubisoft – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2023)
How does the Open World work? With Assassin”s Creed: Mirage the first AC since Valhalla is released. But instead of an action role-playing game like the last three parts, Ubisoft wants to deliver a more classic action adventure game, which will probably be more oriented towards the first Assassin”s Creed in its game mechanics. In terms of the open world itself, however, Ubisoft is unlikely to change much from the established formula.
Suitable for whom? Those who didn”t like the Assassin”s Creed series” leap to a role-playing game can probably take another look at Mirage. Nostalgics will also get their money”s worth. After all, you can even visit the fortress of Alamut, which was your base in the very first Assassin”s Creed.
When will it be released? Ubisoft is currently only giving a rough release date of 2023. However, since pre-orders have already started, it will probably be released very early in the year, most likely in the first quarter.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
(Genre: Action Role-Playing Game – Developer: A44 Games – Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S – Release: 2023)
How does the Open World work? In Flintlock, the gates to the underworld have opened and you will go into battle against the undead hordes. You will also explore a huge open world consisting of various biomes such as a desert or cave complexes.
For whom? If you like the gunpowder era, then you might enjoy Flintlock. For here it goes into battle with some of the first firearms ever made. At the same time, it mixes its setting with fantasy, which is why you can also use magic.
When is it coming? Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is supposed to be released at the beginning of 2023. However, the developer has not yet specified an exact date.
Dune: Awakening
(Genre: Survival – Developer: Funcom – Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S – Release: Unknown)
How does the Open World work? Dune: Awakening comes from the same creators who previously brought us Conan: Exiles. Accordingly, you can expect very similar gameplay here. You have a completely open world on the desert planet Arrakis and must survive here first and foremost. However, sandstorms play an important role in this. They are not only dangerous, but also change the environment dynamically. For example, they can bury ruins underneath them or reveal shipwrecks that were thought to have been forgotten.
Suitable for whom? Dune fans already have their eyes on the game anyway. But at the same time, survival fans should also keep an eye on it. Because with water scarcity, sand worms and the Spice as a drug to be harvested, Dune: Awakening offers a number of interesting game mechanics.
When is it coming? Dune Awakening doesn”t have a firm release date yet. However, it is quite possible that we will see an Early Access release towards the end of 2023. After all, the team already had success with this with Conan: Exiles.
What about Beyond: Good & Evil 2?
First fans of Beyond Good & Evil had to wait 14 years for the official announcement of a sequel, now it has been very quiet again for some time Beyond Good & Evil 2 . Yet what was shown looked extremely promising and also during our visit to Ubisoft the sheer scale of the unusual sci-fi cities and spaceships amazed us. How Beyond Good & Evil 2 will continue, however, is not yet really known. When will it be released? When will Ubisoft reveal more? We can only speculate.
The time would at least be ripe to learn more about the ambitious project and, above all, to get some impressions of the finished game. We at least already know that Ubisoft plans to generate the universe procedurally. In a similar way to how the vast galaxy of No Man”s Sky was created. The gameplay focus is on multiplayer, as Beyond Good & Evil will be a shared-world role-playing game in which we will encounter space pirates, clones and talking pigs with moustaches.
So there is no real news at the moment. And on top of that, an insider claims that the game is about to be cancelled. In the current article we list clearly how things (could) currently stand around (Beyond Good & Evil 2).
