Summary
Elden Ring, the latest entry in FromSoftware’s so-called “Soulsborne” series, was recently released on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Although many people were expecting great things from the game, few predicted the near-perfect 96 Metascore that the game currently has.
The game seesthe Soulsborne seriestake a significant change in direction. Although the games have always featured open-level design,Elden Ringis the series' first fully open-world game. Considering how much praise the game is already getting, many people will be itching to play something similar once they eventually finish this enormous adventure. Thankfully, there are a handful of other excellent open-world RPGs with similar themes and gameplay mechanics that can scratch that itch.
Updated on May 26, 2025, by Vlad Mazanko:Following the release of the truly massiveShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion for Elden Ring, many players are starting to look for their next open-world action-RPG to play this summer. This updated list of huge open-world games like Elden Ring (at least in some regard) might come in handy for those seeking what to dive into next. This list includes the most recent open-world action RPGs released this year.
Dragon’s Dogma 2returns as the ambitiousconcept to deliver everythingthatDark Arisencouldn’t due to the technological restraints of that time.Capcomhas truly tried to bring the existing formula to new heights, emphasizing deep and spectacular combat and dynamic interactions with huge monsters above all else.
Dragon’s Dogma 2’s open world might not be as exciting to explore asElden Ring’s, but with the sequel’s many intertwined dynamic systems, it constantly surprises and delivers unpredictable events throughout the entire journey. The world of the sequel is also quite big, with a unique approach to fast travel that demands players carefully plan their next step and be ready to fight for their lives at night.
Rise of the Roninis the first venture into the open world byTeam Ninja, the famous soulslike studio behind theNiohseries,Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, andWo Long: Fallen Dynasty. This first attempt might not be as impressive asFromSoftware’s, yetRise of the Roninisstill worth your attentionfor a number of reasons.
From its unique and realistic take on the Bakumatsu period to its refined approach to combat that favors player reaction and flexibility,Rise of the Roninmight be a tough experience, butElden Ringfans might appreciate its unforgiving fights. Additionally, it is one of the most story-driven games byTeam Ninja, offering a rich narrative involving dozens of memorable historical characters and movie-like cutscenes.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Waris an ambitious sequel toMiddle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor, a 2014 action RPG set in the iconic world of Middle-Earth. With its expanded scope, improved combat system, and impressive dark fantasy environments,Shadow of Waroffers an unforgettable and epic journey. Moreover, it’s further elevated by the Nemesis narrative system, which provides unique interactions with orc chieftains.
WhileShadow of Warisn’t too similar toElden Ring’s approach to exploration or boss fights, this game’s dark fantasy setting alone could be enough for some players. Its immersive and twisted story, full of familiar iconic characters, serves as one of the major highlights of the experience.
Ashenis a notable soulslike not only due to its stylized minimalistic graphics but also for being one of the first games in the genre to offer an almost traditional open world, with huge areas full of enemies, secrets, and optional discoveries.
The game is arguably easier thanElden Ringand certainly not as epic, instead offering a somewhat cozy atmosphere with occasional difficulty spikes. However, your journey throughAshenis not as unforgiving because you travel with a constant companion who can draw enemies away from you in combat, making it simpler and more strategic at the same time.
Immortals Fenyx Risingstands betweenElden Ringand recentZeldatitles, offering a huge open-world environment full of various puzzles and unforgettable bosses. Based on Greek mythology, this adventure byUbisoftis as light-hearted as it is expansive, boasting vast areas players can explore at their own pace.
What’s more,Immortals Fenyx Risingfeatures metroidvania-like abilities, such as the Icarus Wings, that unlock new, previously unreachable areas and make some corners of the map worth returning to and exploring anew. Add to this a solid combat system, various weapon types, and deep progression systems, and you have one of the most intriguing and underrated open-world titles of the past few years.
Monster Hunter Riseis perfect forElden Ringfans who love the challenge of taking down intimidatingly large enemies and bosses. Players don’t have to embark on these perilous quests alone, though, asMonster Hunter Risefeatures stellar co-op features that enhance the game considerably.
Capcom’s critically acclaimed action RPG received a fantastic expansion in 2022 titledMonster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, which enhanced the quality of the game even further with its new hub area, new hunting areas, and, of course, new monsters. Alternatively, players might want to check the earlier releasedMonster Hunter: Worldand its hugeIceborneexpansion. This game offers so much content it’s easy to get lost for weeks and even months.
Ubisoft has found a winning formula for its open-world releases. TheirAssassin’s CreedandFar Cryfranchises have both enjoyed continued, consistent success over the years by sharing many of the same design ideas and principles.
Fans ofElden Ringshould be cautious going into this game, as Ubisoft’s quintessential open-world style involves a lot of hand-holding with waypoints and quest logs constantly guiding the way — far removed fromElden Ring’s show-don’t-tell approach, which throws players in with little guidance. Still,Assassin’s Creed Valhalladeserves a spot on this list, as it’s a great game to switch off to and become engrossed in without having to worry too much about what to do or where to go.
TheAssassin’s Creedseries was once firmly an action-adventure franchise, thoughAssassin’s Creed Originssaw the games take a shift in direction to the RPG genre with manysimilarities toThe Witcher 3.
LikeElden Ring,Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisenisinfamous for its unforgiving difficulty, which can be a deal-breaker for some people but will be a challenge that manyElden Ringfanatics will relish.Dragon’s Dogmawas first released on PS3 and Xbox 360 in May 2012 before an expanded version of the game, titledDragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen,was released on the same consoles along with PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch between 2013 and 2019.
Dragon’s Dogma’s standout features are probably its dynamic, fast-paced combat system, which allows you to climb huge monsters mid-battle to deliver serious blows, as well as the unique followers system known as Pawns. Thanks to this system, players can lead a team of characters with different classes and builds, utilizing many of the game’s combat abilities in every fight.
9Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Fantasy Adventure With Flashy Graphics And Fast-Paced Combat
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoningwas the one and only game developed by 38 Studios before the company filed for bankruptcy. The company’s issues aren’t reflective of the game’s quality, however, asKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoningis a fantastic action RPG that stands out in the crowded genre with its abundance of side quests and customizability.
The game puts players in control of a character known as the Fateless One - a fully customizable character who is brought back from the dead - and lets them explore a wonderfully designed world known as the Faelands.Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoningwas well-received by critics, exemplified by its 81 Metascore on PC.
Blizzard’sDiablo 4is the first game in the critically acclaimedDiabloseries to feature an open world. Some fans were skeptical about the series hopping on the hype train for open-world level design, but the game has been well-received, exemplified by its impressive 92 Metascore on Xbox Series X/S.
Diablo 4differentiates itself fromElden Ringwith its isometric perspective, which is uncommon among AAA open-world games. Blizzard’s action RPG lets players choose from five different classes (Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Rogue, and Sorcerer) and gives them a fantastic range of enemies to fight and quests to complete.
