Top 10 Best Open World Games for PC in 2021 (Minecraft, Rockstar Games, and More)

Minecraft is about collecting resources to build, fight, and survive. Although the worlds you create are already large enough for days of exploration, each new world you create is completely unique. There's also plenty of other worlds that people have created from all over the world, so you'll never run out of places to explore.

Minecraft can only be bought from its original company, Mojang, so you can't get it from other platforms like Steam or Epic Games. Also, Minecraft Java Edition is not cross-platform, but the Windows 10 version is cross-platform between PC and consoles.

Reviewers recommend that you buy the game directly from Mojang, as some of them had issues buying it from Amazon. Many people like to call Minecraft "virtual Legos" and say that it's great for teaching creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. They also confirm that they truly never run out of things to do!

The human world has regressed to tribal societies, but the land is beset by deadly animal-like robots. Aloy, an outcasted huntress, stumbles upon a strange piece of technology that lets her see parts of the world that others cannot. She sets out to learn the truth about her past and save the world.

Horizon Zero Dawn was first released on PS4, so a few reviewers have issues with the PC port. They also warn that the UI is obviously made for a controller rather than a keyboard and mouse. They also note that the story does not have multiple endings.

Other than those issues, most reviewers praise this game for its variable combat system, rewarding side quests, and exceptional vibrant graphics. They love that the world is very large and extremely detailed, stating that it truly feels alive. 

Arthur Morgan and his Van der Linde gang are forced to flee after a robbery goes wrong. With federal agents and bounty hunters after them, the gang must fight their way across America's Wild West to survive. But as conflict starts tearing the gang apart, Arthur must choose between his ideals or his loyalty to the gang who raised him.

Although Red Dead Redemption II was first released as single-player, it has since released a DLC that enables a multiplayer online mode. However, some reviews complain that the developers care less about bugs and cheaters than their premium currency in this mode. The game also forces you to use Rockstar's game launcher.

Regardless of all the complaints, most reviewers are amazed by this game's emotional story and extreme attention to detail. They state that this game feels very alive and convincing, saying the graphics are picturesque and the physics are almost life-like. Gamers say that this isn't just a game; it's truly an experience.

Two traveling twins arrive in Teyvat, a fantasy world where mortals have seven unique elemental abilities. However, one of the twins is suddenly taken away by an unknown god, and the other is sealed away. The sealed twin eventually awakens and meets Paimon. With Paimon's help, they start their search for the missing twin.

Genshin Impact is free to play, but reviewers warn that it contains overpriced microtransactions known as a "gacha" system. They say there's not much to do at the end game due to the game's restrictive stamina system. Also, the co-op mode doesn't allow players to speak to NPCs or do quests simultaneously.

Despite the complaints, many reviewers praise the fact that this game is free. They love its cute character designs, beautiful open world, excellent music, and great combat system. Some reviewers say this game is comparable to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

After hearing a prophecy, Kassandra's father was told he had to sacrifice her baby brother. However, Kassandra causes her brother and the priest holding him to fall off the mountain. With that, her father was forced to throw Kassandra off as well, but she secretly survives. 

Kassandra washes up on an island and meets a man named Markos and a girl named Phoibe. She grows up to be a Misthios, a mercenary in Ancient Greece. And then the day comes where she's hired to kill her father.

Some reviewers found this game a bit too grind-heavy, especially if they also got the two DLCs. There are some microtransactions to speed up the grind, but reviewers complain that the game shouldn't be so overly long in the first place.

Besides those issues, most reviewers love that this game is as entertaining as it is historical. They love the breathtaking life-like open world, challenging combat system, many unique quests, and great voice acting. This game even has a built-in screenshot tool with many settings to capture your favorite moments.

In this game, you play as a mercenary in Night City. As "V," you find your mind being invaded by another identity named Johnny Silverhand. Before long, you realize that you need to get this digital version of Silverhand out of your head before it kills you.

As many reviewers know, Cyberpunk 2077 was released too soon with many bugs and performance issues. Some reviewers also dislike that there are only about five different story routes, and over half of them come from one conversation.

Despite the issues, most reviewers are highly satisfied with this game's beautiful city, music, voice acting, and NPCs. They especially love that Keanu Reeves plays one of the main characters.

Michael, a retired professional bank robber, suddenly finds himself in debt and performs a jewelry store heist to pay it off. Franklin, a repo man, is enlisted as his accomplice. Trevor, an old hotheaded friend, tracks him down, and they reunite. Reluctantly, Michael resumes his previous life of crime.

Reviewers complain that the online mode has too many cheaters, griefers, and modders. They also dislike its premium currency and how the game makes it super difficult to earn regular money in the online mode without it.

However, many reviewers highly recommend the single-player offline mode. They say that single-player mode has wonderful characters, great humor, and a vast open-world city. In fact, it takes over two hours to drive across the whole map.

Paradise is an island that regenerates every few millennia. It's home to people who hope to resurrect dead alien gods. You play as "Lady Love Dies," a woman who loves investigations. When the island's council is suddenly murdered, you must build an airtight case and find the culprit.

Some reviewers complain that the end trial lacks debate, so this game is less about deduction and more about the investigation. Despite the complaints, most reviewers say this game is a breath of fresh air for the murder mystery genre. They enjoyed the character interactions, the colorful open world, and the upbeat soundtrack.

You play as Eric LeBranc, the only survivor of a devastating plane crash in a remote forest. Not to mention, your son was kidnapped by a stranger. You find yourself fighting for your life against a society of cannibalistic mutants. To survive, you must gather resources to keep warm, feed yourself, and build a shelter.

Reviewers adore the horror survival concept of The Forest, but they state that the game is quite buggy and has some performance issues. They also warn that the developers stopped updating this game since they're instead focusing on the Sons of the Forest sequel.

However, many reviewers praise this game for being one of the few good horror open-world games. They like that it can actually take you by surprise, and the environment is quite detailed. They say that the cannibals are entertaining and visit frequently. However, there's also an option to turn off the cannibals for a more relaxed style of gameplay.

In this game, you have a vision where you're wielding a weapon of light that you use to strike down a masked man in black robes. Through undertaking odd jobs, you're often compared to the fabled and forgotten Warriors of Light. You eventually meet someone who claims to know the origin of your visions.

Some reviewers warn that if you already have an account on this game outside of Steam, the account will be invalid for Steam. They state that registering for this game can be a hassle and recommend buying it from Square Enix. They also warn that this game has a monthly subscription.

Other than those issues, most reviewers love that this MMO is very beginner-friendly, has well-balanced classes, and has gorgeous settings and effects. Many people claim that Final Fantasy XIV has one of the least toxic MMO communities since the game rewards teamwork and is more focused on player vs. environment play.