For the second time, Rockstar Games has delayed the launch of one of the most iconic and highly anticipated open-world games, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA VI). It’s set to release now on November 19th, 2026, and as a big fan of the GTA franchise, I’ve got no other option except to mark my calendar and anxiously wait for it.
That said, till the time GTA VI is released, I’ve planned to play numerous open-world games, some of which I’ve played twice, and a few that I’ll be trying out for the first time.
I’ll share those games below and explain everything about them. So, if you’re also waiting for GTA VI like me, these open-world games will help you kill time, for sure.
Now, let’s start:
Red Dead Redemption II
RDR2 took the open-world genre to a whole different level. This game offers a unique experience of the West’s wilderness. Besides the storyline, the game is packed with unique quests that make RDR2 much more enjoyable.
The multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online, is the best thing about this game. Exploring the wilderness with your buddies doesn’t get better than this. Do check your internet connection because RDR2’s multiplayer mode needs a stable connection. RDR2 has detailed graphics, with dozens of non-playing characters (NPCs), which increases the bandwidth required by the game to run smoothly. Back when I started playing RDR2, I switched to high-speed Comcast plans to avoid lag or spotty connections. Since then, the experience has been consistently like a breeze.
Above all, RDR2 offers a comprehensive open-world experience with an extensive map to explore. And, I believe it’s one of those games that wouldn’t bore you and keep you entertained till GTA VI is released.
Grand Theft Auto V
Playing GTA V to kill time till GTA VI is released? Well, sounds like a plan to me!
GTA V is a major leap from the previous games of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. The map of GTA 5 is insanely big, and three playable characters with distinctive, but at the same time, overlapping storylines set a standard for open-world games.
Like the previous games in the GTA franchise, this game leaves no stone unturned to offer difficult but enjoyable missions. However, what makes this game more entertaining is the online mode. You can plan heists, race, or wreak havoc on NPCs by teaming up with strangers.
That said, it’s been around 12 years since GTA V was released. And, considering how technology has evolved in all these years, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that GTA V was way ahead of its time.
Forza Horizon 5
It’s rare to see a racing game offering an open-world map. You can drive exotic supercars in the never-ending map in Forza Horizon 5.
This racing game offers plenty of secret ways and tracks to explore throughout the map. Forza Horizon 5 is a treat for someone who enjoyed the Need for Speed franchise. Additionally, this game has multiple events, such as jump and point-to-point races.
However, the game doesn’t let you race while exploring the open world. The main races always take place in the instanced version, and you can race solo, against friends, or in multiplayer mode on the offered tracks.
Other than this, Forza Horizon 5 offers two expansions, including a Hot Wheels-themed area, which I believe keeps the players hooked to this game.
No Man’s Sky
You might’ve played a lot of open-world games. But have you ever played an “open universe” game, where you can travel in space, explore different planets, and test your survival skills?
Considering what No Man’s Sky brings in for the gamers, I believe it’s a highly underrated game. There are hundreds of planets to explore, where you can search for plants, resources, and other essential items for your survival.
Also, you can opt to be a builder, a merchant, or a fighter. And keep in mind that every role you choose comes with a certain set of duties.
Moreover, the game’s developers, Hello Games, frequently release updates to add new planets, features, and improve the overall gameplay.
Sea of Thieves
It’s more like an “open-sea” multiplayer game where you travel around narrow straits, ports, islands, and also build a crew and sail across various seas!
You can explore and plunder islands, engage with other online players, and steal their belongings. However, ensure that you, your crew, and the ship are loaded with weapons because the battles on the sea can get ugly.
Other than this, Sea of Thieves also has a player-versus-environment (PvE) mode. It’s for those gamers who don’t want to engage or be engaged by other players. Also, to keep the game interesting, the developers release frequent updates and add new functionalities, tricks, weapons, and more.
So, these are my top five picks of open-world games that I’m playing till GTA VI is released. Luckily, these are not the only open-world games; other notable mentions are Genshin Impact, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Elden Ring.
So, choose whichever game you want to play, and don’t forget to pre-order GTA VI as soon as its bookings start!
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