Open-world games offer a unique experience where you’re able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. The lack of structure certainly isn’t for everyone, but the right player can find hundreds of hours of enjoyment.
Many of these games are best enjoyed with friends, so here’s a selection of fantastic co-op titles in the space.
10Far Cry 4
Crab Rangoon Anyone?
TheFar Cryseries is known for its vast open-world maps andinfamous towersthat reveal the map.
Far Cry 4doesn’t break the mold, but it is a surprisingly decent co-op experience andfar better than I ever expected. You can drive around and wreak havoc just like in single-player and make Kyrat your playground.
The hunting quests are so much fun, and I don’t want to spoil the final encounter in that unforgettable quest line.
The only limitation isyou cannot complete the main campaignwith a friend. It sucks, but there’s plenty to do together, including side quests and liberations.
You can’t go wrong with any of the newFar Crygames, but4is the one I played the most, and I had a fantastic time with the co-op offering.
A Home On The Waves
Raftis one of my favorite open-world games and isso much better with friends.
You start on a tiny raft and must scrounge for water and supplies before you succumb to the elements. Once you have basic survival taken care of, you can take part in agrand overarching storythat will take you to tropical islands and even long abandoned structures at sea.
The best part aboutRaftis you’re free totackle story content at your own pace. Your crew can spend hours creating a city on the waves, and there’s no “incorrect” way to play.
A quick word of warning:Rafthas some pretty strict survival crafting mechanics and meter management. I didn’t find it to be a massive problem, but you will always be stockpiling drinks and food.
8No Man’s Sky
To Infinity And Beyond
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Skybarely resembles what it did when it first launched and is now an incredibleslow-burnopen-world game where even the sky isn’t a limit.
I don’t think any title will ever beat the feeling of freedom inNMS. If you can see a planet, you can go there, andthe entire process is seamlessand without loading screens.
The best part is you can enjoy the whole experience with friends. I restarted recently, and some tutorial objectives must be completed individually. Fortunately, you can help each other with awonderfully simple trade mechanicand tour the galaxy together.
NMSis a little convoluted while you’re learning, but I urge you to persevere, as there’s nothing quite like it.
Who Even Needs 3D?
Terrariais an incredible2D open-world adventure gamewith everything from base building to boss battles against terrifying foes.
I often seeTerrariadescribed as “2DMinecraft,” and while it’s not inaccurate, the game is so much more than that.Terrariahas asolid progression pathgatekept by bosses you must defeat.
Boss battles take preparation and the appropriate gear, and it’s addictive, always working toward your next goal. Co-op is a great addition, andup to eight playerscan contribute to the same world.
Ultimately, the battles are just one piece of theTerrariacake. You can spend days meticulously crafting the perfect base, and NPC villagers will make those spaces feel alive.
6Minecraft
The Gold Standard
I doubtMinecraftneeds any introduction, but it’s an S-tier co-op game withlimitless possibilities.
There isn’t much I can say to add to the conversation withMinecraft. It’sthe defacto open-world sandbox game. you’re able to construct magnificent buildings and cities. Alternatively, you can go exploring, and the world is made of rich,procedurally generatedbiomes.
Everything in Minecraft can be enjoyed with friends, and you’re onlylimited by your creativity. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of structure, why not take on the Ender Dragon?
The Ender Dragon is “technically” the final boss. Finding and defeating it will take many hours for the average group, and you’ll be aMinecraftpro by the end.
5LEGO Fortnite
A High Budget Sandbox
LEGO Fortnite Odyssey
LEGO Fortnitehas come leaps and bounds since its launch and is anaccessible co-op gamethat anyone can enjoy.
Your first objective is to construct a village where NPCs will move in, but you’re free to explore the world if you prefer. The visuals inLEGO Fortniteare gorgeous, and recent updates have addedrobust vehicle creationto the mix. The best part is that everything can be enjoyed with friends.
On that note, co-op is effortless to set up, andyou can give “keys” to your friendsso they can visit the world even if you’re not online. It’s an incredible feature if you play with people in different time zones, and everyone can contribute in their own way.
No, It’s Not A Pokémon Clone
Palworldis an open-world sandbox game where you cancapture and befriend creaturescalled Pals.
Many are quick to point out similarities betweenPalworldandPokémon, but in reality,the games are entirely different. you’re able to construct a base inPalworld, and if you really want to be efficient, why not enlist your Pals for help?
Every Pal has unique abilities, and you’ll need them all to explore the world and catch more dangerous creatures. Naturally, you canenjoy the full experience with your buddies, and it’s so much fun traveling the world and helping each other out.
Online co-op is restricted to 4 players, but you’re able to haveup to 32 on a dedicated server.
Palworldhas recently beenslapped with a lawsuitby Nintendo, but the game is still absolutely worth your time.
3Project Zomboid
For Hardcore Players
Project Zomboid
Project Zomboidis atough-as-nails survival simulatorset during a zombie outbreak.
Don’t let the visuals fool you, asProject Zomboidis arguably the mostintricate and complexgame on the list. The game has been in development for many years, and it shows with its countless mechanics.
Many games on this list are much easier with a friend or two, but that’s not the case here. If your friends don’t accidentally have a hand in your death, you can still get infected through one silly mistake.
Project Zomboidis punishing, but that’s the beauty of it, and it’s unbeatable with a group willing to get stuck in. Take those deaths on the chin because it will happen a lot!
2Sea of Thieves
A Pirate’s Life For Me
Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thievesis one of my most played games of the last few years and offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also much better with friends, making it a perfect fit for this list.
Sea of Thievesissurprisingly open-ended. Your first goal will be to make gold, but the real fun starts when you join a faction and complete quests for them. Gold Hoarders offer the perfect Pirate experience, where you dig for buried loot and seek out Treasure Vaults.
Each faction offers something different, and there’s evenone centered around fishing! Keep in mind thatSea of Thievesis a PvPvE game. It’s been a point of contention for as long as I’ve been playing, but combat is so much fun when you start to get good at it!
If you keep a cool head and remember thatloot isn’t yours until it’s cashed in, you can have unforgettable moments with your friends on the high seas.
1Core Keeper
A Top-Tier Newcomer
Core Keeper
I hold so many games on this list in high regard, andCore Keeper is up there with the best.
Core Keeperis a beautiful sandbox adventure gameset in a subterranean worldfull of mystery and intrigue. you’re able to construct beautiful base camps, keep livestock, and even go fishing, and the game is so much more enjoyable with a friend in tow.
I find many open-world games lack enough structure to enjoy them, and this is whereCore Keepertruly shines for me. You’re always working towardthe next boss battle.
Many fights requireunique strategies and preparation, including a hearty homemade meal for buffs.
Core Keeperis quite combat-centric, but there’s always time to relax and enjoy the base building and the incredible soundtrack.
10 Amazing Small Open World Games
We aren’t just saying this to protect their feelings. In this case, size doesn’t matter!
