At one point, all of us were beginning gamers. When first starting out, the number of recommendations can be overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to start if you’re just getting into the hobby. Open world games, in particular, are expansive and intimidating for people lacking experience.

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However, plenty of these games are welcoming to gamers of all levels. From cozy harvesting tasks to dangerous, adventure-filled quests, the games in this list are perfect for beginners who want a taste of the freedom open worlds offer.

10 Stardew Valley

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Stardew Valley

RPG Simulation 9.5/10 Released February 26, 2016 ESRB E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco) Developer(s) ConcernedApe Publisher(s) ConcernedApe Engine Proprietary Multiplayer Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC Cross Save cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game Number of Players 1-4 Split Screen Orientation Vertical or Horizontal Steam Deck Compatibility Verified Platform(s) PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 1 GB (November 2023) Metascore 89 Local Co-Op Support 1-4 Players OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Stardew Valley is a great open-world choice if you’re looking to get into a cozy game with low stakes. You slowly build a village as you develop land, plant crops, and get to know your neighbors.

With a gentle learning curve, the controls are fairly straightforward and quests are done at your own pace. Some open-world games feel overwhelming, but this one eases you into the gameplay and is perfect for more casual gamers.

9 Animal Crossing: New Horizons

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Simulation 5.0/5 9.0/10 Released March 20, 2020 ESRB E for Everyone: Comic Mischief Developer(s) Nintendo EPD Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Havok Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play no Cross Save no Expansions Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise Franchise Animal Crossing Steam Deck Compatibility no Platform(s) Switch X|S Optimized no Powered by Expand Collapse

Similar to Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a great cozy, open-world game for beginners. As you build your community on your island, you can fish, gather fruit, pick new outfits. There are a lot of adorable animal villagers to meet along the way.

This game is great for people who are new to gaming as a whole, though more experienced gamers who want a taste of the open world format will enjoy it as well.

8 Minecraft

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Minecraft

Sandbox Survival 10.0/10 Released November 18, 2011 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Mojang Publisher(s) Mojang Engine LWJGL, PROPRIETARY ENGINE Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer Franchise Minecraft Number of Players 1-4 Split Screen Orientation Vertical or Horizontal Platform(s) 3DS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360 How Long To Beat 129 Hours X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 1.42 GB (August 2024) Metascore 93 OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Minecraft is a classic open-world game. With simple controls and customizable activities, this game is perfect for any level of gamer, especially beginners. You can focus on building your home and herding animals, or you can fight various enemies and run from creepers.

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The fights don’t require a ton of skill, so it’s a great game to ease you into the open-world concept with little to no experience.

7 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

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Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Action RPG Open-World Released October 15, 2018 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language Developer(s) Ubisoft Quebec Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine anvilnext Franchise Assassin's Creed Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia How Long To Beat 45 Hours X|S Optimized Yes File Size Xbox Series 75 GB (November 2023) Metascore 87 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs) 143 Hours OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

If you want a beginner-friendly open-world game with a little more action, try Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The historical setting and light RPG elements make it an engaging and immersive story for newer players.

You can explore the map as a deadly assassin and choose whether to complete main quests or side quests. It’s a large world, but it’s not as overwhelming as some other open-world maps that require a little more experience.

6 Red Dead Redemption 2

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Red Dead Redemption 2

Action Adventure 5.0/5 Released October 26, 2018 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) Rockstar Games Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine RAGE Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play N/A Cross Save N/A Franchise Red Dead Redemption Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia How Long To Beat 50 Hours X|S Optimized yes Metascore 97 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a very popular, beginner-friendly open-world game. The world is large, and there are tons of characters with well-written dialogue and adventurous quests to complete as you run around the Wild West.

While it’s an expansive map, the combat is fairly simple, allowing you to enjoy the narrative and explore new destinations without much difficulty.

5 Marvel’s Spider-Man

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Marvel's Spider-Man

Action Adventure Open-World Released September 7, 2018 ESRB T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence Developer(s) Insomniac Games Publisher(s) Sony Engine Insomniac Engine v.4.0 Franchise Marvel's Spider-Man Platform(s) PS4, PS5, PC How Long To Beat 18 Hours Metascore 87 OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

As long as you have a PlayStation, you can live out your superhero fantasies in Marvel’s Spider-Man. The game offers newer players an exciting super-powered experience with a fairly easy learning curve.

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While web-slinging can seem complicated, once you have the basics of combat down, the gameplay is straightforward. The detailed city and satisfying combat make this a fun, introductory open-world game.

4 Fallout: New Vegas

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Fallout: New Vegas

RPG 9.0/10 Released October 19, 2010 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs Developer(s) Obsidian Entertainment Publisher(s) Bethesda Engine Gamebryo Franchise Fallout Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, PC How Long To Beat 28 Hours Metascore 84 PS Plus Availability Premium Powered by Expand Collapse

Open-world newbies who want an immersive, action RPG experience will enjoy Fallout: New Vegas. While all the Fallout games are fun, New Vegas is the most beginner-friendly, sucking players in from the start.

Everything from the dialogue to the game design is captivating. With hundreds of hours worth of gameplay, you’ll encounter intriguing NPCs and unique dialogue options as you explore the post-apocalyptic Mojave wasteland.

3 Horizon Zero Dawn

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Horizon Zero Dawn

Adventure RPG 5.0/10 Released February 28, 2017 ESRB T for Teen - Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Violence Developer(s) Guerrilla Games Publishers Sony Computer Entertainment Engine Decima Franchise Horizon Zero Dawn Steam Deck Compatibility Verified PC Release Date August 7, 2020 Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 How Long To Beat 22½ Hours Platforms PlayStation 4 OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the best open-world games for beginners. World-building alone is a reason to play. While it’s a post-apocalyptic world like Fallout, the aesthetic is completely different, offering players a lush, colorful land to explore.

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As you try to survive the hazardous land, you’ll fight giant robots and encounter unique characters. While there is a lot to explore, the game doesn’t require you to travel everywhere. If the open-world is too overwhelming, you can stick to the main quest line and still enjoy the game.

2 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

RPG Action Adventure 10.0/10 Released November 11, 2011 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol Developer(s) Bethesda Game Studios Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks Engine Creation Engine Cross-Platform Play no Cross Save no Expansions Skyrim: Dragonborn, Skyrim: Hearthfire, Skyrim: Dawnguard Franchise The Elder Scrolls Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S How Long To Beat 35 Hours X|S Optimized Yes File Size Xbox Series 29 GB (DECEMBER 2023) Metascore 96 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium (Special Edition) OpenCritic Rating Strong Powered by Expand Collapse

Skyrim is the best exploration-based game for beginners. The map is massive, allowing players to explore to their heart’s content. Beginner players will find the game accessible on every platform and the controls user-friendly.

You can follow the main quest fairly easily, but you’ll most likely get sidetracked along the way. Every player has a unique playthrough, as the game offers too many choices to play the same way every time. If unfettered access to a gigantic world of stories intrigues you, Skyrim is the right game.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Action Adventure 10.0/10 Released March 3, 2017 ESRB E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Nintendo EPD Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Havok Cross-Platform Play no Cross Save no Franchise The Legend of Zelda Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) Nintendo Wii U, Switch How Long To Beat 50 Hours X|S Optimized no Metascore 97 OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

The best open-world game for new players is The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. The controls are simple, and the gameplay is creative and engaging. The world design is captivating and you’ll fall in love with the surrounding land.

Even if you aren’t familiar with the prior Zelda games, this is a great place to start. Breath Of The Wild completely changed the franchise, opening up the previously linear world to allow you to pick your path while you save Hyrule.

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