Diablo
The 35 Biggest Open World Maps in Video Game History
Jul
Prepare to have your mind blown if you’ve never delved into the intricate world of video game maps!
Unbelievably, a few of the maps featured in this compilation surpass the size of our very own planet. Hold on a second; seriously? You must be joking!
No way! It was almost too unbelievable for us to fathom.
And now, presenting an extraordinary compilation of the 35 most colossal open-world realms ever crafted within the realm of video games.
The 35 Biggest Open World Maps in Video Game History
We have gathered a marvelous compilation of open-world maps and characters from diverse sources across the digital realm, including esteemed platforms like The Gamer and Screen Rant.
Behold the grandeur of the 35 most colossal Open World Maps ever witnessed in the annals of video game lore.
35. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Size: 6 Miles²
Commencing the compilation of the grandest open-world environments, we have Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain leading the way.
On September 1, 2015, the highly anticipated game made its global debut, captivating players across the globe as it launched on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
With its expansive expanse spanning slightly more than 6 square miles, the game’s maps boast boundless desert landscapes that immerse players in a perpetual realm of infinite possibilities.
With its groundbreaking gameplay and unparalleled success, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain swiftly emerged as the epitome of gaming excellence in 2015, captivating the hearts of millions worldwide and selling a staggering 3 million copies within a mere five days of its release!
34. Far Cry 4
Size: 11 Miles²
Far Cry 4 presents adventurers with a mere 11 square miles of immersive game world to discover, a minuscule expanse when contrasted with its counterparts on the roster.
Nevertheless, it surpasses a myriad of other games that were left out and boasts a vibrant community, ensuring that boredom remains a distant concept while engaging with this particular game.
In the vibrant month of November 2014, this exhilarating first-person shooter mesmerized gamers across a multitude of platforms.
33. Red Dead Redemption 2
Size: 12 Miles²
Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts a colossal map, stretching its boundaries across five imaginary American states and encompassing a vast expanse of 12 square miles.
Nevertheless, the maps lack a vast array of diversity, with a monotonous landscape stretching for countless miles. Nevertheless, this aspect undeniably contributes to the games’ authentic midwest essence, maintaining a consistent and cohesive atmosphere.
Red Dead Redemption 2 emerged as an unparalleled phenomenon in the gaming world, captivating millions of avid players and soaring to unprecedented heights with a staggering 29 million copies sold.
32. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
Size: 13 Miles²
The thrilling game, Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, was masterfully crafted by Rockstar North and released by Rockstar Games, captivating players with its action-packed adventure.
Unleashed upon the realm of PlayStation 2 in the mystical month of October in the year 2004, it swiftly ascended the ranks to claim its rightful place among the pantheon of legendary best-sellers.
As a pioneer in the gaming industry, this game showcased the revolutionary concept of rendering expansive cities and is widely hailed as a trailblazer in the realm of open-world maps.
Adventurers have the freedom to roam the vast expanse of the open-world, either by foot or by vehicle, experiencing it all from a third-person perspective.
31. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
Size: 15 Miles²
Unleashed upon the world in December 2017, PUBG emerged as an exhilarating online multiplayer battle royale game, captivating gamers across the globe.
Adventurers descend gracefully onto a mysterious island, compelled to swiftly scavenge for formidable armaments in a thrilling quest to eliminate rival contenders and ensure their own survival.
Across a grand total of four maps, the sprawling battle royale landscapes span a staggering 15 square miles. With an ingenious twist, as time ticks away, the game’s meticulously designed terrains gradually shrink, compelling players to converge upon a single, ominous battleground where they must face their ultimate demise.
Battlegrounds soared to unparalleled heights, captivating the masses as one of the most sought-after and widely enjoyed video games in history.
30. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Size: 15 Miles²
Moving onwards, we venture into the vast expanse of 15 square miles encompassing the intricately detailed maps of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Amongst the array of forthcoming maps, Skyrim’s allure pales, yet fans fervently hail it as an unparalleled masterpiece in the realm of open-world gaming.
Upon its release, Skyrim, the fifth installment in the Elder Scrolls series, garnered widespread praise and acclaim from critics.
29. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Size: 16 Miles²
Continuing the open-world legacy of its predecessors, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion surpasses Skyrim in size by an entire square mile.
Oblivion, with its small 16 square miles, bears the charming marks of its 2006 release, while the gaming realm has blossomed into grander and more magnificent landscapes.
However, during that era, it stood as an impressive open-world expanse, ranking a remarkable twenty-fourth on our esteemed list.
Oblivion achieved remarkable commercial and industrial triumph, surpassing the sale of 1.7 million copies within a mere month from its official launch on April 10, 2006.
28. The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Size: 22 Miles²
Released on March 3, 2017, for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U consoles, Breath Of The Wild emerges as a captivating action-adventure game, meticulously crafted and unleashed upon the world by none other than Nintendo itself.
Renowned for its ability to seamlessly incorporate copious amounts of content within its expansive 22-square-mile map, the game stands out as an awe-inspiring feat accomplished by Nintendo. Astonishingly, the company has skillfully compressed an abundance of engaging elements into a portable console, resulting in a visually stunning experience.
With minimal guidance, players are granted the freedom to venture into the expansive open world at their own leisure.
The release of Breath Of The Wild was met with overwhelming praise due to its meticulousness and immersive open-world experience.
27. Far Cry 2
Size: 31 Miles²
Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft collaborated to bring forth Far Cry 2, an exhilarating first-person shooter experience.
In October 2008, the game made its global debut, captivating audiences on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows platforms.
With its vast expanse covering 31 square miles, the terrain unveils a mesmerizing spectacle that beckons players to embark on an exhilarating exploration. Bursting with fiery foliage and lifelike depictions of the enchanting African Serengeti, this immersive setting is bound to ignite an insatiable desire to delve deeper into the game.
Upon its release, Far Cry 2 garnered widespread acclaim and achieved remarkable sales figures, reaching close to 3 million copies sold by January 2009.
26. Fallout 4
Size: 43 Miles²
Unleashed to the entire globe on November 10th, 2015, Fallout 4 emerges as the illustrious fourth installment in the captivating Fallout saga.
In a dystopian, open-world setting, the game unfolds, granting players the freedom to wander at will. Within this expansive landscape, a multitude of distinct and diverse regions await exploration, each exuding its own allure. The meticulously crafted maps truly leave a lasting impact, delivering an immersive experience like no other.
The size of Fallout 4’s maps is a topic of debate, but rest assured that you’ll never feel confined within them, as they exude an expansive and majestic atmosphere.
Within a mere 24 hours of its debut, Fallout 4 amassed a staggering $750 million in sales, leaving a trail of financial triumph in its wake.
25. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Size: 45 Miles²
Crafted by bio-ware and brought to life by Electronic Arts, Dragon Age: Inquisition boasts an expansive realm that ranks among the grandest open-world landscapes in the annals of video game lore.
In the year 2014, the game made its grand entrance into the gaming world, spreading its wings across the globe and captivating players on various platforms such as Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
Undoubtedly, it excels in its expansive map dimensions and grandeur, granting players a captivating expanse of 45 square miles filled with uncharted landscapes awaiting their adventurous spirit.
The open-world map may not be the grandest, but it certainly isn’t the tiniest either!
The games garnered high acclaim for their captivating narrative, exceptional voice performances, and mesmerizing musical score, earning them multiple nominations for prestigious accolades in the industry.
24. Grand Theft Auto V
Size: 49 Miles²
Unleashed upon the world in the year 2013, crafted by the ingenious minds at Rockstar North, and brought to life by the esteemed publishers at Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto V boasts a vast expanse of 49 square miles of awe-inspiring game terrain eagerly awaiting exploration.
The surroundings boast intricate details, teeming with countless captivating elements waiting to be discovered and marvelled at.
With the option to experience it from either a first-person or third-person viewpoint, the game beckons for a maximum of 30 players to immerse themselves in a plethora of collaborative and cutthroat game modes.
The phenomenal success of GTA V on the PS4 makes it the reigning champion as the top-selling game in history.
23. Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag
Size: 55 Miles²
Unleashed upon various gaming platforms in October 2013, Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag emerges as a captivating action-adventure video game.
With a vast expanse of 55 square miles, the game unveils a sprawling open-world awaiting your exploration, where the potential for adventure knows no bounds.
Upon its release, Black Flag garnered widespread acclaim and quickly emerged as a top-selling sensation in the gaming industry, earning its place among the most sought-after titles of 2013.
22. World of WarCraft
Size: 80 Miles²
World of WarCraft, a captivating virtual realm, proudly claims its place as the seventeenth most remarkable open-world game in the vast realm of video gaming.
Spanning across a vast expanse of 80 square miles, it comes as no shock that this exceptional multiplayer game has garnered immense popularity worldwide. It proudly showcases a staggering number of enthusiastic participants and stands tall as one of Blizzard’s renowned masterpieces.
Back in 2009, WOWC reigned supreme as the ultimate MMORPG, boasting an impressive player base of nearly 10 million avid gamers.
21. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Size: 84 Miles²
Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of The Witcher 3, a mesmerizing action-role-playing game released in 2015. Drawing inspiration from a collection of enchanting fantasy novels penned by the talented Andrzej Sapkowski, this immersive experience will transport you to a world brimming with magic and adventure.
With a vast expanse of 82 square miles waiting to be explored, along with two additional game expansions to immerse yourself in, this captivating world offers endless possibilities. One can easily lose track of time, spending days on end engrossed in this game without ever growing weary.
Wild Hunt garnered countless accolades as the recipient of numerous game of the year honors, solidifying its reputation as an unparalleled masterpiece in the realm of video games.
20. Xenoblade Chronicles
Size: 95 Miles²
Xenoblade Chronicles takes the twenty spot, boasting a vast expanse of 95 square miles to explore.
In the year 2010, Nintendo unleashed these mesmerizing science fiction action role-playing games onto the world. Crafted by the genius minds at Monolith Soft and published by none other than Nintendo themselves, these immersive gaming experiences took the Nintendo Wii by storm.
Input: Often finding itself struggling to compete with the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, having a title like this on the Nintendo Wii brought the Wii back into a contending position, and the Xenoblade Chronicles map had a lot to do with it!Amidst its constant battle against the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, the Nintendo Wii managed to reclaim its competitive edge by introducing a game of this caliber. The Xenoblade Chronicles map played a pivotal role in this remarkable resurgence.
The Chronicles garnered both commercial and critical acclaim, as enthusiasts lauded its immersive open-world concept, captivating soundscapes, and compelling narratives.
19. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Size: 98 Miles²
Journey back to the ancient era of 431-422 BC, where the captivating world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey unfolds amidst the enchanting landscapes of Greece. Traverse the lands of Macedonia, once a revered Greek territory, and embark on an epic adventure like no other.
Although it may not be the most beloved game among AC enthusiasts, its expansive map spans a staggering 98 square miles, making it undeniably the grandest in size.
The vastness of this map is nearly twice the size of the renowned Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag’s territory.
18. Arma 3
Size: 103 Miles²
Arma 3, the beloved PC game, unveils its latest open-world map for exploration.
Set in the intriguing backdrop of the mid-2030s, Arma emerges as an immersive, authentic military tactical shooter.
Roaming across 103 expansive square miles with minimal skirmishes, monotony can easily set in. Nevertheless, ardent enthusiasts cherish the game’s genuine nature and meticulous craftsmanship.
The prestigious title of PC Gamers simulation game of the year was bestowed upon Arma 3, solidifying its reign as the ultimate victor in the gaming realm.
17. Ghost Recon Wildlands
Size: 105 Miles²
Unleashed to the world on March 7, 2017, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands emerged as an exhilarating masterpiece in the realm of tactical shooter video games.
The developers proudly hailed the game as a colossal open-world experience, surpassing any they have ever released. Embarking on this adventure promises an array of diverse landscapes, ranging from majestic mountains and lush forests to vast salt flats and scorching deserts.
Wildlands emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious accolade for “Supreme Collaborative Multiplayer” at the highly anticipated Game Informer’s Best of 2017 Awards.
16. Operation Flash Point: Dragon Rising
Size: 135 Miles²
Unleash your tactical prowess in Operation Flash Point: Dragon Rising, an immersive military simulation masterpiece.
Codemasters, the mastermind behind the creation of the game, brings to life an extraordinary standalone sequel to the gripping Operation Flash Point: Cold War Crisis.
With a vast expanse of 135 square miles eagerly waiting to be explored and conquered, Dragon Rising managed to redeem itself after a rather lackluster reception upon its 2009 release.
15. Star Wars Galaxies
Size: 200 Miles²
Unleashed in every corner of the world on June 26, 2003, Star Wars Galaxies emerged as an extraordinary online adventure where players could immerse themselves in a boundless universe of role-playing.
With a vast expanse of 200 square miles and a multitude of ten celestial bodies awaiting exploration, the game stood as a testament to its grandeur. Alas, in 2011, its servers were silenced, yet against all odds, a passionate community breathed life into the game, ensuring its survival.
By August 2006, Star Wars Galaxies had conquered the hearts of 370,000 passionate gamers in the United States, soaring to an impressive rank of 43 among the nation’s top-selling computer games from January 2000 to August 2006.
14. Burnout Paradise
Size: 200 Miles²
In the year 2008, Burnout Paradise burst onto the gaming scene as an exhilarating open-world racing game. Fast forward to November 2016, and fans were treated to a remastered edition of this adrenaline-fueled masterpiece.
Nestled within the realm of Paradise City, a fictional utopia awaits, adorned with a vast expanse of 200 square miles worth of thrilling roads, beckoning racers to embark on their adrenaline-fueled adventures. Within this digital realm, players are granted the freedom to embark on a solitary journey through a captivating campaign or immerse themselves in the exhilarating realm of online multiplayer.
Upon its release, the game garnered widespread acclaim and secured numerous prestigious accolades in 2008, such as the coveted title of “GameSpot’s Best Driving Game.”
13. True Crime: Streets of LA
Size: 240 Miles²
True Crime: Streets of LA boasts the 13th largest open-world map ever created.
With a vast expanse of 240 square miles of urban thoroughfares to explore, monotony will elude you for the foreseeable future.
The streets of LA were often compared to a GTA mimic, falling short in terms of quality. Nevertheless, one aspect that left a lasting impression was the astonishing scale of the map. During that era, the combination of limited technology and expertise made it nearly impossible to achieve such grandeur.
However, against all odds, they miraculously accomplished the task, resulting in the game’s astounding global sales of over three million copies. The franchise further flourished with the release of its sequel, titled True Crime: New York City.
12. Just Cause 3
Size: 400 Miles²
Boasting an expanse that is nearly twice the size of its predecessor, Just Cause 3 has gained widespread recognition for its vast scale and grandeur in terms of its sprawling landscapes.
In 2014, Square Enix published a captivating action-adventure game crafted by the talented minds at Avalanche Studios.
With its emergence as the third chapter in the series, the franchise garnered a blend of opinions from reviewers when it hit the screens.
The game triumphed in the prestigious “Cry Havoc And Unleash the Canines of Conflict Award” during the esteemed Steam Awards of 2017.
11. Asheron’s Call
Size: 500 Miles²
Unveiled in 1999 exclusively for Microsoft Windows PCs, Asheron’s Call emerged as a mesmerizing MMORPG set in a realm of boundless fantasy.
Within a boundless and interconnected 3D realm, the game unfolds, capable of accommodating countless avatars simultaneously.
Regrettably, Turbine Entertainment Software crafted this masterpiece, only to witness its servers being abruptly terminated in 2017.
Nevertheless, owing to the unwavering devotion of ardent enthusiasts and the remarkable prowess of emulation, the game endures and beckons players to venture into its expansive expanse spanning over 500 square miles.
10. Test Drive Unlimited 2
Size: 618 Miles²
Test Drive Unlimited 2, a thrilling open-world racing experience, was crafted by the innovative minds at Eden Games and brought to life by the renowned publisher Atari.
Upon its release, the game made its debut on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, leaving critics with a blend of varied opinions.
Embark on an exhilarating journey across a vast expanse of 618 square miles, where two captivating islands eagerly await your racing prowess. Brace yourself for an ever-changing atmosphere as dynamic weather effects tantalize your senses. Beware, for even the cosmic vehicles may bear the scars of their daring escapades. Immerse yourself in the captivating rhythm of day and night cycles as you explore the enchanting realms of Ibiza and Oahu.
Experience the exhilarating world of Test Drive Unlimited 2, where you can delve into endless adventures either on your own or with friends in the immersive single-player and multi-player modes.
9. Final Fantasy XV
Size: 700 Miles²
Coming up next is Final Fantasy XV, boasting a mind-boggling expanse of 700 square miles of captivating terrain.
Embark on an adventure within the vast expanse of the fifth largest open-world map in the realm of video games. Explore a dynamic environment that offers seamless weapon switching, the mastery of elemental magic, exhilarating vehicle rides, and the serenity of camping.
By October 2019, the captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and profound emotional impact of Final Fantasy XV had garnered global acclaim, resulting in an impressive 8.9 million copies sold across the globe.
8. The Crew
Size: 1,900 Miles²
Released in the wintry month of December 2004, The Crew emerged as an exhilarating racing video game exclusively designed for online gameplay.
Ivory Tower, in collaboration with Ubisoft Reflections, crafted this masterpiece for the gaming world, ensuring that it would captivate players on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Spanning across a vast expanse of 1,900 square miles in the United States of America, it bears a striking resemblance to the renowned Need for Speed.
Gamers are bestowed with the liberty to explore the vast expanse of a meticulously crafted virtual rendition of the United States in The Crew, where they can partake in immersive role-playing adventures and engage in grand-scale multiplayer escapades.
The Crew, within a mere month of its launch, managed to amass an astonishing two million copies sold across the globe!
7. Fuel
Size: 5,560 Miles²
Fuel, the captivating online open-world racing video game, secures its spot at an impressive number seven on the list.
The brainchild of Asobo Studio and the brainchild of Code Masters, Fuel made its way into the gaming world in June 2009, enchanting players across the globe on the PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox 360 platforms.
Spread across a vast expanse of 5,560 square miles, this colossal landscape beckons players to explore its sun-drenched terrain freely.
To give you a sense of scale, the expanse of 5,560 square miles is akin to the magnitude of Connecticut, a state nestled within the United States.
The game Fuel offers a thrilling experience in both single-player and multiplayer modes.
6. Guild Wars Nightfall
Size: 15,000 Miles²
Guild Wars Nightfall holds the prestigious title of being the 6th largest open-world map ever created in the realm of video games.
Embarking on a mesmerizing virtual journey, the 2006 video game beckons players to immerse themselves in a sprawling open-world map, a behemoth of exploration unrivaled in the annals of gaming. This expansive realm, a masterstroke of ingenuity, seamlessly melds with an existing game, granting gamers an unparalleled expanse of uncharted territory to conquer.
Nightfall, the latest addition to the Guild Wars saga, garnered overwhelming acclaim upon its debut, earning prestigious accolades such as the coveted titles of “Outstanding MMO” and “Unbeatable Value” bestowed by PC Gamer US in the year 2006.
5. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
Size: 62,000 Miles²
Securing a remarkable position on our list and claiming the prestigious title of the most expansive virtual realm ever created, we have The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall.
Spanning an expansive 62,000 square miles, this magnificent map overwhelms with its colossal size, leaving even the most skilled navigators reliant on its physical presence.
Gratefully, gamers possess the ability to venture to any corner of the virtual realm with the aid of the map feature. The map unveils a myriad of minuscule dots, symbolizing a profusion of enchanting hamlets, bustling metropolises, and treacherous labyrinths awaiting discovery.
Unveiled on September 20th, 1996, the second installment of the Elder series emerged. Moreover, to honor the fifteenth anniversary of The Elder Scrolls franchise, developers graciously offered the colossal open-world map as a complimentary download in 2009.
Input: Daggerfall received widespread praise and was crowned the supreme computer-role-playing game (CRPG) of 1996, according to the esteemed publications Computer Gaming World and PC Gamer US.
4. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Size: 196,940,000 Miles²
The venerable flight simulator from Microsoft claims the throne as the most ancient game featured in this compilation.
Microsoft introduced the inaugural edition of the simulator back in 1982, during an era when Arcades were bustling with the most beloved video games.
Despite the limitations of technology at the time, Microsoft ensured consistent updates to the simulator, striving for continuous improvement.
The current version of Flight Simulator offers an impressive selection of more than 2 million lifelike cities waiting to be explored from the skies.
Frankly speaking, it never dawned on me the vast number of cities the world possessed until this very moment.
3. Minecraft
Size: Unknown
Mojang’s Minecraft has emerged as an unparalleled gaming sensation, captivating a diverse range of age cohorts across the globe.
The game offers an astonishing expanse of space, allowing players to recreate not just their own towns and cities, but even entire countries.
The size has been cleverly labeled as ambiguous, as the diverse range of responses from individuals renders it impossible to determine accurately.
2. Elite: Dangerous
Size: Unknown
Making its grand entrance on this illustrious list, Elite: Dangerous claims the distinguished title of being the colossal video game map, securing the remarkable second position.
Within the game, an unfathomable expanse of 400 billion star systems awaits, offering boundless opportunities for exploration.
1. No Man’s Sky
Size: Unknown
Upon its release in 2016, No Man’s Sky failed to capture the hearts of its audience.
Following numerous years of continuous updates, the game has amassed a substantial following of dedicated fans.
Although it may seem nearly impossible to fathom the sheer magnitude of the game’s map, undoubtedly there will be those who attempt to unravel its secrets. This sprawling virtual world is poised to reign as an unparalleled masterpiece, destined to dominate the gaming landscape for generations to come.
Summary
We trust that you relished our compilation of the grandest expanses ever crafted in the realm of video game landscapes.
Best of fortunes in your endeavor to navigate the entirety of the maps in those final two games.
Delve into a whirlwind journey across the vast expanse of virtual realms as we present a mesmerizing compilation of the grandest open-world landscapes ever conceived within the realm of video games.
What’s your favorite open-world map? Leave a comment below.
