Best Open World Games On Xbox Series X In 2022

Hey guys! Ready to dive into some massive, immersive worlds on your Xbox Series X? 2022 was a killer year for open-world games, and the Series X made them shine. Let's explore some of the absolute best titles that let you roam free, complete epic quests, and get utterly lost in incredible digital landscapes. Get ready for a wild ride!

What Makes a Great Open World Game on Xbox Series X?

Before we jump into the list, let's quickly break down what makes an open-world game truly exceptional on the Xbox Series X. It's not just about having a big map; it's about how that map is used and how the game leverages the console's power.

• Graphics and Performance: The Series X is a beast, so we expect stunning visuals, smooth frame rates, and minimal loading times. A great open-world game on this console should push the boundaries of what's possible.
• World Design and Atmosphere: A compelling open world needs to be more than just pretty; it needs to feel alive. Engaging environments, dynamic weather, believable characters, and a sense of history all contribute to a truly immersive experience.
• Compelling Story and Characters: While freedom is key, a strong narrative and memorable characters are essential to keep you invested in the world. The best open-world games seamlessly blend exploration with compelling storytelling.
• Meaningful Activities and Content: A huge map is useless if there's nothing to do on it. The best games offer a wealth of side quests, challenges, secrets, and emergent gameplay opportunities that keep you exploring for hours.
• Freedom and Player Choice: Open-world games are all about player agency. The ability to make meaningful choices that impact the story and the world around you is crucial for a truly immersive experience.

With those criteria in mind, let's get into the top open-world games that graced the Xbox Series X in 2022.

Top Open World Games on Xbox Series X in 2022

1. Elden Ring

Elden Ring, guys, is an absolute masterpiece. FromSoftware took their signature Dark Souls formula and unleashed it upon a sprawling open world, and the result is breathtaking. As the Tarnished, you're tasked with becoming the Elden Lord, exploring the vast Lands Between, battling demigod offspring of Queen Marika, and piecing together the fragments of the shattered Elden Ring. The world design is phenomenal, a gothic-fantasy landscape teeming with grotesque creatures, crumbling ruins, and hidden secrets around every corner. The sense of scale is incredible; you can ride your spectral steed, Torrent, across vast plains, scale towering mountains, and delve into deep, dark dungeons. What makes Elden Ring so special is its sense of freedom. You're given almost no direction, encouraged to explore at your own pace, and discover the world's secrets organically. This can be daunting, but it's also incredibly rewarding. The combat is challenging but fair, demanding precision and strategic thinking. Every enemy, from the lowliest soldier to the most powerful boss, can pose a threat if you're not careful. Elden Ring also features a deep and complex lore, pieced together through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and cryptic dialogue. The story is intentionally ambiguous, leaving much open to interpretation and speculation. This encourages players to engage with the community, share theories, and unravel the mysteries of the Lands Between together. The Xbox Series X enhances the experience with stunning visuals, smooth performance, and fast loading times. The game looks incredible in 4K resolution, and the frame rate is generally stable, even during intense combat encounters. If you're looking for a challenging, rewarding, and utterly unforgettable open-world experience, Elden Ring is a must-play.

2. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla transports you to 9th-century England, where you embody Eivor, a Viking raider leading their clan to establish a new settlement. This installment takes the Assassin's Creed formula and infuses it with Norse mythology and Viking culture, creating a unique and compelling open-world experience. England is vast and varied, ranging from rolling hills and dense forests to fortified towns and ancient Roman ruins. The world feels lived-in and authentic, with a strong sense of history and culture. You'll encounter historical figures, participate in Viking raids, and uncover the secrets of the Order of the Ancients, the predecessors to the Templars. The combat in Valhalla is brutal and visceral, focusing on weighty attacks and strategic parrying. You can wield a variety of weapons, including axes, swords, and shields, and customize your fighting style to suit your preferences. The game also features a settlement-building mechanic, where you can construct and upgrade various buildings to improve your clan's living conditions and unlock new features. The story in Valhalla is epic in scope, exploring themes of conquest, loyalty, and fate. Eivor is a complex and compelling protagonist, torn between their duty to their clan and their own personal desires. The game also features a deep and engaging side quest system, with plenty of opportunities to explore the world and uncover its secrets. On the Xbox Series X, Assassin's Creed Valhalla benefits from improved graphics, faster loading times, and a smoother frame rate. The game looks stunning in 4K resolution, and the improved performance makes the combat and exploration feel more responsive. If you're a fan of Viking history, Norse mythology, or open-world action-adventure games, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a must-play.

3. Forza Horizon 5

Okay, gearheads, Forza Horizon 5 isn't your typical open-world RPG, but it's an open-world experience nonetheless, and it's absolutely gorgeous on the Xbox Series X. Set in a vibrant and diverse Mexico, the game features stunning landscapes, from lush jungles and arid deserts to towering volcanoes and ancient ruins. The world is incredibly detailed and feels alive, with dynamic weather, realistic traffic, and a day-night cycle that affects the driving conditions. Forza Horizon 5 is all about freedom and exploration. You can drive anywhere you want, participate in a variety of races and challenges, and discover hidden barns filled with classic cars. The game features a massive roster of vehicles, from classic sports cars to modern supercars, and you can customize them to your heart's content. The driving physics are realistic but accessible, making the game enjoyable for both casual players and hardcore racing fans. The game also features a robust online multiplayer mode, where you can compete against other players in races, challenges, and open-world events. The sense of community is strong, and there's always something to do online. The story in Forza Horizon 5 is lighthearted and fun, focusing on the Horizon Festival, a celebration of cars and music. You'll meet a cast of quirky characters and participate in a variety of events that showcase the beauty and diversity of Mexico. On the Xbox Series X, Forza Horizon 5 is a visual masterpiece. The game looks stunning in 4K resolution, with incredible detail and realistic lighting. The performance is also excellent, with a smooth frame rate that makes the driving feel incredibly responsive. If you're a fan of racing games, open-world exploration, or just beautiful graphics, Forza Horizon 5 is a must-play.

4. Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Dying Light 2 Stay Human throws you into a zombie-infested city called Villedor, years after a global pandemic has decimated humanity. As Aiden Caldwell, you're a Pilgrim, a wanderer with parkour skills and a mysterious past, searching for his sister. The city is massive, divided into distinct districts, each with its own factions, challenges, and secrets. The parkour system is the star of the show, allowing you to traverse the environment with incredible speed and agility. You can climb buildings, leap across rooftops, and slide under obstacles, making exploration a thrill. The combat is brutal and visceral, focusing on melee weapons and improvised tools. You'll need to use your parkour skills to your advantage, dodging zombie attacks and finding openings to strike. The game also features a day-night cycle that dramatically affects the gameplay. During the day, the zombies are slow and manageable, but at night, they become aggressive and relentless. You'll need to find safe houses to rest and avoid the dangers of the night. Dying Light 2 also features a branching narrative with impactful choices. Your decisions will affect the fate of the city and the characters you encounter. The game also features a co-op mode, where you can team up with friends to explore the city and complete missions together. The graphics are a significant upgrade over the original, with improved textures, lighting, and character models. The Xbox Series X version boasts enhanced performance, offering a smoother and more responsive gameplay experience. The game's parkour system feels incredibly fluid, and the improved visuals make the zombie-infested city even more immersive. However, it is worth noting that at launch, Dying Light 2 did have some technical issues. The developers have been dedicated to patching these, so most of the major bugs have been addressed. If you enjoyed the first Dying Light or are a fan of zombie games with parkour mechanics, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is definitely worth checking out on the Xbox Series X, especially now that many of the initial bugs have been ironed out.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Alright, let's talk about Cyberpunk 2077. It had a rough launch, we all know it, but with numerous updates and patches, it's become a much more stable and enjoyable experience on the Xbox Series X. You play as V, a mercenary in the sprawling metropolis of Night City, a dystopian world filled with cybernetic enhancements, corporate greed, and gang warfare. The city is massive and incredibly detailed, with a distinct visual style inspired by cyberpunk fiction. Cyberpunk 2077 is known for its immersive atmosphere, its complex characters, and its branching narrative. You can customize V's appearance, skills, and cybernetic implants, allowing you to create a unique character that suits your playstyle. The game features a variety of missions, from stealth operations to intense firefights, and you can approach them in a variety of ways. The story is engaging, exploring themes of identity, mortality, and the dangers of technology. You'll meet a cast of memorable characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The Xbox Series X version benefits from improved graphics, faster loading times, and a more stable frame rate compared to previous-generation consoles. Night City looks stunning in 4K resolution, and the improved performance makes the exploration and combat feel more responsive. The game still has some minor bugs and glitches, but the overall experience is much more polished than it was at launch. If you were hesitant to play Cyberpunk 2077 due to its initial problems, now might be the time to give it another try on the Xbox Series X.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! These are just a few of the best open-world games that shone on the Xbox Series X in 2022. Each of these titles offers a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the power and potential of the console. Whether you're into fantasy epics, historical adventures, racing games, or zombie survival, there's something for everyone on this list. So grab your controller, fire up your Xbox Series X, and get ready to explore some incredible open worlds!