At times, we yearn for vast, sprawling landscapes where we can roam freely, following our whims without constraint for as long as desired. Although size isn’t everything, a large open world can effectively satisfy this craving. Whether it’s for the thrill of exploration, an abundance of content, or just to showcase their skills, game developers have crafted some truly expansive open worlds in video games throughout history.
For this particular case, we’ll need to set some specific rules and exclude games that utilize procedural generation. While titles like Minecraft, No Man’s Sky, or even Starfield may offer seemingly limitless environments due to their procedural generation, it wouldn’t be accurate to compare such worlds, which are algorithmically generated, with those meticulously crafted by hand.
With that in mind, here are the biggest video games ever made, measured by the size of their map.
True Crime: Streets of LA – 240 square miles
The True Crime series didn’t gain popularity due to continuous unfavorable comparisons with the GTA (Grand Theft Auto) series. Essentially, people found playing as a cop less engaging than being a criminal, and hence, the expansive representation of Los Angeles for exploration failed to captivate many. However, if you know your way around LA, it’s certainly an advantage!
Skull and Bones – 241 square miles
Creating an expansive open world is simpler when it’s primarily filled with water, as sailing across vast oceans calls for a large body of water to traverse. Ubisoft found this out while developing Assassin’s Creed 4, and Skull and Bones takes this concept further to accommodate numerous players navigating its maritime expanse. Although landmasses can’t be explored, the vast open sea is ready for exploration.
Just Cause 4 – 395 square miles
It’s logical that such a game, where the goal is to cause destruction everywhere, would provide a vast area for you to carry out this mayhem. Just Cause 3’s map mirrors this expansiveness, and both games are filled with fuel tanks, power plants, and other structures teeming with combustible materials, inviting you to unleash chaos.
World of Warcraft – 496 square miles
MMOs such as World of Warcraft appear to have an advantage when it comes to large game maps because they’ve had numerous expansions over two decades, accumulating into a colossal experience for newcomers today. This means that a fresh player starting now is about to embark on an amazing journey with even more exciting adventures promised in the future.
Asheron’s Call – 500 square miles
The closed-down MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online game) was remarkably superior to many others during its era, due in part to the fact that it boasted an expansive map, and even more impressively, managed to do so without any discernible loading zones. While some reports suggest the map size could stretch over 800 square miles, we’ve opted for a more moderate approximation instead.
Test Drive Unlimited 2 – 618 square miles
Back in 2011, I stumbled upon a racing game that seems to have slipped under the radar for many. Despite its title hinting at an “unlimited” map, it falls just short of that claim, but not by much! The game offers two expansive maps – one modeled after the Hawaiian island of Oahu and another replicating Ibiza – which, when combined, create a remarkably large play area. So while it might not be truly “unlimited”, it’s definitely a sizeable virtual world to explore!
Final Fantasy 15 – 750 square miles
In this game titled “Lads on Tour: The Journey,” the map is expansive to accommodate the lads’ road trip in their sleek vehicle. It immerses you into the ambiance, making you feel carefree as you drive around aimlessly. Stray from the primary routes and you’ll discover numerous activities that keep you engaged. Interactions and side-missions are abundant at every turn, enticing you to explore every nook and cranny of it.
Ghost Recon Breakpoint – 781 square miles
Picture Arma 3’s expansive battlefields reimagined on a grander scale, filled with the typical Ubisoft tasks and busywork. This is essentially Ghost Recon Breakpoint. It offers a vast playground for those seeking an endless array of military missions to conquer, each requiring unique tactical approaches.
The Crew – 1,900 square miles
Although the initial game might no longer be accessible, its successor remains vibrant and offers an equally expansive map encompassing the entire mainland U.S. While not the genuine article, it provides an almost identical virtual representation for an engaging cross-country journey filled with visits to iconic landmarks in a fashionable manner.
Guild Wars Nightfall – 15,000 square miles
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, MMOs are a league of their own. Granted, it’s hard to believe that there’s no procedural generation behind this vast continent-sized map, but from my research, there’s no solid proof pointing towards that. So, we’re choosing to trust what we see on the screen. Surprisingly, even though this RPG has newer sequels, it’s still playable today, offering us a chance to explore its world firsthand.
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2025-05-15 13:16