10. Mad Max
As you explore the gritty and dynamic world of Mad Max, staying alive isn’t easy! In this passionate video game tribute to the iconic film series, players clash with deadly factions and gangs and engage in inter-vehicular combat that feels fresh, polished and fun. Collecting scrap creates options for character, vehicle and weapon customisation to make your journey through the immersive primal wasteland all the more exciting.
9. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
Combining two critically-acclaimed Borderlands games, The Handsome Collection is utterly rammed with content that will engross and entertain for 100s of hours. This collection includes all DLC and fully remasters the beloved Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel so that they look brand spanking new, so why not explore the chaotic open-world of Pandora and its moon all over again and remind yourself just why the franchise is regarded as one of the best.
8. Maneater
Certainly one of the most lovable and ridiculous titles on this list, Maneater sees you take control of a blood-thirsty shark and explore seven large regions including docks, beaches and the open ocean as you feed on humans and unlock various evolutions that improve and enhance your shark’s powers and abilities. With tongue firmly in cheek, this hilarious action title features narration from Rick & Morty’s Chris Parnell and feels like what Jaws would’ve been like if it had been made by National Lampoon.
7. Watch Dogs: Legion
Feeling something like Mr Robot directed by Guy Ritchie, this incredible London-set action romp combines all the guns and geezers of the British crime genre with all the high-tech hacking the series is known for, resulting in the series’ finest hour yet. With a richly detailed futuristic London to explore, seemingly endless playable characters and polished mechanics, this one is an absolute must for genre fans and anyone who wants to see the sights of London from the comfort of their sofa!
6. Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Wildlands was the first military shooter to be set in a massive, responsive open world – and it is still the best. Tasked with taking down the Santa Blanca cartel, players lead a team of Ghosts (either solo or with up to 3 other players online) and traverse the vast wilderness of Bolivia by land, air and sea. With a totally open sandbox approach, players can enjoy the game their way – whether stealthily or guns blazing. Endless fun!
5. Sea of Thieves
Argh, me hearties! This online-only pirate adventure is an absolute masterpiece, as you live the pirate life in a richly detailed world, packed full of irreverent charm, colourful visuals and addictive exploration. Hunt treasure, fight mythical monsters and sail the seven seas with your crew in this endlessly entertaining adventure – and with no set rules, approach the game’s world, and other players, however, you choose. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for YOU.
4. Saints Row The Third: Remastered
With enhanced graphics, improved lighting and reworked environments, the Third Street Saints have never looked so good. Before the franchise became a little too silly, The Third struck the perfect balance with a game that isn’t quite as serious as Grand Theft Auto but isn’t as ridiculous as it later became. With crazy character customisation and an outlandish arsenal of weaponry at your disposal, this one is just bloody good fun.
3. Mafia Trilogy
This incredible release boasts remasters of the acclaimed Mafia trilogy, covering three distinct eras of organised crime in America. Despite the second and third games being masterpieces in their own right that are worth the price of admission, it is the passionately rebuilt first game that steals the show here. An absolutely rammed package full of action, excitement, exploration and some of the best stories you’ll get on the Xbox One.
2. Assassin’s Creed: Origins
In one of gaming’s largest-ever open-worlds, Assassin’s Creed: Origins gives players the opportunity to explore an entire country as they fight for the Brotherhood. From the Mediterranean to the tombs of Giza, Origins is packed with loot and collectables to customise your weapons and skillsets – encouraging the player to explore this rich and beautiful world. A truly staggering achievement in the sub-genre and one of the most authentic open-worlds ever crafted.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Set in a staggeringly huge and gorgeous world, The Witcher 3 is widely – and rightly – considered the finest game on the Xbox One. A masterpiece of design, storytelling and combat, you control iconic hero Geralt of Rivia as you embark on a thrilling main story and endless side-quests, each of which packed with enough excitement and intrigue to rival most games’ main narratives. An essential and rewarding example of open-world gaming at its finest.
