If you're a fan of exploration, these past couple years probably haven't done a whole lot for you. Thankfully, that's about to change.
There are nine promising open-world games coming out between now and the end of 2015. Made better, they range in scope and genre offering something for everyone. Those thirsting for a large-scale game that requires weeks to chew through are about to get more than they asked for.
Below you can check out what these nine games are.
Kings of Freedom: 9 Open-World Games to Look Forward to This Year
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Q3/Q4 2015 - Assassin\'s Creed: Victory
Little is known about Assassin's Creed: Victory right now other than the fact that it exists and it'll be 2015's main Assassin's Creed release. Four images leaked last December show a 19th century Victorian era game with a very large world similar to that of Assassin's Creed Unity. If it's anything like its predecessor, its sprawling world will have great verticality and make for some quality exploration. -
June 23rd - Batman: Arkham Knight
Set in Gotham City, Batman: Arkham Knight will feature the largest world the series has ever seen. As a matter of fact, its developer has stated that it's five times the size of Batman: Arkham City's prison. That's large, to say the least. To make travel convenient without relying on teleportation the Batmobile will be introduced. You can use it to get around the three district city at the press of a button, and even eject from the vehicle to instantly begin gliding to your destination. -
Q4 2015 - Just Cause 3
Just Cause 3 will follow in the steps of its predecessor with a massive world set in an exotic location. This time the series will be set in a fictional Mediterranean island with around 400 square miles of area to explore. Although its size is a lot like Just Cause 2, subterranean locales will provide additional layers to the real estate. You'll use a grappling hook, parachute, and vehicles to get around this massive world. -
September 1st - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the first in its veteraned series to feature an open-world. For Metal Gear fans it's an exciting prospect to break free from the confines of semi-linear environments. Additionally, its developer has repeatedly stated that the world is going to be absolutely colossal, having been compared to the one and only The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Within its space you will ride around on a horse and infiltrate military installments where a deep story will be unraveled. -
September 1st - Mad Max
Avalanche studios, who surprisingly enough are working on another game on this list (Just Cause 3), will be the first to deploy a AAA Mad Max game. This is a series born from film that has acquired a number of fans along its journey. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have turned desperate and hostile, you will venture through large environments laden with intimidating canyons, vast deserts, and treacherous caves. Supplies are scarce, so similar to Fallout you'll constantly be on the lookout for goodies. -
Q3/Q4 2015 - No Man\'s Sky
No Man's Sky is the only game on this list that will allow you to fly around in a spaceship and explore uncharted territory in outer space. It is also the only game on this list to feature procedurally generated environments, meaning that as you fly around you will encounter one of a kind locales. Nothing is set in stone, there are no boundaries, and that's worth being excited about. The most surprising thing is despite its ambition it's being made by a small team of developers. We hope it's as good as it sounds as much as they do. -
May 19th - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the first open-world game we will encounter this year, and it's arguably the best of the bunch. Its world is said to be 30 times larger than The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, and 20% bigger than The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. But it isn't just its massive size that has earned fame. This is a game that will have hundreds of quests and an immaculate attention to detail. Even its action-based combat is exciting. If there's one game on this list that will demonstrate what current-generation open-world games can be like, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the one. -
Q3/Q4 2015 - Xenoblade Chronicles X
Arriving exclusively on the Wii U, Xenoblade Chronicles X has the qualities you look for when scouting for a top-tier RPG. Featuring bi-pedal robots and other sci-fi machines, you are able to explore vast environments while engaging in seamless action combat. As far as scope goes, its world is five times larger than that of Xenoblade Chronicles. That is truly staggering. -
Q4 2015 - Tom Clancy\'s The Division
Tom Clancy's The Division is a unique game on this list as it might be a third-person shooter, but it's an open-world online experience. It emphasizes social play where you jump-in and jump-out of co-operative games at will and engage in a series of missions as you progress. Its Snowdrop engine has been a real spectacle during early demonstrations, and its world size has been compared to that of Grand Theft Auto V, indicating that this is a game with undeniable potential.
