The Most Gorgeous Open World Game Landscapes You Can't Miss

22 April 2025

If there's one thing gamers can't resist, it's getting lost in an awe-inspiring open world. You boot up a game, and suddenly, you're standing on the edge of a cliff with a jaw-dropping view stretched out before you. Open-world games have this magical way of making you feel like an adventurer in your own movie—like the world was crafted just for you to roam, discover, and soak in.

With all the endless possibilities games offer these days, it’s hard not to take a moment to stop and just admire the beauty around you. Some games nail their landscapes so perfectly that they become the star of the show, leaving you constantly pausing to grab screenshots. Let's dive into some of the most gorgeous open-world game landscapes you absolutely can't afford to miss. Trust me, you're gonna want to plan your next in-game vacation here.

1. The Serene Wilderness of "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"

If open-world grandeur had a crown, Hyrule would wear it. I mean, have you seen this place? Nintendo’s masterpiece, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, redefined our expectations of how an open world should look and feel. Picture this: rolling green hills, cascading waterfalls, snowy mountaintops, and golden sunrises. You can practically smell the crisp mountain air through your screen.

What makes Hyrule so special is how alive it feels. You'll see deer grazing in the forest, birds taking flight as you sprint through grassy fields, and lightning storms rolling in like nature's own light show. Every inch of this world feels handcrafted, inviting you to climb, glide, and venture into its secrets. Whether you're cooking a hearty meal over a campfire or standing in awe at the top of Mount Lanayru, Hyrule is basically nature therapy for gamers.

2. The Mystical Beauty of "Red Dead Redemption 2"

Let’s be honest—has any game captured the Wild West as beautifully as Red Dead Redemption 2? Rockstar didn’t just make a game; they made a painting come to life. Imagine galloping across rugged plains during a golden sunset as the light dances off distant mountain peaks. The level of detail here is insane—you can almost feel the crunch of snow under Arthur Morgan's boots or the heat of the desert sun.

From the misty swamps of Lemoyne to the towering peaks of Ambarino, every environment feels like a character of its own. And can we talk about the wildlife? The sight of birds soaring above a canyon or a deer leaping across a stream makes the world feel beautifully untamed. You'll find yourself stopping mid-mission just to sit by a river and watch the reflection of the stars. It's that good.

3. The Futuristic Opulence of "Horizon Zero Dawn"

If Mother Nature and sci-fi had a baby, it would look like Horizon Zero Dawn. Guerrilla Games gave us a world that is both lush and shattered, blending towering metallic ruins with overgrown forests. It's like stepping into an apocalyptic postcard—you’re surrounded by the remnants of a fallen civilization, yet the world feels brimming with life.

The way sunlight filters through the trees, the vibrant colors of the plains during sunrise, and the eerie beauty of mechanical beasts roaming in the distance—it’s all a feast for the eyes. And can we talk about those snowy mountains? Traversing the frozen wilderness of The Cut in the game’s expansion, The Frozen Wilds, is like walking into a painting where every brushstroke was done by a perfectionist. If you haven't experienced Aloy’s world yet, you're seriously missing out.

4. The Ethereal Charm of "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim"

Ah, Skyrim. A classic that still holds its own in the beauty department. There's something about stepping into this Nordic-inspired fantasy world that makes your heart skip a beat. Whether you're hiking through the jagged peaks of the Throat of the World or wandering through amber-lit autumn forests in The Rift, Skyrim has this way of making you feel like an adventurer in a Tolkien novel.

Even after all these years, the game’s dynamic weather and lighting can still give newer games a run for their money. The sight of the auroras dancing across the night sky is downright magical, and let’s not forget those peaceful moments fishing by a quiet lake or hunting in a misty forest. It’s a world that begs you to slow down and just soak it all in.

5. The Dreamlike World of "Ghost of Tsushima"

Feudal Japan has never looked more stunning than in Ghost of Tsushima. Sucker Punch Productions didn’t just create a game; they created a love letter to nature. The landscapes in this game feel almost poetic, like they were lifted straight from an ancient painting. Think fields of golden pampas grass swaying in the wind, cherry blossoms floating gently to the ground, and hills bathed in soft, warm sunlight.

What's really special about this game is how it uses nature as a form of storytelling. The way the wind guides you to your next destination or the majestic calls of birds pointing to hidden treasures—it feels like the world is subtly communicating with you. And those duels at sunset? Absolute visual perfection. You might find yourself more invested in photo mode than combat, and honestly, who could blame you?

6. The Alien Majesty of "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt"

I know, I know—The Witcher 3 is about monster hunting, but can we talk about how gorgeous its world is? From the sun-kissed fields of Toussaint (seriously, it looks like a Medieval wine holiday) to the eerie swamps of Velen, this game delivers landscapes that leave you speechless. CD Projekt Red didn’t just create a fantasy world; they made it hauntingly real.

Take a stroll through Novigrad's bustling streets, watch the reflection of the moonlight flicker on Skellige's stormy seas, or just lose yourself in the peaceful meadows dotted with wildflowers. Every location feels alive, with its own personality and vibe. It's the kind of world where you'll want to go off the beaten path just to see what lies around the corner.

7. The Endless Wonder of "No Man's Sky"

I get it—space exploration games can feel a bit overwhelming. But then there’s No Man’s Sky, which takes breathtaking landscapes to a whole new (literally planetary) level. Imagine landing on a vibrant, alien world with skies painted in dreamy hues of pink and blue, or wandering across fields of glowing flora that look like something out of a psychedelic dream.

Every planet you visit feels like its own piece of art. You could stumble upon icy tundras, desert wastelands, lush jungles, or floating islands that defy gravity. The best part? No two players will ever have the same experience, thanks to the game’s procedural generation. It’s like having your own personalized universe. You won’t just see the stars—you’ll live among them.

Why Open World Games Keep Us Coming Back for More

Let’s face it: open-world games aren’t just about quests or leveling up. They’re about escaping. These stunning landscapes remind us of why we play games in the first place—to experience something bigger, something more beautiful than the ever-busy real world. They give us a chance to pause, breathe, and wander aimlessly (in a good way).

Whether it’s watching a fantasy sunset or trekking across alien terrain, open-world games feed our sense of wonder. They make us explorers, adventurers, and photographers all at once. So, next time you boot one up, take a minute to stop and take it all in. After all, virtual or not, it’s moments like these that stay with us.