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Best open world games to play during leave of absence

A rising group of gamers is rallying around a post to find the best open world games for a leave of absence. One player seeks tokens of immersion to fill the downtime, while the community reflects on both beloved classics and fresh entries.

By

Nina Baker

Mar 27, 2026, 01:51 AM

Edited By

Alex

Updated

Mar 27, 2026, 08:10 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer relaxing with a controller in front of a large screen displaying an open world game, surrounded by snacks and drinks
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Context: Ideal Gaming Breaks

Taking time off is a prime opportunity to jump into gaming. A user requested recommendations, highlighting past favorites like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Grand Theft Auto V, and Skyrim. Fans emphasize engaging stories and expansive in-game worlds.

Community Insights: Expanding Recommendations

Forum discussions are buzzing with game suggestions, featuring a mix of iconic titles and hidden gems:

  • Red Dead Redemption 2: A strong recommendation from many, noted for its stunning graphics and immersive world. As one commenter put it, "Despite being 8 years old, itโ€™s still one of the top games graphically."

  • Cyberpunk 2077: An improved game that now delivers captivating narratives, following its rocky launch.

  • No Man's Sky: Another standout, continually updated with exploration-focused gameplay.

  • Immortals Fenyx Rising: Compared to Zelda, this game shines with puzzle-solving elements set in ancient Greece. A community member noted, "If you liked Zelda, you'll enjoy this one."

  • Star Wars Outlaws: New believers find joy in its adventurous content and world.

Recent commentary also highlighted Crimson Desert, which launched just last week. One player noted their 30 hours in, stating, "Feels less like an RPG and more like a fantasy sim," while another mentioned control issues, saying, "Feedback has been a bit sketchy with some janky controls and weak story."

Moreover, players mentioned The Witcher 3 as a must-play, despite its age, for its medieval adventures and monster battles.

Sentiment Among Players

Overall, the community feels positive about exploring these games, though learning curves posed some challenges. Several noted:

"Bad ratings often come from people who donโ€™t invest time learning the game."

This reinforces the idea that patience can yield satisfaction in the gaming journey.

Noteworthy Takeaways

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Red Dead Redemption 2 remains a top choice for narrative depth.

  • ๐Ÿ“œ Immortals Fenyx Rising excels with Zelda-like gameplay.

  • โš”๏ธ Crimson Desert, while new, is generating excitement despite some mixed reviews.

As this user embarks on their leave of absence, gaming isn't merely personal exploration; itโ€™s a vibrant community sharing insights and experiences, solidifying connections over beloved titles. With a wealth of options at their fingertips, how long until they decide on their next adventure?