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Top open world games with best side missions to try

Top Open World Games with Engaging Side Missions | Recommendations Surge

By

Emily Thompson

Feb 17, 2026, 02:31 AM

Edited By

Marco Silva

Updated

Feb 17, 2026, 09:17 AM

2 minutes of duration

A character exploring a vibrant open world with various side missions
popular

A surge in forum discussions reveals gamers actively seeking the next captivating open world adventure. Following experiences with blockbuster titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077, players emphasize the need for engaging side missions in their next picks.

Forum Buzz Ignites New Suggestions

In a recent discussion, a player sought recommendations after finishing notable titles such as The Witcher 3, Ghost of Tsushima, and Elden Ring. This query spurred a lively conversation among community members.

Fresh Recommendations Flow In

  • Players recommended Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Fallout 4 for their enjoyable side quests.

  • One player touted Days Gone, stating, "I know zombie games are done to death, but this one holds up really well."

  • The Horizon series was highlighted, but concerns arose regarding the difficulty, especially from parents with time constraints.

  • Enthusiasts also pointed out God of War and its Norse mythology, calling attention to the impressive story and numerous side quests.

  • Nier Automata and Skyrim were mentioned, with one user suggesting to avoid mods on first playthroughs.

"Thatโ€™s the answer," one user declared, reinforcing the quality of the suggestions made.

A Wealth of Choices Ahead

2026 promises a busy year for gamers with highly anticipated releases like Crimson Desert, GTA, and Blood of Dawn Walker. One user comically remarked about their gaming budget, stating, "I have seven games I may buy this year. Thatโ€™s unheard of."

Main Themes from Discussions

  • Title Recommendations: From Days Gone to God of War, players share a broad range of choices.

  • Difficulty Concerns: Community members express worries about gameplay challenges, especially for casual players.

  • Upcoming Game Releases: Excitement about the upcoming lineup of games takes center stage.

Sentiment Patterns

Community sentiment appears optimistic. Players are eager to explore new titles and express their enjoyment of varied genres.

Key Insights

  • โญ Days Gone gets renewed praise for its quality gameplay.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ God of War is highly recommended for its engaging story and side quests.

  • ๐Ÿš€ With a flood of new titles on the way, excitement keeps building.

As the gaming community gears up for anticipated releases, the hope is that these recommendations will satisfy the cravings of players itching for exploration. Will these new suggestions meet the demands for immersive side missions?