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Top open world games with best side missions to try

Top Open World Games with Best Side Missions | Community Suggestions Surge

By

Emily Thompson

Feb 17, 2026, 02:31 AM

Edited By

Marco Silva

Updated

Feb 18, 2026, 02:57 AM

Snappy read

A character exploring a vibrant open world with various side missions
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Forum discussions around open world gaming are heating up, with players actively seeking recommendations for their next adventure. Recent chatter highlights a growing demand for side missions, particularly following experiences with titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077.

Fresh Perspectives from Players

A player recently inquired about open world games with engaging side missions after completing several popular titles, including Elden Ring and Ghost of Tsushima. This sparked a vibrant exchange among community members, leading to several exciting suggestions.

Expanded Recommendations Flow In

  • Horizon Series: Players praised Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West as some of the best open world experiences, with one stating, "I even replayed them just to explore some more."

  • Days Gone: Renewed praise continues for this zombie game, with players saying it's still highly enjoyable despite its genre being oversaturated.

  • Mad Max: If you're looking for less thinking and more action, one player suggests Mad Max as a chaotic and fun option for blowing things up.

  • Project Zomboid: Not as mainstream, but some mention this title as an interesting take on survival in an open world.

Interestingly, Fallout 4 earned a repeat mention, demonstrating its lasting appeal. One player noted, "If youโ€™re looking for side quests, you can't go wrong with Fallout 4."

Gameplay Difficulty Comes Into Focus

A recurring theme emerges: concerns about difficulty, especially among casual players. Titles like Elden Ring, while loved, are acknowledged for their challenging gameplay, often favoring hardcore fans.

Sentiment Patterns in the Community

The overall sentiment in these discussions skews positive, with gamers eager to try new titles while celebrating their memorable gaming experiences.

Key Insights

  • โ–ฒ Horizon series is highly recommended for immersive exploration.

  • โ–ผ Days Gone keeps winning fans for its solid gameplay.

  • โš”๏ธ Mixed feelings about game difficulty, emphasizing varied gaming preferences.

As players gear up for this yearโ€™s highly awaited releases, these recommendations reflect the community's desire for rich storytelling and engaging gameplay. Will these titles deliver the immersive side missions players crave?