The ultimate list of the top 20 open-world games with unbeatable third-person shooter action, all ranked!

Unavoidable Open-World Games The Top Picks for Third-Person Shooter Gameplay

The Best Open-World Games with Third-Person Shooter Gameplay

The open-world genre has taken the gaming industry by storm, offering players vast worlds to explore, exciting stories to follow, and thrilling combat to engage in. However, not all open-world games are created equal, and finding titles that successfully balance exploration, story, characters, and combat can be a challenge. Luckily, there are several exceptional open-world games with third-person shooter gameplay that have managed to achieve this delicate balance and deliver an un-put-down-able experience.

🌍 Open Worlds Done Right

21. Mad Max

Mad Max video game max shooting enemy

Developers often struggle to create satisfying tie-in games for popular movies. However, “Mad Max” broke the mold by bringing the beloved post-apocalyptic franchise to the world of gaming without being constrained by the limitations of a direct tie-in. With its robust exploration, captivating story, and memorable characters, “Mad Max” proved to be a success and a must-play game for fans of the third-person shooter genre.

20. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands

Man crouching with helicopter in the distance

“Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands” introduced an open world to the long-running Ghost Recon franchise, and despite some initial skepticism from fans, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The game’s stunning visuals and immersive open world make it a joy to explore, while regular updates and fixes have transformed it into one of the best entries in the series.

19. Days Gone

Deacon Looking Across the Landscape In Days Gone

“Days Gone” takes players on a thrilling post-apocalyptic journey as bounty hunter Deacon St. John, who searches for his missing wife while completing various side quests. Though the game initially split opinions among fans and critics, subsequent updates have ironed out most of the issues, making it a stable and enjoyable experience. It even won the coveted PlayStation Game of the Year award at the Golden Joystick Awards.

18. Mercenaries 2: World In Flames

Third person view of shooting from a grounded helicopter

“Mercenaries 2: World In Flames” is an explosive open-world action game that often flies under the radar. Developed by Pandemic Studios, it offers players a vast array of weapons and vehicles to wreak havoc with. Set in a fictional war-torn Venezuela, the game garnered attention for its controversial narrative, which drew accusations of propaganda. Despite the political backlash, it remains an underrated gem in the open-world genre.

17. The Saboteur

Third-person view of a man aiming

“The Saboteur” takes players to Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II, offering a unique art style that reflects the city’s state of oppression. As players liberate districts from Nazi control, the world gradually transitions from black and white to color, creating a visually stunning and rewarding experience. Developed by Pandemic Studios, this game effortlessly combines action, stealth, and an immersive setting.

16. Mafia 2

Mafia 2 Shootout

“Mafia 2” transports players to the crime-ridden world of the 1940s and 1950s, where they step into the shoes of Vito Scaletta, an Italian-American caught up in the criminal underworld. With its detailed and immersive world, cinematic missions, and engaging story, “Mafia 2” is widely considered the best game in the series. While the open world could feel lifeless at times, the overall experience is undeniably amazing.

15. Infamous: Second Son

Main Protagonist Of Infamous: Second Son Delsin Rowe

As one of the standout titles on the PlayStation 4, “Infamous: Second Son” delivered an electrifying action-adventure experience to eager fans. Although the game’s story may not have been its strong suit, the stunning visuals and varied gameplay options made it a treat to play. Players controlled Delsin Rowe, a protagonist with impressive powers, allowing for thrilling combat and exploration.

These open-world games offer an excellent mix of exploration, story, characters, and combat, making them a must-play for any fan of the third-person shooter genre. Whether you’re venturing through a post-apocalyptic wasteland, taking down cartels in South America, or liberating districts from Nazi control, these games have something for everyone.

❓ Bonus Q&A: What else might you want to know?

Q: Are there any other open-world games with unique settings and immersive experiences, like “The Saboteur”?

A: Absolutely! If you enjoyed the immersive setting of “The Saboteur,” you might also want to check out “Assassin’s Creed Unity,” set during the French Revolution, or “Sleeping Dogs,” an action-packed game set in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Both games offer distinctive settings that enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Q: What other open-world games deliver a thrilling action-adventure experience on the PlayStation 4?

A: In addition to “Infamous: Second Son,” the PlayStation 4 boasts several other fantastic open-world action-adventure games. “Marvel’s Spider-Man” lets players swing through the streets of New York City as the iconic web-slinger, while “Horizon Zero Dawn” takes them on a thrilling journey in a post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic creatures. Both games showcase the power of the PlayStation 4 and offer unforgettable adventures.

Q: Are there any open-world games with destructible environments and over-the-top action?

A: Yes! “Just Cause 2” and “Red Faction: Guerrilla” are two games that excel in providing explosive and over-the-top action. “Just Cause 2” allows players to create chaos with an arsenal of weapons and gadgets, while “Red Faction: Guerrilla” lets them topple buildings and wreak havoc on Mars. If you’re looking for high-octane, destructive fun, these games are perfect for you.

Q: Can you recommend an open-world game that combines stunning visuals and engaging stealth gameplay?

A: “Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain” is an excellent choice for players seeking immersive stealth gameplay and breathtaking visuals. The game offers a beautifully rendered open world and gives players numerous options for approaching missions. Become a master of stealth as you infiltrate enemy bases and complete thrilling missions in this standout title.

📚 References

  1. MMORPG – Genshin Impact Devs Swapping Open Worlds and Real-Time Combat
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  3. Loong Game – Best Anime Movies to Max Out Your December 2023
  4. The Games – The Saboteur takes players to Nazi-occupied Paris back in World War 2
  5. Qurz – End-of-Year Starfield Update: Bethesda Talks New Gameplay, Ship Options, and Major Update
  6. The Games – PokĂ©mon Scarlet and Violet’s BBQ Is Caught in a Rock-Hard Place
  7. Thegames – Surprise! Five Nights at Freddy’s Game Revealed and Accidentally Released on Roblox
  8. Qurz – The Music from “No Rest for the Wicked” Sets a High Standard for the Game

Now that you know about these top-notch open-world games with third-person shooter gameplay, it’s time to grab your controller, dive into these immersive worlds, and experience the thrill of exploration and combat for yourself. Don’t forget to share your gaming adventures with your friends on social media and spread the joy of these incredible games. Happy gaming! 😄🎼

This article was updated on December 28, 2023 by Ritwik Mitra.