open world

noun

plural open worlds

: a video game or part of a video game in which the player is not constrained to achieving specific goals and has a large degree of freedom to explore, interact with, or modify the game environment : sandbox sense 2a

The gameplay feels similar to other RPGs, and while it's an open world that allows you to do whatever you want for the most part, I do recommend accomplishing the first tasks of the recruitment quests early.

—Swapna Krishna

… you'll likely get swept in deep by the stellar narrative and the meticulously-crafted open world gameplay.

—Tanveer Singh

—sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun

Whether you're keen on open-world games where you've got masses of virtual space to explore or survival games where there are more threats to keep you on your toes, our list should help you make the right choice.

—Adrian Willings

Examples of open world in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The game is not designed as an open world and isn't intended to be a punishing die-and-repeat Soulslike. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

There’s something that comes with open worlds that bad sequels always fumble, and that can take the gas right out of ailing franchises. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026

However unsettling these jactitations appear, the open world remains the happiest and freest place to live. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Its open world feels alive with bustling cities, dangerous deserts, and space dogfights. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for open world

• netherworld
• otherworld
• underworld
• curled
• furled
• hurled
• knurled
• swirled
• twirled
• whirled
• whorled
• lifeworld