Upcoming Open-World Games With A Focus On Realism

There is no shortage of ambitious upcoming open-world games for 2026 and beyond. However, most of these games feature fictional settings, such as high or dark fantasy, sci-fi universes, or other unique elements to stand out. Players who prefer grounded, realistic explorable worlds have fewer options to choose from.

Among the announced open-world games currently in development, there is a noticeable lack of titles focused on realism. Aside from the obvious GTA 6, very few upcoming open-world games feature grounded, authentic historical or modern-day settings with minimal or no fictional elements like magic, fantastic creatures, or sci-fi themes. This list highlights the upcoming open-world games for players craving realistic and immersive experiences to look forward to.

Ghost of Yotei

Release Date: October 2, 2025

Following the launch of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Assassin’s Creed Shadows this year, Ghost of Yotei is one of the few historically grounded (to some degree) ambitious upcoming open-world games. It is also poised to be one of the biggest releases this fall and a much-anticipated first-party PlayStation title, showcasing the leap Sucker Punch Productions has made since Ghost of Tsushima on PS4.

True to its predecessor, Ghost of Yotei offers a vast and vibrant open-world set in 1603 Japan, capturing its glory: from untamed nature to bustling cities and settlements. With its historically grounded setting and real-life locations, fictional elements are expected to be minimal, seemingly following Ghost of Tsushima‘s approach of incorporating myths and legends based on rumors and speculation rather than truly supernatural elements. The combat remains naturalistic, with grounded weapons, moves, and abilities at players’ disposal.

Agefield High: Rock the School

Release Date: Q1 2026

Agefield High: Rock the School deserves more attention as an upcoming non-combat open-world game aiming to be a modern take on Rockstar’s iconic Bully. Set in the early 2000s American town of Agefield, the game lets players return to high school as Sam, a rebellious new student who plans to leave his mark over the final three months through social interactions, varied activities, and rule-breaking.

In Agefield High: Rock the School, players can freely explore the compact open world of Agefield, including the school campus, neighborhoods, town center, and countryside, while customizing their character and his bike through various shops. Though the developers state the full experience will be condensed, taking around 10 hours to complete, Agefield High features a dynamic time-management system and a functional school system with various lesson types requiring attendance.

GTA 6

Release Date: May 26, 2026

Grand Theft Auto 6 needs little introduction, promising to shake up the gaming industry in 2026 with unprecedented scope and realism. Featuring the largest map in the series to date, with diverse biomes and the most detailed environments and NPCs ever, GTA 6 will undoubtedly be the ultimate open-world game for years to come, hopefully thriving through both multiplayer and single-player expansions.

Yet, just months before its launch (assuming no further delays), fans still know little about GTA 6, as Rockstar has yet to reveal proper gameplay for the ambitious title and its various activities in the open world of Vice City. Despite this, there’s little doubt that GTA 6 will exceed expectations and deliver fully after more than a decade since GTA 5.

ArmA 4

Release Date: No Earlier Than 2027

• Developer: Bohemia Interactive
• Publisher: Bohemia Interactive

ArmA 4, the next installment in Bohemia Interactive’s iconic ArmA series, is already in development, promising a new era of sandbox-style open-world battlefields with immersive military simulation for fans of the genre. Featuring realistic ballistics, vehicle physics, and complex combat mechanics, ArmA 4 is expected to deliver both single-player and multiplayer experiences, focusing on large-scale battles and customizable scenarios, much like its impactful predecessor.

Announced back in 2022 with a tentative release window of 2027, ArmA 4 still has a long road ahead, so fans will need to stay patient and watch for future updates and an official reveal. Nevertheless, due to the scarcity of similar projects, it certainly deserves mention.

Tom Clancy’s The Division 3

Release Date: To Be Announced

• Developer: Massive Entertainment
• Publisher: Ubisoft

Tom Clancy’s The Division 3 was officially confirmed to be in development at Massive Entertainment in 2023, but the upcoming game has yet to be officially revealed. As with ArmA 4, fans will need to remain patient until the team is ready to share the first official details.

Led by Julian Gerighty, who helmed the previous Division games, The Division 3 is expected to stay true to the series’ formula of third-person shooter gameplay with open-world exploration and tactical combat. Like its predecessors, The Division 3 will likely feature a post-pandemic yet grounded urban USA setting, taking minimal liberties with environments, weapons, and enemies while offering realistic gunplay. While hopes are high for an official reveal soon, The Division 3 is unlikely to arrive before late 2026 at the earliest.