6 Best Open World Games Where RPG Meets Simulation

Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Switch

Released: 2011 (with multiple re-releases)

Skyrim is iconic and still stands as one of the best open-world RPGs out there, and for a good reason. Aside from its epic RPG storylines and dragon-killing, it permits an absurd level of simulation. Wish to live your life as a blacksmith, an alchemist, or a farmer with a home of your own? You can. That’s not even including mods! With mods, the level of simulation goes through the roof. Possess homes, decorate them, prepare meals, and so on. It’s the ideal combination of high fantasy role-playing with slice-of-life sandbox features.

While it may not be on this list, fans of the franchise who have yet to hear will be excited to know that Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has recently been confirmed to get a remake!

Why it’s unique:

• Deep character customization
• Flexible lifestyle simulation
• Massive modding community adds realism

2. Stardew Valley

Platform: PC, Consoles, Mobile, Switch

Released: 2016

On the surface, Stardew Valley is a chill farming sim. Look a little deeper, and it’s an RPG pretending to be a casual pixel game. You inherit an old farm and bring it back to life while befriending the locals, exploring dungeons, and uncovering a mysterious past. It has quests, skills, choices, and a responsive world that adapts to what you do. It’s a deceptively complex RPG-sim hybrid, making it one of the best open-world games that’s hidden under what it originally shows.

Why it’s great:

• In-depth relationship and skill systems
• Seasonal events and quests
• Addictive crafting and farming loop

3. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Platform: PC, Consoles

Released: 2022 (full release)

This one is for the strategists. In Bannerlord, you start as a nobody and climb up the medieval social ladder. You’ll recruit armies, manage towns, trade goods, and even marry into nobility. The RPG element comes in the form of character stats, dialogue choices, and progression. The sim element? It’s all about political intrigue, economics, and warfare. All of these add up to make this game one of the best open world games out there, beaten only by a few and not by much.

Why it stands out:

• Detailed character development
• Real-time tactical battles
• Deep kingdom and economic management

4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Released: 2018

No magic. No dragons. Just brutal realism. Kingdom Come: Deliverance puts you in the shoes of a peasant in medieval Bohemia, slowly working your way up through historically accurate quests and skills. The role-playing is deep! Think dialogue trees, skill development, and reputation systems, but the simulation is where it really stands out. Eat, sleep, bathe, and dress right, or suffer the consequences.

Why it stands out:

• Realistic survival mechanics
• Authentic medieval world
• Deep story and choice consequences

5. Cyberpunk 2077 (After 2.0 & Phantom Liberty)

Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Released: 2020 (major updates in 2023)

Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky start, but it’s now one of the best open-world RPGs with sim elements. Due to the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty DLC, the game now has meaningful skill trees, revamped police mechanics, and lifepath-led storytelling. Not a conventional simulation, maybe, but being able to play as a merc, hacker, corpo, or street rat is freeing and realistic.

Why it stands out:

• Incredibly dynamic world and AI behavior
• Enormous build and playstyle liberty
• Rich cyberpunk roleplaying elements

6. My Time at Sandrock

Platform: PC, Consoles

Released: 2023

The spiritual successor to My Time at Portia, this game blends life sim with quest-driven RPG progression in a post-apocalyptic desert setting. You’re a builder, restoring the town by crafting, farming, socializing, and exploring ancient ruins. Combat, relationships, and a rich world evolve with your choices. While it may not hold up well compared to others on this list, it still remains one of the best open-world RPG sims out there.

Why it stands out:

• Vast customization of the workshop and home
• Strong NPC interactions
• Resource and time management

Final Thoughts on the Best Open World RPG/Simulation Games

These six titles are proof that when RPG and simulation unite, the result can be supremely rewarding. Whether ruling kingdoms, gentle farming, or discovering hi-tech megacities, each game has a certain magic. These games don’t just let you play, but live. So, if you’ve been looking for the best open-world games with complex simulation mechanics, start with these.