It’s been a disappointing and frustrating start to November for gamers across PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X | S platforms, with Rockstars highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is facing another delay, just five months after the game’s second trailer put forth a May 26, 2026 launch date.
GTA 6 now has a new release date of November 19, 2026, a further delay of six months after the last postponement (which moved the goalposts from Fall 2025, as you probably remember).
Gamers will have waited 13 years for GTA 6 (when it launches – assuming there are no further delays), and that could potentially mean worse news for PC gamers, who may now have to wait even longer for a launch on that platform.
Fortunately for gamers, on the brighter side, there are plenty of other open-world games to look forward to in late 2025, early 2026 and beyond – with a notable alternative already out as well.
Okay, so some are more semi-open world than others, but they all seem to provide engaging stories and gameplay experiences – and can be here sooner than you expect in some cases.
1. Where winds meet
Possibly one of the most exciting and unique upcoming open-world experiences is Everstone Studio’s Where winds meet. Already released in China, this title looks to bring action-adventure RPG gameplay to a jaw-dropping level, and it’s in the Wuxia vein of classic Chinese martial arts films and fictional tales.
It offers a wide range of customization, an open world of ‘infinite possibilities’, combat that looks to rival some of the best in the genre, multiplayer co-op fun with friends, and on top of all this, it’s free to play.
Where winds meet will launch on November 14, 2025 on PS5, Android, iOS, and on PC it will be available through Epic Games and Steam.
2. Avatar: Pandora’s Limits – From the Ashes
While Ubisoft’s Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora been out since December 7, 2023, it’s now set for a major resurgence with a third-party update set for December 5, 2025. After that, there will be a DLC expansion From the ashes will launch on December 19, 2025 (specifically the same day as the film Avatar: Fire and Ashes is out).
It will be an interesting move away from the game’s original first-person perspective, with third-person adding more immersion through new animations that essentially open the door to an overhauled gameplay experience.
The update will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X | S, and on PC, Epic Games and Steam.
3. Resident Evil Requiem
I’ll be ready with this one: Resident Evil Requiem is my third most anticipated title of 2026 (and not my first GTA 6), a title that Capcom has marketed in a very mysterious way.
While this isn’t exactly open world like the other titles mentioned here, Capcom’s descriptions of the game at Gamescom 2025 and Tokyo Games Show 2025, along with several rumors, hint at a semi-open world approach. And it’s not far off for players to return to Raccoon City, where it all started (if you ignore Resident Evil 1 and Spencer Mansion).
There is still a lot to learn about what this game will have to offer, and it seems very likely that fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy will star alongside Grace Ashcroft. Rumors and some supposed leaks point towards a full reveal at The Game Awards 2025 or Capcom’s Resident Evil Showcase in early 2026.
Resident Evil Requiem will be available on February 27, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X | S, Nintendo Switch 2 and on PC, Steam and Epic Games (a first for the franchise in the case of the latter). Pre-orders are live now.
4. Phantom Blade Zero
S-Games Phantom Blade Zero is another title on this list that isn’t exactly the full open world that you’ll find GTA 6but it’s a semi-open world game that looks set to deliver an ambitious and unique experience in terms of combat.
It has the hack-and-slash DNA that many know as an action RPG, and looks to be an expansive experience with a ton of boss fights awaiting players across a large map.
Unfortunately, there’s no release date yet, but one is expected to be announced before the end of 2025, meaning we could see this launch in 2026 – and hopefully much earlier than GTA 6. Phantom Blade Zero will be available on PS5 and PC.
5. Crimson Desert
Last but certainly not least, Crimson desert by Pearl Abyss is my most anticipated game of 2026. This is one of the most ambitious action RPGs to date, with trailers and gameplay showing an experience that takes elements from a number of heavyweight franchises including Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed, The Legend of Zelda, The Witcher from CD Projekt Red, and indeed Grand Theft Auto.
Crimson desert looks set to be an action RPG fan’s dream game, with combat, exploration and gameplay mechanics so unique that it’s managed to impress almost everyone who’s gotten some hands-on time with the game so far.
It is set to launch on March 19, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X | S and Steam on PC, with pre-orders now available.
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