Best open-world games to explore on PC, by how much energy you have

If you're looking for the best open-world games to explore, the useful question isn't ‘which is the biggest?’ but ‘how much energy do I have today?’. Some worlds are for wandering with your brain switched off; others ask for concentration and hours. These seven from the catalogue are all verified for Steam Deck, and we've ordered them from least to most demanding.

For wandering with no pressure

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  TchiaAdventure · Open world · ExplorationWhen you fancy roaming tropical islands at your own pace: the main story takes around 10 hours.When to play it and when not to
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  Lil Gator GameAdventure · Exploration · HumourWhen you want something sweet and cheerful for an afternoon or two that will make you smile.When to play it and when not to

Tchia is an open-world adventure on an archipelago inspired by New Caledonia: you climb, glide, sail and can jump into the body of more than 30 animals. The main story takes around 10 hours, so it won't swallow your months. Combat is the weak point: reviews find it repetitive, and it weighs heavily on the main story.

Lil Gator Game isn't a huge open world: its map is small, but full of charm and things to climb and glide from. It's tender, has no challenge and is meant for an afternoon or two. If you expect deep progression, it doesn't have it.

For exploring with a clear goal

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  SubnauticaSurvival · Exploration · Open worldWhen you have hours and want to explore: each deeper dive reveals new biomes and story progress.When to play it and when not to

Subnautica crashes you onto an ocean planet: the deeper you dive, the more new biomes and story developments you uncover, and along the way you build bases and vehicles. It's exploration with a purpose. Its game details give two warnings: it's not for you if the deep ocean genuinely scares you, or if you only have half an hour.

For getting lost with no goal

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  The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special EditionRPG · Open world · FantasyWhen you want to lose yourself for hours with no particular goal: there's always something to discover over the next hill.When to play it and when not to
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  The Witcher 3: Wild HuntRPG · Open world · NarrativeWhen you want to lose yourself in a long story and feel that every quest has something to tell. Ideal for whole afternoons.When to play it and when not to

Skyrim lives on freedom: you stray from the path and a cave, a quest or a dragon turns up. It shines for its world, not for polished combat or a memorable main story, and it has mods if you want to stretch it further.

The Witcher 3 explores in a different way: what hooks you are its side quests, written with the same care as the main one and full of choices that matter. With its expansions it goes past a hundred hours. Between dialogue, travel and menus, short sessions feel thin.

For when you have energy to spare

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  Elden RingSoulslike · Open world · Action RPGWhen you have hours ahead of you and energy to spare: few things feel as good as discovering a new place and beating the boss that guards it.When to play it and when not to
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  Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR'S CUTOpen world · Action · SamuraiWhen you have hours to spare and fancy roaming spectacular landscapes with satisfying combat.When to play it and when not to

Elden Ring is a huge world of ruins, caves, castles and bosses that can flatten you in two hits. The key is that you can go around the difficulty: if a boss blocks you, there's always another path. Don't pick it when you're tired.

Ghost of Tsushima swaps the icon-filled map for the wind, which guides you. It's a beautiful, contemplative open world with katana duels and stealth. If repetitive side activities in open worlds wear you out, you'll find some here.

How to choose

• Low energy or little time? Tchia or Lil Gator Game. If you like it calm, see also our cosy games.
• Whole afternoons and a curious streak? Subnautica or Skyrim.
• Driven by story? The Witcher 3.
• Want a challenge as well as scenery? Elden Ring; if you'd rather take in the view, Ghost of Tsushima.
• Just finished a long one? Try what to play after finishing a long game.

Which one is for you today?

Tell us how much energy and time you have and we'll suggest one. If you connect your Steam account, we'll choose from the games you already own.