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Exploring Immense Worlds: A Deep Dive into Games with Big Maps

So, you want to get lost? You’re looking for that feeling of endless exploration, of uncovering secrets in a world that stretches beyond the horizon? Then you’re in the right place! The question “What games have big maps?” isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about the experience of scale, the density of content within that space, and how well the game utilizes its vastness. The games with the biggest maps are No Man’s Sky with 18 quintillion planets due to its procedurally generated universe, and Minecraft which features over 1.5 billion square miles of explorable terrain! But the “biggest” isn’t always the “best.” Let’s unpack this and see what other titans of terrain exist in the gaming world.

The Titans of Terrestrial Territory: Land-Based Giants

Before we delve into the truly infinite spaces, let’s appreciate the meticulously crafted, but still massive, land-based open worlds:

Minecraft: We have to start here. While technically “infinite” in its earlier versions, Minecraft’s playable area is capped, but still clocks in at approximately 1.5 billion square miles. That’s larger than the surface area of the Earth! What makes it special is the emergent gameplay born from its blocky landscape and the sheer creativity it inspires.
World War II Online: This MMORPG boasts a staggering 350,000 km², allowing players to engage in large-scale battles across a historically accurate representation of Western Europe. The size facilitates persistent warfare, with territory constantly changing hands.
The Lord of the Rings Online: This beloved MMORPG contains a map of roughly 77,700 km2, allowing for vast explorable areas based on the world by Tolkien.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: One of the earlier games with a large open world map, Xenoblade Chronicles X has an explorable area of around 154 square miles.
Grand Theft Auto V: While not as large as some on this list, GTA V’s 75.84 square kilometers provides a sprawling urban landscape and surrounding wilderness ripe with activity.

The Universe and Beyond: Games with Limitless Potential

These games push the boundaries of scale through procedural generation, creating experiences that are, at least theoretically, endless:

No Man’s Sky: With over 18 quintillion planets, No Man’s Sky’s universe is practically infinite. While planets are procedurally generated, the feeling of discovery and the sheer breadth of the cosmos are unparalleled.
Elite Dangerous: This space simulator features the entire Milky Way galaxy as its playground. While much of it is unexplored, the potential for discovery is truly mind-boggling.

Measuring Map Size: More Than Just Square Miles

It’s important to remember that simply quoting square mileage doesn’t tell the whole story. Factors like:

Verticality: A map with significant elevation changes and underground areas (like Skyrim or Elden Ring) can feel much larger than a flat, sprawling landscape of the same size.
Density of Content: A smaller map packed with towns, dungeons, quests, and points of interest can feel richer and more engaging than a vast, empty one.
Travel Mechanics: The speed and method of traversal (horses, vehicles, fast travel) greatly influence how the map feels. A slow-paced game encourages exploration and appreciation of detail, while fast travel allows for quick navigation of large distances.

The Art of Map Design: Quality Over Quantity

Ultimately, the “best” map isn’t necessarily the biggest. Games like:

Red Dead Redemption 2: While smaller than some on this list, RDR2’s map is incredibly detailed and immersive, with realistic ecosystems, dynamic weather, and a lived-in world that feels truly authentic.
Elden Ring: The Lands Between is masterfully crafted, with each region offering unique challenges, stunning visuals, and a sense of interconnectedness that makes exploration rewarding. The map is roughly 30.5 square miles in size.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Even with its relatively modest size, Skyrim’s verticality, diverse environments, and numerous dungeons create a world that feels vast and explorable. The base game has 343 fast-travel locations.

demonstrate that thoughtful design and attention to detail are just as important as sheer size. These games prioritize quality over quantity, creating experiences that are both engaging and memorable.

The Future of Open Worlds: What’s Next?

As technology advances, we can expect to see even more ambitious and immersive open-world games. Procedural generation will likely play an increasingly important role, allowing developers to create vast and varied landscapes with greater efficiency. However, the key to success will be finding the right balance between scale, density, and meaningful content.

Remember, the best open world is the one that captivates you, inspires you to explore, and makes you feel truly lost in another world. Whether it’s the infinite expanse of space or a meticulously crafted fantasy kingdom, the power of a well-designed map is undeniable.

And if you’re interested in learning more about the research and design behind these incredible game worlds, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They’re at the forefront of understanding how games can be used for education, engagement, and social good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the biggest video game map ever created?

Currently, No Man’s Sky takes the crown with its procedurally generated universe of over 18 quintillion planets. While technically infinite, Minecraft also deserves mention for its massive, albeit finite, world size of approximately 1.5 billion square miles.

2. Is bigger always better when it comes to game maps?

No, not necessarily. While a large map can offer a sense of scale and freedom, the density of content and the quality of the design are equally important. A smaller map with lots of points of interest and engaging activities can be more enjoyable than a vast, empty one.

3. Which game has the most realistic open world?

Red Dead Redemption 2 is often praised for its realistic open world, with its detailed ecosystems, dynamic weather, and believable characters.

4. How does procedural generation affect map size in games?

Procedural generation allows developers to create vast and varied landscapes automatically, without having to manually design every detail. This makes it possible to create games with incredibly large maps, like No Man’s Sky.

5. What factors contribute to the feeling of “scale” in a video game map?

Verticality, density of content, travel mechanics, and the overall art direction all contribute to the feeling of scale. A map with significant elevation changes, numerous points of interest, and a slow-paced traversal system can feel much larger than a flat, sprawling one with fast travel.

6. Is Elden Ring’s map bigger than Skyrim’s?

Yes, Elden Ring’s map is significantly larger than Skyrim’s, with approximately 30.5 square miles compared to Skyrim’s 14.3 square miles.

7. Which open-world game has the best fast-travel system?

This is subjective, but many players appreciate the fast-travel systems in games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Horizon Zero Dawn, which allow for quick and convenient travel while still encouraging exploration.

8. What is the largest MMO map currently available?

World War II Online boasts a massive MMO map spanning 350,000 km2.

9. How big is the map in Hogwarts Legacy?

Hogwarts Legacy features a relatively smaller map size of just 2.95 square miles.

10. What is the largest GTA map?

Grand Theft Auto V features the largest map in the Grand Theft Auto series at 75.84 square kilometers.

11. How big is the Cyberpunk 2077 map?

Cyberpunk 2077’s map is roughly one-hundred and ten square kilometers.

12. What is the most played game right now?

Player counts are always fluctuating, so the most played game is subjective, but current frontrunners include Rocket League, Overwatch 1 & 2, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege.

13. What game takes the longest to complete?

Melvor Idle is said to take the longest to complete with over 3,000 hours of gameplay.

14. Is the Red Dead Redemption 2 map bigger than GTA V?

While the exact numbers are debated, it’s generally accepted that the Red Dead Redemption 2 map feels larger due to its greater density of detail and more realistic traversal mechanics.

15. How do developers balance map size with content density?

This is a constant challenge. Developers often use techniques like procedural generation, environmental storytelling, and carefully placed points of interest to create a world that feels both vast and engaging. The key is to avoid creating empty space that feels pointless to explore.