Summary
Bandai Namco has built a reputation for creating diverse, sprawling worlds that are as unique as they are immersive. Whether players are battling colossal monsters, exploring vibrant cities, or navigating vast fantasy landscapes, these games never fail to captivate.
From the brutal beauty ofElden Ringto the stylish post-apocalyptic setting ofCode Vein, each title offers something distinct. Here’s a look at thebest open-world gamesfrom Bandai Namco, ranked from great to legendary.
Games published and/or developed by Bandai Namco have been taken into consideration along with games that have open-world elements to them.
Stepping into the stretchy shoes of Monkey D. Luffy,One Piece: World Seekerlets players explore Prison Island, a vast open world teeming with secrets, enemies, and a surprising amount of verticality. Instead of the typical pirate fare, this game leans into Luffy’s unique movement mechanics: stretching and slingshotting through the sky with his rubber limbs feels almost like a superhero simulator.
While the island itself might not be the most densely packed, it’s full of personality, especially when iconic characters from theOne Pieceuniverse show up to stir the pot. The combat, though a bit simplistic, emphasizes Luffy’s brawler style withmoves straight from the anime, making every fight feel like a chaotic dance of fists and gum-gum powers. It might not be the most polished experience, but for fans of the series, it’s a fun chance to live out those pirate fantasies on a surprisingly dynamic island.
There’s no denying thatCode Veindraws inspiration fromDark Souls, but it doesn’t just copy the formula. It takes that familiar brutal combat and blends it with ananime aestheticand a vampire apocalypse. Players step into a world overrun by the Lost—mindless revenants who’ve succumbed to bloodlust—and must navigate ruined cities and underground caverns while piecing together what happened to humanity.
The open-world structure here is more segmented than some of Bandai Namco’s other titles, but it doesn’t feel limiting. Each area connects like a labyrinth, with hidden paths, shortcuts, and enemy ambushes that demand caution. The combat is deliberate, rewarding precision and strategy over button mashing. The “Blood Code” system lets players switch classes on the fly, adding versatility to combat and keeping the experience fresh. For those who findDark Soulstoo isolating,Code Veinoffers AI companions that actually feel useful, providing buffs and damage while still requiring players to pull their weight.
Few games capture the power fantasy ofDragon Ball Zas well asDragon Ball Z: Kakarot. Thisaction RPGdoesn’t just follow the iconic story arcs—it lets players actively experience them. From flying around the expansive world to duking it out with Frieza and Cell, the sense of scale is right where it needs to be.
The open world element of this game is divided into smaller regions rather than being a single, massive map, but each area is packed with familiar landmarks, from West City to Kami’s Lookout. There’s a surprising amount of downtime between fights, allowing players to fish, train, or just casually fly around the skies with Goku’s signature sense of freedom. Combat, while cinematic and true to the anime’s style, also allows for some strategic depth, with character upgrades and skill trees that make each fighter feel unique. This game doesn’t shy away from quieter moments, either. Scenes with Gohan training with Piccolo or Goku enjoying meals with his family make the game feel more like an interactive anime than just a series of battles. For fans of the series,Kakarotfeels like a love letter.
WhileNi No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdommay have lost the studio Ghibli aesthetic of its predecessor, it still carries that same spirit of wonder. The story follows Evan, a young king who’s been ousted from his throne and sets out to create a new kingdom where everyone can live happily. The open world feels like a whimsical diorama, with chibi-style overworld exploration giving way to full-sized characters in dungeons and towns. Building the kingdom is more than just a side activity—it’s crucial to progress, as recruiting citizens grants new abilities and upgrades.Combat is more action-orientedthan the first game, blending magic and melee into a seamless flow that feels responsive and energetic.
Boss battles often require a bit of strategy, as some monsters tower over Evan and his friends. Higgledies, tiny elemental creatures that fight alongside the party, add another layer to encounters, offering buffs or direct attacks. The mix of kingdom management, heartfelt storytelling, and classic JRPG mechanics make it feel timeless.
Elden Ringredefines what it means to explore. The world of the Lands Between is vast, ominous, and dripping with lore. Players who wander off the beaten path are rewarded with hidden dungeons, obscure NPC encounters, andsome of the most intimidating boss fights in gaming.
Combat carries the trademark FromSoftware difficulty, but with more freedom in how to approach each encounter. Players can charge in headfirst, summon spirits to fight alongside them, or just ride Torrent and explore the world at their own pace. The map isn’t just big—it’s dense with detail, where even the smallest ruins might hold a powerful weapon or a tragic story.
Few games manage to feel so consistently rewarding. Whether players are fighting their way through Stormveil Castle or simply watching the sun set over Limgrave, there’s always a sense of discovery. It’s both brutal and beautiful, and players keep coming back because they know there’s always something new to find.
