Mobile gaming for the past few years has shifted from dedicated gaming handhelds to smartphones and tablets. Practically everyone has one and their respected online application stores showcase thousands of video games from indie studios to big name triple AAA developers. We’ve even seen companies like Nintendo merge into delivering video games for both Google Android and Apple iOS.
- Mar 23, 2020 For the record, by “MacBooks” we are not only referring to 12-inch MacBooks but also MacBook Airs (MBA) and 13-inch MacBook Pros (MBP).Basically all models without dedicated graphics. And if you’re planning to buy a new Mac or would like to see how yours compares with the latest models from Apple, check out our Best Mac.
- Oct 13, 2019 Saints Row 4 offers a very compelling open world experience that excels when openly parodying other games. So not only does it offer what is the norm of open world gameplay of traversing a large city while completing objectives but it does so in a funny way that pokes fun at similar titles and goes over the top providing an extreme representation.
Today we’re looking at the top twenty-five best open world based video games on the iOS platform for 2016. These are massive video games that players will sink plenty of time as they complete quests, customize their various characters, and most of all explore the open world. If you enjoy open world games, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t? Then take a look at some of the best available for your Apple smartphone and tablet.
Mar 27, 2020 Just a friendly warning. Anyway, here's the best open world games you can play right now! Oh, and one more thing - some of these games are compatible with 4K.
25. Survivalcraft
Link: iTunes
Price: $3.99
Survivalcraft, as I’m sure you can tell from the name alone, is a clone to the popular video game Minecraft. Within this title, players are left stranded on a blocky world where they must collect resources, craft tools, and most of all survive. What makes Survivalcraft a more approachable title compared to the widely known Minecraft video game is that the developers are pretty much on top of things with new updates and features, not to say Minecraft falls far behind, but if you need a good alternative that still stays close within blocky visuals then this would be our recommendation.
24. Gangstar Vegas
Link: iTunes
Price: Free
Top Open World Games Mac
If you enjoy video games like the Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row series then Gangstar Vegas is probably your best option for a free alternative on mobile. Players are tossed into a pretty big map of Las Vegas where our protagonist is an up and coming MMA fighter that gets intertwined with the mafia. As you become featured in the biggest fighting match of the year, the infamous crime lord Frank Veliano decides that you’ll take the fall and let your opponent win. Although, when you come out as the victor, you suddenly come out as the most wanted man in the city. With an awesome soundtrack, a variety of weapons and vehicles to choose from, Gangstar Vegas has proven to be a must-have open world video game for mobile users.
23. Ravensword: Shadowlands
Link: iTunes
Price: $6.99
In Ravensword: Shadowlands, the story opens up with the fall of Ravengard in which the world quickly erupts into chaos. Dark elven invaders begin to flood into the Kingdom of Tyreas and during the heat of battle, the ancient Ravensword was stolen. Players take on the role of a descendant to the ancient kings bloodline where it’s revealed that only you contain the power to wield the Ravensword and restore the world to its former glory. This third-person RPG resembles much of the same gameplay from The Elder Scrolls series as players have an open fantasy world to explore, various attributes to level up, quests to complete, along with a variety of enemies to face against.
22. Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
Link: iTunes
Price: $2.99
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath definitely looks appealing visually and the gameplay is what you would expect from a title within the Oddworld franchise. However, in Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath, players take the role of a bounty hunter named Stranger who wanders into the wastelands of Western Mudos, a town filled with belligerent outlaws. Stranger sets off on his goal in order to earn enough money for a much-needed life-saving surgery. As mentioned, the world of Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath is stunning, the gameplay mechanics are fun with quirky weaponry and the game world is filled with outlandish characters to meet along your journey.
21. Crazy Taxi: City Rush
Link: iTunes
Price: Free
You likely played Crazy Taxi before as its been around since the 1990s and made its way onto a number of different platforms over the years. Regardless, the mobile version of the game, Crazy Taxi: City Rush stays intact with fast-paced addicting gameplay we remember from its first launch within arcades. Players take the role of a taxi driver in which they must deliver their passengers to their desired destination. Although there is a bit of a twist to this game as the roads are chaotic and you’ve got a very limited amount of time to reach your destination. Instead of playing it safe, the game rewards players for fast trips and close calls but if you fail to reach the destination in time your passenger will storm off in a fit of rage.
20. The Dark Knight Rises
Link: iTunes
Price: $6.99
Normally when video games follow the story of various films they tend to get poor reviews, however, we can’t say that about The Dark Knight Rises. Tied to the film that bares the same name, players take on the role of Batman as he cleans up Gotham city. Given an array of various weapons from Batman’s arsenal, fighting crime is not only fun but can be unique to how a player wishes to approach a thug or two. If you’ve seen the film then you know where the plot is going as players must save Gotham from the incredibly strong and cunning villain Bane.
19. Goat Simulator
Link: iTunes
Price: $4.99
Who knew Goat Simulator would be that much fun. Developers Coffee Stain Studios tossed together a truly wacky and addicting open world video game where players control a goat, that’s right a four-legged goat. Essentially, players are given goals to complete though the game gets its fame from the mass destruction players can emit and the wacky bug filled gameplay.
18. The Shadow Sun
Link: iTunes
Price: $2.99
From the veterans who have worked on the hit RPG series Dungeons & Dragons along with The Witcher, comes The Shadow Sun, a story driven RPG that’s packed with a ten-hour adventure. Developers Ossian Studios Inc. decided to create an enduring open world adventure and they definitely accomplished their goal. There’s over seventy unique locations to explore, hundreds of items to obtain, tons of available quests, freedom to customize your character attributes, hidden secrets to uncover, and a slew of interesting characters to meet along the way.
17. Six Guns: Gang Showdown
Link: iTunes
Price: Free
We don’t see too many video games set in the old wild west but if there’s one gem we can’t recommend enough, it would have be Six Guns: Gang Showdown. This open world western stars Buck Crosshaw an outlaw that was forced to fake his death in order to escape the state of Arizona. However, our outlaw finds himself facing an evil force that begins to erupt in the hills of a mysterious region. Gameloft has packed forty missions into Six Guns: Gang Showdown and players can expect to have intense shootouts, fight waves of enemies, take out criminals such as thieving robbers, and even partake in horse races. Right now, it’s the next best thing to Red Dead Redemption on iOS.
16. Terraria
Link: iTunes
Price: $4.99
Much like Minecraft, Terraria is an endless title where players explore, collect resources, and battle enemies within a randomly generated world. Players can also build structures which can eventually be filled with NPCs that will offer gamers services or items for purchase. If you enjoy Minecraft and don’t mind resorting to a 2D style gameplay, Terraria has been an excellent video game alternative.
15. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Link: iTunes
Price: $6.99
If you played and enjoyed the first The Amazing Spider-Man video game from developers Gameloft, then we recommend trying its sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Following the same events of the blockbuster hit film of the same name, players web-sling their way around the city of Manhattan while fighting back crime featuring some of Spider-Man’s most nefarious villains like Venom, the Green Goblin, and Electro.
14. Gangstar Rio: City of Saints
Link: iTunes
Price: $6.99
Much like Gangstar Vegas, Gangstar Rio: City of Saints is another open world video game title that takes elements we’re used to seeing in the Grand Theft Auto and the Saints Row series. Players embark on a crime filled journey within Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Similar to the first title in the series, our protagonist seeks out to extract his revenge on those who attempted to rob and leave him for dead. Fight crime, explore the city of Rio de Janeiro, steal cars, complete over sixty missions with the mixture of random events, and take out corrupt politicians. Additionally, for the first time ever in the Gangstar series, players can customize their character with new shirts, hats, glasses, and more.
13. School of Chaos Online MMORPG
Link: iTunes
Price: Free
School of Chaos Online MMORPG is certainly an odd little game but its gameplay proves to be an addicting one. Within the game, players are a nerd within a school and as such, you’re one of the easier targets from bullies. Looking to rid the school from these jocks and thugs, players are tasked in taking them out. As you fight bullies and steal their lunch money the game will offer players various upgrades in both armor and diabolical weapons all while playing online with other gamers.
12. Mines of Mars
Link: iTunes
Price: Free
Mines of Mars is described by developers Crescent Moon Games, as an RPG title that shares elements similar to both Metroid and Motherload which is quite apparent when first starting up the game. Within Mines of Mars, players explore an abandoned mining colony that is procedurally generated. As players progress through the game, they dig up dark secrets although, much like Metroid, aliens will be meeting you at your every turn. Explore the world, discover it’s dark secrets, and track down the various advanced weaponry to take out the alien enemies along the way.
11. Crashlands
Link: iTunes
Price: $4.99
Crashlands is a relatively new RPG title that follows Flux Dabes, a trucker who delivers goods through space. One day, during a run, Flux becomes a target of an alien menace named Hewgodooko who has since caused our little space trucker to become aware of an upcoming world domination plot. Players must use their cunning to stop this alien attempt in world domination while progressing through this cartoonish isometric action RPG.
10. Galaxy on Fire 2
Link: iTunes
Price: Free
Galaxy Fire 2 is an excellent spacecraft simulation title where players control the space war veteran, Keith T. Maxwell. Players must save the galaxy from the invading alien threats, careless space pirates, and the power-crazed men who wish to take over total control. Fans of video games like Eve Online should feel right at home as the game focuses on space travel and combat while the in-game currency is spent on new spacecrafts or various upgrades. Over ten hours is available within the campaign so you should spend quite a bit of time on the game broken up by your daily routine but if need more then there are two expansion packs available that adds onto the story.
9. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Link: iTunes
Price: $9.99
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one of the more popular Star Wars titles to ever release. This is an RPG that takes place thousands of years before the first film which means both the Jedi and Sith are great in numbers. Through the epic journey, players are given freedom of how they progress their character and story as you can determine if you wish to side with the Jedi or fall into the lure of the dark side. Developers, Aspyr Media Inc., have stated that the mobile video game contains the full experience from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and because of that, this game will require over 2.4GB of internal storage. If you’re okay with losing out on some storage space and happen to be a fan of the Star Wars films then you won’t want to miss out on this incredible journey.
8. GTA: San Andreas
Link: iTunes
Price: $6.99
In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas players take the role of Carl Johnson who was once part of the corruption of the Los Santos city. Carl was no stranger to the life of gangs and drugs though he managed to escape it for over five years. However, after the murder of his mother, Car Johnson, better known as CJ, picks back up the life of crime. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas originally released back in 2004 and now over ten years later, developers Rockstar Games has remastered the title for mobile devices with enhanced visuals.
7. GTA: Vice City
Link: iTunes
Price: $4.99
Much like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Rockstar has released Grand Theft Auto: Vice City to the mobile platform. This time around, the game is set within the 1980s in Vice City as this narrative story focuses on one man’s attempt to rise the ranks of the criminal underground. Just like all the other mobile Grand Theft Auto video game titles, controls are tight, the graphics have been updated, and the open world is available for players to do as they wish.
6. 9th Dawn
Link: iTunes
Price: $2.99
9th Dawn has been described as a 2D version of The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim before and it definitely has that appeal of epic long journeys and quest embarking adventures. Developers Valorware, deliver an old school RPG video game filled with mystery, danger, but most of all, adventure. Players can choose from three classes as they progress through the game, a knight that can wield heavy armor and weapons, an archer who is swift with his attacks and great for close or far range combat, lastly the mage who possess the power of magical elements to destroy his enemies. Gamers will locate lost treasure and help the troubled world from the undead army, and explore the various landscapes that range from forests, towns, to dungeons.
5. GTA: Chinatown Wars
Link: iTunes
Price: $4.99
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is one of the latest GTA titles to have released within the franchise as it officially came to the market in 2009. Within Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, players take on the role of Huang Lee who is on a business trip to Liberty City, however, after being robbed and left for dead, Huang decides to seek revenge on the morally corrupt city. Unlike other Grand Theft Auto titles on our list, Chinatown Wars takes the gameplay back to its roots with a more isometric view, but regardless, this is still very much a Grand Theft Auto video game. Players can freely explore the city, cause mayhem, steal cars, and dive into the life of crime.
4. Grand Theft Auto III
Link: iTunes
Price: $4.99
This is the Grand Theft Auto title that really took off within the series. Grand Theft Auto III introduced players to a three-dimensional world of Liberty City. We shouldn’t have to spend too much time discussing Grand Theft Auto III simply because of its popularity along with being one of the more influential video games of its time. Overall, the game follows the criminal Claude who manages to escape prison transport. Landing on his feet, Claude is forced into taking on odd criminal jobs that lead him deeper into the life of crime. Additionally, much like the previous Grand Theft Auto titles on this list, developers Rockstar Games gave the mobile version of the game the royal treatment with updated enhanced visuals and audio.
3. Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition
Link: iTunes
Price: $9.99
Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition brings back the charm from the original 1998 title and best of all, everything is still here. The sixty-hour adventure comes packed in within the app which tosses players into the story of a foster child that was sent out from the comfort of his once beloved home of Candlekeep. Now left to fend for himself, players get swept into this fantasy world on the brink of a massive war along with a sinister dark secret left to be shed. While new gamers to the franchise may be delighted to play this epic once for the first time ever, the Enhanced Edition brings about new quests to complete, updated visuals, and additional worlds to explore that should give players that already played the title some incentive to replay this epic once again.
2. Baldur’s Gate II Enhanced Edition
Link: iTunes
Price: $9.99
Baldur’s Gate II originally released in 2000 and for the most part, it plays out very similarly to the original Baldur’s Gate. With this title, players start the game out by being captured by a dark wizard who wishes to strip away powers that is your birthright although it’s up to the players if they wish to turn into the heroic legend that will destroy the dark essence of the world or embrace it to become the monstrous lord of destruction. Again, much like the predecessor, Baldur’s Gate II Enhanced Edition brings about new updated visuals along with the previous expansions released for the game.
1. Minecraft Pocket Edition
Link: iTunes
$6.99
You knew this one was going to top our list didn’t you? Minecraft is a massive hit and one that continues to bring in new players to its fan base on a daily basis. Overall the game of Minecraft is a rather simple one, you explore, craft items, and collect resources. This is also one game that truly inspires players to build incredible works of art and while the Minecraft Pocket Edition does fall behind from its PC predecessor in terms of content, this mobile edition doesn’t fail to skip a beat in bringing the same gameplay we came to love when it originally released on PC back in 2009 with its alpha version debut.
While it’s pretty hard to find some worthwhile free games for Mac, it doesn’t mean that there is no free game for Mac. It just means the number is very low. However, the case of Free RPGs is different.
Just like we did in the Strategy Games for Mac, most of the titles are available via Steam. If you have Steam installed on your Mac, it will be easy to download and play these games. That said, here are some of the best role-playing games for Mac. Let’s begin.
Free RPG Games for Mac
1. Dota 2
One of the most-played game on Steam, Dota 2 is one of the best RPG titles for Mac. The game never keeps you bored, since there’s a lot to discover. You can become one of the Dota 2 heroes and keep exploring the world while combating with others. It’s a skill-based game, since there are no in-app purchases for talent or extra perks. You can choose the role and start playing. You are going to love the enhanced graphics and the big user-base that Dota 2 boasts.
System Requirements: Intel Dual Core, 4GB RAM, NVIDIA 320M, Radeon HD 2400 or Intel HD 3000 or higher, 15GB Storage space
2. Shakes and Fidget
If you are looking for a fun-filled, fantasy RPG, Shakes and Fidget should be your first stop. With a user-base of more than 50 Million, you will love its online battles too. Even when we keep the humor aside, the game offers a bunch of options like customizable characters, thousands of collectibles and hundreds of quests you can achieve. The game gives you a feel of being inside a comic book, which is great for role-playing. The title is comparatively newer, too.
System Requirements: Intel Pentium, 1GB RAM, 100MB Storage space
3. Tactical Monsters Rumble Arena
It’s been just four months since Tactical Monsters Rumble Arena was released. In the meantime, this game has become a superb choice of players across the globe. In this RPG, you have to use your strategy as well as tactical combat. Thanks to multiple playing modes, you can get your hands on real-time battles as well as normal missions. You have almost full control over monsters, who happen to have unique skills to. You are the winner if you know how to deal with them.
System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo, 512MB RAM, 512MB Video Memory, 500MB Storage space
4. The Lord of the Rings Online
The Lord of the Rings Online is one of the most popular MMORPGs for Mac, since thousands of players play this wonderful title. The game is awesome if you know anything about the popular series by JRR Tolkien. You can explore the Middle Earth and craft the perfect hero the land deserves. There are more than 105 ways to customize your hero, which is great. It also offers options like PvP battles and online arenas. It’s all about fun, and you get one visual treat too.
System Requirements: 2.0GHz Intel i5, 2GB RAM, Intel HD3000 or better, 25 GB Storage space
Check Out The Lord of the Rings Online
5. Spiral Knights
Spiral Knights calls itself a co-operative adventure, for a good reason. You have to team up with the knights who are stranded in an alien planet. The plot progresses as you explore this amazing planet and what stays under the seen surface. While the character customization isn’t the best, your Knight gets to compete with others in this game. Of course, the core of Spiral Knights is in multiplayer combat, and you should not miss that.
System Requirements: 1.3GHz Processor, 1GB RAM, 64MB Video Memory, 700MB Storage space
6. GuildWars 2
GuildWars 2 is another massively multiplayer online RPG for Mac devices out there. It’s definitely more than a simple multiplayer game, thanks to the wonderful community it has got. Released back in 2012, GuildWars 2 has been the favorite of those who need a real-life role-playing gaming experience. There are various races in the game, and you — if you are a beginner — surely need some catching up. It offers multiple modes such as the PvP one.
System Requirements: Intel Core i5 or better, 4GB RAM, 50GB Storage space, GeForce 320MATI, Radeon HD 6630M, Intel HD 3000 or better.
7. Trove
Trove is an open-world, action-based role-playing game that you can play on Mac. It lets you explore a world that isn’t restricted to earth. As the hero character, Trove wants you to rescue the multiverse from threats as well. There are different classes like Knights, Pirates and a lot of realms you can explore. Trove also comes with a bunch of world-building and strategy-based elements. You can take care of loots, build more stuff and get rich on the way.
System Requirements: Core i5, 1GB RAM, Intel HD 4000, 1GB Storage space
8. SMITE
With more than 25 Million players on the board, SMITE brings an awesome combination of role-playing and action. If you know the ancient mythology — Thor from Norse, for instance —, you will love the storyline of this title. You can choose one of the mythological characters as well as their skills. The game is fast-paced, in addition to the collectible and open-combat arena. You can get into the battleground and win if you want to move on. SMITE gets regularly updated too.
System Requirements: Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 512MB Video Memory, 10GB Storage Space
9. SAS: Zombie Assault 4
Released in 2017, SAS: Zombie Assault 4 is one of the high-end action RPGs for Mac. When a virus outbreak has turned almost every human into zombies, you can take up the role of the savior and fight them. The title offers three roles you can play. Of course, SAS: Zombie Assault 4 is more about the action and combat, but its RPG-like upgrades and features are unbeatable. Fast-paced gameplay and collectibles and loot support and some reasons why people love this RPG.
System Requirements: 2GHz Processor, 1GB RAM, OpenGL Graphics, 512MB Storage space
10. Gaytective
Here’s a different title from the role-playing game category. In this game, you take up the role of a detective. Wait, you are not going to solve any murders. On the other hand, the detective has to talk to some people and tell if they are homosexual. The title comes with the retro outlook and some cool dialogues with others as well as the lady who hired you. Gaytective is all about interaction and dialogues, but it’s a small game. You should check this if you’re looking for pure fun.
System Requirements: Nothing specified, it’s a small game, works perfectly on 2015-late MacBook Air
Best Mac Open World Games
11. Pixel Dungeon
Just to clarify, we are talking about Pixel Dungeon for Desktop, which is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can enjoy the same awesome gameplay that you used to get in Android. One of the best RPGs for Android, Pixel Dungeon is noted for the pixel-art and simple interface. You can choose a character, who will be exploring the dungeon and killing all the bad stuff on the way. There are also some collectibles you get in the long run.
System Requirements: Nothing specified, Pixel Dungeon is really minimal
12. Realm of the Mad God
At the first look, Realm of the Mad God is a simple pixel-art-based game. However, it has some of the coolest gameplay. In case you did not know, it’s one of the MMORPGs as well. You can focus on action and battle, but there are always some RPG elements in the game. The game also features some options like looting and team-up battles. But, what really matters is whether your character is powerful enough to take up all those challenges.
System Requirements: Intel Core Duo or later, 1GB RAM, 100MB Storage space
13. RuneScape
RuneScape is a free-to-play, fantasy-based MMORPG available for Mac and other platforms. Once you have downloaded the client and have created an account, the adventure starts. It also happens to be the most popular free MMORPG. RuneScape also comes with a huge-enough community, where thousands are online. Unlike many of the RPGs we listed, RuneScape is pretty huge and there is a lot to explore. It starts at the island of Ashdale and explores further.
System Requirements: It varies depending on the detail level. High Details require i5/i7, 4GB RAM and NVIDIA or ATI Radeon dedicated graphics
14. Clicker Heroes
Clicker Heroes is an impressive casual clicker game with some great RPG elements in it. All you do is clicking with your mouse, but there are different characters and enemies to choose from. Clicker Heroes also comes with some great strategy stuff and a visually-pleasing design. You can also keep hiring different heroes who have better skills to offer. Altogether, although not completely an RPG, Clicker Heroes is one of the superb choices for Mac.
System Requirements: Intel Core Duo, 512MB RAM, 90MB Storage
15. MINDNIGHT
With this popular online multiplayer, we end our list of the best free RPG games for Mac. MINDNIGHT works by assigning you a random role — either a Hacker or Agents. The idea is to defeat the other so that you can succeed. The best part about MINDNIGHT is that it offers a lot of things like communication systems and hi-tech stuff. Please note that MINDNIGHT is set in a distant future, where your cyberpunk dreams come true. It is a highly-addictive title too.
Mac Games Free 1st Person Open World Games
System Requirements: Dual Core Processor, 1GB RAM, 512MB Graphics, 120MB Space
Games For Mac Computers
Wrapping Up: RPG Games for Mac
Open World Games Ps4
Most of the above-mentioned RPGs offer online PvP mode, which is great. Also, some of them are a combo of RPG, Strategy and action gaming so that you don’t get bored. We have also tried to include games that are completely free, instead of those with thousands of in-app purchases. Still, if you think we missed some great free RPG, do let us know via comments.