The Best Open-World Early Access Games You Can Play Right Now

19 September 2025

When it comes to video games, few experiences are as liberating and enthralling as getting lost in a sprawling open-world environment. There's just something magical about the freedom to wander, explore, and take on challenges at your own pace. Now, add the charm and raw potential of early access games into the mix, and you've got a recipe for something truly special. Why? Because early access games let you be a part of the developmental journey, giving you a front-row seat as the game evolves and improves over time.

In this article, we’re diving into the best open-world early access games you can play right now. Whether you're itching to survive in an unforgiving post-apocalyptic wasteland, craft a base in the middle of a vibrant alien jungle, or sail across uncharted waters, there's an early access gem out there waiting for you.

What Are Early Access Games, And Why Should You Care?

Before we dive into the list, let's briefly talk about what "early access" even means. Think of early access games as works in progress. They're like an artist showing you their rough sketches before the masterpiece is complete. Players get access to the game while it's still in development, which means you’ll sometimes encounter bugs, unfinished features, or janky mechanics. But here's the kicker—you also play a crucial role in shaping the final product by providing feedback, and the developers often use your input to refine the game.

You might be skeptical about diving into something unfinished, but hear me out. Early access games are often packed with ideas and features that feel groundbreaking or experimental. They’re passion projects that let you experience gaming magic before the big-budget polished versions hit the market.

The Best Open-World Early Access Games You Can Sink Your Time Into

Now that we’ve established why early access titles are worth your time, let’s look at some of the most captivating open-world games available right now. And trust me, these games aren’t just “good for early access”—many of them can easily stand toe-to-toe with fully released titles.

1. Valheim

If Vikings and survival are your jam, then seriously, why haven’t you played Valheim yet? This Norse mythology-inspired survival game drops you into a massive procedurally generated world full of forests, mountains, and seas. Start by punching trees (yeah, we’ve all been there in survival games) and work your way up to building massive Viking longhouses, taming boars, and taking down terrifying bosses.

The thing that sets Valheim apart isn’t just its gorgeous low-poly aesthetic or the sheer size of its world—it's the co-op multiplayer experience. Exploring with friends makes the whole adventure even more satisfying. And oh, the building mechanics? Chefs kiss. You can lose hours designing the perfect fortress.

Why It’s Special: The game strikes a perfect balance between challenging survival elements and relaxing exploration. Plus, the developers are constantly rolling out updates.

2. Sons of the Forest

Horror meets survival in Sons of the Forest, a follow-up to the cult classic The Forest. This game throws you onto a mysterious island full of creepy cannibals, mutants, and, surprisingly, a lot of natural beauty. You’ll need to scavenge for resources, build shelters, and fend off grotesque creatures while unraveling the narrative.

What makes this open-world experience stand out is its AI. The cannibal enemies are unpredictable, making them feel like they’re actually plotting against you rather than just mindlessly attacking. It’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse wrapped in an open-world sandbox.

Why It’s Special: The tension never lets up. You could be peacefully gathering berries one minute and then running for your life the next. Thrilling isn’t even the word.

3. Subnautica: Below Zero

If the idea of exploring the open sea sounds cool, wait until you experience the icy depths of Subnautica: Below Zero. This stand-alone sequel to Subnautica is another early access survival darling, and its arctic ocean world is a treasure trove of mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

You’ll find yourself swimming through beautifully rendered underwater biomes, crafting high-tech gadgets, and uncovering the story of a lost research facility. The open world is both breathtaking and terrifying—especially when you come face-to-face with some of the massive sea creatures lurking in the cold, dark waters.

Why It’s Special: The underwater exploration feels like discovering an alien planet, and the atmosphere is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Bring a blanket, though—the game’s icy vibes are chilling.

4. Starbase

Have you ever dreamed of building your own spaceship from the ground up and then piloting it into space? Well, Starbase basically lets you live out that fantasy. It’s an open-world MMO where you’ll mine asteroids, build bases, and engage in intense spaceship combat.

What makes Starbase unique is its highly-detailed building system. You don’t just slap a motor onto a frame and call it a day—you’ll wire up the ship’s systems, ensuring every component works as intended. It’s a tinkerer’s dream.

Why It’s Special: The massive open universe is packed with opportunities for creativity and exploration. Just make sure your ship doesn’t fall apart mid-flight—because yep, that can happen.

5. V Rising

Think Valheim, but make it vampiric. That’s the gist of V Rising, an open-world survival game where you play as—you guessed it—a vampire. You’ll gather resources, build your gothic castle, and hunt humans under the cover of darkness.

The coolest part? The game lets you transform into a bat (because vampires, duh) and traverse the open world in style. And don’t sleep on the combat—it’s fast-paced and packed with abilities that make you feel like the most overpowered creature of the night.

Why It’s Special: It’s basically a survival game mixed with Diablo-style combat. Plus, everything is better with vampires.

6. Core Keeper

If Stardew Valley and Terraria had a baby, it’d be Core Keeper. This charming pixel-art open-world adventure is all about delving into mysterious caverns, mining for resources, and building up your base. Though it’s got survival elements, the overall vibe is more laid-back compared to other games on this list.

The procedurally generated world is packed with secrets, and the more you explore, the larger your base (or underground empire) can become. The game’s co-op mode makes it even better—you and your friends can conquer the caves together.

Why It’s Special: It’s relaxing, yet addictive. There’s always something new to discover just a few steps deeper into the underground.

7. Myth of Empires

Are you into massive-scale battles and building entire empires? Then Myth of Empires has your name written all over it. This multiplayer sandbox game gives you control over armies, resources, and fortresses with a focus on teamwork and strategy.

The game’s medieval setting is immersive, and you’ll feel like a true ruler as you expand your territory. Whether you want to take a peaceful approach by trading or dominate through conquest, the open-world mechanics give you plenty of freedom.

Why It’s Special: It combines large-scale strategy with detailed crafting and exploration, making it a unique hybrid experience.

Why Play Open-World Early Access Games?

So, why should you consider diving into these imperfect yet endlessly entertaining games? For one, early access games offer a sense of community. It feels good knowing you’re part of the game's growth, offering feedback, and seeing your favorite title improve over time. Plus, the open-world format gives you unparalleled freedom. It doesn’t matter if you want to build, fight, explore, or just vibe—open-world games let you do you.

Final Thoughts

The world of early access games is vast and constantly evolving, just like the open worlds they offer. Sure, you might bump into a few bugs or incomplete features, but the trade-off is getting to witness incredible creativity in its rawest form. From surviving in mythical realms to exploring icy alien oceans, these games are proof that early access isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s an adventure all on its own.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to jump into one of these amazing worlds and see what all the buzz is about.