Plenty of open-world games release each year, to the delight of fans. Open-world games can cross into a variety of genres from action-adventure to survival-horror. Games that let players explore and immerse themselves in the world at their own pace are constantly highlighting the industry.
Games like Valheim bring players together with the goal of becoming the best Vikings around, while PlayStation fans are still eagerly anticipating the release of Horizon: Forbidden West later this year. Open-world games have something for everyone, and 2021 introduced several amazing additions to the genre.
While a lot of open-world games will release on the PlayStation and Xbox consoles over the next couple of years, Nintendo fans won't be left behind so easily. There are plenty of amazing open-world games releasing on the Switch in 2022 to keep an eye out for. Before jumping into the lesser-known games, here are the two big open-world titles set to drop in 2022:
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Fans of the Pokemon franchise and open-world games will want to keep Pokemon Legends: Arceus on their radars. The game will infuse RPG elements with the core gameplay mechanics of previous Pokemon games. Players will have to catch, survey, wild Pokemon in the Sinnoh region to create the region's first Pokedex.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes place in a time period before trainers and leagues existed. In this version of the Sinnoh region, Pokemon live wild in different environments. Players will be able to explore the region while attempting to study the behaviors of each of the regions Pokemon.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus will release on January 28th, 2022.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
The sequel to the hit open-world game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was announced at E3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, will be similar to the previous game, with a major difference being the inclusion of floating cities. The trailer also reveals Link paragliding and freefalling through the clouds, in a way that is reminiscent of Skyward Sword.
The world of Hyrule has expanded even more with even the sky being accessible now. Players will also have access to a few new abilities and can encounter a few new and old enemies.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 is scheduled to release in 2022.
While Pokemon Legends: Arceus and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 will dominate the discourse, Nintendo Switch owners shall have more games to pick from in 2022.
7 GLITCHED
In GLITCHED, choices matter and the fourth wall will be broken. Players will work together with an NPC named Gus to uncover the mystery of the glitch that has made Gus aware of your presence.
The player's actions will influence Gus' personality, powers, and how he reacts to the player. The story will also change depending on the choices the player makes, meaning no two playthroughs will be the same. It remains to be seen how open GLITCHED's world will be, but the game's developer does tout "open progression" as a feature.
GLITCHED will be available on the Nintendo Switch in Q1 of 2022.
6 Rune Factory 5
Players will set off on a grand adventure in the latest installment of the Rune Factory series. In Rune Factory 5, players will be recruited into the peacekeeping rangers and must work to keep the town safe.
In addition to their regular duties as a ranger, players can take a break by farming and fishing. Players will also be able to team up with residents of the town to explore the massive world while taming monsters. While Rune Factory 5 will probably not take place in a massive world, the games have always provided quite a bit of freedom in how players can spend their time. Remove the transition screens and Rune Factory 4 isn't all that different from an open-world title.
Rune Factory 5 is set to release in Early 2022.
5 Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
Fans of driving and lifestyle simulation games will want to keep an eye out for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown. Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown keeps several mechanics from the first games and brings them to a modern setting.
Players are free to choose how they progress through the game while living a life of luxury. Several recognizable names including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti can be driven, however, players will have to work their way up the social ladder to get to them. Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown will be the twenty-first installment in the Test Drive franchise and will take place in Hong Kong.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown will release on September 22nd, 2022.
4 Sonzai
Sonzai is a 2D open-world action-brawler platforming RPG where players will discover the nature of magic. Players can explore the dynamic town of Kumotoshi and meet plenty of unique characters. Outside of the town players can find various areas to explore, from burning cities to underground civilizations.
Social links and relationship building will have a direct impact on the game's outcome and the player's skills. Players will also have to balance passive and active runes as well as modules to modify their abilities.
Sonzai does not have an official release date but is scheduled to release in 2022.
3 Instinction
There is still very little known about Instinction, however, the announcement trailer reveals plenty of interesting things about the game. The action-adventure game will have survival-horror and open-world elements.
Players can brave the world alone or with two other friends in the cooperative mode. There are plenty of areas for players to explore or hide from the creatures hunting them, from grassy plains and forests to the depths of lakes.
However, changing weather conditions and limited ammo makes survival even more of a challenge. Players will have to rely on what weapons and equipment they can find and their brains to make it out alive.
Instinction currently does not have a release date but is planned to release in 2022.
2 Metal Max Xeno: Reborn
Metal Max Xeno: Reborn is a post-apocalyptic JRPG set in a world that machines have devastated. Players will traverse the open world and engage in combat in tanks while trying to reunite what is left of humanity.
The game will feature plenty of skills and upgrades that can help players deal massive amounts of damage. Metal Max Xeno: Reborn also lets players scavenge and customize tanks that they find.
Metal Max Xeno: Reborn is set to release in 2022.
1 My Time at Sandrock
My Time at Sandrock is the sequel to My Time at Portia, where players will take on the role of a builder in a post-apocalyptic world. Players will build their workshop from the ground up, explore a large dessert, and explore ruins.
Once players earn enough profit from building, they will be able to begin taking on the role of a farmer as well. In My Time at Sandrock, players can also get to know and help the residents of Sandrock, in between adventures.
My Time at Sandrock will release on the Nintendo Switch in 2022.