Best Open World Games On Xbox Game Pass For Hundreds Of Hours Of Play

For gamers seeking vast landscapes, deep narratives, and endless activities, open world games are the ultimate form of digital escapism. Xbox Game Pass has become a treasure trove for such experiences, offering an ever-rotating library of titles that deliver not just quality, but longevity. Whether you're scaling mountain peaks in a post-apocalyptic wasteland or commanding a starship across galaxies, these games promise dozens — often hundreds — of hours of engaging content. The best part? You can access them all with a single subscription.

This list focuses on standout open world titles currently available on Xbox Game Pass, each proven to offer substantial playtime through main campaigns, side quests, exploration, and replayability. These aren’t just visually impressive; they’re designed to keep players invested long after the credits roll.

Why Open World Games Dominate Game Pass Playtime

Open world design encourages freedom—players explore at their own pace, engage with dynamic systems, and shape their journey. This autonomy naturally extends playtime. Unlike linear games that may last 10–20 hours, well-crafted open worlds often require 50, 80, or even over 100 hours to fully experience.

Xbox Game Pass excels in offering high-value RPGs and action-adventure titles where exploration is rewarded. Many of these games integrate crafting, base-building, companion systems, and branching storylines, further increasing time investment. With no additional cost per title, subscribers are more likely to dive deep into expansive worlds without worrying about return on purchase.

“Open world games on Game Pass represent the perfect value proposition: unlimited access to 100-hour epics for one flat monthly fee.” — Marcus Tran, Senior Editor at GameFront Weekly

Top Open World Games on Game Pass by Playtime Potential

The following games have been selected based on depth of content, critical reception, community engagement, and average completion times. All are accessible via Xbox Game Pass (Console, PC, or Cloud) as of mid-2024.

1. Starfield

Bethesda’s ambitious space-faring RPG delivers one of the most expansive universes in gaming history. With over 1,000 planets to explore, procedural generation ensures no two journeys are identical. The main quest takes around 40 hours, but full completion—including faction storylines, ship customization, outpost building, and planetary exploration—can exceed 200 hours.

Starfield rewards curiosity. Discovering alien ruins, uncovering corporate conspiracies, and upgrading your crew turns routine missions into long-term projects. Its skill tree spans eight disciplines, encouraging multiple playthroughs with different character builds.

Tip: Focus on building a strong home base early—it becomes essential for resource processing and mission staging.

2. Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s masterpiece blends the challenge of Souls-like combat with unprecedented openness. The Lands Between stretch across diverse biomes—from fog-drenched marshlands to golden capital cities—and hide countless dungeons, bosses, and secrets. While the main path takes roughly 50–60 hours, completionists regularly report playtimes exceeding 120 hours.

Unlike previous FromSoftware titles, Elden Ring allows near-total freedom of traversal from the start. Players can stumble upon endgame areas within hours, though surviving them requires careful progression. Mount summons, Spirit Ashes, and fast travel unlock gradually, encouraging methodical exploration.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

A benchmark for narrative-driven open worlds, RDR2 immerses players in a dying American frontier. Arthur Morgan’s journey with the Van der Linde gang unfolds over 60+ hours of story content, but the world lives beyond cutscenes. Hunting rare beasts, tracking legendary animals, participating in camp duties, and completing stranger missions add another 50–70 hours.

The game’s attention to detail—down to hoof prints in mud and changing weather patterns—creates unmatched realism. Completing every journal entry, achieving 100% completion, or playing as John Marston in the epilogue stretches total investment significantly.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition

Even years after release, The Witcher 3 remains one of the richest open world experiences ever made. Geralt’s search for his adopted daughter spans two massive regions—Novigrad and Skellige—each packed with morally complex quests, political intrigue, and monster hunts. The base game clocks in at 70–80 hours, while including both major expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine) pushes playtime past 150 hours.

Side quests here aren’t filler—they’re mini-narratives with lasting consequences. A simple bounty hunt might evolve into a tale of betrayal, family curses, or forbidden love. This depth keeps players engaged far beyond typical RPG standards.

5. Fallout 4

In this post-nuclear Boston, survival hinges on scavenging, combat, and settlement construction. The main story lasts about 25 hours, but the real draw lies in the player-driven content. Building interconnected settlements, recruiting settlers, defending against raiders, and modifying weapons and armor can consume hundreds of hours.

Fallout 4 also supports extensive modding on PC Game Pass, allowing players to add new quests, environments, and mechanics. Community-created mods have extended the lifespan of this title well beyond its original scope.

Comparison Table: Playtime, Genre, and Key Features

Game	Estimated Playtime (Full Completion)	Genre	Key Longevity Features
Starfield	150–200+ hours	Sci-Fi RPG	Planet exploration, base building, faction quests, ship customization
Elden Ring	80–120+ hours	Action RPG	Hidden dungeons, multiple endings, NG+ modes, challenging boss fights
Red Dead Redemption 2	100–130+ hours	Western Action-Adventure	Camp interactions, hunting, fishing, stranger missions, collectibles
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt	120–150+ hours	Fantasy RPG	Expansion content, branching choices, contract quests, alchemy
Fallout 4	100–200+ hours (with mods)	Post-Apocalyptic RPG	Settlement system, weapon/armor mods, companions, mod support
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut	70–90+ hours	Action-Adventure	Tribute challenges, Mythic Tales, Iki Island expansion, photo mode

Maximizing Your Game Pass Experience: A Step-by-Step Approach

To truly extract hundreds of hours of enjoyment from Game Pass, follow this structured approach to selecting and engaging with open world titles.

1. Assess Your Playstyle: Do you prefer narrative depth (The Witcher 3), systemic freedom (Starfield), or combat mastery (Elden Ring)? Matching games to your preferences increases retention.
2. Start with High-Completion Titles: Prioritize games known for 100+ hour playthroughs. Use community metrics like HowLongToBeat.com to estimate time investment.
3. Embrace Side Content: Don’t rush the main story. In RDR2, helping strangers builds empathy and unlocks unique gear. In Fallout 4, building a settlement creates emotional investment.
4. Use Multiple Save Slots: Experiment with different builds or moral choices. Playing The Witcher 3 as a pacifist or Elden Ring as a pure mage adds replay value.
5. Leverage Cloud Gaming: Continue progress on the go via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Seamlessly switch between console and mobile without losing momentum.
6. Track Completion Goals: Enable in-game journals or use external checklists to monitor collectibles, achievements, or quest completions.

Tip: Rotate between two open world games to avoid burnout. Alternate intense RPGs with lighter exploration titles.

Mini Case Study: How One Player Spent 300 Hours on Game Pass in 90 Days

James, a 29-year-old software developer from Leeds, decided to take a break from purchasing individual AAA titles and instead commit fully to Xbox Game Pass. Over a three-month period, he cycled through four open world games:

• Weeks 1–4: Played The Witcher 3, focusing first on the base game, then Hearts of Stone. He completed 85% of side quests and reached level 60.
• Weeks 5–7: Switched to Starfield, dedicating time to building outposts on distant planets and completing United Colonies missions.
• Weeks 8–10: Returned to RDR2 to finish all Legendary Animal hunts and complete every Stranger Mission.
• Weeks 11–12: Started Elden Ring, using New Game Plus to test a faith-based build with Spirit Ashes.

Total logged playtime: approximately 300 hours. James noted that having no financial pressure to “finish quickly” allowed him to savor each world. “I wasn’t racing to get my money’s worth,” he said. “I was actually enjoying the journey.”

Essential Checklist for Open World Gamers on Game Pass

Before diving into any large-scale game, ensure you’re set up for long-term success:

• ✅ Verify the game is still on Game Pass (titles rotate monthly)
• ✅ Enable cloud saves to preserve progress across devices
• ✅ Adjust difficulty settings early to match your skill level
• ✅ Bookmark in-game maps or use companion apps for collectible tracking
• ✅ Allocate storage space—many open world games exceed 80GB
• ✅ Join community forums or Discord servers for tips and motivation
• ✅ Schedule regular play sessions to maintain immersion

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a game will leave Game Pass soon?

Xbox announces delisting schedules approximately two weeks in advance. Check the official Xbox website or the Game Pass section in your dashboard under “Leaving Soon.” Download titles before they exit to continue playing if you remain subscribed.

Can I get achievements in Game Pass versions of these games?

Absolutely. Game Pass titles offer full Xbox Achievements support. Earning Gamerscore works exactly the same as purchased games. Some players even target high-scorers like Starfield (1000G) to maximize value.

Are older open world games still worth playing?

Yes. Classics like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 have aged exceptionally well. Enhanced ports, performance modes, and fan-made improvements (especially on PC) make them more accessible than ever. Their storytelling and world design remain benchmarks.

Final Thoughts: Turn Your Subscription Into an Adventure Library

Xbox Game Pass isn’t just a cost-saving tool—it’s a gateway to sustained engagement with some of the deepest, most rewarding games ever created. The open world titles available today offer not only visual spectacle but layered systems that invite prolonged interaction. Whether you're navigating the stars in Starfield or walking the quiet trails of Tsushima, these games provide meaningful experiences that unfold over weeks or months.

The key is intentionality. Choose games that align with your interests, invest time wisely, and embrace the journey rather than the endpoint. With thoughtful selection and consistent play, a single Game Pass subscription can deliver thousands of hours of entertainment across multiple genres and worlds.

💬 What’s your longest-running Game Pass playthrough? Share your favorite open world marathon and inspire others to dive deeper into their next adventure.