5 Open-World Games Where You Can Run Into Other Players (2025)

Gamers today are living the multiplayer dream most older generations only fantasized about. As long as one has a solid Internet connection, they can play with other people across the world on any console they own. The open-world games below take full advantage of this feature in unique ways.

In them, multiplayer is not separated by a menu one can access when they feel it is right. Instead, players can run into other gamers at just about any time during the adventure. Whether they just pass each other by or decide to team up, seeing other people go about their gaming session adds to a sense of immersion and helps one feel like a part of the community.

5 Diablo 4

Run Into Complete Strangers While Collecting Loot

Diablo continuously innovates on the multiplayer front. Whether it is teaming up with strangers of friends, the series has always allowed people to journey through the unforgiving fantasy world with others. Diablo 4 takes this dedication to multiplayer a step further by putting players into an open-world with other players.

One will not be running into people every few minutes, but on the lone road they are likely to come across another player every once in a while. The game is always online because of this. If one is worried about griefers, they can take comfort knowing that strangers cannot ruin their game or run. Feel free to get a snack or use the bathroom during a play session.

4 The Crew: Motorfest

Other Racers Are On The Road

Arcade racing games like The Crew: Motorfest from Ubisoft are great at balancing casual playtime with more serious challenges that come later on. The ability to see other drivers while on the open-world map only adds to the relaxing nature of the game. It is like everyone is just having a good time in this small sandbox.

The first two games in the series took place across the entire United States, albeit significantly shrunk down. Motorfest focuses its scope onto a Hawaiian Island, making for a more cohesive experience. If driving around in an open-world is not appealing enough, there are also events featuring boats and airplanes.

3 Fallout 76

There Are Always Other Players On The Map And They Are Mostly Friendly

Oldschool Fallout fans are divided over the direction Bethesda took the series. While Fallout 3 still has some of the DNA from the older Interplay titles, Fallout 4 has an increased focus on dungeon crawling and gathering supplies over choices that change the game world.

This evolution is taken even a step further in Fallout 76, whose original release did not even have NPCs to talk to. Playing the game requires an Internet connection and everytime players boot it up they are put into a map with other players. Even if they want to go about their business solo, they are likely to bump into others in the wasteland from time to time. Fortunately, the community is mostly positive and people are more likely to show their generousity than to give others trouble.

2 Forza Horizon 5

Open-World Mexico

When players want a racing simulation, they know they can look to the Forza Motorsport series. For something a bit more free and joyous, they can always depend on Forza Horizon. The fifth numbered entry in the sub-series knocked it out of the park with how seamless all of its activities within the open-world feel.

In addition to races there are numerous competitive minigames people can take part in. While in free-roam mode it is normal to see other racers going about their business. In addition to just seeing players on the map, the amount of user made content in game modes and in aesthetic choices is staggering. It is a consistent reminder of the strength of the game's community.

1 No Man's Sky

The World Is So Big It Might Take Days To See Another Player, But They Are There

No Man's Sky feels like the little game that could. When it launched players were scratching their heads with the lack of content or even a general goal of what to do. People hung on, though, and the developers eventually added a lot more content onto the package to create a truly fulfilling space exploration game.

If multiplayer is enabled, players are in the same world with others. However, the galaxy is so large it is almost impossible to actually run into other explorers. It still happens from time to time and can make for some interesting interactions. Other than randomly running into other people in the world, players can group up with friends and go through what some of the game has to offer together.