An open-world game is designed around a large map that players can explore with significant freedom. Instead of moving only from one small level to the next, the player can travel across towns, wilderness, roads, dungeons, or other connected spaces.
What open world means
The term usually means freedom of movement and choice. Players can follow the main story, take side missions, search for collectibles, fight enemies, or simply explore.
What it does not always mean
Open world does not automatically mean unlimited freedom. Some areas may still be locked by story progress, character level, or danger. The point is that the world feels broad and connected.
Open-world games often overlap with RPGs, survival games, sandbox games, and action adventures.