20 Best Open-World Video Games Of All Time

3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim may just be Bethesda's greatest triumph.

Literally every last square inch has something to see, and whether you decide to take on the main quest and save the realm from an influx of sky-covering dragons, or just wander off in a direction to see what happens, you'll come away with a million tales to tell.

Releasing on 11.11.11, Skyrim felt like it stopped time and commanded the spotlight immediately. Yes there were bugs and yes there were many things that went south in terms of sheer polish, but for the sheer feel of exploring Skyrim, not two of our stories would be the same, and there's an endless amount of appeal in that.