Featured Image Credit: Starry Studio
There are a lot of open-world RPGs out there right now and all have their strengths and weaknesses. One inevitable point of conversation, though, is always going to be the maps themselves and how big they are, as well as how full of stuff to do they are.
The biggest upcoming example of this is GTA VI, with many speculating on the size of the game world based on the small amount of information we've been given, and the leaks that pop up every now and again.
Beyond that, iconic RPGs like the Elder Scrolls series serve as some of the defining open-world experiences anywhere. That said, there are some other games out there that have some mightily impressive worlds for us to explore, and one of the very biggest around is actually entirely free.
Once Human is a multiplayer open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic future where you (and some friends) have to fight monsters and carve out your own little corner of hell with the game's base-building elements.
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The real kicker is that the game's world is absolutely enormous, clocking in at a frankly staggering 256 sq km. When you compare that to Skyrim's already pretty big 37 sq km, it quickly becomes obvious how big of a game it is.
So what can you expect if you decide to jump in? The game leans heavily into its gunplay and you'll find yourself handling a ton of weapon customisation, with more than 100 blueprints divided into seven categories for you to find, collect and build.
It's also a great option if you're into base building, as it has one of the best construction systems I've seen in any multiplayer survival game. You can build everything from basic shelters for protection, to massive, and frankly a little ridiculous houses that standout in the wasteland. It's also possible to relocate your build at any point, so you don't have to miss out on your precious progress.
For once, with a game of this type, there's also a pretty cohesive story that stands up to a lot of single-player releases. It's best enjoyed with friends, purely so you can collaborate on bigger endeavours, but there's still plenty to do if you fancy jumping in solo, and you won't find yourself at much of a disadvantage.
The game is available on Steam and it's totally free to play, with the new season set to start later this month.
