Best Open-World Games On Sale March 2026 – Pro Buyer Guide

What are the best open-world games on sale this week? The best open-world gaming deals for August 18-24 include Days Gone Remastered at 25% off on PlayStation, Cyberpunk 2077 for under $25 on Steam, and Monster Hunter: World at historic low prices across all platforms.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve discovered about this week’s most incredible open-world gaming deals across every major platform. After spending hours researching prices, comparing deals, and checking community feedback, I’ve found some absolute gems that deserve your attention – and your hard-earned gaming budget. These are the same near-perfect open world masterpieces you’ve been meaning to play.

Platform	Top Deal	Discount	My Rating
PlayStation Store	Days Gone Remastered	25% off ($37.49)	Must-Buy
Steam	Red Dead Redemption 2	67% off ($19.79)	Historic Low
Xbox Store	Elden Ring	35% off ($38.99)	Great Value
Nintendo eShop	The Witcher 3	70% off ($11.99)	Steal Deal

Why This Week’s Open-World Gaming Sales Are Exceptional

I’ve been tracking gaming deals for years, and this particular week in August has become something of a sweet spot for savvy gamers. Publishers are clearing inventory before the fall gaming rush, and the competition between digital storefronts has never been fiercer. What makes these deals particularly special is that we’re seeing historic lows on games that rarely drop below 50% off.

The timing couldn’t be better either. With major releases like Starfield‘s expansion and Monster Hunter Wilds on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to catch up on those near-perfect open world masterpieces you’ve been meaning to play. I’ve personally grabbed three titles from this week’s sales already, and my backlog is thanking me for the strategic purchases rather than day-one impulse buys.

PlayStation Store: Premium Open-World Adventures at Discount Prices

Days Gone Remastered – The Deal of the Week ($37.49)

Sony has positioned Days Gone Remastered as their featured Deal of the Week, and after putting 80+ hours into the original, I can confidently say this 25% discount makes it worth every penny. The post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest setting offers one of the most atmospheric open worlds I’ve explored, with dynamic weather systems and massive zombie hordes that still make my palms sweat.

What the remastered version brings to the table is substantial: 60fps gameplay, enhanced textures, and DualSense haptic feedback that genuinely adds to the tension when your motorcycle engine starts sputtering on empty. I remember my first encounter with a horde of 300+ freakers – the controller’s adaptive triggers made every shotgun blast feel impactful, and the improved frame rate kept the action smooth even when chaos erupted.

Horizon Forbidden West – Complete Edition ($39.99)

Having completed both Horizon games, I can tell you that Forbidden West at this price point is an absolute steal. The Complete Edition includes the Burning Shores DLC, which adds another 15-20 hours of content to an already massive game. The underwater exploration alone justifies the purchase – swimming through submerged ruins while dodging machine predators creates moments of genuine wonder I haven’t experienced since Subnautica.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut ($29.99)

This might be the most beautiful open world I’ve ever explored, and at 50% off, it’s hitting a sweet spot for value. The Director’s Cut includes the Iki Island expansion, which adds a completely new region with its own storyline. My pro tip: play this game on the hardest difficulty with minimal HUD elements. The combat becomes a deadly dance, and navigating by the wind rather than waypoints transforms the experience into something truly special.

Steam: PC Gaming Deals That Demand Your Attention

Red Dead Redemption 2 – Historic Low ($19.79)

I’ve logged over 200 hours in RDR2‘s world, and at 67% off, this is the lowest price I’ve ever seen for Rockstar’s masterpiece. The PC version is the definitive way to experience Arthur Morgan’s journey, with modding support that extends the game’s life indefinitely. My recent playthrough with graphic enhancement mods made the already stunning vistas even more breathtaking.

The single-player campaign alone justifies the purchase, but don’t sleep on Red Dead Online. Despite Rockstar moving on to other projects, the online component still has an active community, and the Frontier Pursuits roles (Bounty Hunter, Trader, Collector, Moonshiner) provide hundreds of hours of content.

Cyberpunk 2077 – Phantom Liberty Bundle ($35.99)

Let me be clear: this is not the same game that launched in 2020. After the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 has transformed into one of my favorite open-world RPGs. The revamped skill trees, improved police system, and vehicle combat make Night City feel alive in ways it never did at launch.

I recently completed my third playthrough focusing on stealth netrunning, and the variety of approaches to missions rivals Deus Ex. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a spy thriller storyline that’s arguably better than the main campaign, with Idris Elba’s performance as Solomon Reed being absolutely stellar.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition ($12.49)

Even nine years after release, The Witcher 3 remains the gold standard for open-world RPGs. At 75% off, the Complete Edition is practically highway robbery. This includes both massive expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, which combined add another 50+ hours of content that rivals the main game in quality.

My advice for new players: don’t rush the main story. Some of the best quests I’ve experienced were random encounters while exploring. The “Bloody Baron” questline still haunts me, and the choices you make throughout genuinely impact the world around you. Also, play Gwent – seriously, it’s addictive.

Xbox Store: Game Pass Alternatives and Exclusive Deals

Elden Ring – Standard Edition ($38.99)

While many Xbox players might be waiting for Elden Ring to hit Game Pass, this 35% discount makes it worth purchasing outright. As someone who’s conquered every Soulsborne game, I can say Elden Ring‘s open world is FromSoftware’s crowning achievement. The freedom to explore and tackle challenges in any order transforms the traditionally linear Souls formula.

I spent my first 30 hours just exploring Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula before even attempting Margit. That’s the beauty of this game – when you hit a wall, there’s always somewhere else to explore, level up, and find better equipment. The sense of discovery when you stumble upon a hidden catacomb or optional boss is unmatched.

Forza Horizon 5 – Premium Edition ($44.99)

Yes, the base game is on Game Pass, but the Premium Edition at 50% off includes all DLC expansions and the Car Pass. Having played every Forza Horizon game, I can confidently say the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions are worth the upgrade price alone. The Hot Wheels expansion specifically brings back that arcade racing joy I haven’t felt since Burnout Paradise.

Starfield – Premium Edition ($69.99)

Look, I know Starfield has been divisive, but after 150 hours exploring the cosmos, I genuinely believe it’s worth playing – especially with the Shattered Space expansion included in the Premium Edition. The ship building alone consumed 40 hours of my playthrough, and the faction questlines (particularly the Crimson Fleet) rival anything Bethesda has created.

My recommendation: approach it as a Bethesda RPG first, space game second. The procedural planets can be hit or miss, but the handcrafted content and main story locations showcase Bethesda at their best. Also, the modding community has already transformed many of the game’s weaker aspects.

Nintendo Switch: Portable Open Worlds at Uncharacteristic Discounts

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ($50.99)

Nintendo rarely discounts their first-party titles, so seeing TOTK at 15% off is noteworthy. After spending 200+ hours in Hyrule, I can say this is gaming perfection. The building mechanics transform every encounter into a physics puzzle, and the sky islands and depths triple the explorable space from Breath of the Wild.

For those wondering if it’s worth playing without experiencing BOTW first – absolutely. While you’ll miss some references, TOTK stands alone as a complete experience. My favorite discovery was realizing you could attach rockets to shields for impromptu flight – the game rewards creative thinking like nothing else.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 ($41.99)

At 30% off, this JRPG masterpiece is finally approaching impulse-buy territory. I’ve completed all three Xenoblade games, and the third entry perfects the formula. The open zones are massive, the story is emotionally devastating (in the best way), and the combat system finally clicks without requiring 20 hours of tutorials.

The game respects your time too – fast travel is available from the start, side quests are meaningful, and the colony system provides constant goals without feeling like busywork. Plus, the soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal; I still listen to the battle themes during workouts.

Hidden Gems Under $20: Maximum Value Gaming

Dysmantle ($7.99 – All Platforms)

This might be my surprise hit of the year. Dysmantle takes the simple concept of “break everything” and builds an entire game around it. I’ve spent 60 hours systematically destroying and rebuilding a post-apocalyptic island, and the progression loop is dangerously addictive. Every object you destroy provides materials for crafting, and watching your destruction percentage climb becomes obsessive.

Green Hell ($9.99 – PC/Console)

If you enjoyed The Forest but want something more grounded, Green Hell is essential. The Amazon rainforest setting is gorgeously terrifying, and the survival mechanics are the most realistic I’ve encountered. I learned more about actual survival techniques from this game than any documentary. Pro tip: the story mode is surprisingly good – don’t skip it for sandbox mode.

Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition ($4.49 – All Platforms)

This deal is absolutely criminal – Spiritfarer at 85% off is must-buy territory. It’s a management game about death that somehow feels cozy and uplifting. I played this during a difficult time personally, and helping spirit passengers find peace before moving on was genuinely therapeutic. The hand-drawn art is stunning, and the feel-good gameplay loop is perfect for unwinding.

Subnautica + Below Zero Bundle ($14.99 – All Platforms)

Getting both Subnautica games for under $15 is incredible value. The original remains one of the most terrifying and beautiful survival experiences available. I still remember my first encounter with a Reaper Leviathan – I literally threw my controller. Below Zero adds land exploration and a more focused narrative while maintaining that perfect blend of wonder and terror.

Strategic Buying Guide: Maximizing Your Gaming Investment

After years of tracking sales and managing a 500+ game library, I’ve learned some hard truths about buying games on sale. Here’s my strategic approach to these deals:

The Historical Low Strategy

Games hitting historical lows (like Red Dead Redemption 2 at $19.79) are immediate purchases if you have any interest. These prices typically only appear 2-3 times per year, and waiting longer rarely yields better deals. I use price tracking sites to verify historical lows, and when a game I want hits that threshold, I pull the trigger without hesitation.

The Backlog Reality Check

Before buying, I ask myself: “Will I play this in the next three months?” If not, I wait. Digital games aren’t going anywhere, and sales cycle regularly. That said, some games like those featuring procedural storytelling elements maintain their value better due to replayability.

Platform Considerations

Consider where you’ll actually play the game. I’ve bought games on PC for better graphics, only to realize I prefer playing on my couch with a controller. Now I buy narrative-heavy games on console and strategy/simulation games on PC. Portable games for Switch are perfect for commutes and travel, making seemingly expensive Switch ports worthwhile.

DLC and Complete Edition Mathematics

Always compare the complete edition price against base game plus DLC. Often, waiting for a complete edition sale saves 60-70% versus buying everything separately. The Witcher 3 Complete at $12.49 is cheaper than just the DLC at regular price – that’s the deal you wait for.

Community Warnings and Recommendations

The gaming community on Reddit’s r/GameDeals has highlighted several important considerations for this week’s sales:

Games to Grab Immediately

• Red Dead Redemption 2: Historic low that rarely appears
• The Witcher 3 Complete: Best value in gaming at this price
• Dysmantle: Criminally underrated at under $8
• Days Gone: PlayStation exclusive finally getting deserved recognition

Games to Potentially Wait On

• Recent Ubisoft titles: Typically hit deeper discounts within 6 months
• Annual franchises: Sports and COD games depreciate rapidly
• Early access titles: Unless you want to support development, wait for 1.0

Platform-Specific Considerations

Steam Deck owners should note that Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 3, and Dysmantle are all Steam Deck Verified, running beautifully on the handheld. Xbox players should consider whether Game Pass might eventually include their target games. PlayStation users should check if games are part of the PS Plus catalog before purchasing.

FAQ: Your Open-World Gaming Deals Questions Answered

When do open-world game sales typically happen?

Major sales occur during Steam Summer Sale (June), Black Friday (November), and holiday sales (December). However, platform-specific sales like PlayStation’s Days of Play (May) and Xbox Ultimate Game Sale (July) often feature better discounts on exclusive titles. I’ve found that late August, like now, often has surprise deals as publishers clear inventory before fall releases.

Should I buy games on sale if they’re on Game Pass or PS Plus?

This depends on your gaming habits. I buy games I know I’ll replay or mod extensively, even if they’re on subscription services. Services rotate games out, and owning ensures permanent access. However, for single-playthrough experiences, subscription services offer better value. Consider that most addictive open world games you’ll want to own permanently.

Are Nintendo first-party games ever worth buying on sale?

Absolutely. While Nintendo discounts are rare and modest (typically 15-30%), these games rarely depreciate. Breath of the Wild still sells for $40+ used after seven years. When Nintendo titles go on sale, even at 15% off, it’s often the best price you’ll see for years. I’ve learned to grab Nintendo exclusives during any discount.

How can I track when specific games go on sale?

I use a combination of IsThereAnyDeal, Dekudeals (for Nintendo), and the native wishlist features on each platform. Set up email alerts for your most-wanted games. Also, following r/GameDeals on Reddit provides real-time notifications from the community. Creating a wishlist and checking during major sale events has saved me hundreds of dollars.

Which open-world games offer the best value per hour played?

Based on my experience, The Witcher 3 (150+ hours), Skyrim (200+ hours), Red Dead Redemption 2 (100+ hours), and Elden Ring (120+ hours) offer exceptional value. Indie titles like Dysmantle (60+ hours for $8) and Terraria (often $5 for potentially 1000+ hours) provide even better dollar-per-hour value. Games with progressively darker themes often provide multiple playthrough value as you discover new story layers.

Final Thoughts: This Week’s Must-Buy Recommendations

After analyzing all the deals and considering value, quality, and community feedback, here are my absolute must-buy recommendations for this week:

Best Overall Value: The Witcher 3 Complete Edition at $12.49 offers 200+ hours of content at an unbeatable price. If you haven’t played it, this is your moment.

Best AAA Deal: Red Dead Redemption 2 at $19.79 is a historic low for one of gaming’s greatest achievements. The single-player alone justifies the price.

Best Hidden Gem: Dysmantle at $7.99 is criminally underpriced for the addiction it will create. Perfect for podcast gaming.

Best PlayStation Exclusive: Days Gone at $37.49 might seem pricey compared to PC deals, but the PS5 enhancements make it the definitive version.

Best for Newcomers: Spiritfarer at $4.49 is accessible, beautiful, and emotionally resonant – perfect for those new to gaming or seeking something different.

Remember, the best deal is the game you’ll actually play. Don’t let FOMO drive your purchases; instead, focus on titles that genuinely excite you. These sales will return, but your gaming time is precious. Choose wisely, and happy gaming!

As someone who’s been tracking and playing open-world games for over two decades, I can confidently say this week’s deals represent some of the best value we’ve seen in 2026. Whether you’re hunting for Xbox BOGO opportunities or looking to expand your library with proven classics, there’s something here for every budget and platform preference.