We already published the list of best Xbox 360 games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best Xbox 360 open world games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the Xbox 360 definitely has a great library of open world games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the Xbox 360 and open world games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Bully: Scholarship Edition
- Release Data: Rockstar Vancouver/Rockstar Games, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Bully offers plenty of memorable moments and crafts an adolescent world that is both surreal and painfully truthful, so don’t be surprised if it causes you to relive portions of your own painful youth.
Technical issues aside, this is a fun and boisterous game that will ring true for anyone who has endured the unique adventures of student life.
#24. Brutal Legend
- Release Data: Double Fine Productions/EA Games, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Whether it’s excellent vocal performances from heavy hitters of metal or a strong multiplayer element, Brutal Legend is a game that continually surprises, and it does so in a genuinely fun and interesting way.
Not only that, its successful execution of real-time strategy elements in an action setting is something that should get everyone amazed.
#23. Sleeping Dogs
- Release Data: United Front Games/Square Enix, 2012
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
None of the individual elements in Sleeping Dogs are best-in-class, but they’re all thoroughly enjoyable, and the structured story missions have you switching from one type of action to another frequently enough that you’re never tired of what you’re doing at any given moment.
#22. Saints Row
- Release Data: Volition Inc./THQ, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
What makes Saints Row appealing straight off the bat is that you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into from the moment you jack your first car in this game.
By playing with a few of GTA’s storytelling and design conventions, Saints Row earns its own colors and makes for a welcome addition to just about any Xbox 360 owner’s library.
#21. Just Cause 2
- Release Data: Avalanche Studios/Square Enix, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
A third-person shooter with more explosions than a summer blockbuster, Just Cause 2 promised to burst into the open-world sub-genre with guns blazing.
In short, it is over-the-top and insanely fun.
There are some issues in the game’s presentation and the checkpoint system is far from perfect, but Just Cause 2 is otherwise a must-play for adrenaline junkies.
#20. Assassin’s Creed
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
There are few differences between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions.
But regardless of which platform you go with, you’ll have an amazing and unforgettable game.
Assassin’s Creed is the kind of game you tell your friends about, and one that should be in your collection.
#19. Saints Row IV
- Release Data: Volition Inc./Deep Silver, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Its ridiculous story, goofy characters, self-aware humor, and amazing character editor make it all work, especially for those of us who’ve played the previous games.
The simulated city of Steelport doesn’t offer deep gameplay or the most satisfying challenge, but it is a great place to mess around.
#18. Saints Row 2
- Release Data: Volition Inc./THQ, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
The controls are so tight and the combat so satisfying, you’ll frequently find yourself getting distracted from the campaign as you cause terror all over the city.
With great cooperative integration, tons of unique activities, and a super cool zombie mode, Saints Row 2 will keep you happily creating havoc for a long time.
#17. Crackdown
- Release Data: Realtime Worlds/Microsoft Game Studios, 2007
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
All in all, Crackdown is an enjoyable and unique open world game that some, but not all people will appreciate.
And those that put the time in and are able to look past or even appreciate the games art style will experience a fresh and unique game experience that, while slightly repetitive, is so much fun, you’ll hardly care.
#16. Darksiders II
- Release Data: Vigil Games/THQ, 2012
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Darksiders II is simply a fun game.
The RPG elements and to-the-point action all make for some solid gaming, despite the glitches.
It’s a shame so many glaring issues hold such an ambitious endeavor back from the greatness its developers were clearly aiming for.
But still, if you love action adventure games, it’s certainly worth checking out.
#15. Darksiders
- Release Data: Vigil Games/THQ, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Though it’s hobbled by a disappointing story and excessively complex controls—as well as some technical issues on the Xbox 360—Darksiders is a fun and entertaining adventure with a host of fair but challenging puzzles, a lengthy single-player campaign, and an engaging combat system.
#14. Saints Row: The Third
- Release Data: Volition Inc./THQ, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Saints Row: The Third gives the people what they want and drops us into an open world adult theme park where we can treat ourselves to delightful acts of bloodshed and perversion.
It doesn’t take itself too seriously and only asks that you don’t, either.
#13. Assassin’s Creed III
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2012
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
All in all, Assassin’s Creed III isn’t as huge an improvement upon its predecessors’ achievements as many players were hoping for, but it’s still up there with the best that the series has achieved—even if it isn’t quite the best.
#12. Dead Rising
- Release Data: Capcom, 2006
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Though Dead Rising may seem like a simple, mindless game when you first pick it up, it eventually reveals itself as a deeper experience.
As it stands, Dead Rising is one of the more unique and entertaining titles on the Xbox 360.
#11. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
In short, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag presents a world full of adventure and opportunity.
There’s an incredible scope to what you can do in Black Flag, with a level of harmony between its component parts that encourages you to try it all, and a story that keeps you invested throughout the whole thing.
#10. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Pack isn’t a more-of-the-same DLC.
The combat isn’t as good, the story isn’t as compelling, and the missions aren’t as varied.
On the flip side, the humor is plentiful, the arsenal is imaginative, the soundtrack is spooky, and the horses are now well worth the fairly minimal effort that it takes to track them down.
#9. L.A. Noire
- Release Data: Team Bondi/Rockstar Games, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
L.A. Noire may not reach the emotional heights of a game like Heavy Rain, but it’s something everyone must try out.
It reaches high and almost succeeds as a brilliant new type of video game narrative.
L.A. Noire‘s absorbing investigations and intoxicating sense of style make it an unforgettable journey through the shady side of Los Angeles.
#8. Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
You might be disappointed that this episode doesn’t bring much in the way of new multiplayer content to the table, and it’s true that one or two of the optional activities aren’t as much fun as they might have been, but the incredible value offered by The Ballad of Gay Tony is undeniable.
#7. Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
At the end of the day, GTA IV: The Lost and the Damned is a great DLC for the series and is something substantial to the franchise.
With great characters and a brilliant gaming engine, this title is highly recommended to all people who have the original GTA IV and loved it.
#6. Assassin’s Creed II
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2009
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Assassin’s Creed II is a better game than its predecessor and is a beautiful and memorable experience on its own terms.
But it’s more than just a game—it’s an escape to a place and a time that feel so welcoming, you’ll be making return trips even after your initial adventure is over.
#5. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
- Release Data: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Almost every aspect of the series has been enhanced in Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, from travel to replay value.
And the little touches are constant reminders of what makes these games so enchanting.
In the end, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is too irresistible to ignore.
#4. Batman: Arkham City
- Release Data: Rocksteady Studios/Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, 2011
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
From the speedy exhilaration of soaring high above the streets to the atmospheric thrill of discovering long-forgotten secrets in the tunnels below Gotham, this is an unforgettable adventure that will keep you coming back to the cape and cowl long after you’ve seen the credits roll.
#3. Red Dead Redemption
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2010
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Between the Free Roam and competitive modes, there’s enough great content to keep you playing Red Dead Redemption long after you’ve watched the credits roll at the end of the superb single-player mode.
This is an outstanding game that tells a great story with memorable and occasionally funny characters.
#2. Grand Theft Auto V
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2013
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
GTA V is an imperfect yet astounding game that has great characters and an innovative and exciting narrative structure.
It also raises the bar for open-world mission design in a big way and has one of the most beautiful, lively, diverse and stimulating worlds ever seen in a game.
#1. Grand Theft Auto IV
- Release Data: Rockstar North/Rockstar Games, 2008
- Genre: Action Adventure » Open-World
Grand Theft Auto IV is a game that you simply have to play.
The single-player game, which you can still play after you complete the story, is the series’ best by far.
The minor flaws that you’ll experience are greatly outnumbered by the features that will impress and surprise you.
There’s lots to see in Liberty City, so you’d best get started.
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See also: Best Original Xbox Games & Best Xbox One Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which Xbox 360 open world game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!