Sandbox environments in video games have become more expansive, eventful, and rich in enemy varieties making the genre an engaging one for players. Adding to this immersion is the first-person-shooter perspective which keeps combat scenarios full of high-octane energy and intensity.

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The list takes a look at both modern masterpieces and old classics in the FPS genre that will keep players coming back to them thanks to their breathtakingly detailed sandbox settings.

8 Rage (2011)

Metascore: 81

The post-apocalyptic wastelands of Rage will definitely scratch the Mad Max itch for all the fans out there. After an asteroid puts the world’s technological advancements into shambles, players must take the “kill or be killed” approach for survival.

The intense gunplay and vehicular combat are second to none in a sprawling sandbox filled with challenging enemy encounters and minigames to take part in. Finally, for its time, Rage used mega texture technology to amp up visual fidelity and create highly detailed and immersive environments

7 Far Cry 6

Metascore: 79

Ubisoft is well renowned for its vast open-world experiences and content-rich games, and Far Cry 6 fits well in that formula. The survival roots of the series are still present in Far Cry 6 as players assume the role of Dani Rojas to kick off a rebellion against the dictator of Yara, the fictional Caribbean island.

Lush jungles and picturesque beaches populate the world of Far Cry 6 with open-ended opportunities like tons of gadgets and vehicles for approaching every mission and side task differently. Finally, who can forget recruiting cute animal Amigos like Guapo, the crocodile for the additional flair in both combat and exploration?

6 Arma 3

Metascore: 74

Going all for realism, Arma 3 is a meticulously crafted military simulator with realistic weapon handling and accurate ballistics. The open world is rich with diverse terrains simulating real-world environments with the Altis terrain spanning over a whopping 270 square kilometers in size.

The sandbox environment suits the many tactical approaches including via tanks, jets, boats, etc. The endless challenges awaiting the players as they coordinate between the troops thanks to the extensive command control system are only elevated by the continuous modding support from the user fan base.

5 Destiny 2

Metascore: 85

Bungie has been consistently delivering rich sci-fi settings and deep RPG mechanics, with Destiny 2, even post-launch. Since its release, the game has seen five major expansion packs which adds new challenges, rewards, and lore to the base game in unprecedented ways. The gunplay on display here is ever so satisfying with a good blend of class-specific abilities and items, making for varied playstyles.

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Engaging in competitive PvP is as intense as playing cooperatively to reap rare gear in raids and strikes. Across the epic celestial landscapes, players can join clans and Fireteams and participate in a host of public events to spread the camaraderie!

4 Metro Exodus

Metascore: 82

Although more linear compared to the others on the list, takes nothing away from Metro Exodus’ achievement of environmental storytelling and immersive sound design, which headlines its dark and desolate post-apocalyptic setting of Moscow.

The interconnected and non-linear environments make for a both tense and rich experience as players must scavenge for supplies to craft equipment and fend off the terrifying creatures lurking in every corner. The atmospheric setting and enemy behavior are altered by players’ actions, story choices, and the dynamic weather and day-night cycle. All in all, the haunting visuals and eerie landscapes of Metro Exodus will always keep players on their toes.

3 Fallout 4

Metascore: 88

Bethesda has been the master of craft for open-world adventures that players can sink hundreds of hours into. Fallout 4 takes a spin on this with a post-apocalyptic depiction of Boston, in what the game calls the Commonwealth. The depth of the world owes it to the multifaceted characters and the dialogue options players can make across a multitude of quests.

The RPG focus is aided by robust character customization, item crafting, and settlement-building systems. To add the shooter to the first-person shooter genre, players must utilize both traditional firearms and futuristic energy weapons for fervent gunplay. The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting system adds a strategic spin on shooting mechanics giving Fallout 4 a lot of personality!

2 Cyberpunk 2077

Metascore: 86

The recently launched update 2.0 irons out, if not all, of the bugs that plagued the initial launch of Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red’s commitment to the game post-launch is rightfully warranted given the scope and complexity of the futuristic metropolis, Night City, in the game. With an array of interesting NPCs to interact with, mini-games to partake in, and vibrant districts to explore, players will be engrossed by the sheer variety.

For adrenaline junkies, they will be delighted to know that the fast-paced action scenarios take center stage with a bunch of skills and cybernetic augmentations offering unique playstyles. Snipe through walls, go-full Terminator, slash through enemies like a swift ninja or play as Johnny Silverhand. Cyberpunk 2077 has got it all.

1 Borderlands 3

Metascore: 91

Not a single entry in the Borderlands series can be taken lightly for what it has offered players in terms of sheer procedurally generated weapons and customized builds. Borderlands 3 rightfully boasts its “bazillion” arsenal of weapons, each of which feels unique to the point that they carry their own personality and add a layer of experimentation to the already bombastic gunplay.

The sense of discovery in the game is also unparalleled with hidden pathways, dungeons, and challenging enemies across the myriad of main story missions and side quests. The loot rarity and progression system is also immensely satisfying and specialized, which ties well again into the personalization aspect which is among the best of any in the FPS sandbox genre.

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