About Pixel Cartographer
An independent survey of open-world games, drawn up by players who love maps.
Why a cartographer?
Open-world games are sold on the size of their maps, but size tells you very little. What matters is how a world feels to cross, how it reveals itself and how much it trusts you to find your own way. We survey each game with those questions in mind.
What we cover
Open-world and exploration games with a real map to cross. We leave out games built around randomised paid rewards, casino-style mini-games or pay-to-win systems.
How we survey
Each game is played for at least twenty hours, with a full region explored without fast travel and a second with markers turned down where the game allows it. Marks compare each world with the others on this site.
Independence
We buy our own games and accept no payment, keys or gifts for coverage. There are no adverts on this site.
Last updated 29 October 2026