Unleashing Cinematic Chaos: The Open-World Games With the Best Action Set-Pieces

The true magic of the modern open-world game lies in its ability to blend player freedom with carefully orchestrated, cinematic moments. While a vast, explorable map is a key component, what often elevates a great game to a masterpiece are the unforgettable action set-pieces—those explosive, scripted sequences that feel like something ripped straight from a Hollywood blockbuster. These moments are a testament to the talent of game developers who can craft moments of incredible spectacle without sacrificing the player’s agency.

The best open-world titles don’t just give you a sandbox; they fill it with a series of choreographed events that make you feel like the star of your own movie. Here are some of the best open-world games that have mastered the art of the action set-piece.

1. Grand Theft Auto V

Rockstar Games has long been the master of cinematic storytelling within an open-world framework, and Grand Theft Auto V is arguably their magnum opus. The game’s heists are a series of action set-pieces that are unparalleled in the genre. Unlike the more linear missions of previous titles, these heists require meticulous planning, allowing players to choose their approach and crew.

From the “Blitz Play” mission, which sees the trio of protagonists pulling off a brazen armored car ambush, to the finale, “The Big Score,” which involves a high-speed chase, a thrilling helicopter sequence, and a multi-million dollar robbery, every moment is a heart-pounding and unforgettable cinematic experience. The game’s dynamic character switching, which allows players to jump between Michael, Franklin, and Trevor at will, adds to the sense of cinematic chaos, giving you a full, three-dimensional view of the action.

2. Marvel’s Spider-Man

Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise is a benchmark for superhero games, and its action set-pieces are a major reason why. The game perfectly captures the fast-paced, high-flying chaos of the comic books and films. The open-world of New York City is a playground for web-slinging, but the scripted moments are where the game truly shines.

The opening sequence of the first game, which sees Spider-Man taking on the Kingpin, is a perfect example of this. The camera work, the seamless blend of gameplay and cinematic transitions, and the dynamic combat all create a feeling of being in a high-octane action film. The sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, takes this to another level with its “Lizard Chase” sequence and the epic final battle with Venom. These moments are not just cutscenes; they are interactive experiences that put you in the middle of a comic book battle.

3. Horizon Forbidden West

While the first game, Horizon Zero Dawn, had its fair share of great action, the sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, truly elevates the cinematic spectacle. The game’s world is a vast, post-apocalyptic landscape filled with incredible robotic creatures, but it is the game’s set-pieces that truly impress.

One of the most memorable sequences is the “Sea of Sand” mission, which sees Aloy and her companions navigating a massive, water-logged Las Vegas to stop a flood. The mission combines stealth, platforming, and high-stakes combat in a single, jaw-dropping sequence. The game’s massive boss battles, such as the fight against the Slitherfang, are also a perfect blend of scale and player agency. They are visually stunning, but they also require players to use their wits and a wide range of tools to take down these colossal beasts.

4. Cyberpunk 2077

While Cyberpunk 2077‘s launch was famously rocky, the game’s main story missions have always been a masterclass in cinematic design. CD Projekt Red’s open-world opus is a beautiful, sprawling playground, but its most impactful moments are often linear, scripted sequences. The “Parade” mission in the Phantom Liberty expansion is one of the best examples of this.

The mission, which sees V infiltrating a parade to assassinate a target, is a spectacular blend of stealth, shooting, and a high-speed car chase through a chaotic, neon-drenched cityscape. The mission’s stunning visuals, dynamic action, and a sense of constant escalation make it a truly unforgettable experience. Another great example is the “Konpeki Plaza” mission, which sees V breaking into a high-security corporate tower. The sequence is a tight, cinematic stealth mission that feels like it’s straight out of a John Wick film.

5. Mad Max

Though often overlooked, Avalanche Studios’ Mad Max is a great example of an open-world game with a focus on vehicular action. The game’s world is a vast, empty desert, but it is filled with a series of high-octane set-pieces that perfectly capture the tone of the films. The most impressive are the massive, multi-car chases and the fortress-raiding sequences.

In these moments, you are at the helm of a heavily armed vehicle, battling dozens of enemy cars and motorcycles, all while a huge war rig or a giant fortress looms in the distance. The action is fast, chaotic, and incredibly satisfying. The game’s set-pieces are a powerful reminder that an open-world game’s greatest strength can lie not just in its size but in its ability to create focused, high-impact moments that a player will remember long after the credits have rolled.