So you're in the mood to get lost in an enormous open world, are you?
Well you've come to the right place. There are some fantastic open-world games out there just waiting to swallow your free time. Maybe you've played the big names like Skyrim or The Witcher 3 already. If so, we've got some other massive open worlds for you to dive into. And if not, what are you waiting for? Open-world games give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, follow the main quest or branch off on side adventures whenever you like. They can be daunting to start, with hundreds of hours of gameplay and maps bigger than some real countries. But take the plunge - you won't regret it. Here are 7 open-world games worth giving a chance.
What Makes a Great Open-World Game?
A great open-world game gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. It features a massive open environment filled with secrets to uncover and adventures to experience. What makes these virtual worlds so immersive?
Engaging Exploration
An open world invites you to get lost discovering its secrets. Give players incentives to explore by filling the map with points of interest, hidden items, unlockable skills or weapons. Reward their curiosity! Some of the best open worlds, like Skyrim and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, make exploration intrinsically rewarding.
Meaningful Choices
Open-world games give you agency in how you impact the world. The choices you make should influence the environment, story, characters, or gameplay in meaningful ways. Maybe a quest has multiple endings based on your actions. Or perhaps you can choose to help different factions, with real consequences. Give players freedom of choice, but make those choices count.
Distinctive Setting
A memorable open world has a strong sense of place. It features a cohesive art style, culture, architecture, and environment that sets the right tone and atmosphere. The setting should shape the gameplay and story in authentic ways. Some of the most iconic open worlds, like the Wild West in Red Dead Redemption 2 or the islands of The Witcher 3, are almost characters in themselves.
With an alluring open world to get lost in, impactful choices to make, and an evocative setting, you’ll want to keep discovering what’s over the next horizon. The possibilities seem as endless as the open road ahead!
Horizon Zero Dawn - A Post-Apocalyptic Open World
If you're looking for a post-apocalyptic open world to get lost in, Horizon Zero Dawn should be at the top of your list. Set in a lush, overgrown Colorado, you play as Aloy, a hunter trying to survive in a world overrun by machines.
A Vast Open World to Explore
The open world in Horizon Zero Dawn is massive, covering snowy mountains, dense jungles, and sun-baked deserts. You'll come across crumbling highways, abandoned cities, and the ruins of a once-thriving civilization. There are bandit camps to infiltrate, cauldrons to explore, and tallnecks to climb for a breathtaking view. With so much to discover, you'll easily sink 50-100 hours into exploring this open world.
Engaging Combat Against Machines
The machines in Horizon roam the open world and come in all shapes and sizes, from watchers to thunderjaws. To take them down, you'll need to use an array of bows and arrows, traps, and stealth. Targeting weak points and elemental canisters to freeze, shock or blow up your enemies requires tactical thinking. The combat is challenging but rewarding, especially when tackling the larger beasts.
A Compelling Story
While the open world and combat are highlights, the story in Horizon Zero Dawn is equally engaging. You'll follow Aloy's journey to find her origins in a world full of mysteries. The main story campaign lasts around 30-50 hours, not including side quests. By the end, you'll have a newfound appreciation for the post-post-apocalyptic world Guerrilla Games has crafted.
If a massive open world, strategic combat against machines, and an immersive story sound appealing, give Horizon Zero Dawn a chance. You won't regret delving into this captivating post-apocalyptic adventure.
Red Dead Redemption 2 - The Wild West Like You've Never Seen Before
Red Dead Redemption 2 lets you explore the sprawling American West like never before. Set in 1899, this massive open-world game from Rockstar Games provides a stunningly realistic take on the era.
Vast, Living World
RDR2’s map encompasses a staggering 29,000 square miles, featuring everything from snowy mountains and dense forests to arid deserts and bustling towns. The world feels alive, with dynamic weather, wildlife, and citizens occupying the day-night cycle. You'll encounter fellow travelers on the road, witness bar fights in saloons, and stumble upon random encounters in the wilderness. Every inch of the map is packed with detail, allowing you to truly lose yourself in this historic setting.
As an outlaw in a gang of bandits, you have the freedom to go wherever you please. You can advance the story at your own pace or get distracted for hours hunting, gambling, or taking on side quests. There are so many secrets and easter eggs tucked away in this expansive landscape, you'll be discovering new things even after dozens of hours.
Cinematic Story
Though the open world is the main attraction, RDR2 also features a compelling outlaw redemption story. You play as Arthur Morgan, an aging gunslinger grappling with his place in the world as the Wild West era comes to an end. Memorable characters and high-stakes moments make this one of Rockstar's most cinematic and emotionally impactful tales yetThe Legend of Breath of theWild - Nintendo's Open-World MasterpieceThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo's Open-World MasterpieceThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is considered by many to be one of the greatest open-world games ever made. This 2017 release for Nintendo Switch and Wii U gives you the freedom to explore a massive version of Hyrule at your own pace. Forget about linear gameplay and strict quest lines - in Breath of the Wild you can go anywhere and do anything right from the start.With mind-blowing graphics, unparalleled attention to detail, and Rockstar's signature brand of humor and subversive satire, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a monumental achievement and arguably the greatest open-world game ever made. If you have even a passing interest in Westerns or open-world adventures, it's not to be missed.
As soon as you emerge from the Shrine of Resurrection,
Hyrule is your oyster. You can follow the main quest to defeat Calamity Ganon, or get distracted for hours exploring the world, climbing mountains, discovering shrines and stables, taming wild horses, collecting ingredients, and experimenting with different weapons and recipes. The world is filled with surprises, secrets, and side quests that make you want to check out every nook and cranny.
The best part is how Breath of the Wild encourages creativity.
You can interact with the environment in so many ways, like using metal weapons to conduct electricity, setting fire to grassy fields, freezing water with ice arrows, and more. Puzzles often have multiple solutions, so you have the freedom to figure things out in your own way.
While the story and characters may be on the lighter side compared to other Zelda titles, Breath of the Wild more than makes up for it with its massive open world and nearly endless things to see and do. Four years after its release, players are still discovering new tricks, glitches, and secrets. Whether you're a long-time Zelda fan or open-world newbie, Breath of the Wild offers an unparalleled sense of adventure that stands as a benchmark for the genre.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey - Become a Legend in Ancient Greece
Assassin's Creed Odyssey whisks you away to ancient Greece, dropping you into a massive open world during the Peloponnesian War. As a mercenary, you’re free to explore the entire country, from verdant forests to volcanic islands and everywhere in between.You play as either Alexios or Kassandra, a Spartan mercenary on a quest for redemption. The choices you make shape your character and influence how NPCs react to you. Your decisions truly impact the world, sometimes in unexpected ways. Embark on an epic journey to become a legendary Greek hero.
The combat is fluid and rewarding.
Wield a variety of weapons like swords, daggers, and spears, plus your trusty bow and arrow. Take on enemies in melee combat or stealthily assassinate them from the shadows. Naval combat also returns, allowing you to recruit crew members to join you in epic sea battles across the Aegean Sea.
Odyssey’s recreation of ancient Greece is stunning.
Cities like Athens and Sparta are filled with marble temples, olive groves, and marketplaces bustling with activity. You’ll encounter famous historical figures and take part in iconic Greek events. Climb to the peak of Mount Taygetos, explore the forests of Lesbos, and discover the secrets of the Mycenaean tombs. The world is rich in culture, myth, and history.
With hundreds of quests, t
ons of loot and gear to discover, and near-limitless exploration, Assassin's Creed Odyssey provides an unparalleled open-world experience. Live the life of a legendary Greek mercenary - your odyssey awaits.
Conclusion
So what are you waiting for? There's a whole world of open-world adventures out there just begging to be explored. Sure, some may be intimidating in scope or require a serious time commitment, but that's part of the fun - you can go at your own pace and forge your own path through these sprawling game worlds. Whether you're looking to roam the Wild West, sail the high seas, or get lost in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, one of these open-world games is sure to scratch your wanderlust itch. The open road is calling...all you have to do is answer. Happy exploring!
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