Summary
- Open-world games need innovation to prevent fatigue from players.
- Titles like Assassin's Creed Origins and Morrowind stand out for trying something different.
- Unique experiences like Outer Wilds and Breath of the Wild are rewarded for their fresh take on the genre.
Open-world games need to be at the forefront of innovation so that fans don't get put off when they check out by-the-numbers entries in the genre. The best open-world titles around know how to draw fan attention by trying something different.
10 Open-World Games With The Best Platforming, Ranked
Platformers and open-world games don't often collide, but these games did a wonderful job of incorporating elements from both genres.
Players love how different these open-world games feel, compelling them to spend numerous hours in these magical experiences. The developers clearly tried something different with these games and should be lauded for their innovation.
8 Assassin's Creed Origins
The Series Tried Something Different After Fan Interest Started Floundering
Assassin's Creed Origins
- Released
- October 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
After the low sales of Assassin's Creed Syndicate, which were totally undeserved, Ubisoft decided to pivot and try something different with the series. The rampant success of The Witcher 3 compelled them to adopt the same approach for a new Assassin's Creed game, which paid dividends.
Assassin's Creed Origins explored the past of the order as players controlled Bayek in an epic adventure. The parkour and action of this title were elevated by the game's RPG mechanics, even if some players already wanted the game to move back to its original approach by the time Odyssey came out.
7 Pathologic
One Of The Most Surreal And Bizarre Open-World Games Fans Can Enjoy
Pathologic
- Released
- June 9, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
Players who want to check out a surreal and meta open-world game that almost feels like a play at times will love what Pathologic brings to the table. This psychological horror game can be frustratingly clunky at times, but the rest of the package is so unique that players won't mind powering through this title.
The game has no problems with breaking the fourth wall and letting players experience some truly odd moments that will make them question the fabric of reality itself. It's easily one of the most bizarre horror games that fans can check out for themselves.
6 The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
A Huge Step Forward For The Elder Scrolls Series That Established The Bethesda Formula
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- Released
- May 1, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The first two Elder Scrolls games were still struggling to establish a formula that fans would love. All of this changed with the advent of Morrowind, which is easily one of the most important games Bethesda has developed.
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Open-world games offer all kinds of freedom. These titles take it to the next level, letting players power up and customize their combat skills.
As old-school as Morrowind may feel now, the title felt revolutionary back in the day and felt like a breath of fresh air. The focus on a handcrafted open-world environment turned Vvardenfell into one of the most riveting locations that players can explore, with this fresh open-world experience prompting Bethesda to emulate this experience for future titles.
5 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
A Focus On An Authentic Medieval Setting With Heightened Realism Did Wonders
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Released
- February 13, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- RPG
In an age when most medieval titles featured fantasy elements to keep fans engaged, Kingdom Come: Deliverance went against the mold. The focus on a realistic and immersive medieval experience paid dividends for this title.
Henry starts as a pathetic weakling unable to take out a single bandit without some serious effort, which already goes against the notion of most open-world titles trying to ease a player into the proceedings. Instead, Kingdom Come: Deliverance will regularly beat a sense of helplessness into players until they improve their combat skills and become confident enough to take on stronger foes in the game world.
4 Fallout 3
Bethesda Transformed The CRPG Series Into An Open-World Game, Which Was An Absolute Success
Fallout 3
- Released
- October 28, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Fallout 3 had a monumental task to achieve. Transforming a rich CRPG series into an open-world role-playing extravaganza required serious work, but Bethesda was more than up to the task.
Fans loved how immersive and engaging this title was from the very moment they stepped out of the comfort of their Vault into the Capital Wasteland. It may lack the role-playing nuance of past titles, but the shift to a proper sandbox was immense and ensured that Fallout 3 would strike a chord with most players.
3 Outer Wilds
An Excellent Puzzle Game With A Small, Intimate Universe That Fans Will Love To Explore
Outer Wilds
- Released
- May 28, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Outer Wilds is one of the best video games ever made that came out of nowhere. Fans loved how different this game felt, letting them explore a small, intimate universe and using the knowledge they gained to become stronger in the process.
10 Best Open-World Games With Dynamic Player Progression, Ranked
These open-world games feature unique player progression styles that are different from most standard open-world titles.
This unique sense of progression is a huge part of what makes Outer Wilds so magical. Fans will love the many eureka moments scattered throughout the game that reward their ingenuity and ability to connect the dots, eventually culminating in one of the most rewarding open-world experiences fans will love.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
A Revolutionary Open-World Game That Blew Everyone's Minds When It Launched
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Despite some apprehensions regarding Nintendo conforming to the norm, Breath of the Wild's launch made it clear that Nintendo would never shy away from innovating with its first-party offerings. The simple survival mechanics and a refreshing take on exploration turned Breath of the Wild into a game that was equal parts riveting and approachable.
Even players who bemoaned the lack of challenge in most Nintendo games loved how challenging the combat could get. Players could either brute force combat encounters or use an array of skills to school enemies and overpower them in a flash with Link's strongest equipment.
1 Grand Theft Auto 3
Established The Modern Sandbox Formula That Is Still Going Strong To This Day
Grand Theft Auto 3
- Released
- October 23, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
It's hard to explain just how revolutionary and fresh Grand Theft Auto 3 felt back when it launched. There truly was no other game like it out there, with the game's organic sandbox setting the template for open-world gaming that is still going strong to this day.
Wreaking havoc in a crime-fuelled open world still feels great to this day. Rockstar's risks with this game paid off in dividends and set the developer down a path of superstardom, turning them into one of the biggest gaming giants in the process.
10 Best Open-World Sequel Games, Ranked
These open-world games have refined and built upon their predecessors, cementing themselves as remarkable sequels that everyone should play.