Summary
- Several open-world games offer fast and fun methods of traversal, enhancing the overall quality and popularity of the gaming experience.
- Prototype and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 allow players to travel around New York City in creative and speedy ways.
- In games like Infamous Second Son and Saints Row 4, players acquire superpowers and can zoom around the map rapidly.
Nothing quite beats an open-world game. Taking those first tentative steps onto a map filled with secrets to uncover, quests to complete, and interesting characters to encounter leaves players feeling a desire to explore and see what they find. It’s a wholly unique experience for the video game medium, but it can be somewhat overwhelming at times.
Large game worlds can be daunting, especially in modern times when there are so many stellar games to play and so little time for players to enjoy them. That's why it’s refreshing when a map can be traversed rapidly. Here are some of the best open-world games where exploration is fast, ranked based on a combination of each game’s overall quality and popularity, plus the fun factor of their travel methods.
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8 Prototype
Zoom Across Manhattan As A Shapeshifter
Prototype
- Released
- June 9, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
Despite positive reviews, the Prototype franchise only ever spawned two entries, but they really made an impact. The debut game in particular, stylized as [Prototype], was praised for its originality at the time. Players take control of an amnesiac shapeshifter, Alex Mercer, who is caught in the middle of a conspiracy and must unlock powerful abilities to take down strange monsters and sinister forces.
Alex’s skills go well beyond combat, with movement around the Manhattan setting being completely fluid and rapid. Not only can he sprint at super speed indefinitely, but Alex can also jump to incredible heights, glide through the air, and scale buildings without losing momentum or taking damage. Descending from a high enough altitude will even leave a crater in the ground, damaging enemies.
7 Just Cause 2
Chaotic, Explosive, And Thrilling Action
Just Cause 2
- Released
- March 23, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Studios
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Third-Person Shooter, Action
Every entry in the Just Cause series is full of thrilling and high-octane action, making players feel like some kind of unstoppable god. Just Cause 2 is arguably the best of the bunch. Its 400-square mile map is one of the most fun to explore, thanks to the gadgets Rico Rodriguez has at his disposal to cause as much mayhem as possible and leave the scene without being caught.
On the fictional Southeast Asian island of Panau, Rico can slingshot across the map thanks to the unique grappling hook and parachute combination. Almost anything is possible to pull off stunts like those in blockbuster action films, from vehicle surfing and hanging off helicopters to base jumping from tall buildings and mountains.
6 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Endless Possibilities With Zonai Devices
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released
- May 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated E for Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Much like its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is set in an enticing open world full of mysteries and enthralling quests. Just as before, Link must travel to each region of Hyrule to unlock fast travel. He can sprint, glide, and ride horses to do so, but the Zonai devices introduced in TOTK are game-changing.
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The Fuse power, granted to Link through his new arm, allows for an unprecedented level of creativity when it comes to construction. Some crafty players have built devices that are capable of venturing across Hyrule with great speed and precision, whether hovering, staying close to the ground, or flying high among the newly formed sky islands.
5 Infamous Second Son
Seattle Is A Playground, Whether Being Good Or Evil
inFAMOUS Second Son
- Released
- March 21, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
A PlayStation exclusive and part of a franchise deserving of a comeback, Infamous Second Son stars the charismatic Delsin Rowe, who can use his newly acquired superpowers for good or evil. The fictionalized version of Seattle is under the authoritarian Department of Unified Protection, but Delsin’s powers make the city his playground as he soars across it and leaves behind nothing but graffiti.
As players progress through the game, Delsin’s powers become stronger, but even at their weakest it’s effortless to run up the side of buildings or use things like neon and smoke to zoom around the Emerald City. The standalone prequel, First Light, also features similarly gratifying navigation around the map with Fetch’s neon powers.
4 Saints Row 4
Superhuman Powers In Simulated Steelport
Saints Row 4
- Released
- August 20, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
In a major departure from the prior games, Saints Row 4 is somehow even more ridiculous and over-the-top than fans expected, despite the precedent set by its predecessors. Now President of the United States, the protagonist and much of the gang are trapped in a simulation of Steelport by the invading aliens known as the Zin.
Thankfully, some of the Saints were able to hack into the system and give the player superpowers, many of which can be utilized in combat. Super speed and strength allow for speedy and seamless travel around the map, plus they can even jump over buildings and smash nuisances like vehicles out of the way.
3 Batman: Arkham Knight
Glide Through The Skies Or Drive The Iconic Batmobile
Batman: Arkham Knight
- Released
- June 23, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Rocksteady Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The conclusion of the stellar Arkham trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight features arguably the best gameplay and most fun world to explore of the trio. Gotham City is ready for Bruce Wayne’s superhero persona to investigate, whether making use of his many infamous gadgets or driving in the specially designed Batmobile.
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The iconic vehicle is not simply a car, but it is a major part of the gameplay mechanics, used to adventure on the city’s roads, complete puzzles, and subdue enemies during combat. Glide mechanics are much improved compared to prior entries in the series, allowing the Dark Knight to stay in the air much longer thanks to the grapnel gun and line launcher.
2 Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Two Spider-Men Swinging Around New York City
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Regarded as one of the best Spider-Man games, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is set in an expanded New York City compared to its predecessor, with the addition of Brooklyn and Queens. Peter Parker and Miles Morales are the two playable characters, both of whom can unlock various suits and ability upgrades to improve combat and traversal options.
Freely swapping between the two allows for the completion of unique quests for each character, and the expanded city is full of activities. It’s also thrilling to web swing between the skyscrapers of Manhattan and utilize the Web Wings to glide around the metropolis. Wind tunnels even provide an extra speed boost, so the Spider-Men can cover more ground in no time.
1 Outer Wilds
Travel Between Planets In Minutes
Outer Wilds
- Released
- May 28, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
Given the recurring 22-minute time loop, quick exploration is somewhat necessary in Outer Wilds, though that does not mean that there is any particular rush. Blasting off from planet to planet takes a matter of minutes, as the mysteries of the Nomai and the time loop are gradually uncovered throughout a solar system where the star goes supernova every 22 minutes.
Despite these tight time limits, players are still encouraged to scour every nook and cranny to take in as many nuggets of information as possible. Exploration is unrivaled in Outer Wilds. Those who are most observant and curious are rewarded with a unique gameplay experience, and an adventure that will stay with them long after the credits roll.
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