Summary
- Big-budget open-world games prioritize stunning visuals in the daytime to showcase the beauty of intricate designs and vibrant colors.
- Games like Forza Horizon 5, Death Stranding, and Ghost of Tsushima excel in creating visually compelling open worlds during the day.
- Exploring breathtaking worlds like in Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3 during the day reveals the full glory of their landscapes and colors.
Most big-budget open-world games ensure that their visuals look astounding to wow players. These games usually feature a day-night cycle or just take place when the sun's out to let players appreciate the beauty of their worlds with an abundance of color and artistic flair. It's not just about graphics — the most beautiful worlds are designed with care and attention to detail.
While some sandbox titles also look gorgeous at night, daytime is when these worlds shine even brighter. Players will love exploring these amazing worlds that are bursting with beautiful sights for players to drink in as they engage with their gameplay loops.
8 Forza Horizon 5
The Stellar Graphics Make Daytime Beautiful To Behold
Forza Horizon 5
- Released
- November 9, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone // In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Genre(s)
- Racing, Open-World
The Forza Horizon series has always been at the forefront of letting fans enjoy dazzling visuals that are in a class of their own. The latest entry is no exception and will make a player's jaw drop with the game's visual fidelity. Forza Horizon 5 looks stunning, regardless of whether players are zooming past locations at a breakneck pace or just standing still and taking in the sights. The bright, dazzling environments are a treat to witness, no matter how many times players drive past them.
7 Death Stranding
The World's Beauty Compels Players To Complete As Many Deliveries As Possible
Death Stranding
- Released
- November 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action
Death Stranding is a unique video game that slowly wormed its way into fans' hearts after puzzling them early on. The game's trappings as a walking simulator shouldn't take away from how compelling it can be to move from one location to another.
It helps that the gorgeous open world serves as constant eye-candy, especially during the daytime. Moving from one place to another feels great and rewards players for making deliveries without losing any cargo or being impeded by enemies.
6 Ghost Of Tsushima
The Bright Colors Of The World Look Astounding During The Day
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
One of the biggest strengths of Ghost of Tsushima is undoubtedly its visuals, which work in tandem with the combat system to create an unforgettable experience. Jin must save Tsushima Island from the threat of the Mongols, turning into the Ghost as he forsakes his samurai code to improve his chances of survival.
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The amazing colors of the game's beautiful open world are objectively better in the day, even if nighttime has its charms. Most players will prefer to advance the time of day at night, just so that the colors of the open world can pop out when the sun is shining down on the landscape.
5 Marvel's Spider-Man 2
New York City Is Full Of Life During The Daytime
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
Given its status as a PlayStation title, it's easy to see why the visuals of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are in a class of its own. The addition of the SSD means that traversal can be faster than ever without sacrificing visual flair. More boroughs were added to New York City to enhance the variety of the open world's visuals. This ensured that fans could have a great time swinging and gliding through the world while enjoying the sights of New York and its urban trappings.
4 Grand Theft Auto 5
The Next-Gen Release Ensures That This Game Still Looks Beautiful
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
Grand Theft Auto 5 is a beautiful game that looks even better now with the next-gen patch. The addition of ray-tracing and improved visual fidelity ensured that this game looks beautiful at any time of day. Players who prefer exploring in the daytime will be more than pleased by the visuals of this title. Los Santos and its countryside are brimming with life that looks absolutely breathtaking during the day.
3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Dark Fantasy World Is Beautiful To Behold
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
The Witcher 3 looks great at night, but daytime is when the colors of this game pop. This is especially true in the case of Skellige and Toussaint, locations that are objectively better to look at when the sun is up.
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In these games, the player's world slowly expands as they progress the story and build their character.
Players will be lost in the beautiful world and its many unique encounters as they complete quests and make headway in Geralt's quest to find Ciri, stop Gaunter O'Dimm, or help Duchess Anna Henrietta. Whether players are exploring the seas or checking out the lush colors in Touissant, they'll be more than pleased by what's on offer here.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
The Cel-Shading Ensures That This Game Will Age Like Fine Wine
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
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
The cel-shading in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom ensures that its visuals will age flawlessly. The second game in this Zelda duology on the Switch boasts more varied visuals that players can marvel at. Every corner of the game world looks beautiful in the day, although nighttime also has its charms despite a lack of color. Exploring this relaxing sandbox as Link and marveling at the sights when the sun's out never gets boring.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
One Of The Most Gorgeous Worlds Gamers Can Explore
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
One of the most beautiful open-world games ever made, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a title that needs no introduction. Arthur Morgan's adventures are legendary for obvious reasons and let players explore a beautiful open world after the prologue. During the day, the varied landscapes of the open world come to life as Arthur helps out strangers in need and makes progress in the main story. It makes for a beautiful experience, with the liveliness of towns and the colors of the sandbox being particularly notable during the day.
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