Best Open-World Games With No RPG Mechanics

The RPG genre has become so mainstream that most AAA games feature some role-playing elements to let players enjoy a palpable sense of progression. This applies to most open-world games, turning into action RPGs that are certainly fun to play in their own right.

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By  Ritwik Mitra

However, some players prefer open-world games that don't strive to be too complex. As long as the basics are sound, the lack of RPG mechanics in these sandbox titles shouldn't perturb too many fans.

8 Mafia: Definitive Edition

A Simple, Engaging Crime-Focused Open-World Game

Mafia is one of the best story-driven video games players can check out. The open world of this title is beautiful, even if it lacks the interactivity that most people expect from a game in this genre.

The Definitive Edition is the best way to enjoy a title, especially since the original game has aged in ways that some fans may not be able to adjust to. Tommy Angelo's rise as a member of the Salieri crime family is a tantalizing tale that will keep fans coming back for more.

7 Halo Infinite

An Open-World With Tight Shooting Mechanics Helps The Campaign Stand Out

The beauty of Halo Infinite's campaign stems from its willingness to change and entice new fans. The simplest way to do this was by integrating an open world and a grappling hook to let Master Chief explore Zeta Halo in style.

Taking out enemies and using the grappling hook to make combat dynamic is more than enough to play a competent Halo campaign. The lack of RPG elements won't be a huge deal for anyone who wants to enjoy this game's sci-fi FPS trappings without being distracted by other elements.

6 Grand Theft Auto 4

Niko Bellic's Adventures Are A Blast Without Requiring Any RPG Mechanics

Grand Theft Auto 4 was a huge jump when compared to its predecessors, letting players witness a new and improved version of Liberty City that has become iconic. It helps that Niko Bellic is an engrossing protagonist who interacts with the seedy underbelly of this city to rake in a ton of cash.

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The narrative of Grand Theft Auto 4 is one of the very best seen in a Rockstar game, with the title featuring two different endings based on a critical decision. This may be seen as a way to add role-playing elements to the game, but there's no other example of RPG gameplay present in this iconic open-world game.

5 Minecraft

A Sandbox Game Without Any RPG Elements That Takes Influences From Various Other Genres

What made Minecraft such a huge hit was its willingness to let fans employ a ton of creativity to craft powerful gear, create giant structures, and survive against all odds in a world that turns especially hostile at night. With all these gameplay loops, it's easy to see why the lack of RPG elements didn't faze many players.

Minecraft is a game that doesn't take too long to understand, with players slowly figuring out the optimal path to reach the Ender Dragon and enjoy the end credits. After this is achieved, players can either check out the massive amount of content in most game servers or try to create something impressive that will take many hours but is well worth the effort.

4 Batman: Arkham Knight

Beat Up the Goons of Gotham City Without Expansive Upgrades

Batman: Arkham Knight is an excellent open-world game that marks the final chapter in Bruce Wayne's nightly adventures. Controlling the Batmobile was divisive but added a new layer to the gameplay as players explored Gotham City in its entirety to beat on the bad.

Revealing the identity of the main villain and encountering a slew of interesting bosses in Arkham Knight is a huge part of what makes the series so special. The interactions with the Joker are a bonus and ensure that players won't notice the lack of RPG elements in a game that doesn't need them, outside of a few health upgrades.

3 Red Dead Redemption 2

Explore the Wild West Without the Need to Upgrade Arthur Morgan

One of the greatest Rockstar Games ever made, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best open-world video games that fans can check out. It shows the developer's mastery over this genre, crafting a compelling experience with little to no RPG elements to speak of.

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Rather, what helps this game stand out is a beautiful world, memorable characters, and the best narrative ever told in a Rockstar game. Players who are iffy about controlling Arthur Morgan instead of John Marston will be singing a different tune after spending hours with this well-written character.

2 Shadow Of The Colossus

A Simple, Melancholic Open-World Game With A Simple Gameplay Loop And Only Sixteen Enemies

Shadow of the Colossus is one of the most unique open-world games ever made, bucking almost every trend in the genre. The landscapes are massive but barren and players will only fight sixteen enemies throughout the game.

The story takes a while to get going but will leave fans enraptured once they see the true nature of Wander's actions. There are no role-playing elements in this title, given that it would detract from the game's minimalist approach as players take out these colossi and revive Wander's love.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

An Expansion Of Many Facets Present In Breath Of The Wild That Doesn't Take Any Notes From The RPG Genre

Tears of the Kingdom is one of the best open-world games ever made, serving as a massive improvement from its predecessor on almost every front barring innovation. The new powers Link has access to are a blast to use, turning this title into a Nintendo-fied Garry's Mod as players construct robust structures that aid them in combat, traversal, or both.

The focus on unique dungeons and memorable boss fights helps Tears of the Kingdom establish itself as a near-perfect sequel that fans should get their hands on. The game experiments with many gameplay pillars, to the point where some people will be glad that they don't have to interact with RPG mechanics too on top of this.