Summary
- Unexpected surprises in open-world games draw fans in with innovative gameplay mechanics and engrossing stories.
- Titles like Mad Max, Far Cry 5, and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor stood out by exceeding fan expectations.
- Games like Death Stranding, Outer Wilds, and Elden Ring astounded players with their unique gameplay and organic exploration.
Open-world gaming can feel rather regimented at times, with the bulk of these titles aiming to draw in as large a market as possible, which usually entails that they don't take too many risks. This is why there aren't too many titles in the genre that can surprise players.
9 Best Sci-Fi Open-World Games
Open-world sci-fi games can be difficult to get right due to just how vast they can be, but these games manage to nail it.
This is why most people are pleased when some games make an effort to catch fans unawares with their video games. Excellent gameplay mechanics, riveting stories, and unexpected moments play a key role in helping these open-world games stand out for how surprising they are.
8 Mad Max
The Vehicular Combat Was Way Better Than Fans Could've Expected
Mad Max
- Released
- September 1, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
Expectations for licensed games weren't all that high when Mad Max came out, which is why fans were surprised by how engaging this title was. The melee combat sports a brutal twist on the Arkham formula, but what really caught fans off guard was the vehicular combat.
The Magnum Opus will become one of the most iconic vehicles fans will love by the time they're done with Mad Max. Upgrading this vehicle is integral for players to make it through the wasteland and its many hostile inhabitants.
7 Far Cry 5
A Departure From The Series' Formula That Served As A Pleasant Surprise For Fans
Far Cry 5
- Released
- March 27, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Toronto
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Xbox One
Ubisoft's reliance on tried-and-tested mechanics was growing thin on players, which is why Far Cry 5 felt like a breath of fresh air in comparison. It may still be a by-the-numbers open-world FPS in many ways, but the developer did just enough to evolve the formula.
Fans appreciated how the game didn't rely on watchtowers anymore and let fans explore a non-linear narrative. It was an evolution of the Ubisoft formula that was much-needed and helped Far Cry 5 stand out as one of the better games the developer had made in quite some time.
6 Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor
Fans Were Surprised By How Brutal And Engaging The Game Was
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
- Released
- September 30, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
Fans didn't have high hopes for a Middle-earth game, since licensed IPs didn't exactly boast the highest quality at that time. However, Shadow of Mordor managed to stand out courtesy of its stellar combat and the Nemesis system.
Best Open-World Games With A Focus On Combat
Story and exploration take somewhat of a backseat in these open-world games where combat and its mechanics get the spotlight.
Hacking down orcs by the dozens and forcing orc chieftains to bend to Talion's will continues to be riveting to this day. It also cements just how sad Monolith Productions' closing was, since they always strove to innovate in their video games.
5 Death Stranding
A Game So Ahead Of Its Time, Many Players Didn't Get It At First
Death Stranding
- Released
- November 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Genre(s)
- Action
- Platform(s)
- iOS, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Death Stranding is a video game that many people didn't get back when it launched. For them, the idea of playing a pretty delivery simulator wasn't all that riveting, but this game slowly brings out its A-game and surprises players when they least expect it.
In no time, players will find themselves invested in the game as they balance their load, make shortcuts, and ensure that their delivery is as swift & efficient as possible. This surprisingly high quality is precisely why so many fans are hyped for a sequel, despite the mixed reception this game enjoyed at launch.
4 Outer Wilds
No One Expected This Puzzle Game To Be So Engaging
Outer Wilds
- Released
- May 28, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
An indie game that had no business being so riveting, Outer Wilds is a must-play for fans of puzzle games who want to enjoy something special. The best part is how accessible this game is, using the simple act of exploration to drive progress.
The knowledge players acquire will help fuel progression in a meaningful way. It's a huge part of what makes Outer Wilds special, with fans raving about this title long after they finished both the base game and the DLC.
3 Sleeping Dogs
The Story And Combat Were So Much Better Than Fans Expected
Sleeping Dogs
- Released
- August 14, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- United Front Games
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Born from the ashes of a True Crime game set in Hong Kong, Sleeping Dogs wowed everyone with its amazing style and action-packed combat. Wei Shen's adventures as an undercover cop lead to a ton of brutal moments as he sees firsthand what the Triads are capable of.
7 Best Open-World Games For Demolishing Hordes Of Enemies, Ranked
Open-world games are known for packing tons of elements into their gameplay. Here are some of the best open-world games for demolishing enemies.
The amazing gameplay takes notes from classic Hong Kong action flicks, with players being able to participate in stylistic gunfights and hijack other vehicles on the street. All of this is supported by a combat system that lets players use the environment for brutal takedowns as they beat down the many enemies standing in their way.
2 Elden Ring
Fans Expected Greatness From This Game, And Yet They Were Still Blown Away
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Even with the high expectations associated with most FromSoftware games, no one expected Elden Ring to be such a masterpiece. The open world was truly gorgeous and promoted organic exploration, letting players find a ton of secrets in their journey.
It helped the Tarnished become strong enough to deal with the many enemies that stood in their way. Fans were genuinely amazed by how well FromSoftware nailed the open-world genre in their very first attempt, making it clear that the people in this studio are cut from a different cloth.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Even With Its High Expectations, Fans Were Amazed By This Revolutionary Open-World Title
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii U, Switch
Breath of the Wild is one of the best video games ever made, and fans couldn't believe just how revolutionary this open-world title was. Sure, expectations were high, but some previews led fans to believe that the game would be a bit more niche than they anticipated.
All of these worries were blown away when fans experienced the sheer freedom and beauty of Breath of the Wild's sandbox. In a refreshing move, the combat also pulled no punches and let players enjoy one of the hardest games Nintendo has ever released.
8 Best Open-World Games For Clearing Out Camps, Ranked
Clearing out camps of enemies is a popular trend in open-world games that provides players with plenty of opportunities to test out their weapons.