Open-world games are usually about exploration, adventure, and sometimes fighting terrifying monsters. But every now and then, developers throw a curveball—a cute little critter that’s way too adorable to be menacing.
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These enemies are so charming that players almost feel guilty for taking them down (almost). Whether it’s their big, round eyes or the way they waddle around cluelessly, these characters somehow make even battles feel a little bit wholesome. Here are six of the best open-world games where the enemies are just too cute to hate.
6 Biomutant
Fluffy Foes In A Post-Apocalyptic World
BioMutant
- Released
- May 25, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Use of Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Experiment 101
- Publisher(s)
- THQ Nordic
- Platform(s)
- PS4, PC, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
When the world’s been overrun by mutated animals and plant life, one would expect most of what they encounter to be terrifying. Yet, Biomutant doesn’t take the usual post-apocalyptic route. Instead, it fills its open world with bizarre yet irresistibly adorable creatures that look like they wandered out of a fever dream. The game’s enemies range from fuzzy rodent-like mutants to vibrant, wide-eyed monsters that somehow manage to look both fearsome and huggable.
One of the standout examples has to be the small, squishy critters that bounce around aimlessly, sometimes becoming more of a distraction than a threat. Even the more aggressive enemies often have oversized, floppy ears or comically round bodies, making them look like plush toys brought to life. The contrast between their appearance and their aggressive behavior makes encounters feel almost surreal. It’s hard to stay mad when foes looks like it would rather cuddle than fight.
5 My Time At Portia
Building With Buddies And Battling With Blobs
My Time at Portia
- Released
- January 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
My Time At Portia might not seem like a game where enemies matter much—it’s more about crafting, farming, and building relationships. But every now and then, players have to deal with the more mischievous inhabitants of Portia’s outskirts. The Sea Urchin creatures, with their wide eyes and little sailor hats, are somehow both annoying and endearing. They bounce around the beach like excitable pets rather than hostile threats.
And then there’s the colorful Llamas. They don’t attack unless provoked, and even then, their wiggly, dance-like movements make them look more playful than aggressive. Their vibrant pink and purple coats give them a distinctly whimsical vibe that makes fighting them feel almost rude. Most enemies in My Time At Portia seem designed to make players smile more than anything, reinforcing the game’s upbeat, cozy atmosphere.
4 Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Adorable Creatures In An Expansive World
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Released
- July 29, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is known for its sprawling environments and epic battles, but not every encounter feels like a life-or-death situation. Some enemies look like they’ve stumbled in from a plush toy convention. Take the Nopon, for instance—small, round, and looking like overgrown hamsters with feathered tufts. They’re technically NPCs rather than enemies, but their presence makes the world feel more vibrant and lived-in.
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Then there’s the iconic Bunnet—a rabbit-like creature with an endearing hop and a face that practically screams “pet me.” Despite being low-level enemies early on, they don’t give off a particularly hostile vibe. Even as players progress to tougher foes, the world remains sprinkled with these cuter, less aggressive enemies, offering a lighthearted break from the game’s more intense moments.
3 Genshin Impact
Saving The World One Puffball At A Time
Genshin Impact
- Released
- September 28, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen / Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Publisher(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action, Adventure, Gacha, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, iOS, Android
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Genshin Impact may be about saving a fantastical world from ancient threats, but not every battle feels epic. Some enemies are just too charming to be taken seriously. Hilichurls, for instance, are tribal goblin-like creatures that dance, snooze, and sometimes just hang out around campfires. Their expressive faces and clumsy movements make them more endearing than fearsome.
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Another standout is the Slime. These bouncy elemental blobs have adorable faces that almost look shocked when they’re attacked. Whether they’re water, fire, or electro variants, their round, jelly-like bodies and quirky animations make them look like they belong in a mascot platformer rather than an open-world RPG. It’s easy to forget that these cute critters are technically enemies when they’re just bobbing around happily.
2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Cute And Deadly In Hyrule
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
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii U, Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
When players think of Breath of the Wild, they might picture breathtaking landscapes and challenging fights. But amid the Lynels and Guardians are the Bokoblins—pig-like humanoids that range from downright goofy to oddly cute. Watching them dance around a campfire or sleep in messy little huts makes them feel less like menacing foes and more like wild animals just trying to live their best life.
Then there are the Chuchus, jelly-like creatures that bounce around aimlessly until they notice Link. Their wobbly movements and bright, translucent bodies almost make them look like living gummy candies. Even when they split into smaller versions after a hit, it’s hard not to think of them as anything other than squishy companions. The mix of dangerous and delightful makes Breath of the Wild’s world feel unpredictable and alive.
1 Dragon Quest Builders 2
Crafting A Cozy Apocalypse
Dragon Quest Builders 2
- Released
- July 12, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix, Omega Force
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Adventure
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
It’s no secret that Dragon Quest Builders 2 is packed with charm. From its vibrant blocky environments to the creative freedom it offers, everything about this game feels warm and inviting. That same energy carries over to its enemies. The iconic Slimes, with their big goofy grins and gelatinous bodies, are practically the game’s mascots. Even when they’re lunging at players with surprisingly decent damage output, they’re just too cute to take seriously.
Then there are the Drackies—bat-like creatures with huge eyes and mischievous smiles. They flutter around the player, looking more like curious pets than actual threats. Fighting them feels more like shooing away a pesky but lovable critter. Even as the game throws more intimidating foes at the player, it’s the smaller, cuter enemies that linger in memory, as if Dragon Quest Builders 2 wants to remind players that the world is more about building than battling.
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