The definition of open-world gaming isn't static anymore. Developers don't necessarily need to ensure that all the action that takes place in the game occurs within the sandbox. Sometimes, there's nothing wrong with crafting linear experiences in these titles to let fans enjoy the best of both worlds.
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This is why the best open-world games that fans enjoy have a decent amount of linear content for players to experience. If both parts of the game resonate with fans, then developers can unlock a truly special gameplay experience for them.
8 Final Fantasy 15
The Linear Segments Of This Game Elicited Mixed Reactions, But The Overall Package Is Great
Final Fantasy 15
- Released
- November 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
While the bulk of Final Fantasy 15 structures itself as a fun road trip with the boys, it also tries to tell an epic narrative that can't be restrained by the sandbox. This leads to the game funnelling players into linear levels that can be riveting in their own way.
Chapter 13 was universally hated, but some of Square Enix's changes have ensured that this level is more bearable now. Other linear segments are quite captivating, with the final portion of the game in Insomnia being expanded upon to let players naturally enjoy some great endgame content.
7 Hogwarts Legacy
The Keeper Trials Are Linear And Serve As A Test Of The Player's Magical Aptitude
Hogwarts Legacy
- Released
- February 10, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Hogwarts Legacy shines when players explore this magical school and uncover the many secrets that it harbors. While the Scottish Highlands are great to explore in their own right, some players prefer the tightly-constructed environments that were present in Hogwarts itself.
This can be enjoyed in the Keeper Trials, which are pretty riveting and force players to use all the spells they've learned during their journey. Combat segments and puzzles are rampant in these linear levels, which are pretty engaging.
6 Far Cry 5
Players Must Overcome Certain Linear Challenges As They Attract The Attention Of The Seed Family
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
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Open-World
Far Cry 5 implemented a non-linear progression structure that let players uncover different segments of the story as they made progress liberating certain regions under the control of the Seed family. Eventually, this would lead to the Deputy being captured or forced into a level where the aggrieved member in question tries to make them pay for their transgressions.
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This leads to some tense moments as the deputy must survive by the skin of their teeth in tense linear levels where their life is on the line. Eventually, after completing a series of linear challenges, the deputy takes out a member of the Seed family and comes one step closer to liberating Hope County.
5 Metro Exodus
The Sinister Open World Is Interspersed With Tight, Riveting Linear Levels That The Series Is Known For
Metro Exodus
- Released
- February 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Metro Exodus was a major risk for 4A Games, which had greater experience crafting immaculate linear experiences in previous Metro games. Fans wondered whether the open-world segments would be just as riveting.
Thankfully, not only was the sandbox fun to explore and didn't lose its sinister edge, but Metro Exodus also had its fair share of linear levels. It ensured that fans could enjoy the best of both worlds as they became invested in one of the scariest and most thrilling open worlds they could explore in a video game.
4 Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Prague Serves As A Hub For Jensen To Mess Around In Before He Initiates The Game's Many Linear Missions
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
- Released
- August 23, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided arguably has one of the best open-world hubs in a video game. Prague changes based on the time of day and gives players an incentive to explore the hub every single time to find out what's changed, uncovering several unique secrets in the process.
The best part is that Prague isn't massive, and players won't be distracted for too long before they decide to initiate one of the game's many linear missions. Both halves of Mankind Divided are great, and it's a shame that the game feels rushed and unfinished by the time players reach its conclusion.
3 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
The JRPG Focus Means That Ichiban And Team Must Navigate Their Fair Share Of Linear Dungeons
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
- Released
- November 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
With the shift to turn-based combat, Yakuza: Like a Dragon implemented many JRPG tropes to keep fans engaged for the long haul. This included a job system, varied equipment, and a litany of linear dungeons for players to explore.
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The game's main story and side content both boast their fair share of dungeons that Ichiban must explore with his allies. The enemies are wacky and help the party become stronger as they conquer major threats to come out victorious.
2 Elden Ring
FromSoftware's Open-World Brilliance Features Its Fair Share Of Immaculately Designed Linear Segments
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Elden Ring is a gargantuan achievement from FromSoftware. The company, mainly known for creating interconnected levels that weren't too open-ended, managed to knock it out of the park with the very first open-world game to use this formula.
It helped that The Lands Between had its fair share of open-ended and linear environments for players to explore. Players could get lost in the world of Elden Ring as they took on enemies, became stronger, and conquered the many regions in The Lands Between.
1 Fallout: New Vegas
An Engaging Open World With Mostly Linear DLCs
Fallout: New Vegas
- Released
- October 19, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Fallout: New Vegas is one of the best open-world RPGs that fans can't get enough of to this day. The Courier's adventure to get revenge for getting shot in the head transforms into a power struggle to gain control of New Vegas that fans love.
One of the best parts of New Vegas is how fleshed out the world is, allowing players to explore numerous vaults and uncover their stories. That is to say nothing of the amazing DLCs that let players explore smaller and tighter zones, with Dead Money and Lonesome Road feeling like linear levels at times.
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