Summary
- Horizon Zero Dawn & Fallout 4 offer deep lore within post-apocalyptic settings.
- Witcher 3 & Elden Ring present rich world-building through exploration and hidden lore.
- Skyrim & Red Dead Redemption 2 feature vast landscapes with hidden secrets and mysteries.
Open-world games are usually very vast and complex, as developers have to pack in a lot of elements, including NPCs, missions and items, to keep them interesting. Some titles even allow for deep exploration of the wilderness to complement the experience.
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Some stories in open-world games are driven by companions, whereas others focus on the main characters and build relationships around them. In any case, one of the most interesting aspects of this genre is that there are also usually secrets awaiting players at every turn in the world. Here are some of the best open-world games with hidden lore.
7 Horizon Zero Dawn
This Post-Apocalyptic Version Of Earth Holds Many Secrets
Horizon Zero Dawn
- Released
- February 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Aloy can find remnants of civilization
- Humanity has reorganized considerably
Horizon Zero Dawn is not only one of the greatest franchises Sony has to its name right now, but it also manages to present players with a compelling story that hides many secrets behind it. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Earth that’s ridden with mechanical creatures, and the explanation behind why the world is the way it is, is extremely puzzling.
As Aloy, players will get the chance to explore the world to discover the many secrets it has to offer, which will help them understand the reason behind the strange society humans have made for themselves and what caused the cataclysmic event that led to its creation.
6 Fallout 4
Exploring The Boston Commonwealth Provides Valuable Answers
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- One of the best games in the series
- Remnants of civilization are scattered across the Boston Commonwealth
The Fallout franchise has been around for a very long time, and throughout the years, it has managed to offer players exciting titles in the series that have kept them hooked. As the Sole Survivor, players will get to explore the wasteland set in the Boston Commonwealth, meeting all sorts of interesting NPCs, including mutants, robots and other people.
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Exploring is a key part of the Fallout 4 experience, as it not only allows players to obtain valuable items and resources, but also to discover interesting pieces of information about the Boston Commonwealth and even find remnants of a civilization that’s long gone—one where the Sole Survivor used to be a part of. Players looking to spice things up might want to try some of the best ways to shake up their second Fallout 4 playthrough.
5 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
There Are Many Secrets To Uncover On The Continent
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Monsters weren't always in The Continent
- Reading in-game books can help players understand the lore better
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is, without a doubt, the best installment in its series, as it not only has the best graphics, but also the best combat mechanics and the most main and side quests. Throughout the game, players will have the chance to discover a lot about The Continent and how monsters and other creatures came to be in the world of humans.
Some of the lore secrets present in the game will be made available to players throughout the story, whereas others will have to be discovered through exploration, as they remain hidden away, only to be found by the most curious of Witchers. Those looking for a new experience might want to try some of the best beginner mods available for the Witcher 3.
4 Elden Ring
Queen Marika, Radagon, And Godfrey Are Centerpieces To The Lore
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Exploring provides answers
- Knowing the story of Marika, Radagon, and Godfrey can enrich the experience
While the Dark Souls franchise is great, many players agree that Elden Ring is FromSoftware's best work to this day. Not only does this title feature amazing weapons, powerful bosses, and tons of different armor sets for players to take on their enemies with, but there’s also a ton of lore hidden away in The Lands Between.
Many secrets will be unveiled as players progress naturally through the game, but others will require in-depth exploration and a keen eye to be found. The lore behind this magical and dangerous world is fascinating, mostly consisting of the story of Marika, Radagon and Godfrey. Those looking to farm Runes might want to take on the bosses who drop the most Runes in Elden Ring.
3 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The Land Of Skyrim Is Vast And Has Tons Of Knowledge
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Various spells, weapons and armor
- Reading books and Tomes enriches the experience
While the Elder Scrolls franchise has been around for a very long time, many players agree that The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is the best installment that has been released to date. There are many different magical spells, one-handed weapons and bows that players can take advantage of, so it’s almost impossible to get bored.
The land of Skyrim is full of secrets that are waiting to be discovered by the most eager and dedicated players, and they can be found through exploration, the reading of books, and talking to different NPCs in the region.
2 Red Dead Redemption 2
UFOs Make An Appearance In This Outstanding Title
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Beautiful depiction of the American Wild West
- Supernatural entities can be encountered
Red Dead Redemption 2 is, without a doubt, one of the best titles ever released in the history of gaming. Not only does it have many of the elements that have made the Grand Theft Auto franchise so popular, but its American Wild West setting makes for a perfect experience that most players will want to enjoy more than once.
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The game has very interesting mechanics, including weight gain or loss depending on how Arthur is fed. The narrative is also extremely compelling, and players will get to appreciate the beautifully-crafted rendition of 19th-century America in this period, which has inspired a wide berth of content in the media.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Kingdom Of Hyrule Contains Many Interesting Things To Discover
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- One of the greatest games released in the series
- Exploring Hyrule is never boring
While The Legend of Zelda franchise has had many timeless classics, including Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is, arguably, the most complete, complex and largest title that has been released to date, with the exception of Tears of the Kingdom.
As players take on the role of Link, they’ll get to explore the vastness of the Kingdom of Hyrule and discover the various secrets that are awaiting them in the shadows. This, along with the great mechanics present, makes Breath of the Wild an outstanding addition to its series.
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