Summary
- Unique open-world genre hybrids offer creative gameplay experiences for players to delve into.
- Games like Caves of Qud, STALKER 2, and Death Stranding combine different genres for engaging mechanics.
- From survival horror to mystery puzzle games, the mix of open-world elements creates memorable gameplay moments.
Nowadays, it's not enough for developers to drop players in a massive sandbox with a single combat loop to spice things up. Different genres in gaming have better synergy than fans would think, allowing for some creative open-world games that combine the best of two worlds for a scintillating combination.
From open-world roguelikes to unique puzzle games that use a sandbox to keep fans engaged, there's no shortage of creative open-world genre hybrids for players to sink their teeth into. If the experiment clicks, then gamers can easily spend a ton of time in these titles as the mechanics resonate with them.
Best Open-World Games Where The Story Unfolds At Your Pace
These excellent open-world games give players the space to explore, allowing the story to unfold at their own pace.
8 Caves Of Qud
The Roguelike Elements Make Every Playthrough Feel Different
Caves Of Qud
- Released
- July 15, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, RPG
Caves of Qud is not a game for impatient players. This roguelike will test players from the moment they are unceremoniously dumped into a procedurally-generated world where a single mistake can be costly. Players must be patient and learn from each death before making substantial progress in a playthrough where everything clicks. Even then, endgame challenges can be a nightmare, forcing players to be cautious and only engage in combat encounters when they're unavoidable.
7 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chornobyl
The Survival Horror Elements Make Every Moment Stressful & Rewarding
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
- Released
- November 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter, Open-World, Post-Apocalyptic, Survival
Players who want to check out a tantalizing combination of the open-world and survival horror genre should give S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 a shot. Despite some bugs, Heart of Chornobyl is a memorable and rewarding experience that modernizes S.T.A.LK.E.R.'S gameplay in many ways. Exploration is tense, as players only loot the things they need instead of encumbering themselves. In combat, players must shy away from taking any kind of damage, since the last thing they want is to incur a wound that requires treatment.
6 Death Stranding
A Walking Simulator With Elements Of Stealth And Action
Death Stranding
- Released
- November 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action
Death Stranding puzzled many people when it came out, with fans finding the idea of delivering packages to be somewhat boring. It seemed like Kojima had finally released a dud after decades of excellence, only for people to slowly realize that Death Stranding was a game ahead of its time.
8 Open-World Games With The Scariest Encounters, Ranked
Not all open-world games guarantee a player's safety. Here are some examples that feature incredibly scary encounters.
The walking simulator gameplay is actually quite entertaining as players try to move from point A to point B without losing precious cargo. Players can also engage with combat and stealth elements if they wish, and the bizarre story will keep fans wanting more.
5 Sunless Skies
A Horror Game Where Players Explore The Skies
Sunless Skies
- Released
- January 31, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Blood, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
Players who want an atmospheric gothic horror game with a focus on storytelling will love what Sunless Skies brings to the table. Exploring in an airship, fighting nightmarish enemies, and experiencing the stories told in different ports never ceases to be engaging.
The focus on exploration is enhanced by the game's many hub worlds, which hide tougher and more memorable content. Eventually, the game's exploration will become a treat that fans can't get enough of, hammering in the allure of Sunless Skies and why it's a massive improvement over its predecessor.
4 Octopath Traveler 2
Combines Classic JRPG & Sandbox Elements
Octopath Traveler 2
- Released
- February 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated T for Teen for Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco.
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Octopath Traveler 2 is decidedly more open-ended than its predecessor, with the narratives being less regimented. This means that players can explore various corners of the world and still make meaningful progress, although they must get ready to deal with harder enemies in random encounters.
The day-night cycle, coupled with optional dungeons, makes this world more lively compared to the first game. It's an ingenious implementation of an open world in a JRPG and adds to Octopath Traveler 2's allure.
3 Outer Wilds
A Combination Of Puzzle & Sandbox Elements
Outer Wilds
- Released
- May 28, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Players who love meaningful puzzle games with deceptively simple yet satisfying solutions will have a blast playing Outer Wilds. This intergalactic adventure features a compelling story where players must solve the mystery of the 22-minute time loop that is affecting the universe.
8 Best Open-World Games Where The Main Story Is Not The Priority, Ranked
Following a main narrative is always exciting, but while these games provide that option, they encourage players to explore and chart their own path.
The mysteries at the heart of this game are organic and compel players to explore each planet and figure out what they must do. Puzzle-solving goes hand-in-hand with free-form exploration, rewarding players for acquiring the knowledge they need to overcome a roadblock standing in their way somewhere else.
2 Disco Elysium
A Story-Driven CRPG In The Open Setting Of Revachol
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The setting of Revachol and its outskirts makes for a small yet engaging sandbox that elevates Disco Elysium to new heights. Players must solve a lynching case, only to be embroiled in something else altogether. The protagonist's inner demons and the complexities of the world make for a narrative cocktail that is simply irresistible.
It's one of the few CRPGs to do justice to an open world. Disco Elysium's quality writing, build variety, and branching paths ensure that players will be clocking in multiple playthroughs to see everything this narrative RPG has to offer.
1 Fallout: New Vegas
One Of The Best Combinations Of Open-World & RPG Elements
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
One of the greatest open-world RPGs of all time, Fallout: New Vegas' legacy speaks for itself. While its exploration may be similar to Bethesda games, what sets Obsidian's magnum opus apart is the deft integration of meaningful role-playing choices that make every playthrough feel different and engaging in its own way.
Players will love role-playing their version of the Courier and heading to New Vegas to get revenge on Benny, only to find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy to take over control of this city. Depending on the choices players make, the narrative in Fallout: New Vegas can see major twists and turns that enhance its memorability and make it one of the best open-world RPGs for fans to get lost in.