Summary
- Choices matter and shape the narrative in various ways.
- Complex dialogue trees and faction choices impact the ending.
- Some games have time-limited choices impacting the outcome.
One of the greatest things about open-world games is that they offer a ton of possibilities to players, and they can take place in various settings. While some develop in revolutionary war settings, others opt for more peaceful fantasy environments that focus on discovering the world and meeting NPCs.
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Some developers even go as far as creating open-world games with no main story, relying instead on polished game mechanics to deliver an entertaining experience to players. In any case, it’s undeniable that this genre is vast and will likely keep rolling out the hits for years to come. Here are some of the best open-world games where choices really matter.
7 Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Consequences Stem From Making Various Choices
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
- Released
- October 15, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
- Choices carry considerable weight
- A great title that builds on the RPG mechanics implemented in Origins
Assassin's Creed Odyssey is arguably one of the greatest installments in the franchise. While this and other titles in the series pale in comparison to the perfect Ezio Trilogy, Odyssey manages to deliver a wonderful experience to players and keeps building on the RPG system that was implemented in Assassin's Creed Origins.
Throughout the game, players will have to make various decisions that will ultimately impact several aspects of the game. Although there are other titles with more choices and more serious consequences, those present in this title are interesting, to say the least.
6 Dragon Age: Inquisition
Decision Points Matter A Lot
Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Released
- November 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Players take on the role of The Inquisitor
- There's civil unrest in Thedas
Released in 2014, Dragon Age: Inquisition is probably one of the best installments in the series, if not the best. The story focuses on The Inquisitor, who players can control as they journey to settle the civil unrest on the continent of Thedas and close a mysterious tear in the sky known as “The Breach”.
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While Dragon Age: Inquisition is already a great game in and of itself, using some of the mods that make the game even better can help further improve the experience players have with it.
5 Cyberpunk 2077
Players Can Determine Various Aspects Of The Game, Including Its Ending
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.
Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.
Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.
The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Night City is a beautiful setting for the game
- Choices matter, and they can shape many elements of the story
Few games have managed to portray a futuristic, dystopian society as masterfully as Cyberpunk 2077. Not only does this title have amazing graphics, outstanding combat mechanics and a lot of things to do, including main and side quests given to players by NPCs, but the narrative is also compelling, and players will be invested in V’s fate in no time.
Those who have already completed the game once might want to check out some of the best ways to make their Cyberpunk 2077 playthrough as hard as possible to up the ante. The choices V makes really matter and can even determine the ending.
4 Fallout 4
Dialogue Trees Are Complex, And Siding With Factions Matters
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- The ending is determined by the faction players ultimately decide to side with
- The Boston Commonwealth holds many dangers
The Fallout franchise has always been known for having complex dialogue trees that give players tons of options regarding how they want to treat others. Fallout 4 is not the exception, as it lets players choose pathways that involve violence, intimidation, or pacifism.
There are also various factions spread throughout the Boston Commonwealth that players can choose to side with or fight, and this will greatly determine the ending that they get. All the different endings that result from this are interesting, but, naturally, some are more so than others.
3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Some Choices Are Time-Limited, So Players Must Think Quickly
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Playing Gwent can be great fun
- The Continent and The Skellige Isles are very entertaining to explore
Few games have elevated the literary works they're based on as beautifully as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Taking on the role of Geralt of Rivia, players will get to explore the continent and the Skellige Isles to talk to different NPCs, reunite with friends and face off against dangerous mythical creatures, some of which are based on real-life folklore.
Even when they’re not involved in a fight to the death with some monster, players will find there’s no shortage of things to do, and playing Gwent is a great example. Those interested in playing a few matches will want to check out all the Gwent decks in The Witcher 3 to find the right one for them. This title has 36 different endings, and players' choices will greatly determine which one they get.
2 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Players' Choices Shape The Land Of Skyrim In A Few Ways
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Arguably, the best installment in the franchise
- Tons of build possibilities
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim completely revolutionized what RPGs set in fantasy open-worlds were at its time and elevated the Elder Scrolls franchise to an even higher position than it already had.
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Throughout the game, players’ choices will greatly impact many elements of the land of Skyrim, such as the Jarls that rule in different towns, villages and cities. Another great thing about Skyrim is that it allows for creating various builds that can range from Thief to Battlemage. There are also great weapons to create a Warrior build and decimate enemies with powerful swings of a sword or a greathammer.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur's Final Destination Happens Differently Depending On His Honor Level
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Rockstar Games' Wild West masterpiece
- Outstanding game mechanics and a perfect narrative
While Grand Theft Auto 5 remains the most popular and profitable title for Rockstar Games, it's undeniable that Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a more compelling narrative and is arguably the developer’s best release so far.
Focusing on Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, this game will take players on a wonderful journey in the American Wild West in the last years of the 19th century. While there aren't as many choices in Red Dead Redemption 2 as there are in similar titles, Arthur’s Honor level, which is determined by his behavior over time, will define whether his demise is heroic. If players are interested in hunting, they'll find many animals that are very challenging to take down.
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