Open-world games offer an incredible array of things to do, like exploring deep worldbuilding, defeating powerful bosses, uncovering lost secrets, and finding powerful weapons to destroy hordes of enemies. Some belong to the fantasy genre, while others typically fall into sci-fi and action settings. But, most of them have a combat system that includes many great weapons to try.
From a sword crafted for a chosen one to a trash-spitting machine gun cannon that allows players to kill monsters using junk, these weapons make their open-world games must-plays for anyone who loves compelling weaponry that simply feels magical to wield.
5 Dragon's Dogma 2
A Fantasy Arsenal Of The Strongest Weapons Ever Seen In An Action Game
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Publisher(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Dragon's Dogma 2 has done a lot of work to improve its predecessor's already great qualities, especially regarding its combat and weapon systems. The result is impeccable, and every player that dives into the lands of Vermund and Battahl soon come across a great deal of fantastical weaponry — alongside devastating Vocation skills — to wield against all manner of monsters. The Magick Archer's magick bow especially feels incredible, delivering spectacular barrages of arcane destruction.
Later in the adventure, players will come across the Dragonforged, a mysterious former Arisen from another world, who will provide them with Dragon Forged weapons: the finest instruments of death they'll be able to find in this game. Capcom has done great work creating hundreds of equipment pieces for players to try the best compositions, but these are the best of the best — and plus, they look awesome. Totally worth playing just to get one of those and slay dragons like a boss.
4 Fable: The Lost Chapters
If You Want To Draw The Sword From The Stone
Fable: The Lost Chapters
- Released
- September 20, 2005
- Developer(s)
- Lionhead Studios, Big Blue Box Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios, Feral Interactive
- Franchise
- Fable
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
When talking about the greatest weapons ever crafted in an open-world game, Fable: The Lost Chapters has loads of them. From warhammers to longbows, there are many legendary weapons ready to be picked by chosen heroes (or heinous villains) and used in their quest for power. From the Singing Blade to the powerful Avo's Tear, all of Fable's weapons are worthy of legend — and they have their own distinct lore as well.
All these incredibly well-designed weapons could probably make a return in the upcoming Fable game. The reboot of the franchise is set to hit the stores at an undisclosed date in 2025, so players will have to wait some time until we know for sure if the game is going to keep on the tradition of creating the coolest weapons.
3 Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Plunder, Loot, And Try The Best Combo Of Weapons
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Released
- November 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Platform(s)
- Stadia, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
For players who always dreamed of swinging a Viking axe, Assassin's Creed Valhalla has what they need to scratch that itch. From its incredibly well-designed combat animations to its flexible battle system that allows you to wield even two halberds. Valhalla is as brutal as it is fun to play, and the best thing is that you have hundreds of weapons to loot and plunder.
Even the legendary Thor's Hammer can be acquired at some point in the game, and it comes with a number of mythical qualities. But, perhaps what's more appealing about wielding those legendary weapons is how well they combine with the armor that Eivor gets to wear as he ravages the British lands, searching for answers — and loot, of course.
2 Borderlands 3
Bring Enemies Down With Acid And Other Gooey Things
Borderlands 3
- Released
- September 13, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Gearbox Software
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Borderlands 3 is the pinnacle of the looter shooter franchise, with hundreds of weapons at the players' disposal and dozens of locations to plunder as you seek out the craziest weapons the galaxy has ever seen — from a mucus shooter that spits clouds of acid and melts your opponents into a pool of green goo, to a rocket launcher machine gun that can mow down even the heaviest of foes in a matter of seconds.
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But, the other great thing about the Borderlands franchise is that every weapon manufacturer has its own characteristics and lore, and that is awesome. Maliwan deals in elemental weapons, mostly SMGs and rapid-fire blasters. Torgue manufactures shotguns, explosive weapons, and ordnance. Vladoff deals with classic weapons such as automatic rifles and gatling guns. Dahl prioritizes precision weapons and accuracy. The Atlas brand is synonymous with firepower and reliability, with the repeater pistol being its flagship product. Jakobs creates classic Western-style weapons, such as revolvers and action lever rifles. And then there's Hyperion, who focuses on high-tech weapons that crush energy shields. Of course, there are also Eridian weapons, crafted by the ancient civilization, and those are as unpredictable as they are powerful — every Vault Hunter's dream.
1 Fallout 4
A Wide Array Of Makeshift And Crazy Science Weapons
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Franchise
- Fallout
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
The Fallout series' signature gimmick is that of its wacky and dystopian weapons that integrate seamlessly with its worldbuilding and scenario design. Players walking the Fallout 4 wastelands might find a lot of incredible tools of destruction, from makeshift tube rifles to the almighty Fat-Man, which launches mini Nukes at unsuspecting enemies from afar. Careful though, as some of these weapons are not infallible and can turn against you — especially those powered by nuclear ammunition.
Perhaps the most curious and fun-to-play weapon of all Fallout 4's arsenal is the Junk Jet, an aberration made by a crazy scientist who was addicted to so many substances that his HR department had a hard time trying to write down the list. Ultimately, this curious machine falls in the hands of the Vault Dweller, and can propel every piece of junk you find in the Wastelands as powerful cannonballs that can obliterate even the strongest of Supermutants. It is absolutely mind-boggling to see the arm of a doll crushing the skull of a Yaoguai, or a Basketball knocking down a cannibal Raider. The wonders of science!
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