Summary
- DRM on platforms like Steam can lead to loss of access to paid games.
- Some titles on Steam can be launched without the platform.
- Open-world games like Subnautica offer immersive experiences independent of Steam's servers.
When buying a game on a platform like Steam, it is normally assumed that the game is now owned and can never be taken away. However, this isn't always the case, as many games come with DRM, requiring Steam to be open in order to verify the ownership of the game. This means that if the Steam servers go down or the consumer's account is restricted, or some other issue occurs, the entire library can be lost despite being paid for in full.
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While the main intention of DRM is to help combat piracy, it can be a serious inconvenience for legitimate consumers and has spurred plenty of controversy regarding developers' decisions to have it in their games.
Steam does offer its own DRM system that is widely used throughout the platform, but some titles on the platform can technically be played without the use of Steam. These titles can be launched directly from the source file, with no need to open the client or have it open in the background. And, when the connection goes out or another issue arises, it is nice to have some large, expansive gaming experiences to become immersed in, without the constraint of the Steam servers preventing the player from enjoying some of the best open-world games the world has to offer.
8 Mafia
A Real Blast From The Past
Mafia
- Released
- August 28, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Crime, Open-World, Action
Open-world games that take place in the real world have been a staple in gaming for decades now, and despite getting better and better as time has gone on, even the older classics stand up today and offer some of the greatest narratives and engaging worlds out there. The original Mafia feels way ahead of its time in terms of narrative cohesion and layered gameplay mechanics, such as police systems and damage physics, that are now staple inclusions in most modern titles like GTA.
The historical inspiration, the flavorful characters, and the level of detail in every inch of the city — for a game from 2002 — have some serious depth and gives many hours of pleasure, all without needing Steam running in the background. It could be argued that the graphics and the general feel of the game are dated, but with such an engaging storyline and so much to explore and uncover, the city of Lost Heaven just keeps on giving with each subsequent session and will keep players hooked to their seats right until the very end.
7 Project Zomboid
Survival Against All Odds
Project Zomboid
- Released
- November 8, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- The Indie Stone
- Publisher(s)
- The Indie Stone
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- PC
Sometimes, it's nice to swap out the first-person shooting and sword-swinging battles for some intense zombie-filled action from a whole new perspective. Project Zomboid has been infecting players for over a decade with its punishing yet rewarding progression and hugely replayable survival gameplay that keeps players on their toes at every moment. While the multiplayer is incredibly enjoyable and can lead to some tense interactions with other players, the game is perfect as a solo experience — and one that players can enjoy outside the confines of the Steam network.
Part of what makes the game so enjoyable is the emphasis placed on realism. Whether it be light, sound, or real-time physics, every element of the world feels real, and as a result, each and every action must be taken with caution and care to avoid instant death from the horde. With no help on the way, players need to adapt each day to the oncoming threats and potential dangers waiting around each corner, and though it is nice to hop in with a group of friends, being able to play offline and alone is more than enough enjoyment to warrant picking the game up for players looking to explore an open world full of hungry undead.
6 Subnautica
Thalassophobia Overload
Subnautica
- Released
- January 23, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Gearbox Publishing
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
When it comes to open-world survival games that test the player's skills and sanity, few games come close to the world of Subnautica. Compared to other contemporary titles, having the majority of the game set in an expansive underwater world full of marvel and mystery gives the game a unique feel in the genre and offers its own set of game-specific challenges that the player has to adjust to and overcome. Combat takes a backseat in place of smart decision-making and good resource management, as each adventure out into the deep can lead to riches or death in a matter of moments.
Each step of progression feels so meaningful and impactful on the gameplay, as early on, the player will have nothing but the suit on their back and will have to search for resources and minerals in order to have any chance at survival. It can feel rather daunting entering a very open, watery world, but after a while, it becomes second nature, and it is certainly one to consider for players looking to scratch the survival itch, alongside a bit of horror mixed in between.
5 Hollow Knight
Metroidvania At Its Finest
Hollow Knight
- Released
- February 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team Cherry
- Publisher(s)
- Team Cherry
- Genre(s)
- Metroidvania
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
If Metroidvania could be summed up by a single game, then Hollow Knight is the clear winner. Taking every element that makes a good game in the genre and adding an expansive and mysterious open world, it really is the pinnacle of what a Metroidvania should strive to be. There is so much to love, from the unique and beautiful artstyle to the heart-racing boss battles that push the player to their absolute limit. Every aspect feels hand-crafted with love and care, and the end product is hard to compare to as it feels so far above everything else in its class.
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There are some fair criticisms of the game, however, such as the slightly awkward map traversal that takes some getting used to and the lack of clear mapping, which makes discovering new areas troublesome at times. But outside those small gripes, the rest of the game is near perfection and is a great title to play without the fear of it being taken away or being beholden to the Steam service.
4 Far Cry 2
Exploit Their Weakness
Far Cry 2
- Released
- October 21, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Open-World
A hidden gem in the franchise and one that is well worth visiting for fans of the franchise, Far Cry 2 has all the DNA of the critically acclaimed later games, with a slightly more rustic feel and a beautiful African landscape to explore and admire. The formula is very much the same, where the player is tasked with taking out various enemy camps in a war-torn region, using a range of powerful firearms and strategically eliminating all the hostile forces from the area.
It is as much about strategy as it is action, with each mission feeling like a tactical masterclass as the player cannot simply run in, guns blazing, and will have to use all the tools at their disposal to make their way through the long list of quests and side-missions. A big aspect of what makes the game so great is the advanced AI that doesn't run on scripted behaviors; rather, enemies will behave differently based on certain factors such as the player's reputation, which makes the world feel even more alive and vibrant and keeps combat feeling rewarding and challenging on every encounter.
3 The Witcher 3
Fancy A Game Of Gwent?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The open-world RPG and the Witcher series practically go hand in hand, and the third installment shatters all expectations and ceilings for what an RPG can and should be and delivers one of the most comprehensive and amazing gaming experiences out there. Iconic is an understatement when looking at the characters, each having a complex backstory and a tale to tell, and the game invites the player to pay close attention to each piece of dialogue so as not to miss any important details or things of note.
It can take a bit of time to get into the game, as there is a lot to learn, and it certainly offers a slightly different feel to some other classic RPG titles like Skyrim, but the ability to load in whenever the player chooses and pick up the gripping story at any point delivers a wonderful level of freedom to enjoy the narrative and gameplay with no worries at all. Few games have come close to replicating or surpassing the quality and grandeur of The Witcher 3, and only time will tell if the sequel will live up to the name or supersede it as the king of the series.
2 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
As Real As It Gets
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Released
- February 13, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Offering knights in shining armor, civilians to aid, and a world to discover, Kingdom Come: Deliverance gives players possibly the most realistic medieval gaming experience to date — and so much more. The world really is an oyster just waiting to be opened up and explored, and every single encounter, village, and NPC that is met along the way all feel as close to reality as possible. Choices don't just matter; they literally shape the entire narrative and the fates of many good and bad characters that the player can choose to support and save or slay and conquer.
The narrative that goes along with the setting is just as gripping as the world it takes place in, forcing more than a few gasps and tears and offering an experience unlike any other. The majesty of some of the areas is hard to describe. Across the landscape, the player will discover towering castles filled with historical accuracy and sprawling hills full of towns and quests to uncover. Every session feels like a real adventure, and no two are completely alike, as each and every action that is taken has serious consequences on how the world interacts with the player — and how their story will end.
1 Cyberpunk 2077
The Future Never Looked So Good
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
CD Projekt Red and amazing games are pretty synonymous, and after several medieval-themed titles, the departure into Night City was a welcome change. Though Cyberpunk 2077 may have had a rocky start due to bugs and performance issues, it now stands today as one of the best open-world experiences around, letting players make so many decisions based on how they want to engage with the world, the kind of playstyle they want to embody, and the outcomes of NPC questlines that can end in a variety of interesting and surprising ways.
Customization is king, and when the player can physically augment their characters' cybernetic abilities, the combat offers more than a simple shooting experience and can be tailored to precisely the tastes of the player in every way imaginable. It is the perfect game to get immersed in without the need for online connections or restrictions placed on the player's ability to load up the game, and with so many options and paths that can be taken, it will take more than a few playthroughs to experience everything the game has to offer.
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