Given how regimented AAA game development has become, there may be a shortage of big-budget games in the industry that are weird. This is why players will love any experimental open-world game that tries to be as quirky as possible.
8 Best Open-World Games Where Exploring Freely Is More Rewarding Than The Main Story
These open-world games do offer a main story campaign to complete, but their settings are so immersive that exploration almost always takes priority.
These open-world games are a joy to play because of how delightfully weird they are. It makes for a much-needed change from other games in the genre that feel too similar and blend into each other.
Westerado: Double Barreled
A Unique Western Open-World Game With Immense Replay Value
Westerado: Double Barreled
- Released
- April 16, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Indie Games, Action-Adventure
Players who want to check out a unique indie open-world game that barely takes a few hours to complete and changes the villain of the game every single time will have a great time with Westerado: Double Barreled.
After a mysterious person causes the protagonist's family to die as their home is burned down, they must embark on an investigation to get revenge. A string of missions across many locations will give players the clues they need to nail down a suspect, who must be chased in a dazzling endgame sequence before the title finally draws to a close.
Goat Simulator 3
An Open-World Game That's Weirdness Personified
Goat Simulator 3
- Released
- November 17, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Adventure
Players will love Goat Simulator 3 for being one of the most non-serious open-world games players can get their hands on. Players control a chaotic goat hell-bent on destroying anything and everything in its way as it completes various challenges in the world.
From using jetpacks to latching onto anything with their tongues, there's no shortage of goofy things to do in Goat Simulator 3. Players will love doing the weirdest things possible to get higher scores and understand why players have a soft spot for this meme game.
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
Fans Miss The Time When Ubisoft Developed Such Weird and Humorous Open-World Games
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
- Released
- April 30, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- FPS
A legendary standalone expansion that fans loved when it came out, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon pays homage to classic action tropes and old-school movies while using a unique retro-futuristic art style to make the game look downright surreal.
28 Best Open-World Games With Third-Person Shooter Gameplay, Ranked
Open-world games are inescapable, but which are the best titles that also have third-person shooter gameplay?
This makes for a memorable ride as players control Sergeant Rex "Power" Colt and use the titular Blood Dragon in combat, which just so happens to be a giant mechanical dinosaur that shoots lasers out of its eyes. All of this makes it clear that Blood Dragon is a refreshingly weird game, and it's a shame that Ubisoft never takes such risks anymore.
Deadly Premonition
A Game Inspired By Twin Peaks Was Bound To Be Bizarre
Deadly Premonition
- Released
- February 23, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Deadly Premonition is one of the most divisive open-world games ever made. However, if players love SWERY's quirky game design, then they'll love what this title brings to the table.
Players must solve a murder case in a decidedly weird town with too many quirky residents to name. The weird conversations and surreal moments of this title help it stand out as one of the oddest open-world games players can get their hands on.
Pathologic 2
Personifies The Term "All The World's A Stage"
Pathologic 2
- Released
- May 23, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Violence
Pathologic 2 stages the entire game like an elaborate theatrical play, which should make it clear just how weird this game is. Players must explore a town ravaged by the plague and figure out the reason for this affliction, but this is easier said than done.
Conversations are odd, combat is brutal, and death leads to penalties that make the run even harder. All of this ensures that Pathologic 2 will leave a lasting impression on players if its weirdness strikes a chord with them.
Death Stranding
A Game So Weird That It Alienated Players At Launch
Death Stranding
- Released
- November 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action
Any game where players can relieve themselves outside in the world and cause a mushroom to grow at that spot is bound to be the epitome of weirdness. This is why Death Stranding can be such a wonderfully odd game.
9 Best Sci-Fi Open-World Games
Open-world sci-fi games can be difficult to get right due to just how vast they can be, but these games manage to nail it.
This elaborate walking simulator alienated many fans when it came out, but players have grown attached to Kojima's newest eccentricity. Carrying a baby around in a hostile world where players deliver packages makes for a refreshing experience that is unlike anything fans have experienced in an open-world game.
Saints Row 4
The Most Bizarre Saints Row Game That Takes Place In A Simulation And Gives Players Superpowers
Saints Row 4
- Released
- August 20, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Open-World
Both Saints Row 3 and 4 can win the award for being one of the quirkiest games to ever exist. However, the fact that Saints Row 4 takes place in a simulation after an alien species has taken over the world and lets players use superpowers makes it a very odd title indeed.
Players will love controlling Playa as they team up with other members of the 3rd Street Saints and try to save humanity from the simulations that the Zin have imposed on them. The game is full of its fair share of odd moments that make it a refreshingly weird package that fans will have a great time with.
Disco Elysium
Revels In Its Surreal Weirdness That Forms A Huge Part Of What Makes This Game Special
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
Disco Elysium revels in its weirdness from the very moment players assume control of a half-naked cop who has lost his memories. The fact that his psyches talk to him makes every conversation a fascinating affair as players figure out the best way to move forward in their murder investigation.
As eccentric as Harry may be, he's still enough of a competent detective to convince Kim and the others to rely on him. He eventually recovers his memories, finds the killer, and lets players enjoy a memorable conclusion to one of the greatest open-world RPGs of all time.
8 Best 2D Open-World Games, Ranked
These are some of the best 2d open-world games fans of the subgenre should check out.