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Open-world games are the cornerstone of modern-day gaming. In the past decades, triple-A open-ended titles have introduced expansive maps for players to explore freely. Sadly, some developers have confused freedom with boredom, providing little more than shallow interactions with bland NPCs and repetitive quests in a dull environment.
When done right, however, the best open-world games offer freedom to do everything and anything, even wandering around the map to soak up the sights – all without getting bogged down by endless cutscenes and tedious missions. If you’re the type of gamer who loves sinking hours on a single game, here are some open-world entries to quench your thirst for immersive content where freedom is more than just another marketing ploy.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring’s map is so gigantic it can be overwhelming, but you can explore half of it without fighting any boss. As challenging as it can get, this epic action RPG by soulslike master FromSoftware gives you complete freedom over how you interact with the world. And what a breathtaking world it is. The Lands Between exude an enigmatic charm that deepens as you venture through its vast regions, dispelling any open-world fatigue that comes with repetitive side tasks that feel like chores more than actual fun.
From mystical altars illuminated by moonlight to ancient floating cities, each area oozes beauty. Besides, the obligatory tutorial in the early game is both short-lived and skippable. You can grasp the game mechanics organically as you roam around the map, delving into the world’s lore at your own pace with every item description you come across.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Set in the early 15th century, Kingdom Come: Deliverance immerses you into the heart of Europe with unparalleled commitment to historical accuracy. This impressively detailed open-world title stands out in the realm of medieval RPGs, not the least because it relies on authentic combat techniques and weaponry.
If you’re into melee combat and stealth, you will love bumping into bandit camps to loot – at least once your character can hold a piece of iron. You will appreciate travelling around the bohemian countryside just the same, as each area is handcrafted and has a unique feel. You can explore a lot and do many side activities without the game ever feeling grindy. Plus, random events may happen on the way, breathing life and variety into its realistic environment.
Cyberpunk 2077
Plagued by issues and bugs, Cyberpunk 2077 suffered from a poor reputation upon its release. The launch of the Phantom Liberty DLC reinvigorated this dystopian adventure. The smashing success of Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime further cemented the renaissance of Cyberpunk 2077, which experienced a spike in returning players and newcomers as a side effect.
Night City has never been this packed, and there is something about Cyberpunk’s sprawling metropolis that captivates the mind. The city’s depth and verticality, along with the astonishing diversity of its seven districts, make exploration incredibly rewarding as every nook and cranny feels vibrant – even if somewhat filthy and decaying. Gameplay-wise, this sci-fi title lets you explore big chunks of its colossal map with little limitation. You also have free rein over your character development.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth gives players loads of freedom. Whether it be shopping around or dropping the main storyline to manage an island resort designed as an Animal Crossing parody, you can do anything you want in this Hawaiian adventure. Expanding beyond Japan for the first time, this JRPG features a massive open-world map that never feels empty or lifeless. The streets of Honolulu and Yokohama are full of fun activities, ranging from over-the-top Pokémon-like battles to Crazy Taxi-like deliveries and gambling-related games.
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If you value quality over quantity, you may find some open-world games disappointing. Without engaging or innovative mechanics to back them up, many open-ended environments feel like overkill with their massive yet vapid maps. Even so, the titles above manage to beckon exploration in a way that feels meaningful and rewarding.
