When it comes to open world video games, I don’t really like having my hand held. I don’t want to be told where exactly to go, or what to do. At least, I don’t want to have to do that the entire time. Give me the chance to completely wander off the beaten path. Maybe it leads me to some awesome loot, or maybe it leads me to a dragon that bites my head off. The fun part is not knowing exactly what’s waiting for me around the next corner.
Here then, are five video games that you can get well and truly lost in. There are plenty of amazing open-world games not on this list, but these are the kinds of open world games that, even years after releasing, are still full of surprises and worth revisiting just to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Of course, if you don’t agree with my picks, I’d love for you to sound off in the comments and let me know how wrong I am.
5
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Up, down, flying around
Why go for Tears of the Kingdom over Breath of the Wild? It’s pretty simple, really: there’s more of it. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom brings us back to the Hyrule we got to know in 2017’s Breath of the Wild, but includes tons of new areas to explore. The sky is littered with islands big and small, while deep beneath Hyrule is a terrifying cavernous void not unlike the Upside-Down from Stranger Things. Then there’s Hyrule itself, which is now filled with caves and wells that lead to all manner of unexpected surprises.
Exploring in Tears of the Kingdom is a treat, especially since you can get around pretty much however you want. Link’s ability to build pretty much anything he wants means you can soar through the sky on a hoverbike, explore the depths in a hefty tank, or even just kick it old school and take in the scenery on horseback. I’ve put hundreds of hours into this game, and I still don’t feel like I’ve seen everything it has to offer.
4
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Greece is the word
Out of all the games on this list, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is the most formulaic of the bunch. But what it lacks in inventiveness it makes up for in sheer scope. Now, I would be the first to admit that bigger doesn’t always mean better, and I wouldn’t even disagree with you if you were to say Assassin’s Creed Odyssey‘s map of Ancient Greece is too big. But there’s a real joy in sailing between islands and discovering new dangers, especially if you’ve just watched Christopher Nolan’s take on The Odyssey.
3
Elden Ring
A walk in the dark
Some of the games on this list are good to load up and explore if you want to relax a little. Elden Ring is not one of those games. As you explore The Lands Between, you must remain constantly locked in and alert to any danger. This world hates you and wants you dead. You might find a dungeon filled with death traps, only to finally get to the bottom and discover an ancient tree demon waiting to eviscerate you. Perhaps you’ll find a treasure chest that transports you to an area filled with monstrously strong foes that turn you into a kebab. Maybe you’ll wander into the path of a sleeping dragon and get cooked alive. There are so, so many ways to die in Elden Ring, but the beauty of it is in exploring and, slowly, learning to piece together the world and defeat the monsters that walk it.
2
Red Dead Redemption 2
He’s a good boah
In terms of sheer beauty and detail, nothing else on this list comes close to Red Dead Redemption 2. Eight years later, this Rockstar Games masterpiece remains one of the most stunning video games ever made, a complete feast for the eyes. Even if we remove the game’s excellent story and performances from the equation, simply existing in this world is phenomenal.
Stepping into the dusty boots of Arthur Morgan (and nobody else because we all know the game ends before Micah gets busted out of jail) is as exciting today as it was in 2018. It’s a world that feels truly alive, in large part thanks to the many random encounters scattered across the world. You could have put hundreds of hours into this game and still be surprised on the next playthrough.
1
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Wind’s howling
From the bustling streets of Novigrad to the wide-open moors and seas of Skellige, The Witcher 3‘s open world is staggering in its scope. A world filled with quests, monsters, dungeons, secrets, and treasure, it’s almost overwhelming. Hell, try getting from one location to your quest marker without being distracted by at least five or six question marks on the map along the way. You might run into a powerful beast, or a cave filled with loot and rare gear. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find someone to play Gwent with you.
The Witcher 3 is a game I’ve put a genuinely alarming amount of time into, and I still get excited at the thought of replaying it again. The fact we’re getting new DLC next year is more exciting than I have words for.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
