Summary
Open-world games are typically diverse in their gameplay, often relying on a combination of combat mechanics and dramatic narrative, supported by RPG systems. This isn’t always the case, however, with many games letting the story take a backseat, or even omitting it entirely.
With alack of narrative focus, players are able to spend more time in the meat of the gameplay, enjoying combat mechanics and overcoming increasingly difficult encounters. From sandbox tactics games such asBattle Brothers, to the more typical open-world action ofFar Cry 5, there’s something here for all kinds of open-world fans.
Kenshiis an open-world sandbox RPG set in a harsh and unforgiving world that rewards patience and curiosity in equal measure. In the game, players will spend plenty of time exploring, mining,even base-building. However, the real-time, tactical squad-based combat is also an important cog inKenshi’sdesign.
Combat is, for the most part, unavoidable. This is in large part thanks to the sheer hostility ofKenshi’sworld and its myriad of inhabitants, be they human or otherwise. Players simply must fight at one point or another, and this puts a focus on developing a strong and well-equipped squad capable of defeating large groups of enemies.
Sid Meier’s Piratesis a classic open-world adventure game with a heavyfocus on naval combat. While exploring the wide-open sea is a large part of the game, the real-time naval encounters and unique sword-fighting make for a decidedly combat-heavy game.
Players are also encouraged to seek out combat to plunder enemy ships and build a larger wealth. This creates a satisfying and rewarding loop of exploration and combat, with clear progression as players acquire larger, more powerful ships.
Mount & Blade: Warbandisa sandbox RPGwith an emphasis on deep simulation of warfare and tactical, large-scale battles. Exploration is also a large part of the game, but moving through the land is made strategic thanks to an open overworld map.
However, all roads lead to combat inMount & Blade, and each encounter provides players with a strategic combat puzzle that often requires quick and clever thinking in order to succeed. The game’s world is, unfortunately, quite repetitive, its art-style rudimentary, but the frequently thrilling large-scale battles more than make up for it.
Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Waris an open-world fantasy RPG with fluid and intuitivethird-person action. The game’s slick combat has a tremendously broad appeal, butShadow Of War’sbattles are elevated by a unique and utterly innovative nemesis system.
Shadow Of Waris driven by its combat encounters, featuring individual, randomly generated enemy captains that provide memorable adversaries. This system runs a narrative thread through each combat encounter, making for an ARPG that’s more than a typical hack-and-slash affair.
As an FPS, theFar Cryfranchise is a decidedly combat-focused experience, andFar Cry 5is no different. In the game, players can expect the familiar loop of exploring an expansive open world both on-foot and via a variety of vehicles.
Players can also expect to roam the rural landscapes ofFar Cry 5in constant opposition to aggressive enemies, and they’ll spend most of their time assaulting their camps. Thankfully, the variety of weapons and vehicles gives players plenty of ways to approach these encounters.
Battle Brothersis an open-world sandbox RPG that tasks players with managing a raggedcompany of mercenariesin a harsh and unforgiving low-fantasy world. As the leader of a mercenary company, combat is an inherently large part ofBattle Brothers. Thankfully, the game’s combat system is deeply tactical and supported by detailed RPG systems.
The myriad of perks and stats that players must balance when building each of their characters adds a great deal of depth, and these decisions can have a tremendous impact on combat. Furthermore, the diversity of loot adds an extra layer to preparation. In addition, permanent death and deadly injuries make each battle entirely consequential, making many combat encounters memorable.
Borderlands 2allows players to explore a variety of interconnected regions in pseudo open-world exploration, battling enemies in visceral first-person gunfights. Supported by an evocative setting, stylish presentation, and RPG elements,Borderlands 2is able to offer a well-rounded and action-oriented experience.
Fans of ARPG loot systems and first-person combat alike are most likely to enjoy the unique loop ofBorderlands 2. However, players looking for a more meaningful, fluid open-world may be disappointed.
Elden Ringis an open-world ARPG in whichFromSoftware’s iconic fingerprintsare immediately apparent. From the methodical combat and enigmatic setting, to the myriad of imposing, larger-than-life bosses,Elden Ringis a unique title that blends open-world exploration with frequently challenging combat encounters.
The sense of discovery facilitated by the game’s detailed open-world and mysterious nature certainly plays an important role inElden Ring. However, for many players, the biggest draw will be the satisfaction of overcoming the game’s difficulty and defeating its biggest, baddest bosses.
