Open world game is synonymous with exploration, because otherwise, what's the point of having an expansive map? Titles like Breath of the Wild, Subnautica, Outer Wilds, Ghost of Yotei, The Witcher 3, Fire Ring, Nioh 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 5and many more encourage players to go off the beaten path, rewarding them with side quests, new loot, or even an optional boss fight. These games represent open world design at its best… but there are exceptions.
For one reason or another, some open-world games buck this trend and either de-prioritize exploration or remove it outright. Crucially, this decision pays off in most of these cases, as the linearity of the campaign allows for arguably stronger and more consistent storytelling. Let's highlight the best open world games that don't want you to explore.
Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.
Start
Rearrange the cases in the correct US release order.
Light (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
8
Getaway
One of the most realistic games on PS2
Getaway feels like Guy Ritchie: The Video Game. The fast-talking characters and even faster action feel right at home among them Lock, stock and two smoking barrels or Jerk. The game's 24 missions take place in a fully realized open-world London, and quite a few of them require players to travel through the open world. Getaway made every effort to create the most immersive experience possible, including eliminating the user interface and using realistic cues for directions.
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Those main quests can wait! Players can take their time and enjoy the sights and sounds of these excellent open world games on their own.
The game doesn't allow players to freely roam its streets until they've beaten the story, and it's pretty linear up until that point. There are free moments during the campaign where players can drive around freely if they want before going to the next objective, but there is nothing of interest to do or see.
7
Assassin's Creed
Before the series committed to the open world format
All the more modern Assassin's Creed games expand on the open-world concept with so much content that playtime can often exceed 50 hours, at least if someone aims to do almost everything. However, this was not always the case. The debut entry is all about tracking down a target, eliminating them and moving on to the next one. With each murder, more of the story is revealed until the game ends.
There is a type of collectible to look for, but it does nothing except give Xbox players an achievement, which Assassin's Creed was released before trophies were introduced on the PS3. Nowadays, the original game can be a bit hard to watch again, and most people suggest starting with Assassin's Creed 2 instead. Yet the campaign has an almost refreshing simplicity.
6
Red Faction: Guerrilla
A Playground of Destruction
The third Red Faction The game did away with the linear first-person shooter structure of the first two titles, opting instead to take place in an open Martian environment. Although this was a major and potentially divisive change, Guerrilla managed to connect to its origins through the story and dedication to destructible environments.
There are objectives and side missions off the beaten track, but everything is laid out for players in menus. There is nothing to be gained from running around the environment looking for secrets; that said, the side quests are still a lot of fun because they involve creatively destroying buildings.
5
Far cry 2
The predecessor to Ubisoft Open-World Formula
The first one Far Cry is a precursor to Crysis with open battle arenas, while Far cry 2 was the series' first step into true open-world territory. It's not Ubisoft's formula that players took away Far cry 3however; instead, Far cry 2s world is still limited and is best enjoyed by moving from mission to mission without scrambling in between.
There are safe houses to conquer, but the process isn't as engaging as later Far Cry game, and it doesn't feel very worthwhile either. While not the most beloved entry in the series, Far cry 2 introduced many elements and systems that would go on to influence its sequels.
4
The godfather
Relive the classic movie in an open world game
The Godfather: The Game
- Released
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March 21, 2006
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, intense violence, strong language, suggestive themes
- Developer
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EA Redwood Shores, Headgate Studios, Page 44 Studios
This adaptation of the legendary 1972 film, which came out all the way back in 2006, is one of those games that sounds like it shouldn't be real, but it's a surprisingly solid alternative to the source material. Although nothing special by current standards, The godfather was a respectable attempt at open world in the mid-2000s, and it manages to find a unique identity rather than just being GTA with licensed skin.
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Grand Theft Auto is a game series that did a lot to promote the adoption of open world maps, which these other titles used as inspiration.
The map isn't complex enough to encourage free exploration of its hidden parts, and the world isn't reactive enough to make progress as Grand Theft Auto entertaining. The bonus content consists of simple side missions related to organized crime, such as blackmail and taking over rackets controlled by other families, and makes sense within the context of the overall story.
3
The mafia
The antithesis of Grand Theft Auto's Liberty City
The first one The mafia the game feels like anti-Great Auto theft. It creates a grounded 1930s setting for its serious tale of organized crime, and even minor traffic offenses draw the attention of the police, unlike the reckless speed allowed in the Rockstar series. This is what The mafia is about versus the spectacle of other open-world titles — the world strives to feel real and alive in. A free-roam mode is available with some diversions, but it's a bonus and not a main feature of the experience.
While Mafia 3 would implement a full-blown open world, the first two games (and their remakes, which are quite different) mostly use their cities as set dressing that adds atmosphere and immersion. Players still go through a specific story rather than creating their own chaos in a sandbox.
2
Shadow Of The Colossus
An artful open world experience
The spiritual successor to Ico is built around a simple game loop; follow the waypoint given by the protagonist's sword and kill the beast at the destination. The game takes place in a barren open-world landscape, but it's not meant to be freely explored like, say, Breath of the Wild. No, players are expected to go towards the next colossus without deviation.
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Open-world games are almost always loaded with optional content, but these games—for better or for worse—give players almost no reason to explore.
In addition to the main objective, there are lizards that players can hunt to increase their grip strength and health, and an Easter egg at the top of a high spot on the map. Filling the map with little secrets and hints of life would go against everything Shadow of the Colossuss design aims to. There is a certain sadness behind the idea of players potentially killing the last living creatures in the land.
The most flexible game in the series
The fifth numbered entry in this legendary stealth-action series went open-world, but it wasn't to be Metal Gear if only it stuck to the formula used by other franchisees. Instead of exploring a map, players still return to a hub after each mission and jump back into the world by choosing a new operation. They are usually released minutes from the next base, so they must travel across the barren wasteland until they reach that point. Players can enter the open world maps, Afghanistan and Africa, without a mission, but there isn't much to do other than gather troops and supplies.
The open world structure is more about giving players the freedom to approach missions in any way they want instead of hiding secrets and easter eggs in the environment. At times, Metal Gear Solid 5s massive map may feel a bit pointless, but it also makes perfect sense that Venom Snake wouldn't waste time exploring when he has a job to complete.
Longest Open-World Game
Even the most sophisticated player will be confused by the sheer scale of these games. These are the open world games that take the longest to beat.
