For whatever reason, most open world games tend to be RPGs with deep customization options, epic stories, loot and quests. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a classic example, while something similar Cyberpunk 2077 is a more recent example. Then there are open world games that have RPG elements without as many intricately intertwined systems.
The best open world RPGs with deep character builds and total freedom
Play your way with YOUR characters in these open world RPGs.
While they may not be classified as RPGs, they can feel as rich as they are in other ways. So for open world RPG fans who have exhausted all the best games out there, they might want to look at these games, which can scratch similar itches. RPG-like or not, they're just great open-world or sandbox games set in sprawling cities.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Solve puzzles, raise stats
The Zelda the series has been adjacent to RPGs since its first release on the NES. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has dozens of trials that players can go through, and when solved, they will receive Spirit Orbs.
At statues, players can turn four to increase health or stamina, which is a stat-based progression. In addition, players can purchase and upgrade armor sets, with associated bonuses, and weapons litter the world, which are also stat-dependent, although they break easily.
God of War (2018)
That's loot, boy!
The God of war the series has had RPG elements since the beginning as well, thanks to Kratos' absorbing orbs to power up various weapons. In the 2018 reboot, it's more obvious as players can find armor with different stat bonuses, which can then be upgraded.
Kratos can also purchase skills, which will unlock different combat maneuvers to give players more ways to exterminate enemies. The journey is also far beyond the lands of Norse mythology, and of course the best RPGs instill a sense of wonder through campaigns.
Ghost of Tsushima
Become a Samurai/Ninja Legend
Ghost of Tsushima has one of the most fascinating worlds that realistically depicts Japanese lifestyle in the 13th century. As a disgraced samurai seeking revenge for his people, Jin can gain different sets of armor and tools to hold on to his noble samurai instincts, or he can adapt to his new ninja way of striking from the shadows.
The armor set has stat bonuses, and players can learn skills to make Jin tougher with the katana or deadlier from behind. Additionally, the game is full of quests and collectibles for players to fill their time.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Skinning is the game
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
- Released
-
October 29, 2013
Assassin's Creedas a series, would eventually become full RPG with a standard leveling system in 2017 with Assassin's Creed Origins. Before that was one of the most acclaimed contributions Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag 2013, which boasted several RPG elements.
8 Open-World RPGs That Secretly Play Better Without Any Fast Travel
These worlds are so amazing that you will want to embrace them by walking or using some other means of traversal.
The biggest way players could increase the potential of Edward Kenway, the protagonist, was by hunting animals. With specific skins, players can upgrade their armor or how much ammo they can carry with a very basic crafting system. Sailing to new islands and constantly being on the hunt for new animals was a big part of the pirate/assassin adventure.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Gadgets and Skills
Insomniac Games tend to add some sort of RPG element to their games, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is no different. By completing tasks and fighting villains, both Peter and Miles can earn skill points to unlock new combat maneuvers.
Each character can also be given a set of tools to use in battle, which can be upgraded with the right materials. Along with that, there are plenty of quests and collectibles to be found around New York City, most of which can help gain skill points and boost gadgets.
infamous second son
A shard-based economy
infamous second son is another superhero game, although this one was developed by Sucker Punch, who also did Ghost of Tsushima. In this game, set in Seattle, players are a talented protagonist, Delsin, who can gain different superpowers based on who he comes in contact with, which will happen during the course of the campaign.
He starts off with a smoky fire ability, but he gains faster than light potential later on. By exploring Seattle, players can increase the potential of their superpowers through shards, which are the major upgrade system of the game.
Far cry 3
The definition of insanity
Far cry 3 is the game that changed everything for Far Cry series, which gives players more freedom than ever exciting. As players explore the island they are trapped on, they can gain EXP, which in turn will unlock skill points. There are many side activities on the island to conquer, such as taking over bases, which act as major missions.
As a chaotic energy shooter, it might not feel like an RPG at first, but the tropical location is gorgeous, and that sense of reward after unlocking each new skill point will satiate those RPG cravings.
A network of equalization
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain has an interesting gameplay loop as Venom Snake, Big Boss's new code name, can go out to multiple biomes for missions. In these open environments, players can stick to mission objectives, or they can search for soldiers and supplies to send back to Mother Base.
7 Open-World RPGs Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026
Good or bad, these upcoming open-world RPGs will be hotly debated.
With materials and soldiers, players can use them to build up parts of the Mother Base or to make new gear. The more soldiers and materials the players harvest, the bigger the Mother Base will become. So in a way, it's a stealth game where players have to level up their base more than their character, which in turn helps Snake in the long run.
Star Wars Outlaws
Bold choices in a galaxy far, far away
One of the greatest RPGs of all time is also one Star Wars game, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. While Star Wars Outlaws is not a full RPG, it has enough elements to let players live out their days in the criminal underworld of Star Wars universe.
As a villain, Kay, players will try to gain favor with various factions around the core planets they can explore. For example, on the first planet, Toshara, players can gain advantage with the Pyke Syndicate. By standing on a faction, players can unlock new quests and even receive discounts at certain merchants, which can be used to unlock new gear and parts.
Dishonored
Whale oil makes a man
Dishonored takes place in a dystopian steampunk city, where everything thrives on whale oil. It's a valuable currency in lore, but players will use standard coins to unlock upgrades for their protagonist, Corvo.
In addition to his weapons, players can also unlock new supernatural powers for Corvo after completing major tasks. The more powers they have, the easier it will be to carry out murders without being noticed around associations. Blink, for example, can transport players across small gaps as a teleport glitch.
10 PlayStation 4 games that were held back by the hardware
From performance issues to annoying FPS caps, these games on PlayStation 4 have endured their fair share of limitations.
