The best Open-World games that let you conquer areas

Updated June 22, 2026 by Mark Sammut: I've updated this article with updated games, images, and links.

In the face of oppression, conquest and liberation become interchangeable. At least many open world games seem to think so, as they let players gradually take over the map by conquering one region at a time. Usually the process involves killing hundreds of enemies, clearing outposts, assassinating a leader, and then reaping the rewards of your loot.

In the last decade, the “conquer every area” structure became overused, and its poor implementation often results in dull games that just repeat the same formula over and over. Still, we shouldn't focus solely on the bad examples, as many great open-world games effectively use this process to create addictive gameplay loops that we can return to time and time again.

8

Mafia 3

Lincoln takes over territories and hands them over to one of three underbosses

Unlike the first two games, Mafia 3 involves its fair share of open-ended work where players liberate areas and take over the districts of New Bordeaux. This can get repetitive after a point, and you don't really do anything with the districts, but it ties in nicely with the game's masterful story. Mafia 3 allows players to assign these districts to one of three minions, including the returning Vito Scaletta from Mafia 2.

While these criminals threaten Lincoln that they will leave if they don't get the power they deserve, all players need to do is divide their acquired territory equally to keep all mob bosses happy. If you favor one boss too much, the others will immediately mutiny, turning your former allies into boss fights, making for a fun political system.

7

Assassin's Creed Syndicate

The Frye Twins challenge London's various gangs to take over their territory

With that in mind Assassin's Creed Syndicate set in Victorian London, it's easy to see why Ubisoft found it easy to integrate elements of gang warfare. As the Frye Twins, players lead the Rooks and take over gang territory in London to establish dominance. These missions build towards a climax as they involve completing a series of activities such as Bounty Hunts and Child Liberation, culminating in an all-out gang war against the local leader.

Besides being quite cinematic, Assassin's Creed Syndicate ensuring your resources reflect your growing territory through the growth of your faction. After liberating a neighborhood, the twins can start recruiting new Rooks, and they can then unlock upgrades to improve their performance. While the Ubisoft formula takes some monotony to set in, the process generally works well.

6

Saints Row 2

Conquering the districts of Stilwater is a big part of the game loop

While gamers love the latter's overtly silly and chaotic approach Saints Row games, the second entry generally stands as the top for most people (although I love Saints Row 4s absurdity more than anything). Besides being a cool open world crime game, Saints Row 2 unlocks the story behind “Respect”, earned by taking neighborhoods from rival syndicates. Consequently, “conquering” Stilwater ties directly into the progression of the story, making every step feel meaningful.

Saints Row 2 goes out of its way to show the effects of conquering regions by changing the NPCs that roam the area, turning them from hostile gang members to loyal crew. This may not seem so spectacular in 2026, but it was a nice touch in 2008.

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5

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

CJ leads a one-man assault throughout Los Santos to capture territory for the GSF

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' brilliance is timeless, and one of its absolute highlights is the Gang Warfare mechanic. As CJ, players work to conquer Los Santos, one territory at a time. However, Ballas and Vagos will make sure your success doesn't come easy, forcing you to survive waves of escalating mayhem in an attempt to change that section's color on the minimap.

Although certain events reverse this progress, players eventually return to Los Santos and must take over as many territories as possible to advance the story. It may sound like a hassle, but San Andreas introduces the constant threat of counterattacks, meaning you must defend your territory in what feels like an ongoing war.

4

Far cry 4

Ajay Ghale conquers territories to aid the resistance against pagan Min

While each Far Cry the game has the game loop to take over outposts and reduce enemy influence, Far cry 4 It really feels like players are waging a one man war against Pagan Min to strengthen the resistance. With each victory, players capture territories with their massive firepower to help the opposition gain a foothold in the region. Compared to Far cry 3s focus on just outposts, the fourth entry introduces fortresses ruled by Pagan's lieutenants, who are much harder to take on while their boss is alive.

Unlike other games in the series, where a captured camp is permanently secure, Pagan Min's Royal Army actively launches counterattacks to retake liberated outposts, creating a genuine sense of operating in an unstable country in the midst of a tense power struggle. Until players capture a fortress, a region is not truly theirs.

3

The saboteur

Conquer Paris? No, liberate Paris

Pandemic Studios' incredible final project features perhaps the most visually impressive conquest system in gaming history, though the process isn't extremely unique. Set in grim, Nazi-occupied Paris, you portray an average resistance fighter who decides to change the course of history, involving sabotage, assassination and inspiration. While occupied, the world appears in black-and-white monochrome; but liberation brings color and life to the region.

Like you're not portraying a Rambo-style protagonist running and shooting his way through Paris, The saboteur emphasizing systemic dismantling. You take out sniper turrets, searchlights and AA guns, weakening the area to make conquest possible. The gameplay and quest design are archaic by modern standards, though The saboteur makes conquering Paris very satisfying.

2

Middle-earth: Shadow Of War

Players collect a force and use it to wage war and conquer territories

While Shadow of Mordor played around with the Nemesis system, that's it Shadow of War which expanded the concept to new heights. Players were encouraged to defeat high-ranking members of the orc forces, eventually fighting wars to capture the forts and bring the fight to Sauron. This led to stunning assaults as Talion led his forces to take out waves of orcs in massive battles that were as engaging as they come.

Much positive (and negative) can be said about Shadow of Warbut its Nemesis System really elevates the area's conquest loop to near-legendary heights. Even beyond the personal element presented through defeat, conquering a region means dismantling the orc hierarchy through fear and mind control, all culminating in an incredible final attack.

1

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

The best open world game for players who want to lead armies and conquer territories

The Assembly & Blade the series is perfect for fans who want to play open world games with a focus on conquering territories. Banner Lord is no exception here, with players starting out as a humble adventurer eventually amassing a massive army to wage war for their liege or even themselves.

The emerging playing of Banner Lord combined with its large-scale warfare makes it a great video game for fans to sink their teeth into once they understand the basics of this complex title. Serving under a master is perfect for first-timers to get the hang of the ropes before they decide to fuel bigger ambitions and make the most of the title's engaging system.