Games without an open world that still give you total freedom

Open-world games obviously have more open design choices, while the rest of the video game genres can be considered games without open world. That said, the following games have exploration options comparable to open world games, whether in a sandbox or an interactive world map.

Although smaller in scope, these games still have many options that give players a nice sense of freedom while playing, perhaps even more so than true open-world games. This can include anything from dialogue options to city building segments. For anyone looking for a smaller adventure with a lot to do, these are the games to check out.

Baldur's Gate 3

Nothing but choice

Baldur's Gate 3 is the ultimate example of a game that offers a wealth of content up front, as each chapter gives players a huge environment to explore on their own, albeit from an isometric perspective. Players can create their character, including their appearance, race and class.

As they travel, they'll meet various party members and decide who to include in the game's complex tactical battles, who to sidestep, and who to start romances with. Best of all, their story choices will make each playthrough unique. It's a game well worth visiting, as the choices and variety of outcomes in every respect is absolutely mind boggling to a Dungeons & Dragons video game.

Mass effect

The galaxy is yours

Mass effect feels huge, as players can explore different planets, although they are usually limited to one location, and some moons can be explored via a buggy called the Mako. Still, the variety and optional content will make players feel like they're truly exploring the galaxy with their party. Players can customize their character and choose a class in this RPG as well, but their race will always be human.

There are dialogue choices that can offer good and bad decisions, which will affect character relationships, including romances, and in some larger cases, the story. Players can choose who to take on their missions, and they can give orders during battle, as the game is technically a team-based cover shooter with an RPG tone.

Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Reclaim your honor

Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom features a world map to explore between large dungeons and town locations, just like old RPGs from the SNES and PS1 days. In combat, everything is played out in real-time, making for fast-paced battles provided players have a good handle on the controls. Also on the world map, players can fight RTS-style battles to recapture stolen territories.

The story follows Evan, a young prince who lost his kingdom. While fighting to reclaim it, players can build a new castle and accompanying town for Evan and his companions, and managing properties can earn players various bonuses.

Monster Hunter World

Hunt or be hunted

Monster Hunter Worlddespite the name, is not an open world experience, but it does away with the segmented zones of its predecessor Monster Hunter game, making hunting and exploration more fun for everyone. At the beginning, players can create their character and their Palico cat companion, and then further customize their equipment loadout by crafting after a successful hunting mission using the materials they acquired.

There are no fixed classes, but weapons act as class-like constructs, from wielding a bow to a giant sword. Hunts are best played with three others online for greater success, as these beasts present problems even with the largest set of gear available in this action RPG.

Dave The Diver

Become the best sushi chef

Dave the diver is a mishmash of genres, one that many players have found soothing as an indie game. The titular Dave is hired to help run a sushi restaurant. Dave is in charge of orders and drinks while his chef prepares the food during dinner, and in this segment players must make sure all their guests are happy.

The main crux of the game is deep sea diving, where players must actually catch the fish they serve at the restaurant. Earning money helps unlock new gear to catch fish in different ways. The entire game loop is a masterclass in how a small game can turn into something deeply fun when the right development team gets to stretch their creative legs.

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels Of The Starry Sky

Party up

Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Sky is a big change for the series, as it was the first main line Dragon Quest games to be released on a portable console, the DS. It allows players to customize their character initially, and then after the tutorial area, players can create their party with up to three more characters.

A class system is also unlocked, called Vocations, and players can create powerful parties by mastering Vocations and trading skills. If they don't want to play alone, they can also play with three others via their connected DS system. Online functionality at the time of release also allows players to share maps to explore. It was a very forward-thinking game on the DS, and these ideas were later developed on the 3DS with features like StreetPass and SpotPass.

Dark Clouds 2

Time is on your side

Dark Clouds 2 is a time-traveling RPG with two central characters, Max and Monica, trying to fix the timeline. Each area they visit is devoid of life, so they must enter dungeons to collect materials to then free the villagers from their fate, along with rebuilding the town however the player wishes.

In addition to hacking and slashing against enemies in dungeons, players can also fish and play golf once an area is cleared. Max also has a camera to take pictures, which he can then use for crafts. For a fairly linear game, Dark Clouds 2 gives players plenty to do on PS2 thanks to Level-5 providing everything.

Fantasy Life (3DS)

Live your life

Fantasy life is another level-5 game, but this one is much smaller and was seemingly created as a way for anyone to check out an RPG for the first time. Players can create their character and then choose a class called a life at the start, which comes in three categories: Combat, Gathering, and Crafting. Players can do the normal action-RPG gameplay loop by attacking enemies as a wizard, for example to level up.

They can also fish or cut down trees as an angler or woodcutter to level up. No Life locks players out of other content, and it actually encourages players to check out everything the game has to offer. Switching between manic and relaxing lives gives players a better sense of pace, as well as more activities to do, and while this game is a bit inaccessible, being exclusive to the 3DS, the sequel, Fantasy Life in: The Girl Who Steals Timeis more available on modern hardware.