10 Games That Are Better If You Ignore The Main Story

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For individuals like myself who tend to steer clear of many popular multiplayer games, it won’t come as a shock that I place significant emphasis on story and narrative.

The essential element that frequently binds a game and provides it with purpose and challenge isn’t always necessary for players to interact with in order to have fun.

Many games are richly designed, providing plenty of enjoyment for players regardless of whether they delve into the primary storyline.

If you‘re the kind of person who enjoys exploring less-traveled routes and finding yourself captivated by a game’s assortment of side missions, hidden treasures, and peculiarities, then these suggested games should definitely appeal to you.

10. Fallout 3

Father Neeson Can Wait

Many of these games you see here come with an intriguing narrative for those who enjoy immersing themselves. Nevertheless, I’d contend that the primary storyline might not be the most compelling aspect of the Fallout 3 gaming journey.

Certainly, there are some standout scenes, particularly those along Tranquility Lane. However, the overall narrative could use more vibrancy; it often lacks impact and disappoints in several instances.

On the other hand, it’s a different story for the world itself, brimming with intriguing landmarks and captivating attractions. Plus, it boasts some of the most unforgettable side missions in the realm of role-playing games.

Additionally, you have the option to enjoy the game as an open-ended survival experience, where you’ll encounter and engage hostile raiders, mutated Super Mutants, and Feral Ghouls within the labyrinthine subway systems, while also gathering valuable resources along the way.

Sure, go and rescue your daddy Liam Neeson at some point, but don’t be in a rush to do so.

9. The Forest

Parental Obligations Be Damned!

In simpler terms, “The Forest” is a rather unsettling video game where the player begins with just their clothing and must create a life for themselves on a puzzling island populated by cannibals. Needless to say, it doesn’t resemble a typical enjoyable vacation spot.

The storyline centers on the enigmatic residents of this strange island where your plane miraculously crashed, and your quest to locate your missing son who was abducted.

Instead, you might find it far more enjoyable to set aside your parental duties for a while and construct a massive structure on the island instead.

Timmy’s life is in peril, however, there are other pressing matters that need attention, such as constructing an impressive treehouse or devising intricate traps for the townsfolk.

You might not get nominated for “Father of the Year,” but if you approach this game as a survival sandbox, trust me, it will provide you with far more enjoyment.

8. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Embrace Medieval Life

Prior to diving into my thoughts, please be assured that I’m not criticizing the central storyline of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, as it’s an incredibly captivating and cinematic epic from beginning to end.

But, equally, it’s all too tempting to ignore your duties as Hans Capon’s squire entirely.

Immersed in an expansive open world teeming with optional missions, spontaneous interactions, intricate detail, and enjoyable pastimes, you may become engrossed in the fine details of daily life in a medieval setting.

Actually, it might shock you to learn that players often invest a significant amount of time into completing the game’s primary questline, specifically reaching the third main mission known as “Wedding Crashers,” before moving forward.

In KCD2, regardless if you prefer to take on roles like a rogue bandit, skilled blacksmith, cunning dice master, or daring adventurer, it caters to your choice, allowing for freedom even outside the main storyline.

7. Elden Ring

Tarnished On Your Terms

For those who don’t appreciate the intricate lore or hidden narratives in Souls games because of their challenging gameplay, this title is one I can wholeheartedly support, as it seems more accessible to me.

In many Souls games, the storyline compels you to follow it rigidly as progression is linked to defeating bosses sequentially. However, Elden Ring’s open-world structure allows players the freedom to explore and do as they please at their own pace within the realm of the Lands Between.

You’re free to modify and adjust your construction, switch between various classes at will. You also have the freedom to confront optional bosses, follow up on obscure side missions, or participate in player versus player combat if you wish.

In essence, although it’s recommended to defeat the Remembrance bosses in Elden Ring, enjoying the game isn’t necessarily a requirement. Therefore, feel free to be the unique Tarnished you are, whether you choose to explore without a maiden or not, you’re guaranteed to have a fun time!

6. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Be Right Back, Building A Zonai Rocket

In terms of game design, both “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and its outstanding expansion, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” stand as remarkable milestones, delivering unparalleled open-world adventures that are among the best available today.

On the contrary, neither story manages to elevate itself to a prominent position solely through its narrative. To be clear, both stories are functional and provide sufficient motivation for the player, propelling them towards the climactic battle.

What makes this game extraordinary is not just the journey itself, but the numerous diversions you encounter along the way.

Or,

It’s the assortment of distractions that dot the path that truly sets this game apart. You can easily become engrossed in the search for all the Korok Seeds.

You have the chance to construct a unique masterpiece through Zonai. On the other hand, you could choose to delve into dungeons in search of fresh weapons and loot.

The extraordinary liberty found in these games, namely BOTW and its successor TOTK, has established them as exceptional milestones in video game design. If you haven’t yet experienced their captivating worlds, there’s no better moment than now to dive in.

5. Middle Earth: Shadow of War

Vengeance Takes Precedence

In line with what one might anticipate from a game rooted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world, the narrative of Middle Earth: Shadow of War is both fitting and captivating. Yet, not all games inspired by the Lord of the Rings, such as Lord of the Rings: Gollum, live up to this standard.

In a different vein, the tale is captivating indeed. However, it may lead you to frequently deviate from the intended course in this game, a circumstance primarily attributable to the Nemesis system.

This game mechanism, designed to instigate conflicts between characters by elevating common Orcs into powerful warlords, might lead you to postpone the primary plot as you become engrossed in a quest for vengeance, involving the infiltration of an Orc stronghold and the elimination of your adversary through a fatal throat-slashing.

Unfortunately, because of patent restrictions, it’s only been part of this specific collection – which means its unique features haven’t been explored elsewhere, potentially leaving a great deal untapped. However, Shadow of War is an exceptional game that you shouldn’t miss out on when the opportunity arises.

4. No Man’s Sky

Wait, There’s A Plot?

Initially released with much fanfare nearly a decade back, the primary criticism leveled at “No Man’s Sky” was its weak narrative structure, or essentially nonexistent storyline.

At this stage, the central storyline primarily involved the player completing a mission that seemed to lead them to a random location within the cosmos, without much explanation as to the purpose behind their journey.

Moving on to the present time, the narrative has grown more detailed, incorporating richer world-building, missions, and depth. Yet, it remains most immersive when experienced as a vast, open-ended cosmic playground.

Participating in aerial combat, settling diverse worlds, constructing exciting outposts, and socializing through the improved multiplayer mode offers an enjoyable experience when spending time with friends.

In its current state, “No Man’s Sky” has realized the vision it initially set out for in 2015. However, its narrative may only appeal to those who find themselves without many other options.

3. Baldur’s Gate 3

Get Lost In The Detail

Although Baldur’s Gate doesn’t fit the traditional definition of an open-world game as many others do on this list, its complex player options and the consequential effects they create give it a sense of openness and freedom.

In this game, each player gets to write their unique narrative, with only a few challenging dice throws being beyond your command.

The main objective here seems to be removing the Mindflayer’s slug from your brain, however, it appears that this task might not be prioritized for more than 100 hours or so.

As you progress, you’ll develop relationships with your fellow party members, find yourself drawn into arguments and battles, and encounter numerous side missions that offer more depth than the primary storylines of many popular games available today.

Each decision you take shapes the main storyline significantly, yet avoid hurrying towards the end. Take time to enjoy the journey too, appreciate the little moments infused with Dungeons & Dragons magic along the way.

2. Hogwarts Legacy

It’s All About The Fan Service

Moving forward, let’s discuss a game that I have mixed feelings about, as beneath the surface, Hogwarts Legacy appears to be a typical, heavily marked open world with a rather shallow main storyline.

Despite its shortcomings in captivating characters and engaging storylines, it compensates amply through an abundance of fan service, grandiose world construction, stunning graphics, and emotionally satisfying magic-based battles.

The first ten hours offer unprecedented joy, particularly for Harry Potter fans. Even though some parts might lose their charm as you venture beyond Hogwarts, the game is still an enjoyable experience overall and worth giving it a try.

While I must admit that the main narrative might not be as captivating as some other stories, the allure of roaming freely across the enchanting wizarding world and uncovering the numerous intriguing side quests is truly spellbinding, making it an experience I can’t help but get lost in.

1. Grand Theft Auto V

The Ultimate Sandbox Playground

The Grand Theft Auto series has built up a well-earned reputation for being just as enjoyable to play due to its open-ended sandbox environment, as it is for its engaging storyline filled with crime-filled excitement.

Before GTA VI comes out, GTA V continues to be the premier example of this model, offering an engaging storyline centered around three main characters that you can immerse yourself in, or simply choosing to wreak havoc across Los Santos and its surroundings instead.

Alternatively, instead of amassing a bounty and eluding the police, you might choose to complete Stranger and Freak missions, or simply abide by traffic rules diligently, living as a model citizen.

The charm of Grand Theft Auto V lies in its freedom – decisions are entirely yours to make, and that’s just the beginning! Not counting the online modes and role-play servers available, it essentially transforms into a vast playground. A revisit could be beneficial before we dive into Grand Theft Auto VI.

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2025-02-27 20:11