10 Most Realistic Open World Games

With games continually evolving in terms of visual quality and intricate gameplay systems, the demand for realistically immersive gaming experiences is also likely to grow.

Instead of focusing heavily on traditional “video game” characteristics, some games aim to offer more than just an arcade-style experience. They strive to become immersive, memorable experiences where players can create lasting memories that remain etched in their minds forever.

Realism in video games doesn’t only aim to upgrade them to AAA level, but also to immerse players in both strange and recognizable environments.”

In this version, I have kept the original meaning of the sentence intact while using more natural language and simplifying the structure a bit. By saying “strange and recognizable” instead of “alien and familiar alike,” I aimed to make the sentence easier for readers to understand without altering its intended message significantly.

Instead of focusing on visually stunning landscapes, we will be evaluating games with authentic gameplay mechanics, where players must manage their characters’ essential needs or observe NPC behaviors that create the illusion of life. These games provide an immersive experience, making you feel as if you are part of the game world itself.

10. Ghost Of Tsushima

I Wish Japan Was Real

In the game Ghost of Tsushima, we’re dropped into a vivid portrayal of a historical event – the Mongol Invasion of Tsushima Island in 13th-century Japan. The narrative centers around Jin Sakai, a samurai heir, who, finding conventional warfare insufficient against the massive Mongol invaders, is forced to adapt and employ unorthodox tactics to protect his homeland.

In the game Ghost of Tsushima, although it lacks survival aspects, it stands out for the realistic depiction that developer Sucker Punch strives to achieve by creating a beautiful and culturally sensitive representation of Japan’s landscapes and culture.

The game’s settings are so engaging and captivating that the tourism department of Tsushima Island utilized it as promotional material to entice foreigners to explore their landmarks. Additionally, the game boasts a “Kurosawa mode,” mirroring the timeless films of Akira Kurosawa, offering an enriched experience when played in Japanese.

Absolutely, the sword fights in Ghost of Tsushima are certainly impressive, as they draw inspiration from actual kendo and kenjutsu martial arts techniques. Moreover, the gameplay mechanics align effectively with the narrative context.

The game takes a unique approach to navigation within its open world, as it eliminates conventional markers. Instead, players will utilize the game’s realistic terrain and wildlife to explore and discover hidden gems, creating an even more captivating experience within the stunning environment.

9. Outer Wilds

Find The Eye

Typically, Outer Wilds strays quite far from realism. Its solar system is minuscule yet breathtakingly beautiful, reminiscent of a detailed diorama. Moreover, the Hearthians have improvised their space travel in such a way that it appears as if they’ve cobbled together their technology using nothing but duct tape and saliva.

However, while Mobius Digital may not prioritize creating a highly realistic game environment, they compensate by incorporating an intricate knowledge of astrophysics and quantum physics. This allows players to encounter and explore theoretical or actual physics phenomena directly within the game engine.

While it may seem odd that the distances between celestial bodies are remarkably small when compared to their actual size, the sensation of space travel remains authentic, as landing successfully demands expertise and a grasp of physics concepts such as inertia and momentum.

In the game Outer Wilds, while the science may not align perfectly with current understanding and continues to be a topic of discussion among experts, its portrayal is so convincing that it feels authentic, which is quite sufficient for an open-world sandbox experience.

8. Subnautica

Thalassophobia Ain’t Got Nothing On Me

In Subnautica, you find yourself shipwrecked on an exotic underwater planet teeming with various marine life. To stay alive, your strategy must involve venturing deep beneath the waves to uncover essential supplies.

In the survival game, Subnautica, you venture into the unknown ocean depths, where it subtly taps into a deep-seated fear of water called thalassophobia. With a modest map spanning just 2 square kilometers, Subnautica challenges you to survive by catching various marine life forms on this alien planet.

In order to live, it’s essential to maintain your energy levels by addressing hunger and hydration needs, and when submerged, make sure you have enough air supply to avoid running out of breath.

Similarly, you can’t simply plunge too far beneath the surface, for the water’s pressure could prove deadly. Instead, it’s essential to develop and employ devices designed for diving deeper into the abyssal depths of the ocean trenches, ranging from a Seamoth to a Cyclops.

7. Death Stranding

The First Strand Type Game

Known for its enigmatic storyline and lengthy cinematics, often referred to as a “walking simulator,” Death Stranding is an open-world game that tasks you with delivering packages across post-apocalyptic America in an effort to reconnect the scattered citizens of the country.

The game boasts a highly realistic visual appeal and immersive setting, largely due to the power of the Decima engine and Kojima’s penchant for using motion capture technology and replicating the features of famous Hollywood stars.

The game also provides an immersive sensation akin to hauling multiple heavy crates on your back. Throughout this experience, you will need to carefully maneuver and manage these crates and parcels to prevent any damage or loss during transportation.

Apart from featuring instances where the character Sam can pick up fake toenails, visit the restroom, or have a virtual shower, this game also incorporates an unusual yet intriguing feature: drinking energy drinks that, in-game, are converted into simulated urine that you can release at your convenience while traversing. In simpler terms, it includes a peeing system.

6. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Survive Hyrule’s Harsh Environments

Instead of choosing “Tears of the Kingdom,” I found the idea of a Hyrule world with floating islands and an extensive underworld slightly less convincing compared to the setting in “Breath of the Wild.

Initially when “Breath of the Wild” debuted, many enthusiasts were astounded by how its in-game engine skillfully blended realism with a distinctive artistic style, resulting in a deeply engaging experience during exploration of the various ecosystems within Hyrule. This was achieved through the harmonious integration of visuals, sound effects, and expansive landscapes.

In Hyrule, it’s crucial not just to battle against adversaries, but also to contend with the surroundings which can pose a significant threat. Harsh climates, like the scorching heat of Death Mountain or the biting cold in Hebra, can be as challenging as any enemy you encounter.

Realistic features encompass aspects such as the wear and tear of weapons when used against enemies or colliding with other objects, resulting in their eventual breakdown. Furthermore, whether climbing on various surfaces is considered realistic could be subjective; it can either be portrayed realistically or not at all, depending on one’s perspective.

In your game, the physics not only add a sense of authenticity but also offer creative solutions for numerous shrines. Concepts such as electric current flow and the pull of gravity are significantly utilized in multiple mini-dungeons, enhancing the overall experience.

5. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Tactical Espionage And Sabotage

Despite criticisms of its hurried narrative or oddly crafted plot turns, _Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain_ shines remarkably well in terms of its technical aspects and gameplay.

The game world’s openness feels authentic, and the enemy AI is so convincing that sneaking around becomes an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Additionally, the sandbox nature of the game offers numerous inventive methods to tackle missions, whether or not a cardboard box serves as a reliable stealth tool remains debatable.

Although the game worlds may seem sparse occasionally, this emptiness feels purposeful. When you do encounter characters – whether they are adversaries in the field or companions at Mother Base – their interactions sound realistic, as if they were actual people rather than mere digital codes, enriching your gaming experience.

To heighten the authenticity of being a legendary spy and soldier, it’s crucial to maintain your personal cleanliness as well. Neglecting hygiene could result in you getting caked in dirt and blood, making yourself so foul-smelling that your adversaries might catch your scent. However, remember to take a shower occasionally when you’re at Mother Base.

4. Shenmue

Way Ahead Of Its Time

Regardless of its less than perfect controls and subpar voice acting, Shenmue continues to have a dedicated fan base. It was seen as an innovative game for its era and successfully captured the authentic ambiance of the real-life town of Yokosuka within its limited 1 square kilometer game map.

In a slightly different expression: Compared to other games like Yakuza, Shenmue offers more than just martial arts fights in grimy alleyways. Instead, it immerses you deeply into the daily life of Ryo Hazuki as he pursues his father’s murderer, providing a comprehensive ‘slice-of-life’ gaming experience that sets it apart from its contemporaries.

In Shenmue, fleeting moments of everyday activity breathe life into the townspeople, making them seem authentic. Despite some flaws in execution, ardent supporters argue that this game offers an escape worth more than its reputation, and it successfully embodies the aesthetics and atmosphere of the ’90s.

Beyond unraveling the enigma surrounding Ryo’s father’s murder, your role as Ryo requires you to manage not just the intrigue of the storyline but also daily tasks, errands, and routine objectives – much like a video game character needs to ensure a balanced sleep routine.

The map in this game is surprisingly dense with activities, despite its size. While Shenmue may not excel in overall performance, it provided fans with a tantalizing preview of its immense potential.

3. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Mr. Worldwide 305

In a flight simulation game like Microsoft Flight Simulator, it’s no wonder that it appears realistic. Asobo Studios achieves this by using photogrammetry to create incredibly lifelike depictions of our world. This extends to every corner of Earth, encompassing landscapes, urban areas, and even the tiniest streets.

As an aviation enthusiast, I’m thrilled about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, as it offers a comprehensive learning experience on the diverse controls and functions of various aircraft, from private jets to commercial planes, helicopters, and even hot-air balloons. The Career mode introduces a variety of missions, such as flying an airliner, cargo transport, and even firefighting operations in the sky.

In these aircrafts, you have the option to experience the journey from either a third-person or first-person viewpoint. Inside the cockpit, you’ll find controls that you can manually operate. With this, you can pilot the vehicle and explore a virtual replica of our planet. You can even design a flight path that allows you to spot your own home!

2024 saw an exciting advancement: the capability to traverse ground level. However, given the limited detail of the surroundings at close range and the relatively sluggish pace of realistic walking speed, it seems more suitable for entertainment purposes, or a fun novelty, rather than daily use.

Although Flight Simulator 2024 garnered somewhat unfavorable feedback, it offers a remarkably authentic depiction of real-world aviation. Furthermore, it puts forth significant dedication in showcasing the intricate skills involved in piloting an airplane.

2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Started From The Bottom

As a gamer, I’d say that most open-world games lie somewhere along the line between immersing myself in a tough, lifelike world and enjoying a more casual, somewhat less realistic experience. The last two games on this list definitely lean towards the challenging and authentic end of the spectrum.

In 2025, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has undeniably made its mark as one of the year’s most captivating games. The reason for its popularity lies in its authentic historical backdrop set in Bohemia, which is now part of the modern-day Czech Republic, and its dedication to realism in gameplay. In KCD2, you find yourself deeply engrossed in the first-person role as Henry of Skalitz, a man-at-arms.

In King’s Crown 2, the level of realism may sometimes be challenging, yet it lends a sense of depth and draws players into the world they find themselves in. The game offers intricate crafting, cooking, and management systems that allow for inventory allocation and skill advancement, making the experience rich and immersive.

Primarily, the battles have seen substantial enhancement compared to the initial game. They’ve incorporated stances and directional attacks, which share some similarities with the combat style in For Honor. However, these elements have been refined and simplified from the first game for a more seamless gaming experience.

In KCD2, you’re invited to immerse yourself deeply into a realistic medieval atmosphere, where survival rather than prosperity is the key focus due to the harshness of the world. You’ll be busy crafting and maintaining your weapons, attending to your physical needs such as hunger and energy, and ensuring regular bathing to maintain your charisma levels.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Experience The American Frontier

Rockstar Games has consistently excelled at recreating real-life experiences and incorporating authentic elements into their video games. Even in their earlier games such as Bully and older versions of the Grand Theft Auto series, they have always focused on constructing a realistic world populated by credible, living characters.

In the case of Red Dead Redemption 2, it seems as though Rockstar Games went above and beyond, leaving nothing unexplored or unnoticed. The setting isn’t just a made-up Wild West landscape from the late 1800s, but it also manages to strike a convincing balance between its video game qualities and authenticity.

These authentic features enhance gameplay and convincingly exist within the game world without disrupting immersion. For instance, maintaining your weapons is crucial since a neglected one won’t function efficiently. The act of camping also facilitates fast travel across the game environment, sparing you the need to spend extended periods on horseback.

Additionally, you’ll find numerous authentic, condensed representations of everyday tasks and abilities in various scenes, which often bring about a sense of accomplishment that transcends financial compensation.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, these activities like skinning an animal or fishing are depicted in a unique way that isn’t common in most media. It offers a peek into the authentic aspects of surviving in the wilderness and teaches you valuable real-life skills. However, I must admit that the cooking process feels simplified compared to reality, as it mostly involves holding food over a fire.

Above all, it’s significant to note that the game doesn’t elevate Arthur Morgan or John Marsten as the focal point of existence; instead, Non-Player Characters (NPCs) continue with their lives regardless of their interaction with these characters. Depending on where you are in the narrative, you may encounter these characters at various stages of their personal narratives.

2025-04-15 16:11