10 Must-Play Open-World Games With A Focus On Magic-Based Combat

Summary

Magic is a captivating force in video games, offering unique experiences in open-world settings.
Games like InFAMOUS Second Son, Lichdom: Battlemage, and Noita focus on magical combat mechanics.
RPGs like The Witcher 3, Arx Fatalis, and Hogwarts Legacy provide immersive experiences in magical open worlds.

From the inception of gaming, players have consistently been enchanted by the charm of arcane abilities, which transcend conventional understanding and redefine existence. Be it commanding elements, manipulating thoughts, or conjuring legendary beings, these arcane abilities continue to exert a powerful allure within video games.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the boundless realms of creativity that video games offer, particularly when it comes to the enchanting world of magic. This magical realm transports us into extraordinary and captivating experiences that are uniquely our own. The canvas of creation is truly expansive in open-world games, allowing players to chart their own course and harness magic according to their whims. To take this freedom to new heights, let me share some unmissable open-world titles that center around spellbinding combat. Enjoy the journey!

11. InFAMOUS: Second Son

Magic Reimagined

Way back before I got my hands on Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch had already nailed the knack for creating captivating open-world adventures. Infamous, and specifically Infamous: Second Son, showcases their prowess brilliantly. Inspired by comic books, this open-world superhero action game is a shining example of their skills, especially when it comes to its open-world mechanics.

Still holding its ground over a decade post-release, Second Son continues to amaze with its visually stunning graphics, consistently setting new standards within its genre. The digital representation of Seattle in the game isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but breathes life, giving it an uncanny sense of realism. The game truly shines when in motion and even the minutest details are crystal clear to the unassisted eye.

In a different yet clear wording: The Infamous series presents its superpowers under the guise of pseudo-scientific reasoning, however, their magical qualities make them more intriguing. Among all games on this list, Infamous: Second Son boasts one of the most distinctive and thrilling power systems to explore. Ranging from conventional electricity skills to the less common powers like video, neon, and concrete, the game offers an exhilarating adrenaline rush with each attack.

In an expansive open-ended environment, the game Infamous: Second Son offers players immense creative liberty to utilize their powers at their discretion. Boasting impressive graphics and seamless gameplay, it continues to be an exhilarating adventure—still captivating audiences even a decade after its debut, and expected to do so for many more years.

10. Lichdom: Battlemage

It Only Takes A Mage To Annihilate These Foes

Release Date	26 August 2014
Platform(s)	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Genre(s)	Action RPG
Developer(s)	Xaviant
Publisher(s)	Maximum Games
Engine	CryEngine 3

In “Lichdom: Battlemage”, you play as a mage in a role-playing game (RPG) where instead of using guns, you cast an array of powerful spells to vanquish your foes. The game’s rapid combat makes the mage class a formidable, unstoppable force. Designed for free-flowing and unrestricted magical combats, it allows you to bring destruction without bounds from the very beginning. This game, “Lichdom: Battlemage”, presents stunning visuals regardless of where you venture, featuring a ravaged world, dazzling magic effects, and intricately designed creatures – all visually appealing aspects.

In creating Lichdom: Battlemage, the developers aimed to maximize the strength of the mage character, and they succeeded admirably in this goal during combat. The game encourages an assertive playstyle by providing a wide range of spells that can be used together to wreak havoc on legions of demons. Unfortunately, it falls short in storytelling, but nevertheless, Lichdom: Battlemage offers one of the most gratifying FPS RPG experiences, showcasing the might of a formidable mage.

9. Noita

Every Pixel Is Alive

For the initial play, Noita presents a delightful pixelated aesthetic and the enticing prospect of an epic wizarding journey. However, this tranquil facade vanishes swiftly as players find themselves brutally overwhelmed. This magic-imbued roguelike action game is unforgiving, constantly testing player’s resilience to the utmost extent. Despite its pixel art aesthetic that seems peaceful, the game’s realistically simulated world guarantees that turmoil lurks just beyond every cast spell.

In Noita, players aren’t coddled. Without an XP system, permanent death, and no explicit instructions, it challenges players to delve into its world independently and discover its secrets. The game is brimming with magic, immersing players in a tumultuous, evolving whirlpool of damage. Its spell system operates like a lab experiment, urging players to engage with the environment and decipher the intricate chemistry that underpins the game’s distinctive magical mechanics.

In the game, there are more than 400 unique spells categorized into eight distinct classes, providing countless ways for players to customize their battle strategies during each playthrough. Keep in mind that Noita might not appeal to everyone, but for those who enjoy a challenging and merciless journey, this pixelated hell has much to offer in terms of entertainment.

8. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Swords Are Not Enough

For nearly a decade now, CD Projekt Red’s “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” has been a standout among top open-world RPGs, and it continues to be so. With its enchanting magical universe, it is more than worthy of inclusion in any discussion about the finest games to explore when seeking an open-world title with combat centered around magic.

In The Witcher 3, it’s not just about Geralt swinging his sword; magic plays a crucial role too. Signs are the heart of the game’s magical system, giving Geralt special abilities to outsmart and overpower both human and beastly enemies. Spells like Quen that shield him, Igni that sets enemies ablaze, and Axii that mind-bends foes, all add a layer of strategy to combat. These spells bring more depth and excitement to battles, making them far from just a simple hack-and-slash affair.

One notable feature of this game is its expansive open world, frequently hailed as one of the genre’s finest. In The Witcher 3, players are treated to a wealth of content, ranging from intriguing mysteries and rewards for exploration to challenging combat sequences that elevate the overall fighting experience. The game’s numerous interconnected stories keep players engaged in an immersive journey that is more than worth the time and resources invested.

7. Arx Fatalis

Casting Magic Involves More Than Pressing Buttons

After the debut of “The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind,” the interest in first-person open-world games skyrocketed significantly. Arkane Studios’ game, Arx Fatalis, was one of the pioneers to follow this trend, but the similarities between the two end there. The fantasy realm of Arx may not be as expansive as Morrowind, however, it offers ample opportunities for exploration – a key aspect of any open world game.

In the realm of Arx Fatalis, it truly shines with its exceptional magic system and combat, and this sentiment becomes even more evident when you consider how groundbreaking the magic within Arx was during its time. The rune-based magic system in this game makes spellcasting an enjoyable experience. This system allows for a great deal of creativity as players can combine multiple runes in sequence to develop unique spells. This process fosters organic development, as players remember new and potent rune combinations over the course of play, which also lends itself to logical progression. While the game offers alternative methods for combat, such as ranged and melee, none compare to the magic system within Arx Fatalis. If you’re a player seeking an intriguing fantasy magic system in an open-world setting, Arx Fatalis is definitely worth giving a try.

6. Forspoken

Where Magic And Adrenaline Collide

Speaking about games that primarily emphasize magic-based battles, Forspoken stands out prominently. This action-packed RPG from Square Enix transports players to the enchanting realm of Athia. Although the game may not make a striking initial impact, it offers unique magical abilities for the players to wield.

The standout feature of Forspoken is its action-packed combat centered around magic and a captivating parkour system. Players are equipped with spells that they can use for both traversing the expansive world of Athia effortlessly as well as stylishly battling adversaries. As players advance in the game, their magical abilities grow, making it simpler to cut through corrupted enemies.

Nevertheless, the advantages of Forspken are limited, as the game disappoints in nearly every other category. Nonetheless, it might be worth giving it a go for players who believe they’d find the gameplay engaging, considering it can be finished within approximately 15 hours.

5. Ghostwire: Tokyo

The Elements At Your Fingertips

In a world where Shibuya district is overrun by spectral beings, wandering the streets devoid of human life, the game Ghostwire: Tokyo transports you into a haunting replica of this famous urban hotspot. Forming an uneasy partnership with a cryptic spirit, you assume the character of Akito, the story’s hero, embarking on a journey to combat the otherworldly forces.

In Ghostwire: Tokyo, the open-world setting offers a stunning, contemporary depiction of Shibuya, infused with an eerie ambiance. It skillfully merges the bustling neon metropolis with the uncanny to craft a colossal and engrossing environment that accurately reproduces the well-known landmarks of Shibuya as well as the ominous back alleys seldom explored, thereby capturing the authentic appearance and essence of the city.

In Ghostwire’s unique twist on the first-person shooter genre, players unleash elemental powers instead of conventional gunfire. You can summon a fiery fireball or whirl up a destructive tornado instantaneously, followed by extracting the essence from your foes and finishing them off with an impressive final blow. The battle system revolves around wind, water, and fire elements, further enriched by accessories like talismans and a longbow for tactical layers.

Tokyo” is an aesthetically beautiful game, but it’s not perfect. The combat system, which is its main issue, has some shallow magic mechanics. Although the combat feels smooth, it can become repetitive in more advanced stages. Nevertheless, these shortcomings do not diminish the game’s greatness, as players immerse themselves in spooky, otherworldly adventures that are uniquely set within a spectral-haunted Shibuya district.

4. Dragon’s Dogma 2

A Grand Adventure Awaits

Discussing games with a focus on magical combat doesn’t limit players to solely using magic; instead, these games offer a richly developed magic system that provides an immersive experience when playing with only magic. One game fitting this description is Dragon’s Dogma 2, which boasts a carefully designed magic system that encourages varied and captivating gameplay.

In Dragons Dogma 2, magic is plentiful, and it’s immediately noticeable from the outset when players select their character class. From the initial Mage class to advanced specializations like Sorcery or mixed classes such as Magick Archer, Warfarer, and Mystic Spearhand, players can tailor their entire gaming experience around magic. Characters like Mages and Sorcerers possess powerful spells for destruction but are limited by stamina and the time required to cast spells, making them play a more strategic role in the team as they strategically place themselves to unleash magical devastation on creatures.

As a dedicated fan, I can assure you that the expansive world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 is nothing to underestimate. Instead of relying on quick transportation, players must traverse this vast realm on foot, which adds an authenticity and challenge to the adventure. The scarcity of fast travel options necessitates a more deliberate pace, as players often find themselves engaged in combat with various beasts while traversing the wilderness. In essence, Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers a rich, dynamic open world coupled with some of the most exhilarating combat experiences within the genre, creating an unparalleled gaming experience that I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in.

3. Elden Ring

Keep The Flasks In Check

In Elden Ring, FromSoftware has elevated the opportunity for gamers to create potent mage characters to unprecedented levels. Not only does it perfect the magic mechanics from previous Souls series, but it immerses players in an expansive, inviting landscape that begs to be discovered.

The realm known as The Lands Between is a challenging environment that spares none who are feeble-hearted, yet it captivates gamers with its enchanting allure. Despite its enormous expanse, Elden Ring seldom tires players due to its impressive size. From the moment footsteps land in Limgrave, Elden Ring entices novice explorers further into its mystical domain.

In Elden Ring, the magic system is remarkably free-flowing. Unlike some games that confine magic to specific character classes, Elden Ring allows players to access a vast array of spells if they invest their points in appropriate stats. This variety of spells is truly impressive, ranging from ranged attacks like sword-infused magic bolts, to healing, summoning boulders or fireballs, even harnessing the power of the stars to create chaos. Players are essentially librarians of sorts, selecting from a vast library of sorceries and incantations before embarking on their quest against formidable foes. Elden Ring is an enchanting journey for the players, but it’s not an easy one. Be prepared to meet your demise numerous times along the way, but the rewards at the end of this epic adventure make every moment invested worthwhile.

2. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

You’re Finally Awake

Bethesda’s crowning achievement and a game still generating conversation in the gaming world a full decade after its debut, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the finest games for players seeking an enchanting journey through a sprawling open world. As soon as gamers enter this realm, there’s scarcely a lull—be it discovering concealed caves, perfecting potent spells, or confronting formidable dragons. With endless quests beckoning at every bend, Skyrim keeps players engrossed in something intriguing at all times.

In the world of Skyrim, a game rich with variety, players of all preferences can discover their favorite elements. For those captivated by the mystical arts, Skyrim offers an engaging system that caters to both beginners and advanced users who wish to delve into its depths. With more than 150 spells at your disposal, Skyrim’s magic system grants you the power to summon divine or demonic forces, opening up a myriad of exciting opportunities for players to explore.

Beyond just playing the game, the incredible modding community for Skyrim pushes it to unprecedented levels. The collection of mods not only expands the open world past the borders of Skyrim but also introduces power systems that have never been seen in Tamriel before. This endless evolution keeps the game feeling fresh and extraordinary, which is a big reason why Skyrim remains a cherished classic, continually reinvented by its dedicated fanbase.

1. Hogwarts Legacy

Experience The Wizarding World

There’s no open-world game that immerses you more deeply into a magical universe than one set within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Hogwarts Legacy brings this dream to life for fans everywhere. You can wander through the enchanted corridors of Hogwarts, uncover hidden passages, or soar over the forbidden forests on a broomstick – all while experiencing the captivating magic that fans have come to love from the books and films. The world of Hogwarts Legacy is nothing short of mesmerizing, delivering an authentic magical experience that truly captures the essence of this beloved universe.

In Hogwarts Legacy, you’ll find yourself immersed in the role of a novice wizard, engaging in thrilling battles where you must cleverly apply your spells for optimal effectiveness. The game boasts a variety of enchanting spells like Bombarda, which can be employed to send adversaries flying, and Wingardium Leviosa, enabling you to levitate and manipulate objects and enemies with equal ease.

Hogwarts Legacy is a game packed with numerous engaging activities, giving players ample opportunities to immerse themselves in various tasks. Whether you’re working to save the world, customizing the Room of Requirement, venturing through an expansive environment, or raising diverse magical creatures, this game offers a multi-faceted adventure that promises to satisfy anyone craving a captivating open-world experience with enchanting combat focused on magic.

2025-04-19 13:46