10 Open World Games That Feel The Least Formulaic

by

Open world games are really hit or miss for a lot of people, and if you find yourself getting tired of the same old things in them, you’re definitely not alone. That formula has become so common that the genre often feels repetitive and overcrowded.

Many players judge the genre based on popular, big-budget games – things like the abundance of map markers or the simple way missions are structured. And that’s understandable, really.

But many video games also stand out with their own distinct style and unique features.

I’m here today to share my favorite open world games – the ones that really go beyond the typical formula. They’re special because they offer unique and inventive features, making them feel truly creative and fresh.

10. Eastshade

The World Is Your Canvas

Let’s start with Eastshade, a really special open-world game. You play as a painter traveling across the beautiful island of Eastshade, creating artwork and getting to know the people who live there. It’s a relaxing experience focused on exploration and discovery.

Honestly, what really sets this game apart is what it doesn’t have. Forget about combat, or endlessly repeating the same tasks to get better gear or level up. You won’t find any of that here – no grinding for loot, no checking a map for collectibles, and definitely no XP farming. It’s a totally different experience!

This game offers a relaxing experience in a beautifully designed open world, with a gentle story unfolding around you. It’s not flashy or groundbreaking, but its simple charm is what makes it a surprisingly good and underrated title.

9. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

The Sandbox Poster Boy

Even though some Nintendo executives have faced criticism lately, the company’s developers consistently create incredibly imaginative and innovative games, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a perfect example.

Similar to its predecessor, this game breaks the mold of typical open-world adventures. Exploring the expansive world of Hyrule before the final battle with Gannondorf is a fantastic experience, enhanced by its creative and free-form gameplay.

This game features a detailed, multi-layered world with both stunning floating islands and terrifying underground areas. It offers a lot to enjoy, and you’re free to explore and play however you like.

The game lets you creatively use Link’s powers to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in unexpected, and even a little overpowered, ways – and that’s exactly what the designers intended, encouraging you to discover these amazing possibilities.

8. Death Stranding

FedEx-ing Connections

Death Stranding was a truly unique gaming experience, and it was strangely coincidental that it came out just before the world was hit by a pandemic. The timing was almost humorous!

Feel free to disagree with the hype around Hideo Kojima, but he definitely pushed boundaries with a game focused on forming relationships and completing deliveries in a ruined America.

While the game features a desolate open world, the innovative Strand Multiplayer system and the freedom to complete deliveries however you choose – except during key story missions – greatly enhance the experience.

The game’s story was powerfully moving, focusing on the lengths people will go to for their families. While some criticized the gameplay as being a simple ‘walking simulator,’ I’m so glad I stuck with it. After a slow start, it became one of my all-time favorite games.

7. Prototype

Recipe For Destruction

Unlike many open world or role-playing games that slowly unlock enjoyable features, Prototype immediately lets you feel incredibly powerful and have fun with its gameplay.

Alex’s abilities let you cause incredible chaos – from destroying tanks to leaping across Manhattan’s rooftops. And you’re free to do it all with no limits.

I feel this game, like Infamous, really captures a gritty, early 2000s vibe that a lot of today’s open-world games just don’t have.

6. Outer Wilds

Brimming With Discovery

Your initial experience with Outer Wilds is incredibly impactful, as it’s when you discover just how special and emotionally resonant this open-world game will be, even after multiple playthroughs.

That’s what makes this so unique compared to the repetitive gameplay found in many popular games. How much will you explore before the universe ends in just 22 minutes, driven by your desire to see everything?

The game doesn’t offer any directions or set goals. You’re completely free to explore the universe in your spaceship, discovering its secrets and facing its dangers at your own pace.

5. Kenshi

Forged In Bravery

If we’re talking about open-world games that really break the mold and don’t feel like just another copy-paste experience, I always have to mention Kenshi. It seriously stands out as something completely different!

This game is a unique open-world experience with a minimal story. What really stands out is that you’re instantly dropped into a challenging and unforgiving environment, giving you complete freedom to explore a huge, sandbox-style world.

Honestly, starting out, you feel totally powerless in this game, just trying to survive like everyone else. But if you stick with the weird mix of real-time strategy and RPG elements, you’re in for something special. It’s seriously one of the most original open-world games I’ve played – it doesn’t feel like the same old thing at all, and I had a blast because of it.

4. Saints Row: The Third

Maniacal In Every Sense

When I was really into the Grand Theft Auto series, Saints Row: The Third came along and instantly became one of the strangest and most over-the-top games I’d ever played. Even now, years later, it still feels that way.

Every game in the series had its own unique feel, but the third one really nailed it. It perfectly combined funny, over-the-top action with wild, chaotic gameplay, and encouraged players to embrace a completely unrestrained, powerful style.

Unlike most open-world games that strive for realism, Saints Row: The Third embraces over-the-top, ridiculous fun. The game isn’t about creating a believable world; it’s about the crazy chaos you create.

3. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Keep Living, Ichi

I have to give another shout-out to one of my favorite video game series: Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Ichiban and his quirky group of friends are just fantastic!

The series took a brave new direction, and it really worked! This turn-based RPG lets you experience a sense of joyful adventure through the optimistic and cheerful character of Ichiban Kasuga.

Forget repetitive tasks and uninspired side quests. The city of Ijincho is alive with engaging mini-games and activities that truly capture the spirit of the series, like racing in Dragon Kart – a thrilling experience reminiscent of Mario Kart – and building a fortune with Ichiban Holdings.

While many open-world Japanese role-playing games are enjoyable, Yakuza 7 stands out as truly special. It doesn’t just offer a fresh and interesting way to play, but also a heartwarming and captivating story.

2. Promise Mascot Agency

Just An Everyday Yakuza Substory

If you enjoy the humor found alongside the drama in the Yakuza series, I think you’ll really enjoy Promise Mascot Agency.

This is probably one of those lesser-known open-world games. You play as a former Yakuza member who’s fallen from grace and now has to protect strange, animal-like creatures in a haunted town in the countryside.

If you’re tired of the usual open-world games, this is a great way to relax and recharge. It lets you enjoy a laid-back experience managing adorable mascots and watching them create increasingly funny situations.

1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

The Greatest Immersion & Realism

Many people are already predicting the sequel will be a top contender for Game of the Year in 2025, and considering the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance is now seen as a classic, I wanted to discuss just how impressively immersive its RPG gameplay truly is.

This game really focuses on letting you think for yourself and giving you the freedom to be creative. While other games, like those from Bethesda or even Zelda, offer some of that, this one takes it to a whole new level.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers amazing freedom in how you tackle challenges, letting you find many different ways to complete quests. Combined with its incredibly detailed characters, world, and stats, it feels remarkably modern and innovative.

Seeing how Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 builds on the already impressive foundation of the first game makes the original even more enjoyable. The first game truly stands out with its excellent gameplay, surpassing almost everything else in the genre.

Read More

2025-10-27 18:12