5 Best Open-World Games With Customizable Housing And Real Estate

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of housing mechanics in games, from humble abodes to sprawling metropolises. The allure of having a personal space in a virtual world never fades, serving as a sanctuary amidst the chaos or a base for operations. Yet, each game presents a unique twist on this concept, and I’ve found myself dabbling in various housing pursuits over the years.

In many leisurely-paced video games, such as role-playing games (RPGs) or farm simulators, creating and customizing a home has always been a popular feature. Having a personal space to call your own enhances the gaming experience in these slower-moving titles. However, within this category of games, there can be differences in why housing is included.

In these open-world games, do players construct dwellings for a personal space or protection against harsh surroundings? Could they be living comfortably in a quaint abode, or perhaps laying the foundation for a commercial endeavor? The diverse genres of open-world titles provide numerous options for experiencing the housing aspect.

5 Balrum

Old-School RPG With House Building

Balrum is an old-school RPG that openly acknowledges its inspirations. Similar to many contemporary CRPGs, it draws inspiration from legendary games of yesteryear while incorporating modern conveniences and enhancements for seamless gameplay. Furthermore, this game boasts a degree of customization that was unimaginable in older titles, thanks to its extensive housing system.

Though not essential to the main narrative, Balrum offers an intricately detailed aspect of house building where players can tailor their land using modular construction in a manner that harmonizes effectively with its isometric design. This custom-built dwelling largely functions as the central hub for most gameplay.

4 Kenshi

Purchase Or Build Housing To Survive The Wasteland

In the game Kenshi, players are given a choice: they can buy pre-existing housing or construct their own settlement in the wilderness. Each option has its unique advantages and disadvantages. The management of houses in Kenshi is particularly beneficial due to the large number of characters that a player can control simultaneously. Moreover, having a shelter becomes crucial in the game’s bizarre, post-apocalyptic setting where protection from the horrors is essential.

Opting to buy a house within a town provides players with an instant dwelling and easy access to various amenities like shops. On the other hand, constructing your own settlement grants more flexibility when it comes to arranging and designing the housing structure. Moreover, this approach allows players to establish their own workshops, such as distilleries for crafting unique items, including alcoholic goods that can be profitably sold.

3 Terraria

An Open World With Near Infinite Housing Options

Terraria is an expansive game that’s still being developed, filled with countless items and opportunities for discoveries as players delve into their procedurally generated universe. The abundance of loot and items primarily serves the creation of a sort of central hub where Non-Player Characters (NPCs) can inhabit. With a flexible interpretation of what a home might be, players are free to let their imagination run wild, constructing anything from a cluster of houses to a towering edifice of apartments for NPCs to dwell in.

Assigning homes to specific Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and making these NPCs restricted to certain environments simplifies the management of various clusters of houses simultaneously. This also enables the creation of new housing opportunities as needed, when more NPCs express a desire to reside near the player but lack available spaces for settlement.

2 Skyrim

Purchase Or Build An Idyllic Home

In terms of lasting impact and resilience, even Bethesda struggles to match the magnitude of Skyrim. This game thrives on player autonomy and discovery. However, after a day filled with adventure, it’s comforting to have a home base other than a cramped inn room. Luckily, each major hold in Skyrim offers a house for players to buy, although some may only become available once specific quests are accomplished.

With the Hearthfire DLC, smaller settlements provide plots of land that players can buy and customize their own homes on. Constructing a house requires more resources and time, but it results in a more flexible and satisfying experience. The Creation Club content expands this with numerous options for personalized real estate to use.

1 Fable 2

Becoming A Real Estate Mogul

As anticipation builds towards the 2025 release of Fable 4, the game’s frequent media appearances have sparked reminiscence about earlier installments in the series. Notably, Fable 2 may not offer the same level of depth as its predecessor, yet it retains many beloved features. In fact, nearly every house in Fable 2 can be bought if one has the necessary funds. The player begins with a modest caravan and gradually builds a small real estate empire.

In Fable 2, it’s not just houses that are up for grabs; every store can also be part of a player’s extensive real estate empire. To add a unique twist to the traditional warrior, thief, and mage characters, the game introduces the “real estate tycoon” class as an additional option.

2024-09-19 06:04