The Best Open-World Games To Pass The Time On Long Flights

Summary

Open-world video games are ideal for long flights, providing immersive exploration and activities to keep players engaged.
Standout games for flight include The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Assassin’s Creed 4, and Cyberpunk 2077.
Games like Elden Ring, Red Dead Redemption 2, Minecraft, and No Man’s Sky offer diverse open worlds to explore during travel.

Initially taking off on a plane is an exciting experience, but once in flight many people find themselves searching for ways to stay occupied. This becomes especially crucial for longer flights lasting several hours or even days. To keep the mind stimulated and prevent boredom or irritation, a lengthy and engaging video game could provide an excellent way to pass the time.

Open-world games are ideal for passing time, as they offer an immersive experience that can easily captivate you for hours while exploring new territories. Packed with various tasks to accomplish and characters to interact with, it’s wise to have one of these games available during long trips, provided they boast top-notch quality and are compatible with handheld devices – which these outstanding titles below offer.

8. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Traverse The Sky Islands While Cruising Through The Clouds

Exploring The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offers a unique vantage point, much like seeing the world from an airplane does. Beyond just Sky Islands, this game’s world is vast and intricate. On the surface, you’ll find treacherous enemies and captivating locations. Then there are the ominous Depths, which hide their own secrets and enigmas. In essence, the game world presents a grand tapestry of adventure waiting to be unraveled.

The appeal of “Tears of the Kingdom” lies in its constant variety – no matter where you explore in Hyrule, you’ll always find something fresh and exciting. Be it a Bokoblin base brimming with loot, a puzzling shrine that tests your wits, or hidden rare materials for crafting new weapon enhancements, there’s never a dull moment as you journey through this captivating world. It makes for an ideal game to lose yourself in during long flights.

7. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

Get Lost In A World Of Swashbuckling Pirates And Ship Battles

Individuals seeking a leisurely and meticulous open-world experience, where they can savor the journey of exploration, should definitely consider playing Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. This game showcases one of the largest open worlds within the entire series, set in the captivating Caribbean islands. Once players recover their ship, they are free to traverse the shimmering seas, a key aspect that forms the core gameplay of Black Flag, making players feel like authentic pirates on a relentless quest for hidden riches, accompanied by their lively crewmates.

In Black Flag, you’ll find a balance between thrilling action, like the exhilarating ship battles, and a more relaxed pace for those who prefer to appreciate the scenery and explore leisurely. The game offers an abundance of content, along with engaging characters and a captivating narrative, making it one of the top handheld Assassin’s Creed titles available.

6. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Experience The Classic Open-World Adventure All Over Again

In contrast to numerous open-world games that can leave players feeling drained upon completing them for the first time, Skyrim, being the fifth installment in the Elder Scrolls series, stands out as highly replayable. This is due to the multitude of options available for character development, which are a result of the game’s deep integration of role-playing game elements and mechanics. As a result, players can effortlessly dive into a fresh save to experiment with new character builds by concentrating on unexplored sections of the skill tree and alternative questlines that open up throughout the course of gameplay.

What makes Skyrim so enjoyable to get lost in is its comfortable feel. The game’s captivating charm lies in exploring its stunning locations, and because it’s designed for an immersive experience, it’s not surprising that players might find themselves spending numerous hours engrossed in the world of Skyrim, even after logging in to start a new playthrough.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Kill Some Time With Johnny While Exploring The Jaw-Dropping Night City

When the news broke out that Cyberpunk 2077 was heading to Nintendo Switch 2, there were doubts about whether the device could handle the game due to its technical requirements. However, many were amazed when CD Projekt Red and Nintendo successfully ran it, offering a seamless and responsive gaming experience that lets players enjoy Night City’s dystopian beauty even while on-the-go.

Oh boy, diving into a fresh round of Cyberpunk 2077 is like opening a treasure chest full of adventures! There’s always something enticing to engage in, whether it’s tackling those lucrative gigs for some extra Eddies or jumping headfirst into the pulse-pounding Cyberpsycho missions. The map is brimming with opportunities, and each time I unfurl it, there’s a new activity waiting for me to jump right in.

But what truly makes this game shine are the exceptional characters that populate Night City. They’re all so richly crafted and a joy to interact with. Let’s not forget Johnny, the witty charm he brings to the table is priceless! His jokes and one-liners make every flight feel a tad more endurable, and who wouldn’t want that in this neon-lit, high-stakes world?

4. Elden Ring

Take Down A Few Tough Bosses Until It’s Time To Land

To set things straight, Elden Ring, much like other Soulslike games, is not for those with tender hearts. However, if you’re up for a challenging adventure filled with chaotic fights, this game could be right up your alley.

Elden Ring doesn’t coddle its players; once you’re released into the world, you’re free to roam and discover anything that catches your eye, including the numerous mysterious tombs and castles scattered across the landscape.

Absolutely, getting to these locations isn’t a walk in the park, especially since the map is teeming with challenging bosses each boasting unique aesthetics and lethal combat strategies. It can be quite tricky to keep track of how many minutes or hours you’ve invested when battling the same boss for what feels like the 50th time. However, one thing remains undeniable: no passenger will nod off during a flight if they have a formidable dragon on their screen demanding to be defeated.

3. No Man’s Sky

Explore A Limitless Universe Full Of Wonder And Intrigue

Man, it’s mind-blowing to see how much No Man’s Sky has evolved since its debut in 2016! I must admit, it had a rocky beginning, but after years of dedicated updates, there’s no denying that it’s the epitome of space exploration gaming now.

After a quick tutorial to get us up-to-speed with the game basics, we’re unleashed into this vast universe, free to chart our own course. Whether it’s scavenging resources on alien planets, setting up my personal base, or encountering other gamers at Space Anomalies – the choice is mine!

As a gamer, diving into this game feels like stepping onto a spaceship without any annoying loading screens disrupting the journey. The smooth performance on the Switch 2 makes it an essential pick for space-exploring enthusiasts seeking a quick escape. Once you get a taste of its irresistibly engaging gameplay, you’ll find yourself hooked right from the start. And with it being the largest open-world game ever crafted, there’s no end to the captivating landscapes waiting to be discovered!

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Experience Arthur Morgan’s Epic Tale From Up High

One reason why Red Dead Redemption 2 is loved by many is its versatility in playstyle. The game offers a multitude of ways to engage, catering to various preferences. If you’re drawn to Arthur Morgan’s sweeping narrative and emotional journey, you can advance through the story by completing missions assigned by camp members. Yet, it’s important to note that the game doesn’t compel players to follow this path exclusively. Instead, you’re free to explore the expansive countryside at your leisure, assisting random encounters if you so wish, creating a unique experience tailored to your interests.

When deciding on a game to pass the time during a long flight, “Red Dead Redemption 2” is generally a dependable option as it caters to a wide range of preferences. Whether you’re inclined towards participating in gunfights with gangs, robbing lavish trains, or simply indulging in birdwatching under the open sky, this game offers a variety of experiences for its players to savor.

1. Minecraft

Get Creative For As Long As You Like

One primary reason for Minecraft‘s enduring popularity is its accessibility. Unlike many other games that require players to familiarize themselves with an intricate backstory first, Minecraft places you immediately in the middle of a sprawling pixelated landscape, ripe for exploration and interaction in countless creative ways. Newcomers can begin simply by chopping down trees for wood, then proceeding to construct a home and gather resources for mining.

Other players could opt instead to prioritize survival by gathering food, building a modest hideout to shield themselves from the skeletons and zombies that prowl at night. Regardless of how badly things may go wrong in-game, reloading a fresh seed takes mere moments, eliminating the need for lengthy tutorials or introductions. Moreover, given its availability on numerous portable devices, this game is an excellent option for travelers seeking entertainment, catering to both adults and children alike.

2025-08-16 21:14