Open-World Games With Optional Progress

If you’re tired of open-world games that feel like a constant grind – always pushing you to level up and complete tasks – you might appreciate these relaxing alternatives. They still offer vast worlds to explore, but with no pressure to achieve anything. The main goal is simply to wander, discover, and enjoy the scenery. While some may include optional quests, you won’t be penalized for ignoring them. Here are some of the best open-world games for a chill, laid-back experience.

Battlefield 6 Season 2 Delayed

When Battlefield 6 launched in October, it quickly became more popular than expected. The first major update, Season 1, arrived shortly after to keep that excitement going, adding a Battle Pass, a new map, and fresh weapons. It even included a free-to-play Battle Royale game called Battlefield REDSEC, which many people already knew was coming. However, the success of ARC Raiders and some disappointment with updates after launch caused Battlefield 6 to lose 85% of its players on Steam. Fortunately, the team at Battlefield Studios seems dedicated to improving the game. They’ve delayed the release of Season 2 to polish things and make sure the upcoming update reflects what players want.

Resident Evil Showcase Announced for January 15

Capcom first hinted at Resident Evil Requiem in July 2024, but the game’s official announcement trailer premiered at Summer Game Fest 2025. This trailer introduced Grace Ashcroft as the new lead character and confirmed the game would return to the iconic setting of Raccoon City. Since then, several trailers have been released, culminating in a debut at The Game Awards 2025 that officially confirmed the return of Leon Kennedy, a fan-favorite character who was the subject of much speculation and leaks in the months leading up to the reveal.

Is Destiny 2 Worth Playing in 2026?

The debate about whether Destiny 2 is still worth playing keeps coming up because, at its best, there’s really nothing else quite like it. Despite years of changes and occasional mistakes, the core gameplay is still excellent. With the upcoming Renegades expansion and future updates planned, 2026 looks promising. However, whether you’ll enjoy Destiny 2 now depends more on your personal preferences – how much you enjoy ongoing, evolving games, your level of patience, and if you’re open to being surprised by what the game offers.

10 Most Broken Devil Fruits in One Piece, Ranked by Power

Devil Fruits grant incredible abilities, but those powers are often unpredictable and difficult for enemies to counter. These fruits and their users frequently create situations that demand equally impressive solutions or convenient coincidences. In fact, without fortunate events, clever strategies, or a bit of luck, these overwhelmingly powerful fruits could easily have disrupted the story.