Best Open World Games Featuring Vampires

As a long-time fan of all things fantastical and supernatural, I’ve spent countless hours immersed in the world of vampires, from the classic tales of Bram Stoker to the modern masterpieces that have graced our screens and consoles. And let me tell you, dear reader, these games have truly outdone themselves when it comes to delivering a vampire experience like no other!

In many open-world video games, vampires play an essential role in both fantasy and folklore. It’s not unexpected that these creatures are often incorporated in some way, either as secondary characters, vital parts of the storyline, or central figures in their specific games.

As a gamer, I’ve found that vampires can seamlessly blend into an array of gaming worlds, spanning from the ancient medieval realms to contemporary settings. They could be charming heartthrobs with an uncanny youthful glow, or eerie, winged figures haunting the darkness. This versatility makes it a treasure trove for game developers, as they can draw upon the rich history and cultural impact of vampires in various media, giving birth to unique and captivating gaming experiences.

8 Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

A Gift From Serana

Best Open World Games Featuring Vampires

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, it’s hard not to be captivated by the legendary allure of Skyrim. This renowned title, being the fifth installment in the Elder Scrolls series, has left an indelible mark on the gaming world with its immersive and intricate open-world environment, not to mention its breathtaking fantasy elements that transport players into a realm of endless possibilities.

In the first expansion pack for Skyrim called Dawnguard, the theme of vampirism and vampire hunters becomes prominent. As a player, you’re presented with two choices in this DLC. You could side with the Dawnguard and engage in combat against Lord Harkon and his vampire kin. Alternatively, you can receive the transformation into a vampire lord from your new ally Serana, which grants you new powers, magic, and an intimidating winged form. This change allows you to help Serana overthrow her father, Lord Harkon, ultimately.

7 The Witcher 3

Not Your Typical Vampires

Best Open World Games Featuring Vampires

In the vast and intricately detailed open world of “The Witcher 3“, you’ll encounter a wide variety of magical beasts and ominous monstrosities. Given this, it’s not surprising that vampires, including the notable high vampire Regis, are part of the game as well. “The Witcher 3” boasts several types of vampires among its many creatures.

In an intriguing twist, the vampires in The Witcher 3 don’t adhere to conventional vampire lore. Instead, these rules are viewed as myths within the universe of this franchise. For instance, fears like fear of holy water or garlic, or the transformation through biting, are just old tales according to The Witcher series.

6 Baldur’s Gate 3

Astarion — Enough Said

In Baldur’s Gate 3, they draw upon the rich lore of Dungeons & Dragons to offer players captivating and imaginative fantasy elements. The game’s comprehensive and multi-layered narrative provides a platform for exploring these ideas in engaging and thought-provoking manners.

In my experience playing Baldur’s Gate 3, I find myself deeply engaged with Astarion’s struggle against his vampiric nature. As the game unfolds, it’s up to me to assist him in dealing with the scars of his past – being transformed and controlled by a master vampire. The journey culminates in either helping him break free from this cycle or choosing to wield his master’s power instead. This game offers a captivating moral dilemma surrounding vampirism, a topic not always handled skillfully in other vampire narratives.

5 Code Vein

Like Dark Souls, But Vampiric

Drawing inspiration from games such as Dark Souls and Godeater, Code Vein delivers an engaging vampire-themed combat adventure within a sprawling universe, featuring extensive customization possibilities. Although it may not match the sheen of Soulsborne titles, Code Vein stands out as a captivating action game, seamlessly blending challenging souls-like combat with immersive vampire lore.

In the game Code Vein, you’ll find a rich blend of style in its animations and layout, backed by a detailed character creator that lets players deeply engage with the game world. Interestingly, even though these characters are vampires, they function according to various scientific rules, offering an engaging twist on the usual vampire tropes.

4 Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2

The Classic Vampire Franchise

The “Castlevania” series is a well-established and cherished franchise, providing gamers with the longest-running vampire gaming experience. Unlike other games in the series which follow level-based gameplay, “Lords of Shadow 2” introduces an open world, which is a first for this particular series.

2014 marked the arrival of Lords of Shadow 2, where gamers find themselves commanding Dracula (Gabriel Belmont) in a contemporary version of London. While some players feel the gameplay is ordinary, a larger number commend its mood and backdrop. The game presents an unusual modern setting for a character often associated with medieval landscapes, complemented by an epic and ominous soundtrack. This lends Lords of Shadow 2 a distinct and lasting style, not just in its atmosphere but also in its setting.

3 V Rising

A Vampire Take On Survival

In the open-world, you assume command over a vampire character in a strikingly gothic landscape within V Rising. Your role is dual: on one hand, you’re a vampire aiming to restore your domain, and on the other, a survival game hero striving to endure.

In V Rising, players can immerse themselves in a genuine vampire adventure, gradually constructing a castle and amassing an army of thralls. The game’s day/night cycle adds depth to the strategy as players must navigate the dangerous sun during the day. Not many games provide the unique experience of slowly building up vampiric abilities like V Rising.

2 Vampyr

A Return To Whitechapel

The game titled “Vampyr” doesn’t get as much attention as many contemporary RPG launches, but it stands out for its unique setting – early 1900s London. This atmospheric background fits perfectly with the overall mood of the game.

In this game, players assume the role of Dr. Jonathan Reid, a character who has recently turned into a vampire amidst London’s Spanish Flu outbreak. The narrative unfolds in Whitechapel, a London district often associated with Dracula’s initial killings. The unique aspect of this game is that it offers exclusively non-violent resolutions to all encounters; however, the lack of new vampire powers makes the game more challenging. This duality presents two distinct playstyles: one as the bloodthirsty vampire preying on innocents, and another as the doctor tirelessly searching for a cure for London’s afflictions.

1 Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

The Premier Vampire Experience

“Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines” is frequently hailed as the premier gaming experience set in the vampire universe. Derived from a tabletop role-playing game with the same title, this game presents an immersive and grimy open world that allows players to fully immerse themselves in the fantasy of being a vampire.”

In this game, you have numerous options to choose from when it comes to selecting your clan, each with its unique history, abilities, and dialogue options. Each clan presents different paths to explore and various endings. The diversity of clans ensures a wide range of play styles and experiences. For instance, some players might opt to infiltrate several clans within the game by employing deceit and disguise. However, selecting the Nosferatu clan significantly alters your approach, since their grotesque appearance prevents them from blending in with others. The unique characteristics of the 13 clans, combined with the storyline and setting, make Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines a highly popular game, even years after its release in 2004.

2024-08-02 05:04