Best Open-World Games For Living Your Childhood Fantasies

How people experience video games changes as they get older. A game that a child loves might feel very different to a teenager or an adult, and their feelings about it can evolve over time. It’s natural for kids to have lots of hopes and dreams while they’re playing games or watching stories unfold.

As people grow older, open-world games can offer a way to fulfill childhood wishes. Maybe a long-held idea finally appears in a game, or a favorite show gets featured. These games are great because they let older fans experience the joy they dreamed of as kids.

Red Dead Redemption 2

The Cowboy Life

I think everyone had that Wild West phase growing up, right? We all played cowboys and Indians as kids. And honestly, Red Dead Redemption 2 just lets you live that fantasy. It’s the ultimate Western experience, letting you build a life out in the country.

This game tells a story of freedom and adventure in the Wild West, where you play as outlaws who can rob banks, break horses, and explore a vast landscape. It’s widely considered the most immersive and detailed game ever made about the American frontier, and a true masterpiece from the creators at Rockstar.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

Sailing Like A Pirate

I think a lot of us gamers dreamed of being pirates when we were kids, and for me, the best game to really live that fantasy is still Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. Sure, other games in the series let you sail, but this one? This one really made you feel like a pirate, and it was the first one to truly focus on that life.

Players explore the Caribbean by sailing between islands, where they can find treasure, hunt animals for better equipment, and even search for sunken riches underwater. A unique feature is the ability to sing with your crew using sea shanties discovered throughout the game!

Ghost Of Tsushima

Become A Legendary Samurai

Children often debate future careers or silly scenarios, like who’s stronger – a samurai or a ninja. The game Ghost of Tsushima lets players experience both sides, so they don’t have to pick just one.

In Ghost of Tsushima, you’ll experience a historical conflict: the Mongolian invasion of Tsushima Island in Japan. You’ll play as a samurai caught between upholding tradition and embracing unconventional ninja tactics to survive. No matter which path you choose, you’ll engage in intense and realistic combat while exploring a beautiful and intriguing open world.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

A Superhero Fantasy

Kids love to pretend they have superpowers, and when it comes to superhero games, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a standout title—easily the best Spider-Man game ever made.

Players take on the roles of both Peter Parker and Miles Morales to protect New York City. They’ll swing through the city, stopping crimes as they experience a compelling story that draws inspiration from the comics, but also offers a fresh, new narrative. A major addition is the Venom symbiote suit for Peter Parker, transforming him into a more powerful and intense Spider-Man – a dream come true for many fans who grew up wanting to battle or become Venom.

Hogwarts Legacy

You’re A Wizard, Too

I remember when the first Harry Potter book came out in 1997 – everyone, myself included, instantly wanted to be a witch or wizard! There were a few games based on the movies over the years, but it felt like forever before a truly original game set in that world finally arrived. Hogwarts Legacy is it, and honestly, it’s amazing to finally get to live out those wizarding school fantasies at Hogwarts!

Players get to design their own wizard or witch, take classes at Hogwarts, and freely roam the castle grounds – with even more freedom than Harry and his friends had in the original books. Because the game takes place long before Harry’s time, the developers were able to create a completely new story, and it’s brilliantly done.

Grand Theft Auto 5

Cause Absolute Chaos

I remember when Grand Theft Auto 3 came out in 2001 – it felt like a wild, no-holds-barred fantasy, letting you live out a life with absolutely no rules. It was a huge deal! Then, over ten years later, Grand Theft Auto 5 took everything to a whole new level – it was by far the most ambitious and impressive game in the series, really expanding on that feeling of freedom and chaos.

Players can switch between three different characters and create all sorts of trouble in Los Santos, and they can continue the fun online. What began as a simple addition to Grand Theft Auto 5 quickly became the main reason people started playing, as GTA Online evolved into a lively world where players could create their own stories and live out different roles.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Go On A Journey

Pokémon Legends: Arceus feels like a major step towards realizing the open-world Pokémon adventure fans have imagined since the original Pokémon Red and Blue games came out in 1998. Finally, players can truly explore a vast environment where Pokémon roam freely.

Honestly, if I’m not feeling the battles, I can just focus on catching Pokémon – which is awesome! There are so many to find in this samurai-era world, and it’s way more than just a simple side game. Arceus really feels like a full-blown Pokémon experience.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

A Builder Game With Adventure Built-In

Most children have played with LEGOs, and they often create stories to go along with what they build. While Minecraft was the first game that felt like a digital version of LEGOs, it didn’t have a built-in storyline.

Although Minecraft encourages creativity, Dragon Quest Builders 2 excels at blending building with exciting adventures and battles. It also features a special island where up to four players can team up and build a town together.

2025-10-25 07:35