9 Open-World Games Worth Playing Just For Their Setting

9 Open-World Games Worth Playing Just For Their Setting

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that each of these games offers a unique and immersive world that transcends the boundaries of traditional video games.


Various motives prompt individuals to engage in video gaming. Some are drawn to the tough challenges presented by certain demanding titles, while others seek relaxation with simpler games following a stressful workday. The narrative quality of video games isn’t always crucial for success, and at times, players merely desire an escape from reality into a digital universe tailored to their preferences.

In a well-designed virtual world that’s immersive and convincing, many gamers find satisfaction. If this world is an open one where players can roam freely and discover things at their leisure, it significantly enhances the gaming experience for them.

9 Assassin’s Creed Origins

Sadly, There Are No Mummies

In their initial attempt at creating a new installment for the Assassin’s Creed series, Ubisoft decided to extend the development period from one year to two years, resulting in a significant overhaul of the game’s mechanics and playstyle.

In Assassin’s Creed Origins, players journey to ancient Egypt during the year 49 BC, following the adventures of Bayek from Siwa and his partner Aya. The narrative, along with its innovative RPG-style combat system, is engaging, but what truly stands out is the game’s world and Egyptian setting which leave a lasting impression.

Ubisoft skillfully portrayed the genuine essence of the setting, encompassing the massive Pyramid of Giza, vast deserts, and scarce oases filled with water across the map; Egyptian characters, their dialects, and typical activities; as well as significant cities such as Alexandria and Memphis.

8 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

“Hyeeh Kyaah” – Link

First appearing on the Wii U and truly gaining acclaim upon its launch on Nintendo Switch, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” offers players a stunning depiction of Hyrule, one of the most breathtaking versions seen in any Zelda game. While Nintendo intentionally avoided realism due to the constraints of their hardware, they instead chose a more distinctive, cel-shaded aesthetic. Yet, they also filled the world with such intricate details that at times it can be challenging to recall Link’s initial objectives.

In various cities and communities, such as Zora’s Domain and Gerudo Town, each teeming with unique races like the Zoras and the Gerudos, offer a rich tapestry of history and character. Each race carries a distinct narrative, traditions, and notable figures, along with certain apprehensions towards other races. To truly appreciate the world and setting of the game, every Zelda enthusiast should consider playing Breath of the Wild, even if just for the sake of immersing themselves in its captivating universe and environment.

7 Cyberpunk 2077

John Wick In A Dystopian Future

CD Projekt Red’s latest role-playing game had a lengthy development process, only releasing in 2020. Upon its debut, it was noticeably not polished in some areas. Despite initial technical issues and glitches, the stunning yet eerily realistic Night City is hard to ignore.

In this upcoming dystopian urban landscape called Night City, every form of wickedness seems to flourish: theft, bribery, brutal violence, anarchy, and digital crime are rampant. Upon a closer inspection, the sinister aspect of Night City becomes more evident in its residents, infrastructure, and political system. While CD Projekt Red may not have achieved the ultimate cyberpunk atmosphere, their depiction is nearly flawless for this science fiction sub-genre.

6 Fallout 4

War Never Changes

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice that there aren’t many games out there that delve into the post-nuclear fallout universe like Bethesda’s iconic Fallout series does. It effortlessly satisfies my craving for such an experience. Among its installments, the fourth one in the franchise stands out as the largest, if not the most exceptional, offering a world overrun with mutated creatures and humans transformed into ghouls. Resources like food, water, and weapons are all tainted with radiation, making survival a constant challenge.

The essence of the American dream persists, yet today it embodies having a comfortable bed to rest upon at night and edible food that doesn’t pose a risk of lethal radiation exposure. In some ways, the narrative in Fallout 4 might not be as compelling, but its haunting post-apocalyptic atmosphere, ethically ambiguous characters, and exceptional world design more than compensate for this shortcoming.

5 Grand Theft Auto: 5

A Virtual America

Rockstar excels at creating incredibly lifelike city replicas within their video games, and the fictional city of Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto V, modeled after Los Angeles, offers a stunning satire of its real-world counterpart’s flaws.

1. In addition to playing through an engaging storyline, gamers can immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes of Blaine County – from wilderness areas to lakes, mountains, and communities. Despite this game being over a decade old, it has yet to be surpassed in creating a believable world where players step into the roles of three main characters and embark on an exhilarating journey through its captivating plot, meticulously crafted environment, authentic characters, and rich cultural aspects.

4 Ghost of Tsushima

Swords and Stances

Set in the year 1274 during the Mongol invasion, players have the opportunity to avenge their losses and restore tranquility following the samurai of Tsushima’s defeat. Yet, if gamers pause for a moment, they will discover that the open world of Tsushima is nothing less than awe-inspiring.

On his steadfast horse, Jin embarks on a personal mission to confront the Mongol invasion, even with insurmountable odds. Yet he immerses himself in the faith and customs of his community, marveling at the breathtaking landscapes across Tsushima Island. He unearths the island’s intriguing history by discovering old shrines, legends long forgotten, and learning from the wise elders who share their knowledge.

3 Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Dohvakiin

Bethesda achieved an impressive feat with their fifth entry in the sprawling Elder Scrolls series, constructing a wholly imaginative fantasy realm reminiscent of the world crafted by J.R.R. Tolkien in his Lord of the Rings collection.

In the game of Skyrim, you’ll find ten distinct species coexisting, such as Elves, Humans, Khajiit, Argonians, and more. The realm also houses dragons, colossal spiders, undead draugrs, magic, alchemy, a deep-rooted lore, and an extensive history of the land – making it a fantasy world that players can’t help but revisit. It’s not just about the game’s narrative or mechanics; rather, many are drawn to Skyrim for the simple pleasure of inhabiting its extraordinary universe.

2 Red Dead Redemption 2

Get Ready To Cry. A lot.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my awe for Rockstar’s follow-up to the original Red Dead Redemption. This game has surpassed its predecessor in every imaginable aspect. It’s rightfully acclaimed for pushing the boundaries of narrative and single-player immersion in video games. However, what truly sets it apart is the astonishingly realistic and inhabited world that Rockstar has meticulously crafted.

Remarkable for its astonishing realism, this game places players in the role of Arthur Morgan, guiding them through a tale of betrayal, friendship, and redemption while exploring five virtual U.S. states on the brink of the end of the Wild West era. Interact with characters living their daily lives, engage in numerous mini-games, complete various tasks for diverse characters, and witness firsthand how the Industrial Revolution forever transformed America. The intricately designed and engrossing Wild West environment presented in this game is unprecedented in video games, making Red Dead Redemption 2 an exceptional choice to immerse yourself in this era.

1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

“Woah There, Roach”

In terms of video games, the universe of Geralt of Rivia stands out as one that extends beyond this medium, often appearing in films, literature, and television shows as well. The most recent installment in the series, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, significantly builds upon its predecessors in all aspects, making the world feel more authentic, the characters’ lives and stories more understandable, and the lore richer than ever before.

As someone who has spent countless hours exploring various video games throughout my life, I must say that this particular game stands out as a true masterpiece. The reason for its outstanding accolade lies in its stunningly beautiful and immersive open-world setting, which is both captivating and treacherous.

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2024-08-24 13:34