Open-World Games Where You Aren’t Overpowered

I love open-world games, and honestly, a lot of them let you play as this incredibly powerful character – basically a god who can take a beating and heal instantly. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s super fun! But sometimes, I really crave an open-world experience where you play someone a little more…normal, someone who isn’t overpowered. It’s just a nice change of pace, you know?

I love that these characters aren’t just unstoppable heroes! They’re pretty relatable – as normal as you can be, given their crazy situations. Because they don’t have crazy powers to fall back on, every choice I make as a player actually feels important. And honestly, winning a tough fight because of a smart plan and good timing feels SO much better than just button-mashing!

Not being overpowered is not the same thing as being underpowered. Sometimes, you are just powered.

7. Foxhole

Fight As An Ordinary Soldier, Get Killed By Artillery, & Spawn As A New Soldier

Foxhole is a large-scale, online war game set during World War II. It features ongoing conflicts between two teams that can last for weeks or even months. Instead of focusing on individual character progression with levels and abilities, every player starts as a regular soldier each time they respawn, meaning no one player is uniquely powerful.

Dying is common in Foxhole, particularly when fighting near the front lines – a single artillery strike can take you out. While this adds to the game’s realistic and engaging nature, respawning is quick. Because death is a constant threat, players quickly learn to take cover, avoid heavy vehicles, and be careful of anything that slows them down, like muddy terrain. You don’t even have to be a fighter; you can be a medic, transport supplies, or manufacture equipment from a safe distance. No matter what you do, you’re just one person contributing to a larger, collaborative war effort.

6. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Snake Goes Down Quick If He Is Not Smart And Quiet

Open-world games often feel overwhelming, like you’re a heavily armored character. When people want something more agile, they usually think of survival games. But stealth games can offer that same feeling of freedom and movement, and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain does it best. While you can play aggressively, it makes the game much more difficult. Venom Snake excels at sneaking and infiltration, so that’s where the game truly shines.

The game strongly emphasizes careful planning for each mission. You’ll need to use everything available to you to stay hidden and achieve your objectives. Getting caught usually means starting over, as your character isn’t invincible. While you’ll become more skilled as you play, don’t expect to simply blast your way through enemy bases without relying on stealth.

5. Project Zomboid

A Game That Asks Players How They Will Die?

Project Zomboid is a unique game where the challenge isn’t if you’ll die, but how. You start as a regular person in a zombie apocalypse, and your goal is simply to survive for as long as possible using any means necessary. It’s a top-down, open-world game focused on realistic survival.

In this game, zombies will actively seek out players, gathering in large groups to hunt them. You play as a regular person trying to survive, facing not only the undead but also the everyday challenges of a world after the apocalypse. Surprisingly, things like boredom, thirst, and even feeling down are key parts of the experience. While you won’t become super-powered, your character can improve through realistic skill progression – the more you do something, the better you get at it.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Is Capable With A Gun, But He Lives In A Ruthless And Realistic World

Rockstar’s games often blend realistic details with over-the-top moments, and GTA usually emphasizes the more outlandish side. Red Dead Redemption 2, however, feels incredibly authentic, almost like a true Western simulation – and that’s not just because of the detailed animations. The game’s protagonist, Arthur Morgan, is a formidable gunslinger who isn’t afraid to fight ruthlessly, understanding that even a small mistake could be fatal.

Despite being skilled, Arthur isn’t portrayed as invincible, and he can be killed quickly in gunfights. He’s unusual for an open-world game character because he’s realistically balanced – not too strong, but not weak either. Even his special abilities, like Dead Eye, are limited and show how much experience he has as an outlaw.

3. Arma 3

A Realistic Modern Military Game Where You Play As Regular Soldiers

I’m really into Arma 3 – it’s a super realistic military game where you play as a regular soldier, like driving tanks or flying drones. What I love is that it doesn’t treat you like some superhero; you’re vulnerable, just like in a real combat situation. It’s a total sandbox, meaning you can pretty much do whatever you want, whether you’re playing online with friends or tackling the single-player campaign.

The game also features scenarios and modes created by players. Importantly, players will never feel too powerful, even when using the best equipment. There are always dangers to watch out for, so staying alert and making smart decisions are key to survival.

2. Death Stranding

Save The World As A Courier, Not A Fighter

Death Stranding is a one-of-a-kind open-world game where you play as Sam Bridges, a skilled carrier who isn’t a fighter. Set in a strange, post-apocalyptic America, Sam’s job is to reconnect isolated cities using a network called the Chiral Network, ultimately working to rebuild the country.

The game challenges players to deliver packages across a dangerous and difficult landscape, fighting against the weather and environment. Because the main character, Sam, is just a normal person, careful planning and logistics are essential. Players will build structures and engage in combat, though they’ll often find themselves outnumbered. Death Stranding is also highly praised for its immersive and atmospheric open world.

Death Stranding 2 also fits, although you do feel a bit more powerful in that game.

1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Henry Starts As A Blacksmith’s Son & Can Never Fight Large Groups Of Enemies

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is often praised as one of the most realistic and immersive medieval games ever made. You start as Henry, a simple blacksmith’s son, who’s not very skilled at fighting. While you do get better throughout the game, combat is always challenging because armor functions realistically – you can’t just cut through it like in many other medieval games.

By the end of the game, Henry can usually handle about three enemies at a time, but only if he’s wearing the best armor and using a powerful weapon, and even then it’s a challenge. While this realistic difficulty isn’t for all players, the fights themselves are very rewarding, as are many other parts of the game. For instance, Henry starts as illiterate, and learning to read is surprisingly enjoyable. Despite gaining status throughout the story, he remains down-to-earth and is ultimately a small piece in the power struggles of the nobility.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 also qualifies, as Henry starts pretty weak in the sequel.

2025-12-03 04:07