Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

As someone who’s spent countless hours traversing virtual landscapes, I can confidently say that each of these games offers a unique and breathtaking journey through their open worlds. Red Dead Redemption 2, with its vast Wild West wilderness, takes you on a tour unlike any other, from the serene beauty of lakes and rivers to the majestic peaks of mountains. The Landmarks of Riches Treasure quest is not just a gold hunt but a picturesque journey through some of RDR2’s most enchanting sights.


As an avid gamer, I absolutely adore open-world titles for their boundless opportunities to explore and uncover every nook and cranny of their stunning landscapes. While these games are often associated with the destructive aspects they offer, they also incorporate some extraordinary, unique moments that keep me hooked. Frankly, the thrill of chaos would soon wear thin if there weren’t these captivating set pieces scattered throughout – some depicting breathtaking vistas that make every adventure worthwhile.

The beauty of Hong Kong in Sleeping Dogs contrasts with the banality of Steelport in Saints Row the Third. The jungles of Far Cry 3 offer more than the deserts of Metal Gear Solid 5. Assassin’s Creed brings history to life, while Crackdown focuses on the near future. Each offers something different to the table. But some are more stunning than others, and these open-world games offer the best landmarks in the genre.

8 inFamous 2

The Colorful New Orleans-Inspired New Marais

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

The game InFamous was enjoyable, but it was released at a time when many games had similar dark settings and graphics that matched their mood. The city, Empire City, was dull, grimey, and lacked color until the player reached the maximum Good or Bad Karma level, at which point the sky turned blue or red respectively. However, InFamous 2 improved upon this by transporting the electric-powered protagonist Cole McGrath to a city inspired by New Orleans called New Marais.

The setting was vibrant and diverse, boasting swamps (bayous), functional tram routes, tricolor flags, balconies, and towering churches that adventurers could traverse. Flooded, storm-damaged houses added an element of difficulty for our water-loving protagonist. Regrettably, the finale was a drab industrial zone, leaving a somewhat muted impression.

7 Saints Row 2

Despite Being Dangerous to Live In, Stilwater Offers Beautiful Locations

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

Initially introduced in Saints Row 1, Stilwater subsequently underwent significant enhancements in Saints Row 2. The gameplay and creative possibilities were notably augmented during this phase. Over time, players might not require the mini-map to discern their location, as they become familiar with the unique characteristics of each district. For instance, Chinatown’s ornate gates and architecture serve as distinguishing features, while the relative positions of these locations help players identify where they are within Stilwater.

From Chinatown, I’d know where to head for that quintessential college with its witty cheerleaders, a short drive northwest will get you there. Then, hop on the highway heading north from there and before long, you’ll find yourself at the grungy trailer park, nestled just east of the suburbs where Johnny Gat’s girlfriend Aisha resides. It’s a place brimming with diversity that even the more common Steelport in Saints Row: The Third and Saints Row 4 couldn’t compare to.

6 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Bringing the Decadence of 1980s Miami to the PS2

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

Choosing just one “Grand Theft Auto” game for this list is quite challenging. “GTA 4” surpassed “GTA 3” by meticulously replicating and satirizing New York City. For over a decade, “GTA5” has kept players engaged with its abundant activities and sights in Los Santos. However, some fans continue to favor its version in “GTA: San Andreas,” which boasted more towns and landscapes to discover.

Although GTA 6 is coming up, it doesn’t seem to be revisiting the vibrant ’80s Miami atmosphere of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City just yet. Instead, GTA 6 will be set in contemporary times, which is quite different from the nostalgic 80s setting of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. While the music and scenery of cruising past beaches and palm trees may seem like small details, they were instrumental in creating the distinct feel that made Grand Theft Auto: Vice City stand out.

5 Yakuza 2/Kiwami 2

Memorable Japanese Cities That Feel as Real as Their Counterparts

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

Choosing a favorite game from the Grand Theft Auto series is tough, but deciding on one from the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series is even more challenging. Each game boasts unique settings, although some provide more activities than others. The most frequently visited locales in the franchise are Kamurochō in Tokyo and Sōtenbori in Osaka, which first appeared in Yakuza 2 from way back.

In their respective likenesses, the two cities mirror actual locations – Kabukichō and Dotonbori – from the former’s cinema square to the latter’s Kani Doraku crab restaurant. The remake, “Yakuza Kiwami 2”, expands on activities and exploration. However, the original game deserves credit for incorporating Shinseicho, inspired by Osaka’s notorious Shinsekai district. This area is renowned for its Tsutenkaku Tower, though neither the tower nor Shinseicho have resurfaced in the series since “Yakuza 2”.

4 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Immersive New York City Landmarks, With a Marvel Twist

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

Many video games have mimicked New York City through proxy cities or, in some cases, the actual city itself. However, the “Marvel’s Spider-Man” series isn’t the first to recreate this iconic metropolis. These games entice players to explore famous landmarks (alongside unique Marvel locations like the Avengers Towers) by capturing their images for a bit of extra XP and a comment from Spiderman.

In a thrilling turn of events, I find myself immersed in the world of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, where instead of capturing photos of people, it invites me to savor the cityscapes. This time around, the game extends its boundaries beyond Manhattan, offering a breathtaking tour of iconic landmarks that were previously only accessible with an air ticket. Now, I can marvel at Maimonides Park, stroll along the Coney Island Boardwalk, and appreciate the charm of Brooklyn’s Brownstones, all while adding these to my personal New York City bucket list. The classic favorites like Madison Square Garden, Central Park, and the Guggenheim Museum remain as captivating as ever, making me feel like a true New Yorker without the need to leave home!

3 Red Dead Redemption 2

Explore an Expansive Frontier for Treasure and Natural Beauty

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

Games don’t necessitate bustling cityscapes to be visually captivating; take for instance Red Dead Redemption 2, which is breathtakingly beautiful without them. The raw beauty of the Wild West, with its expansive lakes, winding rivers, and majestic mountains, rivals few other games in terms of scenic splendor. Yet, it doesn’t shy away from offering mysterious sights amidst the forests, especially during the ‘Landmarks of Riches’ Treasure quest.

For those players seeking a reason to venture beyond the town boundaries, this quest offers just that by setting them off on a treasure hunt. Along their journey, they’ll encounter various peculiarities such as the quaint church to the east of Lakay, a house resembling a hobbit dwelling in Grizzlies East, and a sundial atop Mount Shann. In addition to the potential for acquiring gold, this quest serves as a guided tour of some of the most beautiful scenery found within the world of Red Dead Redemption 2.

2 Assassin’s Creed Origins

See Ancient Egypt’s Legendary Icons Before They Became Ancient

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

Almost any Assassin’s Creed game provides a unique opportunity to explore iconic landmarks in historical settings. The Ezio Trilogy (Assassin’s Creed 2, Brotherhood) offers an immersive experience of Renaissance Italy, while Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports you to Dark Age England and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey breathes life into the Athenian Ruins.

That said, as nice as a pristine recreation of the Acropolis is, it can’t beat the sights of Ancient Egypt in Assassin’s Creed Origins. The sight of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in their prime, paint, gold capstone, and all, are stunning enough alone. It also has plenty of sights for players who want something different, like Krokodilopolis, Nitria, the Library of Alexandria, and Memphis.

1 Elden Ring

Fantasy Sights That Are Equally Beautiful as They Are Dangerous

Best Landmarks in Open-World Games

FromSoft’s Soulsborne series presents expansive realms brimming with intriguing sites, albeit not typically associated with the term ‘idyllic’. Remarkably, even the most appealing landscapes harbor a sense of unease or distortion. Contrastingly, Elden Ring‘s locales exhibit a unique blend of breathtaking beauty and surreal charm.

In Elden Ring, the Underground might seem like a network of dull caves, but surprisingly, it’s more like an expansive collection of ornate ruins under a starlit sky. Liurnia of the Lakes has a vibe reminiscent of a Gothic novel with its misty landscapes, castles, and rocky cliffs. On the other hand, Limgrave offers a striking contrast with its dark turquoise skies against the backdrop of golden trees. For those brave enough to venture off the main path, exploring beyond the beaten track in Elden Ring could be quite rewarding.

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2024-09-03 03:35