Non-RPG Open-World Games That Feel Like RPGs

I’ve noticed that most open-world games seem to be role-playing games, or RPGs. They usually let you really customize your character, have huge stories, and are all about collecting loot and finishing quests. A perfect example is The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – it’s a classic! More recently, Cyberpunk 2077 is another one. But then you also get open-world games that have some RPG stuff, but aren’t quite as complicated with all the different systems and options.

Even though these games aren’t traditional role-playing games, they offer a similarly immersive experience. If you’re an RPG fan who’s played all the popular titles, these games could be a good fit, offering similar enjoyment. Ultimately, they’re just really well-made open-world or sandbox games with large, detailed environments.

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Solve Puzzles, Raise Stats

I’ve always loved the Zelda games, and even the very first one on the NES had elements of a role-playing game. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, there are so many different challenges and trials you can complete, and when you finish them, you’re rewarded with Spirit Orbs!

Throughout the game, you’ll find statues where you can spend four resources to increase either your health or stamina – these improvements are based on your character’s stats. You can also purchase and improve armor sets that give you special benefits. Weapons are found everywhere, and while they depend on your stats, they do wear down and break with use.

God Of War (2018)

There’s Loot, Boy!

The God of War games have always included some role-playing elements, starting with Kratos collecting orbs to make his weapons stronger. This became more noticeable in the 2018 God of War game, where players can find and improve armor with different stat boosts.

Kratos can learn new skills that unlock powerful combat moves, giving players more options for defeating enemies. The game’s story takes you on an expansive journey, going beyond Norse mythology, and like the best RPGs, it creates a sense of adventure and discovery throughout the entire experience.

Ghost Of Tsushima

Becoming A Samurai/Ninja Legend

Ghost of Tsushima features a beautifully rendered world that authentically captures life in 13th-century Japan. Players take on the role of Jin, a samurai who has fallen from grace and is determined to avenge his clan. He can choose to follow the traditional path of a noble warrior, collecting samurai armor and weapons, or embrace the stealth and tactics of a ninja to fight from the shadows.

Equipping different armor sets boosts your stats, and you can unlock skills that make Jin a more powerful fighter, both in direct combat and when attacking from stealth. The game also offers plenty of side quests and collectibles to keep you busy.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

Skinning Is The Game

The Assassin’s Creed series transitioned to a full role-playing game with character leveling in 2017 with Assassin’s Creed Origins. However, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, released in 2013, was highly praised and already included some role-playing features.

In the game, players could improve Edward Kenway’s abilities mainly by hunting animals. Collecting certain animal skins allowed them to craft upgrades for their armor or increase their carrying capacity. Exploring new islands and constantly searching for different animals was a core part of the game’s pirate and assassin experience.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Gadgets And Skills

Insomniac Games often includes role-playing game features in their titles, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 continues that trend. Both Peter and Miles Morales gain skill points by completing missions and defeating enemies, which they can then use to unlock new fighting abilities.

Characters can also acquire and upgrade tools for combat using materials found throughout the game. Plus, New York City is filled with quests and collectibles that reward players with skill points and gadget upgrades.

inFAMOUS Second Son

A Shard-Based Economy

inFAMOUS Second Son is a superhero game created by the developers of Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch. Set in Seattle, the game puts you in the role of Delsin, a character who can absorb different superpowers from other people as he progresses through the story.

The character begins with the power to control smoke, but eventually unlocks the ability to move faster than light. Players can improve these powers by finding shards scattered throughout Seattle, which serve as the game’s primary upgrade system.

Far Cry 3

The Definition Of Insanity

Far Cry 3 was a turning point for the Far Cry series, giving players unprecedented freedom. As you explore the island where you’re stranded, you’ll earn experience points that unlock new skills. The island is full of optional activities, such as capturing outposts, which act as significant quests.

Though it plays like a fast-paced action game, this title offers satisfying RPG elements. The beautiful tropical setting and the feeling of accomplishment you get from earning new abilities will definitely appeal to RPG fans.

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

A Network Of Leveling

In Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, you play as Venom Snake – a character now known as Big Boss – and can tackle missions in large, open areas. While completing objectives is key, players are also encouraged to explore these environments to find soldiers and resources to develop their Mother Base.

Players collect resources and soldiers to expand their Mother Base and craft new equipment. The more they gather, the larger and more powerful their base becomes. This creates a unique gameplay loop where base building is just as important as developing Snake’s abilities, ultimately helping him succeed.

Star Wars Outlaws

Bold Choices In A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Many consider Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic to be one of the best role-playing games ever made. While Star Wars Outlaws isn’t a traditional RPG, it offers enough RPG-like features to let players experience life as a criminal in the Star Wars galaxy.

Playing as Kay, a rogue, my goal is to build relationships with different groups across the planets I explore. Like, on Toshara, the first planet, I can team up with the Pyke Syndicate. Choosing a side isn’t just about the story, though – it actually unlocks new quests and gets me better deals from merchants. Those discounts are huge for grabbing new gear and ship parts, which is awesome!

Dishonored

Whale Oil Makes A Man

The game Dishonored is set in a dark, industrial city powered by whale oil. While whale oil is important to the world’s economy, players use regular coins to improve their character, Corvo, with new abilities.

In addition to weapons, players can unlock special supernatural abilities for Corvo by completing key missions. Having more powers makes it simpler to perform stealthy assassinations within guarded areas. For instance, the Blink power lets players quickly move short distances, almost like teleporting.

2026-01-03 20:07