Open-World Games With The Best Power Creep

Key Takeaways

Players often love the power creep in open-world games where they start weak but become unstoppable, enhancing their sense of empowerment.
Games like Infamous Second Son, Far Cry 3, and Skyrim gradually empower players, making them feel like formidable warriors.
Developers drip-feed upgrades to keep the game engaging, allowing players to return to early-game areas to dominate enemies once too tough to beat.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve seen games evolve from humble beginnings to colossal open worlds teeming with power and potential. The concept of power creep, while initially intriguing, has become a subject of debate among gamers like myself. It’s fascinating to observe how certain titles, such as the ones you’ve mentioned here, have mastered this mechanic to create immersive experiences that transform us from ordinary players into gods of our digital realms.

Video games offer numerous motives for play, yet one major appeal lies in their role as a means of escape. Open-world games, specifically, provide players with the opportunity to traverse exotic territories and execute actions that might just be fantasies in reality. Many outstanding open-world games allow the player to start as an ordinary individual before transforming into an invincible force to be reckoned with over time.

The concept behind this progression is called “power creep.” If players were given all the tools, abilities, powers, and enhancements from the start in a game, it would provide momentary enjoyment but quickly lose its appeal. However, when developers gradually offer upgrades to players over the course of the game, it results in a gratifying feeling of empowerment. It’s quite enjoyable to revisit earlier game areas where once formidable enemies used to cause trouble, now crushing them effortlessly. The games listed below have been selected based on their overall quality and the level of satisfaction derived from power creep. For franchises sharing similar progression systems, the game with the most enjoyable power creep has been chosen.

1 Infamous Second Son

From Aimless Rebel To Overpowered Superhero

Among the three renowned “Infamous” series games, special attention is given to “Second Son” due to its diverse array of powers. This game serves as a sequel to “Infamous 2” and introduces us to Delsin Rowe, one of the few surviving conduits post the events of the second installment. Initially, Delsin possesses rather unimpressive smoke abilities, but as the game progresses, he acquires Neon, Video, and Concrete powers to expand his capabilities.

As a ten-year-old player, Second Son remains one of the top open-world superhero games due to its significant power growth. Unlike other titles such as the Arkham or Marvel’s Spider-Man series where players begin with a relatively capable Batman or Spider-Man, Delsin in Second Son starts off vulnerable and weak. Initially, it is usually more advantageous to flee than engage in combat, as Delsin can be quickly overpowered. However, by the game’s end, he becomes nearly invincible, particularly against common enemies. The power growth is amplified even further when players opt for the evil pathway for their powers, which emphasizes raw power, while the good path focuses on self-restraint.

2 Far Cry 3

From Spoiled Thrill-Seeker To Fearless Warrior

In the annals of open-world first-person shooter games, Far Cry 3 stands out as one of the finest demonstrations of power escalation done effectively. The main character, Jason Brody, initially comes across as a typical, irritating young traveler on an extended gap year. Along with his friends, they venture to the Rook Islands for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. However, things take a sinister turn when they are captured by ruthless pirates. Facing imminent death and torture, Jason breaks free from a pirate camp, embarking on his transformative journey.

In a video game for the first time, a protagonist’s initial act of taking life is shown to be raw and desperate, mirroring reality. Initially, Jason exhibits regret and remorse as a killing machine, but it takes time for him to develop the necessary abilities. Armed with just a stealth kill move, a machete, and a subpar pistol, he confronts an island inhabited by pirates and another swarming with mercenaries. By the game’s conclusion, Jason has evolved to perform near-superhuman acrobatics, glide like Batman, and possesses an arsenal that would make the U.S. military envious. What sets this game apart is its exploration of whether Jason remains the same good person by the end as he was at the start, or if his newfound powers have corrupted him into something far more sinister.

3 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Escaping The Chopping Block To Become The Dragonborn And Tamriel’s Savior

In Skyrim, the character advancement systems are so easily manipulated and the game is overflowing with exploits that it’s simple to overlook how powerless the Dragonborn seems at the start. The player begins as a tabula rasa, teetering precariously on the edge of the executioner’s block. Following their narrow escape courtesy of Alduin, the player finds themselves wielding the most rudimentary weapons and armor. Anything stronger than a solitary wolf can be lethal to them.

In other words, since The Elder Scrolls series has been around for a long time as an open-world franchise, it’s no surprise that Bethesda is skilled at managing power creep. As the player progresses through quests, they will acquire better equipment and level up, becoming less vulnerable and gaining useful abilities. Players who prioritize the main story early on can even unlock their first dragon shouts quickly. Over time, it becomes simpler to overpower Skyrim’s assorted creatures.

In time, creatures like bears, trolls, and Saber Cats, once feared as nightmares, become less threatening. Eventually, dragons, which once caused panic among players, become merely an annoyance. Without exploits, the power progression in Skyrim is gradual at first but gains momentum swiftly, ensuring that by the game’s end, the player has transformed into a near-deity.

4 Elden Ring

Allows The Player To Grow In Power But Always Rewards Skill Over Brute Strength

Balancing power creep is challenging since rapid escalation can make the game overly simplistic and less enjoyable. Being too powerful gets boring swiftly. The Dark Souls series by FromSoftware has consistently experienced power creep, yet their tough gameplay maintains player engagement. Even advanced players may find themselves defeated in early regions if they become overconfident due to the unrelenting difficulty of enemies. Striking this balance correctly for Elden Ring, an exceptional RPG for exploration, was not simple, but the developers managed it successfully.

Once past the introductory tutorial areas, players have the liberty to traverse almost anywhere and take on the numerous dungeons and regions at their own pace. However, most players often prefer spending their initial game hours in Limgrave, leveling up and gathering gear that aligns with their preferred playstyle. Obtaining suitable gear and investing points into appropriate stats will make Elden Ring slightly less challenging. While it remains challenging, as typical of FromSoftware games, players can feel significantly stronger compared to traditional Dark Souls games.

With suitable spell-focused character setups, you can significantly amplify your power, even defeating the game’s most formidable bosses in a single strike, given adequate preparation. Eventually, every player finds themselves back in Limgrave, where they can systematically eliminate the foes that once posed significant challenges to them.

5 Dying Light

Running Away From And Killing Zombies Gets Easier By The Hour

In the two iterations of Dying Light, there’s a noticeable progression in power, with some arguing that the original’s advancement was more fulfilling. Initially, Kyle Crane in the first Dying Light is quite weak. He can manage basic parkour moves, but gets winded easily and his fighting abilities are far from impressive. However, what makes Dying Light unique is its well-designed skill trees that enable players to enhance Crane’s parkour and combat capabilities. Concurrently, the game gradually introduces new weapon types and tools, significantly improving both parkour and combat performance.

Essentially, during the initial stages of “Dying Light,” it leans heavily towards survival horror. It’s usually more effective to flee or hide rather than engage in fights, and the player will often find themselves keeping an eye on the setting sun. However, once the player has unlocked most upgrades in the skill trees, things drastically change. By this point, Crane’s parkour abilities are at a ninja level, and only powerful zombies pose a threat during combat. In fact, Crane can even blend in with the zombie gore and take out entire groups by quietly snapping their necks one by one without any worries.

6 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Takes Henry From Humble Peasant To Unstoppable Knight

In plain terms, let’s get straight to the point. At the beginning of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Henry is a complete novice. He struggles to protect himself against even the weakest adversaries, and much of the game’s initial stages involve running away more than fighting. The survival aspects of the game make Henry feel fragile and in need of constant care. If players are overly eager and advance too quickly into the main storyline, they’ll encounter heavily armored Cumans who are impossible for Henry to defeat.

As a devoted fan, I’ve found that mastering victory in Kingdom Come: Deliverance lies in the art of training Henry. This game stands out as one of the most authentic open-world experiences, and it’s crucial to mold Henry into a formidable fighter. That requires investing ample time in dueling with non-player characters (NPCs), who not only guide the player through the intricacies of combat but also help Henry learn. With sufficient training, Henry sheds his feeble image and takes on various side quests to accumulate wealth and decent equipment. It’s a gradual, strategic journey, but with persistence, Henry can evolve into a mighty knight, capable of slicing through Cuman camps single-handedly. Kingdom Come: Deliverance’s commitment to realism ensures that Henry seldom feels invincible, yet becoming overpowered is definitely achievable.

7 Prototype

A Game All About Becoming An Overpowered Biological Weapon

The initial version, often disregarded upon its launch, has developed a devoted fanbase over time. Though the series is currently inactive, the original is still highly regarded as one of the top mature-rated superhero games ever produced. The game centers around Alex Mercer, a researcher turned amnesiac anti-hero, who battles his previous employers to halt a virus he unintentionally helped create.

Following infection by the Blacklight virus, Alex gradually acquires awe-inspiring superpowers. Initially, he exhibits conventional abilities such as increased strength, speed, and healing, but later learns to harness his biomass and absorb that of others, leading to extraordinary new capabilities. With these powers, Alex effortlessly dispatches groups of foes and the game ensures his power growth remains slightly beyond that of his adversaries.

The first encounter with a tank is quite intimidating, but after Alex learns to either seize control of them or dismantle them using his Blade Arm, they no longer seem threatening. This game, “Prototype,” thrives on the concept of power escalation. As Alex evolves into a biological weapon, his strength increases, leading to internal conflicts with the virus and his human identity. A conflict that followers of the sequel are familiar with, as they know he eventually succumbs.

8 Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberware, Hacks, And Futuristic Weaponry Transform V Into Night City’s Greatest Merc

In simpler terms, the character V in Cyberpunk isn’t easily intimidated, yet undergoes significant transformations during the game. Balance has always been a key aspect of gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077, but after numerous updates over the years, it currently feels more balanced than ever before.

As the character progresses through missions, additional tasks, and defeating adversaries, V accumulates Experience Points (XP), Street Reputation, and Ed-dollars (Eddies). These elements help to strengthen V over time. Various cybernetic enhancements from Ripperdoc vendors can boost V’s capabilities and offer new skill sets, transforming them into a silent assassin, tough fortress, expert hacker, or whatever the player desires. By carefully tailoring V’s attributes, they become nearly invincible, with only formidable opponents like Adam Smasher posing a significant challenge.

9 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Turns A Spartan Warrior Into A History-Making Demi-God

The concept of escalating power has been a significant aspect of the Assassin’s Creed series since Assassin’s Creed 2. Each game adopts a consistent approach: begin with an inexperienced assassin, equip them with minimal skills, weapons, or abilities, and gradually strengthen them until they become an unstoppable force, whether in stealth or combat. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey might be considered the peak of this power creep formula, as it progressively transforms the player from a humble warrior into a legendary Spartan hero.

In this game, Kassandra/Alexios’s arsenal and skills are frequently upgraded, making them increasingly lethal. Mercenary mini-bosses scattered across the vast open world, who were once formidable obstacles, become insignificant challenges. Previously cautious stealth maneuvers against enemy camps used to take about ten minutes, but now they can be swiftly defeated in just a couple of intense fight sequences. The concept of power escalation is particularly evident during regional battles.

In the beginning, these fights prove to be quite challenging since the player is up against formidable odds. However, as the battle progresses, they gain the opportunity to demonstrate their prowess by almost single-handedly reversing the tide of combat. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, in a similar fashion, experimented with power growth but distributed skill points excessively, resulting in Eivor becoming overly powerful at an unusually quick pace.

10 Saints Row 4

Less Power Creep, More Power Sprint To The Finish

Initially, the Saints Row series began as a less realistic imitation of the popular Grand Theft Auto series. The first game had decent success, but the creators soon discovered that players enjoyed the absurdity present in GTA. As new installments of Saints Row were released, the gameplay grew increasingly outrageous until it reached an extreme point with Saints Row 4. Unlike other games that focus on power accumulation, this game is more about accelerating the protagonist’s power to insanely high levels.

In Saints Row 4, the player acquires their first extraordinary ability quite early in the game, and subsequently, these abilities keep piling up. Additionally, an array of overpowering weapons becomes available for the player, although it’s seldom necessary to employ them. The gameplay attempts to offset this by introducing stronger adversaries to combat the player, but often, they arrive too late. By the end of the game, the player can achieve near-invulnerability and possess powers akin to half of the Justice League.

2024-10-13 15:35