The Best 2D Open-World Games You Need to Play

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When considering open-world games, the initial image that pops up is often an expansive world adorned with stunning 3D graphics, quickly drawing players in. It might seem challenging to fathom, but a captivating open-world game can maintain player engagement even if it utilizes 2D visuals.

It’s fortunate that numerous independent developers, along with creative large-scale video game companies, have achieved impressive results by offering players immersive open worlds rendered beautifully using 2D graphics. To fully appreciate their efforts, players are advised to keep an open mind when exploring these games.

8. Westerado: Double Barreled

An Open World With Procedural Generation Where The Culprit Changes In Every Playthrough

Fans of the Western genre are in for a treat when they dive into the world of Westerado: Double Barreled. Although the game may not take long to complete, it’s the unique application of procedural generation that truly sets it apart and makes it enchanting.

Each new game begins with the tragic event of a player’s family being killed and their ranch getting torched. The player then embarks on a quest to track down the perpetrator, using hints and exploring various cities and settlements scattered across the vast open world. What makes this game unique is that the villain’s identity and town layout are different each time you play, enhancing the game’s replay value – a design feature characteristic of ‘Westerado’.

7. Retro City Rampage

A Fun Open-World Game With Arcade-y Action And 2D Visuals

For those seeking a title that harks back to the early days of GTA, the delightful Retro City Rampage is sure to captivate. This game brims with nods to 80s and 90s pop culture, offering simple yet engaging gameplay that remains uncluttered and enjoyable.

In Retro City Rampage, players have the freedom to seize potent weaponry and launch a rampage whenever they desire, offering an alternative to continuing with the main storyline’s progression. This title, often overlooked by many, is worth investigating for those seeking an engaging 2D open-world gaming experience.

6. CrossCode

The Protagonist Is Trapped In A Beautiful MMORPG With Invigorating 2D Art And A Massive Open World

In CrossCode, I’ve found myself trapped within an enchanting MMORPG world, struggling with a bout of amnesia. As I journey through this game, my mission is to finish quests and make steady progress, all in the hope of recovering my lost memories bit by bit.

In CrossCode, the exceptional battle system and engaging dungeon design make its dungeons a captivating aspect of gameplay. However, some players might find the limited side activities less satisfying. This design decision, though, is deliberate, aiming to reinforce the authenticity of this MMORPG’s atmosphere.

5. Elona

The World Is Massive And Lets Players Do Whatever They Can Put Their Mind To

  • Platforms: PC, Mobile
  • Release Date: August 31, 2007
  • Developer: Noa

Individuals seeking an immersive, open-world game with minimal direction will find Elona captivating. Initially, the game might seem overwhelming, but once you invest a few hours to understand its mechanics, every subsequent playthrough in Elona promises to be gratifying.

As a passionate player myself, I can confidently say that transitioning from a wandering trader to a selfless helper in a colossal open-ended universe makes Elona an absolute delight to explore. What sets it apart is its roguelike core, which shuffles the world’s layout anew each time a player meets their end, adding layers of unpredictability and replayability that keep me coming back for more.

4. Octopath Traveler 2

An Open-Ended JRPG Where Players Can Go Wherever They Want To Make Progress For Each Character’s Story

In contrast to the original Octopath Traveler, its sequel has significantly expanded the open-world aspect of gameplay, offering a richer and more immersive experience. Players can now discover numerous hidden treasures and optional dungeons, adding depth to their journey. Additionally, the day-night cycle introduces unique content tailored to different times, enhancing the overall exploration experience.

In contrast to its forerunner, Octopath Traveler 2 is more approachable, allowing players to swiftly delve into challenging territories and discover valuable content quickly. By being strategic in exploration and character development, players can easily equip themselves with multiple jobs and powerful gear in no time.

3. Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead

The Roguelike Open-World Game Has A Steep Learning Curve But Is Quite Rewarding Once Players Put In The Effort

In a game known as “Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead,” you’ll find yourself immersed in a world overrun by zombies and other creatures. This open-world roguelike presents a challenging learning curve that may initially prove frustrating, but once you grasp the mechanics, the sense of progress is incredibly rewarding.

As a gamer, I can tell you that learning to control a heavily armored vehicle to mow down enemies and ease up on the game’s difficulty is quite a journey, but oh boy, when you finally get there, it’s an exhilarating release! The roguelike design ensures each playthrough is unique as we discover new strategies to bend the game mechanics to our advantage.

2. Caves Of Qud

The Procedurally-Generated Open World Game Is A Ton Of Fun To Play Every Single Time

As a devoted fan, I’ve eagerly awaited the day when Caves of Qud would officially launch from Early Access, and that moment finally arrived in late December! The game has been universally acclaimed for its rich content and intricate gameplay systems, but it took me a while to fully grasp the complexity of this title at first.

The 2D graphics might appear somewhat basic, but the real enjoyment of “Caves of Qud” comes from its intricate gameplay mechanics. Navigating which race to master and forming alliances with various factions offers a delightful experience that stays engaging even after multiple playthroughs since the world and its components are renewed anew each time you start again.

1. Terraria

An Ambitious And Beloved 2D Sandbox That Has Received A Ton Of Support From Its Developers

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but admire how passion has kept Terraria shining even years after its release. Initially, it was unfortunate that this game was mistakenly branded as a 2D replica of Minecraft. However, the game stood tall and proved its worth, ultimately becoming one of the finest independent sandbox titles a player could lay their hands on.

Refining a foundation before setting out to gather supplies and combat adversaries is always an exhilarating experience. Newcomers to the game “Terraria” will be astonished by the vast array of content within this game, ensuring countless entertaining hours for its players.

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2025-01-21 09:34