Best Looking Games That Aren’t Unreal Engine 5

Lately, it seems like a lot of new games are made using Unreal Engine 5, and many of them look amazing thanks to features like Nanite and Lumen. While some of these games aren’t running as smoothly as they could, and even though some UE5 games perform well, it’s important to remember that other game engines are capable of creating equally impressive visuals – or even better ones.

Many top games with amazing graphics are built using unique, in-house engines – like the ones Rockstar Games and EA have developed. Here’s a look at some of the best graphics found in games *not* using Unreal Engine 5.

Battlefield 6

Engine: Frostbite

Even from the early access beta, it’s clear that *Battlefield 6* is visually stunning, despite being set during a time of global conflict. The game is so realistic that, with the on-screen display turned off, it’s easy to feel like you’re actually there, and the full story campaign promises to be even more captivating.

The game’s environments are incredibly realistic, enhanced by impressive visual effects like fog, smoke, and explosions. Despite the detailed graphics and buildings you can destroy, the game runs smoothly. Liberation Peak is the most visually striking of all the *Battlefield 6* maps, largely due to its beautiful depictions of the mountains in Tajikistan.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Engine: Rockstar Advanced Game Engine

Honestly, *Red Dead Redemption 2* is just a masterpiece. What really blew me away was how gorgeous it is – I still can’t believe it came out in 2018! The Wild West has never looked so real. And it’s not just one type of landscape either, you’ve got tons of different areas to explore, and each one feels incredibly authentic. Seriously, the variety and detail are amazing.

Whether Arthur is walking or riding through snow or mud, the game realistically changes the ground beneath him, enhancing the feeling of being there. The characters and their movements look incredibly lifelike, creating cutscenes that feel like watching a movie. Plus, Arthur’s appearance and body weight will even change as you play, based on the choices you make.

Alan Wake 2

Engine: Northlight Engine

Alan Wake 2 lived up to the high expectations set for its sequel, offering a truly impressive experience. The game’s incredible visuals are thanks to Remedy Entertainment’s Northlight Engine, which also brought us beautiful games like Quantum Break and Control.

The game features two separate storylines. Players will follow Alan Wake through a surreal and distorted alternate dimension called the Dark Place. Meanwhile, FBI detective Saga Anderson investigates a seemingly normal, yet unsettling, American town. This offers a diverse range of environments, from twisted realities to eerily realistic settings.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Engine: CryEngine

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is built using a significantly updated version of the CryEngine, and its stunning visuals practically showcase what the engine can do. The highly praised open-world RPG beautifully recreates medieval Bohemia, especially the area around Trosky Castle, a region known as the Bohemian Paradise.

The game’s countryside is filled with incredibly detailed plants and realistic landscapes, making it stand out from other games. Exploring villages, castles, and the city of Kuttenberg reveals even more beauty in the intricate details, like the beautifully painted buildings. The water reflections and lighting are also remarkably well done, especially considering the game doesn’t use ray tracing – a big plus for players with older graphics cards.

Cyberpunk 2077

Engine: REDengine

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most visually impressive games not made with Unreal Engine. Interestingly, despite its stunning graphics, it will be the last game from CD Projekt RED to use their own REDengine – they’re switching to Unreal Engine 5 for the next Witcher game.

The game takes place in Night City, a huge, futuristic city drenched in neon lights. In this world, people are driven by a relentless pursuit of power and a fascination with body modification. Instead of lush landscapes, the game’s beauty lies in its stunning lighting and polished metal textures.

Forza Horizon 5

Engine: ForzaTech

Forza Horizon 5, set in the vibrant landscapes of Mexico, is a visually stunning and incredibly fun racing game. Powered by the ForzaTech engine, it doesn’t just deliver thrilling races, but also immerses you in a beautiful open world, making you feel like you’re on an unforgettable road trip through beaches, deserts, and mountains.

The roughly 900 cars are remarkably detailed and look their best when sunlight reflects off their surfaces.

Ghost Of Tsushima

Engine: Sucker Punch Production’s Proprietary Engine

In Ghost of Tsushima, players take on the role of a defender of Tsushima Island against a Mongol invasion in 1274. The game is celebrated for its stunning graphics, particularly its incredibly realistic and beautifully animated grass.

As a gamer, I have to say the graphics in this game are seriously impressive, especially considering it came out in 2020. The world they built – Tsushima Island – is just beautiful. You’ve got everything from snowy mountains to these gorgeous golden forests, and tons of areas covered in cherry blossoms. It really feels like you’re exploring feudal Japan at its peak.

2025-09-17 03:01