Best Open-World Games For When You’re Bored

Summary

Open-world games offer diverse content beyond main quests for extensive gameplay.
In-game extras like minigames and professions add depth to the player experience.
Games like New World, Dune Awakening, and No Man’s Sky offer immersive survival experiences.

In an open-world game, the primary concept revolves around giving players a massive landscape to traverse and uncover, complemented by a central storyline or captivating history. There’s no shortage of such games in the market, but some excel more than others at maintaining player engagement.

As a gaming enthusiast, I find myself drawn to games that offer more than just the standard exploration, main quests, grinding, and side missions during those moments of boredom. What makes these games truly stand out are the added features such as mini-games like fishing or pet battles, or professions distinct from my character’s class like Alchemy or Blacksmithing. These extra elements add a depth to the gaming experience that keeps me engaged and entertained when I’m in need of something to pass the time.

7. New World

Survivalism, Colonialism, And Divine Judgement

In the vast expanse of Aeternum, there is no shortage of activities for players beyond the intricate main storyline and traditional mini-games and occupations. Instead, it offers a classic struggle for survival in the untamed wilderness. The backstory of this world, known as New World, isn’t rooted in a fantasy realm or another planet, but rather an alternate historical timeline that focuses on the Age of Exploration.

To create an authentic and engaging experience within an untamed and hazardous environment, players start by learning to construct essential tools and shelters upon arriving at a mysterious shore. The classes are straightforward without many restrictions, allowing players to customize their characters using various elements such as clothing, weapons, and equipment, most of which they manufacture themselves.

6. Dune: Awakening

Survivalism, Questing, And Literature

This game is packed with numerous activities that could leave you feeling overwhelmed, particularly for those who aren’t fond of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. However, an extensive and progressive tutorial seamlessly blends into the main storyline, enabling players to manage their responsibilities effectively, and to determine which missions or quests should be tackled first. The thrill of speeding swiftly across a vast desert on a basic sandbike, with only a sandworm as your potential obstacle, is already exhilarating. But the game also offers opportunities for battling bandits and discovering Fremen, adding further layers of excitement to the adventure.

Absolutely, the primary storyline is set within the universe crafted by Frank Herbert, thus it incorporates several iconic characters along with their captivating tales. Moreover, players are expected to confront the challenges of desert survival as they navigate through this world. This includes constructing equipment and a base brimming with intricate machinery, a task that requires considerable effort, but also involves managing both the harsh environment and the political landscape of Arrakis.

5. Elder Scrolls Online

The Vast World Of Tamriel

The Elder Scrolls series is well-known for keeping gamers engaged, and many who are still enjoying Skyrim over a decade later can vouch for this. Unlike the individual countries showcased in the solo games, Elder Scrolls Online encompasses the entire world of Tamriel and various otherworldly regions, such as those belonging to the Daedric princes’ realms.

This implies that ESO encompasses every title in the series and offers additional features on top of what each game originally provided. It retains the same extensive crafting options for gear and professions as its counterparts, and provides numerous storylines to complete. Players have the freedom to venture into the wilderness and spend their gaming hours discovering caves, delves, and dungeons without necessarily following any quests.

4. No Man’s Sky

Explore The Universe

As a devoted admirer, I can attest that No Man’s Sky offers an infinite cosmic playground for me to lose myself in. With countless hours already invested and many more to come, I find myself constantly drawn back into its procedurally generated universe. It’s not just about the quest for the Atlas’ secret, there’s a wealth of mining, gathering resources, and building structures that keep my character engaged when they aren’t exploring this vast and wondrous expanse.

A key aspect of this game involves both data collection and survival skills, making each newly discovered planet, biome, or environment a fresh opportunity for excitement and discovery. The game’s setting and visual style are reminiscent of the 1970s retro sci-fi, giving it a unique twist compared to other sci-fi games.

3. World Of Warcraft

Choose A Version, They’re All Good

These days, you can find several iterations of WoW, all capable of engaging players for hours on end. However, the Retail version offers a more constrained “open world” experience compared to its Classic counterparts. Regardless of the version, they all feature character development, quest accomplishment, resource gathering, and dungeon exploration, as well as smaller games such as pet battles.

Each variant of the game encompasses global celebrations and occurrences such as the Darkmoone Faire and a weekly fishing competition. At present, there are two active versions of Classic WoW. The first is Season of Discovery’s Phase 5, which showcases the oldest version of the game featuring the continent of Old Azeroth with some intriguing alterations. The second is Cataclysm Classic, delving into the lore surrounding Deathwing and the devastation he caused.

2. Skyrim

Still Playing Decades Later

This video game is widely recognized as one of the best ever made, and few would argue otherwise. Its enduring appeal lies in the vast array of activities it offers, which continues to captivate players more than a decade after its debut. With additional downloadable content and countless mods available, it’s no surprise that this game remains a popular choice for those seeking entertainment when they have free time. In simple terms, we can say that Skyrim still has a dedicated fanbase because of the multitude of things to do within the game.

In contrast to many other RPGs, Skyrim doesn’t follow the traditional class system. Instead, players develop their characters by assigning points to a versatile talent system that encompasses various skills such as weapon proficiency and social etiquette. Mastering Alchemy could occupy you for years, but when adventuring and combat grow tiresome, why not consider embracing the life of a vampire or werewolf?

1. Minecraft

It Never Gets Old

Among all games, none surpasses Minecraft when it comes to harnessing the fearless, boundless creativity that the gaming community possesses. This is a sandbox game set in an expansive open world, and there are scarcely any constraints on what players can create or destroy, making it one of the most popular video games ever sold.

There are two main ways to experience the game ‘Minecraft’. Players can opt for the Survival setting where resource gathering is essential to avoid dying, or they can select Creative mode which offers an abundance of resources and even the ability to fly. It’s quite remarkable that a game without quests, storylines, or leveling systems could be so engaging when you’re looking for something to pass the time.

2025-07-24 19:20