Best Open World Games Not on Earth

Highlights

Explore unique alien planets in open-world games like Star Wars: Outlaws for a galactic adventure.
Create your own spaceship in Starlink, offering addictive starfighting on multiple planets.
Visit iconic locations like Pandora in Borderlands 2 for endless exploration and wild encounters.

As a seasoned spacefarer with a heart full of wanderlust and a hard drive brimming with galactic knowledge, I’ve had the cosmic pleasure to traverse the vast expanses of numerous planets and galaxies in search of adventure, treasure, and the occasional interstellar tavern. From the fantastical realms of Destiny 2 to the procedurally generated wonders of No Man’s Sky, I’ve seen it all – or so I thought.

Venturing through an open-city setting offers enjoyment, yet many games like “Star Wars: Outlaws” are delving into the concept of moving between planets. This has been a popular human dream of the past century – to traverse the universe, discovering alien worlds where every step could lead to a new adventure.

Multiple video games offer players the chance to traverse planets both distant and near, immersing them in a galaxy that spans far and wide. Ranging from role-playing games (RPGs) to survival exploration titles, these open-world environments on alien planets give games an edge in the science fiction genre, with some even granting access to multiple celestial bodies for extensive exploration.

10 Starlink: Battle For Atlas

Interstellar Travel With Unique Ships, Weapons, and Pilots

Although generally well-received, Starlink: Battle for Atlas was among the final titles produced during a period when the “Toys To Life” gaming craze was waning. This game stood out by enabling players to design their own spaceships, with the custom-built ships showing up in-game.

It’s great news that you can still enjoy playing “Starlink: Battle For Atlas” without requiring the discontinued toys. The game offers a captivating starfighting experience across numerous open-world maps on diverse planets. In essence, “Starlink” harks back to traditional space fighter games and includes special Star Fox content exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

9 Mass Effect: Andromeda

The Black Sheep Of Mass Effect

The key distinction between “Mass Effect: Andromeda” and the initial series lies in the diverse alien landscapes to discover within a new galaxy. Initially, the game received criticism when it was launched, but over time, it has developed a fanbase due to its visually stunning worlds and smooth third-person combat mechanics.

Although it didn’t have any renowned characters from the Mass Effect trilogy and was marred by technical issues, Mass Effect: Andromeda gained a negative reputation. The plot resembles Battlestar Galactica, as it revolves around settling a new home for not just humans, but the entire Federation. This results in an expansive exploration of various planets and encounters with diverse alien species to broaden the universe within Mass Effect.

8 Borderlands 2

No Place Quite Like Pandora

In the popular Borderlands series, Pandora has gained iconic status because of its eclectic cast of characters and a post-apocalyptic world reminiscent of Mad Max, dressed up in punk aesthetics. Borderlands 2 offers an unprecedented level of exploration, with numerous biomes scattered across the planet that can all be fully explored.

Consequently, playing Borderlands 2 never feels monotonous due to the fact that each fresh location on Pandora usually brings new enemy species, settings, and an overwhelming quantity of weapons to discover. Although there are theoretically more planets in Borderlands 3, they tend to be more structured than Pandora in Borderlands 2 or even the moon in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.

7 Outer Wilds

Looping Through The Cosmos

In a blend of “Groundhog Day” and space adventures, the game “Outer Wilds” offers a time loop experience where players can journey through seven enigmatic planets. While it lacks high-octane action, “Outer Wilds” maintains player interest with its intriguing mystery, stunning visuals, and leisurely exploration.

Exploring the time loop sequences in Outer Wilds can be both difficult and exhilarating, much like playing The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Yet, wandering through the bizarre planets is an enjoyable experience on its own, leading to widespread acclaim from players and critics for Outer Wilds.

6 Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora

Living Life Like A Na’vi

Traversing through the dense foliage of Kinglor Forest and ascending up to the Highlands, the video game titled “Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora” mirrors the well-known world depicted in the films for individuals or groups to journey together as a fresh Na’vi character. The gaming experience is reminiscent of “Far Cry“, and among all potential sources for an Avatar game, Far Cry seems the most fitting match.

Venturing through Pandora by embodying a Na’vi raised among humans provides players the opportunity to develop into a Na’vi authentically. This involves immersing oneself in the distinct cultures of various tribes, all brought to life by exceptional voice-acting. Additionally, players will encounter exotic alien creatures for hunting and master the art of riding an Ikkran. Just like in the films, Pandora remains as breathtakingly beautiful.

5 Destiny 2

A Game That Changed Live-Service Forever

In Destiny 2, there are expansive areas called patrol zones that players can freely roam and engage in tasks, but it’s not strictly a single-player open-world game. However, the live service aspect ensures regular updates and fresh content across multiple planets and moons, offering an ongoing thrill in missions and narratives.

The universe of Destiny 2 is situated so far in the future that it blends elements of science fiction and fantasy. The rich lore and engaging game mechanics created by Bungie contribute significantly to Destiny 2’s status as a modern gaming landmark, placing it alongside other notable franchises like Borderlands, Mass Effect, and Halo.

4 Starfield

Endless Planetary Exploration in a Vast Universe

Although it didn’t bear the groundbreaking name some enthusiasts anticipated, Starfield has indeed been confirmed as Bethesda’s next major role-playing game set in an immersive universe. Drawing upon elements from Bethesda’s popular series like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, this space RPG allows players to traverse numerous planets for an expansive interstellar adventure.

In Starfield, you’ll find numerous galaxies to traverse, confront dangers, and embark on various missions. While the planets might not have the vibrant, whimsical qualities of those in other space games, Bethesda still manages to create a unique universe that sets it apart from many RPGs and science fiction titles.

3 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Expansive Worlds Set in the Star Wars Galaxy

As a devoted Star Wars enthusiast, diving into the thrilling world of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has been an absolute delight! From enhanced climbing, combat, customization, and Cal Kestis’ captivating narrative, this sequel is a testament to its greatness. Many fellow fans concur that it surpasses the original in almost every aspect, offering multiple expansive open worlds for a Jedi to traverse, all while weaving a more grandiose and ominous tale than Fallen Order.

In the game Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, although some areas are designed for exploration in a Metroidvania style, there are also larger planets such as Jedha and Koboh. Koboh, with its sprawling landscape and diverse secrets, offers new cosmetic options for Cal’s lightsaber and other gear, or upgrades to aid him in upcoming fights. This includes areas like the watery village of Rambler’s Reach and the High Republic structures.

2 No Man’s Sky

A Game With an Infinite Amount of Planets and Galaxies

Initially, when No Man’s Sky launched, it was criticized as a disappointing attempt at an expansive interstellar sandbox game. However, the dedicated team at Hello Games has since worked tirelessly to transform the game into its intended form, and over time, it surpassed its original promises, offering even more captivating experiences in the vast cosmos.

Currently, “No Man’s Sky” is an extraordinary adventure and exploration video game that offers the player a vast array of planets and moons to explore in real-time. Each world within this universe is procedurally generated, boasting distinctive plant life and animal species. Hello Games consistently adds new expansions and updates to the game, attracting many players back, signifying a remarkable resurgence for “No Man’s Sky”.

1 The Outer Worlds

Throwback To The Space Age

In the style of a traditional RPG, where the main character awakens on an unfriendly alien world, The Outer Worlds turned out to be an unexpected treasure. Obsidian Entertainment essentially created a game resembling Starfield before it, but with fewer celestial bodies to explore.

In The Outer Worlds, each planet boasts vibrant, visually captivating landscapes. This game offers quests where your choices significantly impact the storyline, along with thoughtful commentary on capitalism. The game bears a striking resemblance to 1960s sci-fi comics, with its retro-futuristic design that includes spaceships, characters, and environments reminiscent of that era.

2024-08-10 04:34