Best Open-World Games Set In High Fantasy Worlds

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Summary

  • Final Fantasy 14 offers expansive high fantasy adventures in a vast realm.
  • Sea of Thieves combines pirate adventure with vibrant fantasy elements like magic and monsters.
  • Skyrim’s rich open world is packed with fantasy content, from dragons to daedric spirits.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades under my belt, I must say that the current crop of high-fantasy open-world games has me absolutely spellbound! The sheer scale and depth of these virtual realms are nothing short of breathtaking, transporting us to far-off lands filled with mystery, danger, and adventure.

Video games provide players with a chance to step into an extraordinary realm that is dramatically different from their everyday existence. Particularly immersive are open-world games, which boast vast landscapes brimming with intricate details and diversions, allowing players to lose themselves in the experience.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the diverse landscapes that the open-world genre offers. From the vastness of space to the desolate expanse of a post-apocalyptic wasteland, there’s no shortage of worlds to delve into. However, what truly sets the open-world genre apart is its ability to transport us into enchanting high fantasy realms, teeming with magic, larger-than-life heroes, legendary beasts, and perilous quests that seem detached from reality. Here are my top ten picks for unforgettable high fantasy adventures in the open world.

9. Final Fantasy 14

Partying Up

The “Final Fantasy” series has consistently been a major player in the fantasy genre, and “Final Fantasy 14” pushes the franchise’s intricate world-building to unprecedented heights. This MMORPG offers fans of “Final Fantasy” an opportunity to delve into the realm of Hydaelyn, a sprawling and varied fantasy landscape brimming with excitement and strife.

In keeping with the grandeur of a “Final Fantasy” game, the experiences players can embark on within “FF14” span epic, interstellar dimensions. Enthusiasts will rally to battle deities and titans in awe-inspiring, high fantasy clashes that are destined to be etched in their memories for years to come.

8. Sea of Thieves

Fantasy on the High Seas

Initially, Sea of Thieves might seem like a standard pirate adventure with opportunities for players to team up, command a ship, and sail the oceans for treasure. However, hidden beneath its surface lies a lively fantasy realm teeming with magic, spells, and mythical beasts.

Adventurers aiming to establish their reputation in the pirate-themed Sea of Thieves encounter challenges such as formidable undead pirate lords and mysterious enchantments. Intimidating beasts like enormous megalodons roam the oceans, intensifying the peril of each journey. The environment is brimming with magic; the Sea of Thieves is a land veiled in mist, isolated from the rest of reality by an unyielding mystical fog.

7. Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor

Tolkien Fantasy

Beyond the realm of video games, J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary “Lord of the Rings” stands as the most renowned figure in high fantasy. Numerous video games have sought to capitalize on this iconic series, but “Shadow of Mordor” is one of the finest. This open-world stealth game centers around the original character Talion, who forges an alliance with a mysterious spirit to exact brutal vengeance upon Sauron’s formidable military forces.

In this game, the groundbreaking Nemesis system was introduced, providing the orc lieutenants that Talion meets with distinct personalities and characteristics, which shape their fighting styles. If one of them defeats Talion in battle, they will gain more power, becoming an even deadlier adversary and a more enticing goal for the revenge-seeking warrior to vanquish.

6. Valheim

In Odin’s Name

Across various cultures globally, there are stories of heroes and mythical beasts that often act as the foundation for epic fantasy narratives. The game Valheim, specifically, derives its inspiration from Norse folklore and mythology, placing its challenging open-world survival adventure within a world crafted by the gods of Norse mythology themselves.

In this game, titled after a mythical realm, it functions like a kind of limbo where fallen warriors get another shot at proving they’re worthy of entering Valhalla. To win Odin’s favor, players have to outlive fearsome adversaries such as trolls and serpents, and defeat towering and enigmatic bosses. The game’s Norse motifs are evident everywhere you look, and the mystical abilities players can wield during their journey make it a fantastic high fantasy experience for enthusiasts of Viking lore.

5. Dragon’s Dogma 2

A Realm of Mystery and Danger

In simpler terms, the game Dragon’s Dogma 2 embodies classic high fantasy in an uncompromising manner. Its elements, such as the character dialogue, enemy designs, and setting, are deeply rooted in medieval fantasy, offering a very traditional high fantasy journey.

The intricate detail and depth of the world in Dragon’s Dogma 2 sets it apart from its seemingly conventional elements. Hidden mysteries and unexpected discoveries lurk in every nook and cranny of this realm, while players are presented with numerous decisions to make as they embark on various side quests. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is far more depth to Dragon’s Dogma 2 than initially meets the eye, making it a rich and rewarding experience for fans to explore.

4. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Northern Heroics

The well-known game Skyrim serves as the latest addition to Bethesda’s esteemed open-world fantasy series, despite the criticism it has received due to numerous rereleases and remasters. Nevertheless, this game stands out as an exceptional high-fantasy journey. Set in the harsh, unforgiving northern parts of Tamriel, Skyrim’s narrative revolves around the return of ancient dragons, formidable creatures that pose a dire threat to the people inhabiting the region.

On a mission to prevent dragons from reappearing, the legendary Dragonborn character will be drawn into an intense, colorful fantasy realm torn apart by a brutal civil conflict. Along their adventure, they’ll encounter various factions and legendary figures. The expansive open world offers players the opportunity to interact with potent daedric entities, uncover ancient magical knowledge, or transform into a werewolf. With its vast array of fantasy elements, Skyrim is a highly compelling choice for fans.

3. The Witcher 3

Toss A Coin

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, being the third installment, was the game that brought the limelight to the Witcher series. This complex and captivating open-world game features the legendary character Geralt of Rivia on a mission to rescue his adopted daughter from the grasp of the Wild Hunt.

In “The Witcher 3,” you’ll find yourself immersed in a world brimming with folklore and ancient tales, where menacing and formidable beasts lurk at every turn. Not only that, but players may find themselves entangled in various side stories, revealing hidden truths and making pivotal decisions that will shape the destiny of the realm. With the upcoming announcement of “The Witcher 4,” this is an excellent opportunity for fantasy enthusiasts to join this esteemed series.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Building a Better Hyrule

Similar to “Breath of the Wild”, “Tears of the Kingdom” offers an expansive open-world rendition of the legendary realm of Hyrule, brimming with caves to explore and shrines to overcome. For enthusiasts of all things fantastical, “Tears of the Kingdom” boasts numerous enhancements that make it a perfect choice for those with plenty of spare time.

In Tears of the Kingdom, the standout innovation is the Ultrahand feature, empowering Link to construct complex structures and vehicles for both exploration and battle. The game map has also grown significantly, featuring new regions in the skies above Hyrule and beneath its surface. New foes like Gleeoks and Horriblins pose threats to Hyrule’s citizens, giving Link a busy agenda as he strives to save Princess Zelda yet again.

1. Elden Ring

Endless Adventure in the Lands Between

In simpler terms, the renowned game “Elden Ring” is incredibly vast, offering players a world known as The Lands Between that’s filled with hidden caves, powerful adversaries, and valuable loot for those deemed worthy among the Tarnished. Their objective is to rebuild the Elden Ring and bring peace back to this realm. Along their journey, they’ll encounter towering dragons, legendary fighters, and divine powers beyond human understanding, all standing as obstacles in their path.

As a devoted cinema-goer of epic tales, I can confidently say that Elden Ring, true to FromSoftware’s style, presents players with minimal handholding when it comes to navigating or deciding actions. Instead, it challenges us to dive headfirst into this sprawling fantasy realm, where hidden side quests and intimidating boss battles lurk around every corner. The game’s expansive landscapes and labyrinthine underworld serve as the ultimate high-stakes open-world adventure for those hardcore gamers with a taste for grand challenges.

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2024-12-20 14:35