Best Open-World Games That Start Fast

Summary

Open-world games now focus on minimal tutorials and quick intros to engage players immediately.
Titles like Final Fantasy 15, Subnautica, and The Elder Scrolls 3 start gameplay promptly after starting.
Minecraft and Elden Ring also prioritize quick starts.

Open-world games are appreciated for their expansive, captivating environments where players can roam freely at their own pace. However, some games tend to extend the wait for real gameplay, either through extended tutorials or excessive cutscenes. Fortunately, it seems that game developers of open-world titles have increasingly prioritized granting players immediate access to exploration, in an effort to prevent players from losing interest soon after starting the game.

These are some top-notch open-world games ideal for those seeking immediate action, as they offer an engaging experience right from the start and allow for quick play sessions without requiring extensive time investment for lengthy introductions.

Final Fantasy 15

Noctis And The Crew Begin Their Journey Almost Immediately

As a gamer immersed in the world of Final Fantasy 15, I’ve come across critiques about its narrative that requires delving into external comics and movies for a full understanding. Yet, given these resources flesh out much of the game’s backstory, it swiftly plunges you into the action without prolonged exposition. After a short on-road drama with my car in tatters, we find ourselves at Hammerhead, ready to jump straight into missions for some quick cash and leveling up.

After the Regalia becomes operational again, players are then granted the freedom to traverse the world. Though there are specific goals to pursue, the breathtaking beauty of this map often leads to diversions while moving from point A to B. While some fans have found Final Fantasy 15 a contentious addition to the esteemed series, many have grown fond of it over time, particularly because replaying the game is effortless; the wait for gameplay commencing is minimal.

Subnautica

The Dark And Dangerous Sea Depths Can Be Explored Moments After Booting Up The Game

Instead of merely suggesting that die-hard underwater explorers or marine life enthusiasts get the most out of Subnautica, it’s essential to acknowledge that this open-world game is accessible and enjoyable for fans of any genre. One key aspect that sets Subnautica apart is its minimalist narrative style, which allows players to take charge from the very beginning as they explore its captivating underwater world, skillfully combining adventure with an eerie sense of horror.

As I tinker with a few parts within my submersible craft, I can’t wait to suit up and dive beneath the waves. With my oxygen gear secured, I’m ready to explore this vast underwater realm at my leisure. The objective? Gathering resources and blueprints to expand my arsenal of tools and establish new outposts. But let me tell you, there’s no shortage of critters on this map, some of which aren’t shy about taking a bite out of me! With such an electrifying open-world game offering endless adventure and the promise of nonstop action, I know my time won’t be wasted.

The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

After Signing Some Papers, Players Will Be Let Loose Into Morrowind

In simpler and more conversational terms, the game called Morrowind is designed to get players straight into the action quickly. As soon as you press start, you’ll be sailing towards the land of Morrowind. After a few formalities like signing some papers, you’re free to explore the wilderness. Despite Bethesda games typically starting swiftly, Morrowind is particularly noteworthy in this regard because it takes less than five minutes before players are fully immersed in their epic adventure.

Visually, the game Morrowind might appear somewhat outdated compared to modern standards, but its gameplay remains robust and strong, particularly with an abundance of dialogue choices and non-player characters (NPCs) scattered throughout the land. The game also boasts some of the most intriguing lore within the Elder Scrolls series, allowing players to delve into it immediately without being bogged down by lengthy cutscenes or prologues at the outset.

Minecraft

No Story, Just Get Creative And Build Anything Imaginable

Back in the day, Minecraft might not have been the household name it is today, but it certainly has become one of gaming’s greatest success stories. Initially, it was just a humble indie title that didn’t exactly scream “blockbuster game” at first glance. However, once I dove into this pixelated world, I quickly realized that its simple appearance belied the endless possibilities it held.

Instead of spending too much time on a traditional narrative, Minecraft chose to focus squarely on its sandbox mechanics. This means that with just a few clicks, I could be dropped into a freshly generated universe teeming with adventure and opportunity. Whether I was trying to survive or simply letting my creativity run wild, every new playthrough promised an entirely unique experience.

One major factor contributing to Minecraft’s immense popularity is its high replayability in the open-world gaming genre. Players are constantly attracted by the prospect of creating new structures or entire maps, which they can easily do by diving into a fresh world with minimal setup. This feature also enhances the game’s accessibility, as it bypasses tedious tutorials and starts players off with immediate action like chopping trees upon spawning.

Fallout: New Vegas

It Doesn’t Take Long Before The Lone Wanderer Is Forced To Make Some Tricky Decisions

In contrast to many games from the Fallout series, Fallout: New Vegas commences outside of a Vault. The story initiates with an intense cutscene where the unnamed protagonist, referred to as The Courier, is shot and left for dead. Following this traumatic event, players are nursed back to health by Doc Mitchell, who swiftly instructs them on character creation and distributing SPECIAL skill points. To begin with, the game offers minimal guidance before releasing players to start crafting their own unique journey.

Stepping outside the doctor’s abode in Goodsprings marks the beginning of my journey, where I’m immediately faced with crucial decisions regarding my interactions with the townsfolk, who are under siege by the Powder Gangers. The tension is palpable, and it’s thrilling to know that I matter in this hostile wasteland, even from the very first steps I take. New Vegas, a game renowned for its stellar narrative and intriguing factions, offers a variety of engaging storylines that cater to diverse roles. Each faction presents unique, memorable experiences, allowing me to craft my own story based on the choices I make.

Spider-Man 2

Sandman Shows Up Out Of Nowhere To Kick Things Off With A Bang

Following the massive triumph of Insomniac’s initial Spider-Man game, I, as a fan, knew that the developers had packed the sequel with innovative mechanics and systems that players were eager to explore. To ensure a smooth transition and keep the excitement high, they opted for a concise introductory phase. They achieved this by introducing one of the iconic villains, Sandman, early on in the game, disrupting the proceedings just a few minutes into the action.

In a thrilling turn of events, following several intense battles with Sandman’s duplicates, players will confront and defeat the main antagonist. After this pivotal moment in Spider-Man 2, the game world opens up for complete exploration.

The PlayStation 5’s advanced Solid State Drive (SSD) allows for swift character switches between Peter and Miles, adding a dynamic twist to the gameplay. As these characters play distinctly differently, it prevents the core gameplay from becoming monotonous or predictable.

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Link Wakes Up, And The Journey Begins

Many fans of the Zelda series found that the initial tutorial area in Tears of the Kingdom, known as the Great Sky Island, lasted too long. This is surprising because Nintendo typically starts their games quickly, like they did with the predecessor, Breath of the Wild. In this game, after a bright light fills the screen and Link awakens from a deep sleep, players leave a cave to find an breathtaking panorama of Hyrule spread out before them.

Due to the game not providing extensive guidance to the player initially, it creates a strong impression of endless discovery from the early stages of gameplay. Though the objective of acquiring the paraglider is promptly presented, this task can be accomplished within just a few minutes. The abundance of collectibles and side missions keeps players engaged, ensuring that even with a swift intro, the game maintains their interest throughout by continually offering fresh discoveries, regardless of how ready they might think they are to confront Gannon.

Elden Ring

FromSoftware Lets Players Forge Their Own Journey Rather Than Holding Their Hand

FromSoftware is often perceived as an unconventional team of developers, as they tend to deviate from the standard guidelines that have been traditionally followed in video game production for quite some time. One noticeable trait is their emphasis on challenging gameplay over user-friendly accessibility, but another aspect is their relatively sparse approach to storytelling. Similar to several previous games developed by FromSoftware, Elden Ring commences with minimal initial exposition before handing complete control over to the player’s custom character.

Stepping out of the starting zone and into the vast overworld map, I’m the one calling the shots on where my adventure leads next. To keep things engaging rather than overwhelming, there are numerous temples, castles, and zones scattered about, each teeming with enemies that gradually grow tougher as you delve deeper. This creates a captivating gameplay rhythm of conquering weaker foes first before tackling the formidable bosses later in the game.

Add to that stunning visuals, extensive character customization options, and an abundance of challenging boss battles, and Elden Ring is just what I’ve been craving for open-world enthusiasts like me who can’t wait to dive headfirst into exploration from the get-go.

2025-08-31 16:37