Best Open-World Games To Switch Off Your Brain While Playing

Open-world games are getting more and more impressive, offering players incredibly detailed worlds to explore. However, as these game worlds grow larger, so do their stories, and the sheer number of quests can sometimes feel like too much.

Fortunately, some games encourage players to slow down and appreciate the small details in their open worlds. While titles like Ghost of Tsushima have compelling stories, they also motivate players to venture beyond the main plot and explore everything the world has to offer.

We’re not suggesting these games are mindless, but they’re great for relaxing and don’t demand constant focus. Some have compelling stories, but also offer open worlds where you can simply wander and enjoy the atmosphere.

11. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

An Expansive Sandbox With No Strings

While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom builds upon and refines what came before, the original The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild still stands out for the incredible sense of discovery it offered players when it launched in 2017.

Players are still discovering hidden gems and enjoyable details within the game as they explore Hyrule’s vast world. The game gives you incredible freedom – you can even choose to ignore the main story and simply enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere. It’s often relaxing to just sit by a fire in the rain and listen to the music.

10. Red Dead Redemption 2

Intense Story Matched With A Slow-Paced Adventure

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a groundbreaking game, particularly when it comes to its design. Its vast open world allows players to have experiences completely separate from the main storyline. For instance, hunting can be a deeply involved activity, requiring careful consideration of weapons and the best hunting locations.

Honestly, getting distracted in this game is the best part. I’ve stumbled into some seriously wild situations just by wandering off and messing around, stuff I never would’ve seen if I just followed the main story about pulling off heists with the Van Der Linde gang. There are still boundaries, of course, but the feeling of truly exploring the American Frontier is incredible. It’s so much more than just following a path.

9. Ghost Of Tsushima

Master The Way Of The Blade & Shut Off Your Mind

Ghost of Tsushima is a beautiful game, both in its action and its scenery. Each location feels distinct, from dense forests to fields of swaying silver grass. The game’s realistic wind effects add to the atmosphere, creating a truly memorable experience.

Jin’s combat feels natural and rhythmic, allowing players to almost relax into the action. It’s similar to other calming parts of the game, like writing haikus, which give you a moment to pause and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

Ghost of Yotei also qualifies.

8. Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

The Ultimate Open-World Experience, & The Story Is Basically Optional

Even though it was released over ten years ago, people are still discovering hidden things in the world of Skyrim. While not the largest map in the Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim is packed with detail – Bethesda really focused on making the landscapes beautiful and the characters unforgettable.

Similar to other open-world games, Skyrim offers plenty of optional side quests. However, what sets it apart is that you can enjoy the main story without feeling like you’re missing important content by skipping those extra adventures.

7. Cyberpunk 2077

Replayable & Immersive

Cyberpunk 2077 features a huge and varied map. Within Night City, you’ll find distinct districts like Watson, Westbrook, Pacifica, and Santo Domingo, filled with places to explore such as clubs and offices. Beyond the city limits, the game expands into the vast deserts of the Badlands, and even includes hidden locations like the Chram Denya Jinja in North Oak.

Many Cyberpunk 2077 players enjoy simply exploring Night City and its surroundings, even without doing missions. Just driving around and soaking in the atmosphere is a relaxing way to play, and discovering these hidden locations is a big part of what makes the game so fun to replay.

6. Saints Row 4

Power Fantasy Frivolity

Let’s be real, the Saints Row series is usually a good choice when you just want a fun, no-frills open-world game. But Saints Row 4 really went over the top with the humor. The city is pretty much the same as before, but this time, you play as a superhero who can jump over buildings and run incredibly fast.

While these new features make some older parts of the game unnecessary, they’re easy to pick up, enjoyable, and delightfully excessive. It seems Volition intentionally designed a game that doesn’t require much skill, letting players relax and enjoy simple, repeating activities that are fun, though not particularly groundbreaking.

5. Crackdown

Collect Orbs & Smash

You know, even though the sequels didn’t quite hit the mark, the original Crackdown from 2007 is still a blast. It’s a really fun open-world game with gameplay that just keeps you hooked. Plus, the way you can climb and move around the city is awesome! As an agent, your job is to take down the city’s Kingpins, and each one controls a specific area. They give you a lot of freedom in how you do it, but honestly, each area kind of plays out the same way… and that’s actually a good thing! It’s just consistently fun.

One of the best things about Crackdown is how quickly you become more powerful. The game consistently lets you improve, so even just moving around feels rewarding. Within a few hours, you’ll go from a capable agent to an incredibly strong character who can easily defeat even the toughest enemies. Once you reach that point, the game becomes pure, unadulterated fun – perfect for when you just want to switch off and enjoy the action.

You can play the original Crackdown for free on Xbox, and it’s a fun, if somewhat older, open-world adventure. Crackdown 2 is also an option if you enjoy the series.

4. Forza Horizon 5

Drive, Enjoy The Scenario, & Occasional Jump A Million Miles

We chose Forza Horizon 5 because it’s the newest and easiest to get into, but all the previous Forza Horizon games are also fantastic.

The Forza Horizon series is widely considered the best open-world racing game available, and it’s held that title for about ten years. Unlike the more realistic Forza Motorsport, Horizon focuses on fun, arcade-style racing. It combines beautiful graphics and detailed environments with easy-to-learn gameplay and over-the-top challenges.

While Forza Horizon 5 offers challenging races, it’s just as fun as a relaxing road trip. You can explore beautiful landscapes across Mexico, put on a podcast, and simply enjoy the drive. There are tons of amazing views to discover!

3. Donkey Kong Bananza

An Open-World Game All About Smashing Everything

Easy-to-repeat gameplay relies on simple core mechanics. While Donkey Kong Bananza offers surprising complexity, its basic formula is remarkably straightforward: you punch. Despite a large number of possible moves, DK mostly spends his time breaking things – walls, the ground – to find collectibles, and almost everything in Bananza’s world can be broken.

Compared to other games in the series, Bananza is relatively easy. While a few parts need careful jumping or strategy, you can mostly progress by simply attacking enemies. The game encourages constant action, and the many collectibles you find aren’t just filler – they actually help you improve your character.

2. Grand Theft Auto 5

The Ultimate Open-World Franchise For Switching Off Your Brain

Of course, Grand Theft Auto needs to be on the list! We chose the fifth installment because it’s the most popular right now, but the 3D GTA games have been providing simple, mindless fun for twenty years. Rockstar really nailed the open-world experience, letting players do whatever they want and create their own entertainment. You can play however you like – some people enjoy causing chaos and mayhem, while others prefer to relax and explore the city at their own pace.

Look, all these games have decent stories and tough missions, but what really makes GTA awesome is just how much freedom you get when you’re not even on a mission. It’s always been a bit over-the-top, especially the driving – it doesn’t try to be a perfect simulation. It’s like a funhouse mirror version of real life, you know? Everything’s exaggerated for the sake of fun.

2025-12-30 20:08