Best Open-World Games Where The Player Is Hunted

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Best Open-World Games Where The Player Is Hunted

Key Takeaways

  • Open-world games that give players a sense of being hunted include
    Far Cry 6
    ,
    Middle-earth: Shadow of War
    , and
    Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
    .
  • Many open-world games feature similar police or law enforcement systems, such as
    Red Dead Redemption 2
    ,
    GTA 5
    ,
    Cyberpunk 2077
    , and
    Mafia 3
    .
  • Some titles, like
    Star Wars Outlaws
    and
    Red Dead Redemption 2
    , also feature criminal syndicates or gangs that will hunt players under certain conditions.

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen it all, from the vast plains of Red Dead Redemption 2 to the mythical lands of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, I can confidently say that the bounty hunting mechanics in these games have truly elevated my gaming experience. The thrill of evading mercenaries or outsmarting the Empire’s agents has become a cherished part of my adventures.

In various open-world action games, players are granted the freedom to act as dominant predators, effortlessly overpowering enemy outposts, selecting targets for elimination with minimal opposition, and leaving behind the turmoil they’ve stirred up. Yet, some games introduce mechanisms to discourage such actions or increase difficulty, such as law enforcement agencies, police forces, or turning the player into a marked individual pursued by elite NPC bounty hunters.

Frequently, in these open-world games, when players find themselves chased by hired guns or the authorities, it presents a chance to amplify the mayhem – engaging the world’s responses to reckless actions and experiencing the unexpected in unforeseen moments. Here are some standout action games that offer an immersive sense of being both hunter and hunted within their expansive gameplay environments, empowering players to feel like formidable bounty hunters as well as relentlessly pursued quarry.

1 Far Cry 6

Playing As A Resistance Member Against A Dictatorship, Expect To Be Hunted

In the game ‘Far Cry 6’, players take on the character of Dani Rojas, a local from Yara who initially seeks freedom from Anton Castillo’s oppressive rule. As the plot unfolds, however, Rojas chooses to align with the Libertad group in their resistance against the dictatorship. As players systematically eliminate enemy bases to diminish Castillo’s power in various territories, they can instigate escalations – particularly in urban areas or large settlements – which may result in elite forces or mercenaries being sent to pursue them.

In the “Far Cry” series, this mechanic isn’t a novelty; in “Far Cry 5”, players will encounter relentless bounty hunters and military forces who will chase them across the map if they complete specific story missions or engage in excessive aggressive behavior. Players who appreciate this dynamic, thrilling gameplay style have the option to choose either game based on their preferred setting.

2 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

A Unique Nemesis System Creates A Personal Sense Of Being Hunted For Revenge

As a gamer, I can tell you that diving into Middle-earth, specifically in ‘Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor’ and its sequel ‘Middle-Earth: Shadow of War,’ feels like stepping into a dynamic, open-world action game where every move counts. In these games, I embody Talion, leading a covert war against the Orcs of Mordor, picking off Sauron’s high-ranking generals one by one to weaken his forces. What sets these games apart is their innovative Nemesis system, which brings an element of unpredictability that keeps me on my toes.

In this game, enemies who were previously defeated might become stronger, more aggressive, and plot revenge at later stages, resembling a living, breathing bounty hunting system centered around grudges. These unexpected, fluid events can occur when you least anticipate them, resulting in moments that are emotionally resonant and directly tied to the choices you made earlier in the game.

3 Star Wars Outlaws

Messing With The Empire Or Criminal Syndicates Leads To Bounties On Kay Vess’ Head

In Star Wars Outlaws, you play as a young rogue named Kay Vess, exploring a perilous world run by four distinct criminal organizations. Your interactions with these factions will shape your connections with them, either opening up new possibilities or making life harder for you. A negative reputation with one of the syndicates can lead to hit squads tracking you across various landscapes. To avoid this danger, you must rebuild trust and strengthen your bond with the syndicate.

Troublemakers in Imperial outposts on various planets can draw the attention of the Empire as well. Once a player reaches their sixth wanted level with the Empire, elite black Death Troopers will be sent. These enemies are extremely difficult to defeat using regular weapons, so it is advisable for players to avoid escalating the situation too much with the Empire.

4 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Elite Mercenaries Eager To Collect The Bounty On Players’ Heads

In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Ubisoft introduced one of its initial open-world games to incorporate mercenary gameplay and bounty hunting features, influenced by the Nemesis system. As a Mercenary (known as Misthios in Greek), players often come across wanted mercenaries that offer significant rewards when tracked down. However, if players create too much chaos by storming enemy fortresses, removing regional leaders, or stirring up trouble in tranquil settlements, they may find bounties being placed on their heads. This leads to skilled mercenaries hunting them across the expansive world.

This additional feature in the game gives players an extra challenge: they need to keep track of the mercenaries chasing them, as encountering stronger ones can be fatal. Each elite mercenary has unique fighting skills and yields precious loot when defeated, encouraging players to tactically target specific enemies based on the rewards they provide.

5 Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Morgan Is A Wanted Man, And It’s Reflected Throughout The Story

As a gamer roaming through the dusty Wild West in Red Dead Redemption 2, I can vouch for its top-notch “wanted” system that weaves itself right into the core of the game’s narrative. Following a failed heist, Pinkerton agents are hot on the tail of the Van Der Linde gang, and yours truly, Arthur Morgan, is no exception to their pursuit. Throughout pivotal story moments, I find myself squaring off against these relentless pursuers head-on. Moreover, hostile gangs lurking across the expansive game world don’t hesitate to lay eyes on me, resulting in instant conflict.

In various areas, defying the law can draw the attention of local law enforcement, escalating into dangerous standoffs and subsequent pursuits. If gamers fail to settle their bounties, the reward for capturing them increases after each new offense, prompting ruthless mercenaries to chase them tirelessly across the vast game world, repeatedly disrupting their goals.

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2024-09-10 09:04