Best Open-World Games Where The Story Unfolds At Your Pace

Open-world games usually have a main story that either fully engages the player and guides their actions, or simply provides a reason for the character to be in the game’s world. While player freedom is a key part of what makes these games fun, not all of them encourage you to explore beyond the main plot. However, the games that do offer that freedom are often considered the best open-world experiences.

These games let you explore and enjoy yourself at your own speed, without needing to rush to certain places or finish tasks. They each feature worlds that are enjoyable and easy to understand, inviting you to freely discover things and try out different options.

10. Dredge

An Addictive Loop Of Lovecraftian Horror And Fishing

Okay, so I’ve been totally hooked on this game called Dredge. You basically play as a fisherman trying to earn a living in this island chain, and it’s super addictive. The waters are usually peaceful, but things get seriously creepy fast! There’s this whole Lovecraftian horror vibe going on, with spooky stuff happening and some really unsettling characters you meet. It’s a really well-made game, and the gameplay loop just keeps you coming back for more.

While Dredge tells a story with a simple, understated style, you experience it at your own speed. The game lets you explore freely, limited only by how strong your boat is. Upgrading your boat lets you venture further, but there’s no need to hurry – you’re in control of how the story progresses.

9. Death Stranding

A Game That’s All About The Journey

Death Stranding offers a gameplay experience unlike any other, but it won’t appeal to everyone. The game centers around the often slow and challenging process of traveling across a landscape. While balancing cargo and navigating difficult terrain can be frustrating, players who enjoy a methodical pace may find it deeply satisfying.

A unique aspect of the game is that players can experience it at their own speed. You’re largely in control of how the story unfolds, with plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the beautiful, ruined world. Between side quests and deliveries, you can delve into the odd and fascinating story of Death Stranding whenever you like.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach has more action than the first game, but you still have plenty of freedom to experience the story at your own speed.

8. STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobyl

Immersive Exploration In Interconnected Open Areas

While the story isn’t the main point of STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl, the game’s incredibly detailed and lively world is. The dangerous environments, wandering characters and creatures, and overall immersive feel make every trip across the landscape unforgettable. Best of all, the game doesn’t rush you – you can explore at your own speed.

Okay, so STALKER lets you wander around and do your own thing a lot of the time, which is awesome. But a lot of the side missions actually have a timer on them. Some give you plenty of breathing room, but you usually have to get moving eventually. The good news is, the main story quests don’t rush you at all – you can play through those at your own speed, which is perfect for getting really immersed in the world.

Both S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl share similarities with this theme and offer more freedom than Shadow of Chernobyl. Still, the first game remains the most unique and memorable in the series.

7. Elden Ring

The Enigma Of Dark Souls And The Freedom Of An Open World

Elden Ring, like other games from FromSoftware, tells a story in a subtle way with mysterious characters. However, it reaches a broader audience thanks to its huge, open world. Players will find a diverse range of bosses and challenges, and discovering them feels rewarding because they’re hidden well and players have the freedom to explore as they choose.

Players can explore the world at their own speed, and traveling by horse makes covering long distances much quicker and more enjoyable. Like the Dark Souls games, Elden Ring offers plenty of optional side quests, and the open world gives players even more freedom to decide how and when they progress.

6. Caves Of Qud

An Open-World Roguelike RPG With Endless Distractions

Though it might not have flashy graphics, Caves of Qud stands out thanks to its beautiful writing, captivating world, and open-ended gameplay. Players create highly customized characters and explore a one-of-a-kind science-fantasy world filled with quests and interesting characters.

While Caves of Qud has a central storyline, its vast and detailed world often pulls you in different directions – and that’s a good thing! You can wander and discover places simply because you’re curious, hunt for treasure, or take on optional side-quests that lead you all over the map. The game lets you explore and experience its rich stories at your own speed, and the turn-based combat means you don’t have to rush.

5. LEGO Lord Of The Rings

A Familiar Story Interspersed With Open-World Collecting

Fans of the original Lord of the Rings will easily recognize the story in LEGO Lord of the Rings, and the game does a great job of capturing the spirit of the books and movies. It successfully recreates Middle-earth as a fun, explorable LEGO world. While the game has levels to guide you through the story, you’re also free to roam around and collect items whenever you like.

Players can explore and complete tasks at their own pace, without any time pressure. The LEGO style of gameplay blends seamlessly with the open-world design, creating a relaxed and flexible experience where you can freely choose between discovering new things and completing quests.

4. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

A Dynamic Open-World That Encourages Journeying Off The Beaten Path

Honestly, what really grabbed me about Skyrim is just how huge and detailed the world is. There are so many different things to do and see, and it’s totally open, which is awesome. I spent hours just wandering around and getting side-tracked before I even thought about starting the main story, and it was a blast! You can really play at your own speed and just get lost in the world, which is exactly what I wanted.

The game guides you with lots of little hints, always tempting you to check out something new and keeping you exploring. Whether it was planned or not, Skyrim is most enjoyable when you wander and discover things at your own pace. If you rush straight to the main story, you might miss out on some of the best parts of the game.

3. Fallout: New Vegas

Lacks Hand-Holding & Champions Player Agency

Most Fallout games offer players large, open worlds and let them play at their own speed. But Fallout: New Vegas stands out as one of the strongest entries because it doesn’t guide you too much. This is particularly true for the main storyline, where you’re given very few clear directions.

Though it might feel overwhelming at first, the game immediately places you in its world, rewarding players who explore and try new things. You’ll encounter a wide variety of memorable characters, creatures, and enemies, many of whom will both entertain and challenge you. With tons of side quests, a huge world to discover, and the freedom to play however you want, Fallout: New Vegas lets you experience everything at your own pace.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Live As Arthur Morgan

As a huge fan of the first Red Dead Redemption, I was blown away by the sequel! The original was pretty straightforward, but Red Dead Redemption 2 is just massive and feels so much more alive. What really got me was how it didn’t push me through the main story; it let me actually live as Arthur Morgan. I spent so much time hunting, fishing, playing poker, and helping out strangers – and those moments felt just as important as the main missions! You constantly stumble upon random events that add depth to the world and characters, meaning the best moments aren’t always tied to a marker on the map. It’s a game where life happens around the story, not just because of it.

Arthur’s growth isn’t just tied to the main story missions. He also develops through optional activities and side quests, which shape his reputation and personality. These side missions are so well-integrated into the world that they don’t feel like detours – they’re simply part of Arthur’s journey. Above all, Red Dead Redemption 2 prioritizes realism and a deliberate, slower pace, and that extends to how the story unfolds.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

An Open-World Story Completely Played At Your Own Pace

Breath of the Wild is a prime example of a game where you’re free to explore and play at your own speed. After a brief introduction, you’re given a vast, ruined Hyrule to roam. There’s only one essential objective, and four optional locations to visit. While it’s recommended you conquer the four Divine Beasts and eventually challenge Calamity Ganon at Hyrule Castle, you’re not required to, and you decide how quickly or slowly you want to progress.

To be honest, Breath of the Wild‘s story isn’t very complex and doesn’t push itself on you. The game is really about exploring and having freedom, and that’s perfectly fine. You can spend many hours wandering around Hyrule without doing the main quests and still have the experience the game is designed for.

2026-01-27 00:08