Best Open-World Games With Gun Combat, Ranked

Summary

Sunset Overdrive delivers chaotic, creative gunplay in a mutant-infested city obsessed with punk rock energy.
Just Cause 4 takes gun combat to explosive levels with dynamic weather and over-the-top chaos.
Ghost Recon: Wildlands offers tactical gunplay in a vast open world with diverse landscapes and flexible approaches.

It’s incredibly thrilling to explore vast landscapes and carry enough firepower that could ignite a small conflict. Whether it’s intense firefights in future wastelands or adrenaline-pumping clashes in dense jungles, these games offer unparalleled shooting experiences set within gigantic, captivating environments.

Transitioning from unrestricted chaos to strategic battles, these game titles showcase the perfect blend of open-world discovery and firearm combat. Discover our top 7 picks for open-world games that expertly mix the excitement of gunplay with the joy of exploration.

7. Sunset Overdrive

When Style And Gunplay Collide

In the chaotic, colorful world of Sunset Overdrive, a post-apocalyptic playground filled with mayhem and excitement, you’ll find an exhilarating experience awaits. This Insomniac Games production is set in the vast, mutant-ridden city of Sunset City, where realism takes a backseat to pure, unbridled fun. The gunfights here are not mere additions; they are vital for surviving the swarms of OD’d, the mutated humans that roam this city.

The unique gunplay is elevated by the game’s emphasis on ingenuity, offering a diverse arsenal that spans from explosive teddy bears to guns firing vinyl projectiles. These weapons are expertly crafted to annihilate enemies in an impressive manner. Blending shooting with acrobatic maneuvers, players glide along power lines and rebound off vehicles while discharging preposterously powerful firepower.

The world within this game presents a unique fusion of exaggerated violence akin to cartoons and the raw energy of punk rock. Each mission encourages players to immerse themselves in the chaos instead of seeking refuge behind cover. Accuracy is secondary; what matters most is making each shot visually appealing. For those who persist, Sunset City offers increasingly wild weaponry and even more intricate methods for annihilating everything around you.

6. Just Cause 4

When Explosions Are An Art Form

As a gamer, I can confirm that Just Cause 4 delivers on its promise of being an epic playground for chaos. The fictional South American nation of Solis is just waiting to be destroyed! My arsenal in this game isn’t your typical collection of firearms; it includes grenade launchers, miniguns, and even some experimental gadgets that can send enemy squads soaring into the sky. It’s like having my very own Michael Bay movie at my fingertips!

In Just Cause 4, battling doesn’t merely seem like a monotonous task to progress towards the next explosion; instead, it forms part of the exhilarating show. Be it invading a military base or dismantling a convoy, each conflict serves as an avenue for exploration. The game’s unpredictable weather system, featuring tornadoes and thunderstorms, amplifies the madness even further. Combining machine-gun fire with acrobatic grappling hook stunts or wingsuit maneuvers results in scenes that feel plucked straight from a high-octane action flick. This game isn’t concerned with finesse – it’s all about ramping up the chaos to maximum levels.

5. Ghost Recon: Wildlands

Tactical Warfare With A Sandbox Twist

In the sprawling, varied terrains of Bolivia, the game Ghost Recon: Wildlands presents a strategically-focused spin on open-world firefights. Rather than storming in with full force, players are prompted to devise attack strategies, identify enemy locations, and liaise with AI or allies for simultaneous fire. The feeling of liberation is palpable, as the map spans deserts, jungles, and mountains, all brimming with adversary groups and secret stashes.

Engaging in gun battles offers a heavy, gratifying feel, with numerous customizable weapons and accessories to cater to different gaming styles. Whether you’re taking shots from a hilltop or sneaking into a base using silenced pistols, each encounter carries an air of unpredictability and tension. The game’s charm lies in the freedom to tackle objectives in various ways — often, avoiding a fight is the smartest move. However, when things take a turn for the worse, the abundance of firepower ensures that players can always find a way to escape danger.

4. Rage 2

Anarchy With A Shotgun

If you’re after unbridled, intense violence, Rage 2 certainly delivers. This joint project by id Software and Avalanche Studios is heavily influenced by punk rock culture, transforming the post-apocalyptic landscape into a battleground where each gunfight feels like a riot of devastation. The player assumes the role of Walker, a ranger equipped with an array of weapons from reliable shotguns to energy weapons that unleash enemies in flashes of vibrant chaos.

In this game, the gunfights are classic id Software style: swift, impactful, and incredibly gratifying. The enemies don’t merely perish; they disintegrate into a gory mess of limbs and sparks. To enhance the experience, the game features an intricate movement system that promotes dodging, double-jumping, and using powers all while continuing to fire away. The environment is a fusion of neon-lit strongholds and devastated terrains, and it’s seldom tranquil. When combat ensues, it’s advisable to go full throttle and keep moving without pause.

3. Fallout: New Vegas

Surviving The Mojave With A Gun In Hand

Hardly any collection of open-world shooting games would be whole without Fallout: New Vegas. The Mojave Wasteland is harsh, erratic, and teeming with individuals who prefer to shoot first and plunder your remains afterward. The fighting here revolves around choice — deciding whether to employ diplomacy, sneak past, or simply destroy everything in sight.

In this desert-inhabited landscape, weapons range from homemade pipe guns to advanced laser rifles, mirroring the diversity of the factions. While the gunfights might not flow as smoothly as in contemporary shooter games, the V.A.T.S. system adds a strategic touch to each confrontation. Instead of merely pointing and shooting, players can select specific body parts to target, disabling raiders or hindering Deathclaws before they cause harm. The environment is rich with tales waiting to be discovered, and despite the combat being more deliberate, it fits seamlessly into the chaotic wasteland setting.

2. Cyberpunk 2077

When Style Meets Firepower

In simpler terms, Night City can be described as an energetic, non-stop urban giant. The gunfights in Cyberpunk 2077 offer a wide array of options, ranging from regular guns to high-tech weapons that follow targets. What truly makes the game exciting is the fusion of firearms with cybernetic enhancements, resulting in a potent mix of technology and raw power.

In this game, you have the option to tackle encounters quietly or aggressively, each offering unique perks. While the AI may not be overly intelligent, the extensive customization and weapon selection ensure combat remains engaging. There’s a certain thrill in hijacking a turret during battle or using Mantis Blades to bridge gaps when firepower alone isn’t sufficient. Given that Night City’s criminal underworld doesn’t show mercy, it’s fortunate that your character, V, can evolve into an unparalleled marksman with the right upgrades.

1. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Tactical Espionage At Its Finest

Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece uniquely combines elements of stealth, tactics, and gunplay unlike anything else. In the game Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, players have the option to slip through outposts unnoticed or use heavy machine-gun fire to alert the entire area. The expansive open world is intricately designed, with each outpost presenting distinct challenges and incentives.

Shootouts exhibit a snug and swift performance, boasting authentic weapon handling and an array of equipment that can be tailored to fit any operation. The option between non-lethal and lethal force introduces complexity, as results hinge on which characters survive or perish. The flexibility to adapt strategies during gameplay maintains tension and demands quick thinking from players. It’s a haven for individuals who appreciate both accuracy and might.

2025-05-30 07:35