Best Open-World Games With No Mandatory Build Optimization

Open-world games can be incredibly liberating, but sometimes that freedom comes with a cost. Take Elden Ring, for example. It boasts a stunning and expansive world to explore without much guidance, which is great, but it also means players often need to spend a lot of time leveling up, collecting gear, and carefully planning their character’s abilities. There’s constant pressure to make the right decisions and build a character strong enough to overcome the game’s challenges.

Open-world games can be very detailed, but not everyone wants that level of complexity. Are there any games where you can customize your character’s skills or gear without it being crucial to the experience? We’re looking at games with some character progression or equipment choices, so titles like Grand Theft Auto 5 – where customization isn’t a core feature – won’t be included.

We’ll be looking at open-world games where you can build things, though feel free to explore any game you enjoy. Don’t feel pressured to perfectly optimize your character or equipment – just have fun!

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

A Link To The Past

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players can improve Link’s abilities in several ways, though there isn’t a single ‘best’ armor setup. You can increase two key stats: Health and Stamina. More Health means Link can withstand more damage, while increased Stamina lets you swim, glide, and climb for longer periods. Completing puzzle dungeons rewards you with Spirit Orbs; collecting four of these allows you to permanently increase either your Stamina or Health.

Cooking different recipes can restore or temporarily boost your health and stamina, though having the right items can reduce how much you need to rely on this. While the Master Sword needs to recharge, all other weapons and shields break relatively quickly, meaning there isn’t one single, unbeatable weapon to find. Link can equip headgear, armor, and pants, each offering defense and sometimes a special bonus – for example, the Zora Helm improves swimming speed. Wearing a complete armor set enhances these effects, and can be helpful in specific situations, but it isn’t essential for completing the most difficult parts of the game.

Ghost Of Tsushima

The Samurai And Ninja Way

Ghost of Tsushima, set in feudal Japan, offers a more grounded and historically inspired experience compared to Breath of the Wild. Players take on the role of Jin, a samurai or ninja tasked with liberating Tsushima Island from a Mongolian invasion. While acquiring new weapons isn’t necessary – Jin relies on his family’s sword – players can customize its appearance with different scabbards. Armor plays a key role, boosting Jin’s stats and providing special advantages. For instance, the Ghost Armor helps players remain undetected while sneaking and can even momentarily stun enemies if discovered.

Players can enhance their abilities with charms – for example, the Amaterasu charm restores health after each enemy defeated. Completing tasks earns skill points, which are used to improve Jin’s Samurai, Stance, and Ghost skills. You can also boost stats by participating in optional activities, like restoring health at hot springs. While focusing on a specific build with a matching armor set is possible, it’s generally more effective to create a well-rounded character. Ultimately, success relies on utilizing stealth whenever possible and mastering the art of dodging and countering attacks during combat.

Donkey Kong Bananza

Dress To Impress

In Donkey Kong Bananza, you play as Donkey Kong, with Pauline joining in for cooperative play, though she doesn’t have much independent action. This action platformer starts with a powerful DK, capable of running, jumping, wall climbing, breaking objects, throwing debris, and even surfing on land. Players collect special gems called Banandium to earn skill points, which can improve DK’s health, punching power, or unlock new abilities like water surfing. While these skills help with exploration, the game is generally of moderate difficulty, so they aren’t essential.

The most challenging parts of the game are the optional platforming sections, and having better equipment or abilities won’t help much – it all comes down to precise timing. You can customize Donkey Kong’s appearance, changing his fur color for fun, but certain outfits actually offer benefits. For example, the Banandium Chip Bolo tie helps you collect more Banandium Chips, and Red Britches make DK swim faster. Pauline can also change outfits and give DK bonuses, like the Black Tempest Coat, which extends how long he can stay in Elephant form. Speaking of forms, the game features story-based powers that transform DK into different animals, each with unique abilities. Elephant form, for instance, lets you suck up and shoot objects. While these transformations are necessary to finish the story, you won’t need them for most of the game.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Just Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

The original Marvel’s Spider-Man focuses on Peter Parker juggling his responsibilities as a superhero with his everyday life in New York City. Swinging through the city is incredibly satisfying, and the combat is fast-paced and highlights Spider-Man’s strength and quickness. Players can use their Spider-Sense to easily deflect attacks with a little practice. The game gives you all of Spider-Man’s classic abilities, so you don’t need to worry about complex character builds using gadgets, skills, or costumes.

For players who enjoy customization, there’s a lot to explore. You can collect parts to build helpful gadgets like the Spider-Drone, which acts as a temporary defense during fights. The game features three skill trees – Innovator, Defender, and Webslinger – and it’s most effective to spread your points across all of them. Plus, Spider-Man’s suits aren’t just cosmetic; they offer unique benefits. For example, The Last Stand Suit prevents enemies from blocking, and all suits can be further upgraded. These additions let you enhance Spider-Man’s abilities, but the improvements are more like refinements than game-changers.

inFAMOUS Second Son

Define Your Superhero

inFAMOUS Second Son is a superhero game where you play as Delsin Rowe, who has a unique ability: he can steal powers from others and use them himself, similar to the character Rogue from X-Men. As you progress through the story, you’ll unlock different power types like Smoke, Neon, Video, and Concrete. Just like previous inFAMOUS games, your choices impact the story and determine whether you’re seen as a hero or a villain. Helping people in Seattle will earn you good Karma, while harming them will lead you down a darker path.

Throughout the city, players can find shards to purchase or improve their abilities. These abilities often require a full charge of either good or dark energy, indicated by red and blue icons in the menu. Delsin begins with the Smoke power, letting him move quickly through the city, glide, and create fire-infused attacks. Players can unlock more powers and specialize in one type, but mixing things up is crucial for success. Keep in mind that clothing is purely for appearance. Finally, it’s best to commit to either a good or dark Karma path, as staying neutral isn’t effective.

2026-01-08 01:08