Best Open-World Games With Non-Lethal Combat, Ranked

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Summary

  • Players in modern video games can pursue non-lethal combat options when dealing with enemies.
  • Games like Watch Dogs 2, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and Cyberpunk 2077 offer diverse ways to subdue opponents without killing them.
  • Non-lethal combat options in these games provide players with more engaging and morally conscious gameplay experiences.

Honestly, as a gamer, I expect a lot more from games these days. Most have really intense, fast-paced combat, but I appreciate when a game gives me the option to avoid killing if I want to. It’s cool to be able to choose how I approach a challenge. And sometimes, I really love when a game completely avoids violence, especially if it fits the character’s personality or the story they’re telling.

These games offer fun and creative ways to defeat enemies without killing them. The open-world design allows players to embarrass or subdue opponents, and then leave them alive.

Watch Dogs 2

Players Can Pursue Non-Lethal Options In Combat

Okay, so I finally played *Watch Dogs 2*, and it’s a huge improvement over the first one! The story is way more fun and positive, and they seriously upped the hacking stuff – there’s so much more you can do. Plus, I didn’t feel like I *had* to go around shooting everything just to get through the game, which was a relief. It’s just a much more enjoyable experience overall.

Marcus has a dangerous yo-yo he can use to silently strangle enemies or knock them unconscious in a fight. The game also offers many ways to subdue opponents without killing them, for players who prefer a non-lethal approach.

Batman: Arkham Knight

Despite The Crunchy Combat, Batman Still Never Kills

Arkham Knight wasn’t immediately loved by everyone, but its reputation has grown over time. While the game has some flaws, particularly with the Batmobile and storyline, its overall gameplay experience is so compelling that most players find it enjoyable once they get into it.

Batman has a strict rule against killing. However, he frequently injures criminals, often leaving them with significant medical bills. Even his high-tech Batmobile is designed to incapacitate rather than kill – it delivers an electrical shock to anyone it hits, knocking them unconscious regardless of the speed.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

The Sequel Enhances The Non-Lethal Options

The Adam Jensen *Deus Ex* games are known for their engaging and immersive gameplay, which is a big reason why fans love them. Despite some issues with *Mankind Divided*, the core gameplay is so enjoyable that players are willing to overlook its flaws.

This game offers more ways to avoid killing enemies than the first one, which is great. Players can now use weaker, non-lethal versions of powerful attacks like Typhoon, so they don’t have to sacrifice cool moves just to play a certain way. It’s a small addition, but it makes the game more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Players Have More Non-Lethal Options Than Ever

The original *Death Stranding* discouraged players from killing enemies because corpses could turn into dangerous obstacles called Beached Things if not properly handled. The upcoming sequel doesn’t have this limitation, allowing for more direct combat if players choose.

Most weapons in this game can stun enemies instead of killing them. This makes fighting easier and prevents players from being penalized for defeating a lot of opponents.

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Players Are Encouraged To Knock Out Skilled Enemies And Recruit Them

Like other games from Hideo Kojima, *The Phantom Pain* rewards players for avoiding lethal force. The game offers a huge range of inventive ways to complete missions, making it a joy to explore its expansive open world. Players can master the art of stealth, allowing Snake to infiltrate and disable entire enemy bases without ever being detected.

The game actually rewards players for not killing enemies, especially those with strong abilities, as they can join your Mother Base and be a big help. These non-lethal options are fun, and the benefit of building up your base this way makes *The Phantom Pain* a great choice for players who prefer a peaceful approach.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

The Spider-Men Make It A Point To Only Knock Out Enemies

Spider-Man focuses on stopping villains without killing them. He always subdues and restrains criminals, leaving them for the police to arrest and hopefully rehabilitate. The game is carefully designed to make sure Spider-Man doesn’t cross the line and break the law himself.

As a huge Spider-Man fan, I love how the game handles enemies! It’s so cool that even if you send bad guys flying off rooftops, a quick web-line always catches them before they splat. And it’s not just webs – even if something heavy falls on them from way up high, they don’t actually *die*. It really lets you feel like you’re Spider-Man, swinging around and taking down criminals without having to worry about, you know, *permanently* taking them out. It keeps the game lighthearted and focused on the fun of being the Spectacular Spider-Man!

Cyberpunk 2077

V Can Use Non-Lethal Options In Combat, If They Wish

Even though the game lets you fight with swords and guns, you can also choose to play without killing anyone. Using things like clubs and special weapon upgrades, you can complete most fights without using lethal force, turning your character into a peaceful hero.

Taking down enemies is surprisingly fun, even without any blood, as V uses weapons and abilities to knock them unconscious. The combat system in *Cyberpunk 2077* has been greatly improved with Update 2.0, making a non-lethal playstyle more enjoyable than ever.

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2025-09-26 07:35