Best Open-World Games With Underground Cities

by

Best Open-World Games With Underground Cities

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in gaming have been delving into these subterranean wonders. From the depths of Nokron, Eternal City in Elden Ring to the bustling Core City of UnderRail, these underground metropolises have left a lasting impression on me.

Open-world video games are brimming with fascinating and sprawling urban landscapes that invite exploration. Ranging from the legendary metropolises found in the “The Elder Scrolls” games to the enigmatic, decayed or abandoned cities of the “Dark Souls” series, these vast and frequently interconnected locales can provide unforgettable landmark locations within a broader world.

In many open-world video games, cities predominantly reside on the surface, yet some games offer striking subterranean settlements that leave a lasting impact on players. For instance, there’s the enigmatic New Londo Ruins from Dark Souls, and the central hub reminiscent of Fallout found in UnderRail. These are merely a few instances of captivating underground cities.

6 The Lord Of The Rings Online

(The Mines Of) Moria

In the game “The Lord of the Rings Online”, the Mines of Moria functions more as a battleground rather than a sanctuary or meeting point, mirroring its perilous state in the original story. This makes for an authentic portrayal of this legendary subterranean location. For devotees of “The Lord of the Rings” and the distinct dwarven city within, it’s a rewarding place to delve into, even with its dated graphics.

Generally speaking, “The Lord of the Rings Online” is starting to show its age as a massively multiplayer online game, and it doesn’t have the same level of ongoing maintenance as more widely played MMOs like “World of Warcraft.” Nevertheless, for dedicated fans of “The Lord of the Rings” who can overlook the outdated gameplay, delving into the Mines of Moria is definitely worth the journey.

5 Fallout 3

Underworld

In essence, throughout the Fallout series, numerous hidden cities lie beneath the surface. Each Vault has its unique atmosphere and inhabitants. But outside Vaults, the most memorable subterranean city within the Fallout franchise might just be the ghouls’ residence, the Underworld, as featured in Fallout 3.

The Underworld, a secretive lair filled with an assortment of eerie beings, each possessing their unique charm, is a fascinating find in the game world. Similar to the Fallout series, the joy lies in discovery, as exploration is continually incentivized. Among numerous subterranean locales within the franchise, Underworld stands out due to its distinctive aesthetic and the peculiar ghoul inhabitants it houses.

4 Dark Souls

New Londo Ruins

Hidden beneath the earth and submerged in water, the New Londo Ruins from the original Dark Souls game exude an unsettling atmosphere. This iconic ruined city is filled with ghostly spirits who often claim the lives of newcomers. These spirits can only be defeated by a character cursed or armed with a cursed weapon, or by using a Transient Curse to eliminate them.

The city itself exudes an incredibly ominous ambiance, much like several locations in Dark Souls. Similar to New Londo Ruins, this city is perilous, overcast, and fittingly dim. A foreboding darkness envelops the city’s crumbling structures, contributing significantly to its eerie atmosphere. The diverse assortment of dangerous adversaries and hazards make it a challenging and unforgettable destination.

3 Arx Fatalis

City Of Arx

In a world where the sun has disappeared, leaving everything in darkness, Arx Fatalis is an immersive first-person fantasy role-playing game that skillfully exploits its distinctive dark theme. This unique twist is what makes the game’s setting underground, showcasing various subterranean locales such as the city of Arx.

Arx Fatalis, crafted by the revered Arkane Studios (known for titles such as Dishonored and Prey), offers classic RPG mechanics and immersive first-person exploration. In terms of older open-world games, the city of Arx stands out as a captivating and striking location. It serves as a refreshing change from the frequent dark tunnels in the game’s settings, offering not only a variety of people to interact with but also a place for players to regroup and orient themselves.

2 UnderRail

Core City

  • Platform(s): PC
  • Released: 2015
  • Developer(s): Stygian Software
  • Genre(s): Open-world RPG

In essence, UnderRail is akin to a spiritual descendant of classic RPGs, particularly Fallout, boasting a frequently challenging isometric role-playing experience with turn-based combat. Set in the distant future, it portrays a world where humans have been relegated to living in ancient metro stations, serving as the remaining sanctuaries of humanity amidst harsh conditions. These subterranean cities provide a vital refuge for survivors.

Among all subterranean locales within the game “UnderRail”, Core City stands out as notably significant – and crucial. It serves as a central hub for a substantial portion of the “UnderRail”, hosting multiple factions and boasting a deep-rooted history that shapes its current condition. This city is also where the Arena, another striking location, can be found. There’s an abundance of tasks to accomplish both within the city and in its surrounding areas.

1 Elden Ring

Nokron, Eternal City

In Elden Ring, you can explore the entire expanse of the subterranean city known as Nokron, the Everlasting Metropolis, following your defeat of Starscourge Radahn. His victory triggers a massive meteor strike on Limgrave, creating new underground pathways. Situated above the mesmerizing Siofra River, this sprawling underground network resembles a wilderness setting more than an urban one. Contrary to its subterranean location, Nokron boasts a breathtaking “night sky” filled with stars, which is one of its most striking visual features.

The enchanting and absorbing Nokron, Eternal City from Elden Ring is similar to many other striking locales within the game. Despite not being the largest or most visually stunning area, its unique art design merits it a place as the most impressive subterranean city in open-world gaming, leaving players awestruck.

Read More

2024-09-22 16:33