From Scratch to Mastery: Top Open-World Games Where You Start with Nothing

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Summary

  • Valheim offers a satisfying survival experience starting from scratch with Norse mythology.
  • Sons of the Forest perfects horror survival with a thrilling atmosphere and base-building.
  • DayZ challenges players to survive in a Russian wilderness without the aid of a minimap.

One delightful aspect of gaming lies in allowing players to explore scenarios that are beyond their real-life possibilities, and one particularly gratifying moment comes when players can grow something from nothing – be it a character, an environment, or a narrative – that is worthy of pride.

One engaging aspect of open-world video games lies in the journey where players begin with minimal resources but ultimately acquire all they need to succeed. Whether it’s a new world that unfolds before them or reclaiming their lost world, this experience of starting from scratch and ending up with everything is incredibly rewarding within the realm of gaming.

8. Valheim

Norse Rules

Debuting in 2021 amidst the height of popularity for survival games, Valheim emerged as an underdog tale in every sense. A small, lesser-known indie company published it, boasting a unique art style, and immediately showed promise by focusing on mechanical aspects. However, Valheim, despite its unassuming origins, captivated players with its interpretation of Norse mythology, an array of impressive bosses, and deeply gratifying survival gameplay that was built upon established genre foundations.

Additionally, it provided a raw, authentic feel by placing players in a situation where they had nothing, compelling them to improvise using whatever resources they could find. By the end of the game when players had constructed entire settlements, it’s challenging to find another title that offers the same level of fulfillment.

7. Sons Of The Forest

Cannibals and Mutants? Oh My!

Initially launched on PC in 2014 as “The Forest” game, it quickly gained a fearsome reputation for its eerie forest setting, ominous creatures that lurked in the shadows, and an inky black night. In contrast, the latest installment, “Sons of the Forest,” released approximately a decade later, doesn’t bring significant changes to the series but rather refines the original formula, ensuring a more polished gaming experience.

Initially, the game’s protagonist finds themselves stranded on a breathtaking yet perilous forested island after an unfortunate crash-landing, with only their attire and a horde of terrifying beasts lurking in the woods as companions. The thrill lies not just in constructing a fortified shelter and accumulating potent artifacts, but also in effectively warding off these threats. This accomplishment brings a sense of genuine and distinct pride that is scarcely found in other games.

6. DayZ

The OG And Still On Top

During the 2010s, there was a significant surge in popularity for open-world survival games, possibly sparked by DayZ, initially an ARMA 2 mod, but now a separate game. It retains the extreme challenge of the original mod and transfers it to a singularly tough world. Players find themselves alone in the Russian wilderness, with the responsibility of arming themselves adequately and staying alive.

In DayZ, aside from the typical challenges of amassing gear and emerging as a formidable force, players find immense fulfillment in mastering the map’s geography. Unlike many games, there are no mini-maps or quest markers; instead, the player relies solely on the game environment. When a player eventually masters this world, they have achieved something significant – they have transitioned from starting with nothing to becoming a threat, having truly conquered the landscape.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

A Peasant’s Lot

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I’ve noticed that many open-world games thrust players into a survival scenario, starting from scratch. However, this isn’t the norm in every title. In the captivating world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, I found myself as Henry of Skalitz – blacksmith’s son, bereft of wealth and skills. This humble beginning became a significant hurdle when the Cumans ransacked Skalitz, leaving me with no family and nothing but the clothes on my back.

Henry’s journey towards knighthood and soldiering begins, aiming to be powerful enough to avenge the unjust world where peasants are always belittled. By the game’s conclusion, players have transformed into the menacing force they initially encountered, resulting in one of the most gratifying endings among open-world games.

4. The Long Dark

Out In The Cold

In contrast to many open-world survival games that offer a somewhat relaxed approach to realism, “The Long Dark” is unyielding in its commitment to authenticity. Instead of providing a cushion for players, it drops them into harsh environments equipped with nothing, challenging them to make every resource count and survive.

Apart from ensuring water, food, warmth, and shelter, players must also take into account local wildlife, lighting conditions, cooking methods, and a myriad of other factors. At first, it might seem overwhelming, but if they stay attentive and work diligently, they can ultimately master one of the harshest environments found in any survival game.

3. Subnautica

Under The Sea

Warning for those with fear of oceans: The setting of the game Subnautica is quite terrifying in a nutshell. At the start, you find yourself stranded on a planet entirely submerged in ocean, left only with a life raft. You’re tasked with the overwhelming mission of finding a way to get back home amidst this vast aquatic expanse.

Exploring such places is venturing into realms humans should avoid: the abyss of the deep sea. It’s teeming with terrifying creatures in the shadows, demanding that survivors rely on their resourcefulness to construct vehicles, shelters, and maps for endurance. Keep in mind, if a Reaper growls, it’s already too late to flee.

2. Fallout: New Vegas

Without A Big Iron On Your Hip

In some open-world games, starting with nothing can already be a challenge for players. However, “Fallout: New Vegas” pushes this concept even further by introducing a character without any memories. This innovative twist results in one of the best role-playing games ever made, allowing players complete freedom to mold their courier character as they wish.

At the culmination of the game, an unassuming messenger rises to become a significant figure of influence across the vast Mojave Wasteland, shaping the destinies of countless individuals and dominant factions. This transformation, starting from nothing but oblivion, is quite remarkable and contributes to one of the most rewarding narratives in contemporary Role-Playing Games.

1. Minecraft

One Block At A Time

Since its debut, it’s been clear that Minecraft has brought about a groundbreaking transformation in the gaming landscape, reshaping indie games, survival games, and studio creations for over a decade. With its procedurally generated environments, players find themselves exploring uncharted territories, starting with just bare hands ready to chisel wooden blocks from trees. The challenge lies in learning how to thrive in this new world.

Though Minecraft’s survival aspects might not be overtly intricate, it stands out as an exceptional embodiment of the fulfillment derived from starting with nothing and eventually dominating the world. By the point when a player decides to stop playing, they would have delved into and conquered a realm tailored specifically for them. This unparalleled sense of achievement makes Minecraft undeniably one of the best games ever created.

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2025-02-20 04:36