It’s a common topic in video games: the odd contrast between needing to rush through the main story and being able to freely explore side quests, even when the world is in danger. It’s easy to see why this can be annoying. If you can wander around and take your time, it undermines the sense of urgency created by threats like a deadly brain implant or dragon attacks. This disconnect makes it hard to stay invested in the main story, and it’s likely why many open-world games struggle to create a truly captivating narrative.
Some games don’t push you to rush through the story, and actually encourage exploration. These titles create immersive and engaging worlds that are fun to experience even without constant directions. If you’re looking for a break from games where you have to leave characters waiting – like Hanako at Embers – here are some suggestions to help you relax and enjoy a more free-form experience.
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Subnautica
Getting Off The Planet Can Wait A Bit Longer
Right from the start, Subnautica puts you in a tough spot: you’re stranded on an alien ocean planet, completely alone, with your spaceship wrecked. While getting home is the ultimate goal, the story isn’t rushed. It’s similar to the movie Cast Away – the focus is on the experience of survival and exploration, not just reaching the ending.
It’s easy to get lost in the world of Subnautica, with its diverse environments, intriguing caves, and sometimes unsettling creatures. The ability to build your own underwater base makes it even harder to leave – why would you want to? And you don’t have to rush. Escaping the planet requires gathering resources and building a spaceship, which takes time and effort. So relax, explore the depths, and enjoy the journey – you’re sure to discover amazing things.
Starfield
Perhaps You’ll Stumble Across A Temple, Perhaps Not
Look, I get why some people aren’t completely blown away by Starfield. It’s not perfect, and there are valid criticisms. But honestly, I really appreciate that the game doesn’t try to force a crisis on you. It’s cool that the galaxy isn’t on the brink of destruction – it lets me explore without feeling like I have to rush. The main story, about finding those temples, feels more like something I do while I’m busy with side quests or just hopping between planets, and I think that was intentional. It’s a chill experience, and I’m digging it.
While the randomly generated content can feel a little repetitive at times, it still adds a sense of discovery. It’s surprisingly calming to simply explore at your own pace, completing side quests or finding the perfect spots for your outposts and space stations. This is a welcome change from games like Skyrim and Fallout 4, where urgent storylines – like defeating a dragon or rescuing a kidnapped child – quickly pull you out of the experience, even if those stories are well-made. Starfield’s open-ended design, allowing you to explore every planet at your leisure, feels much more fitting for a game of this massive size.
Fallout: New Vegas
Revenge Isn’t Rushed In The Mojave Wasteland
Fallout: New Vegas was remarkably well-designed. The main story strikes a great balance – it feels important without rushing you. After being robbed and left for dead in the desert, you can immediately pursue the thief, or take time to get ready. Because your quest for revenge becomes intertwined with the power struggles between the NCR, Mr. House, and the Legion, it’s more rewarding to explore the world and understand the situation before making choices.
The game is carefully designed to guide you from the small town of Goodsprings towards the bigger challenges of Las Vegas. It introduces you to many smaller areas first. Because New Vegas offers so much freedom in how you play, each player’s experience will be unique. As The Ghoul says in the TV show, you’ll constantly get sidetracked – and New Vegas excels at offering those distractions without pulling you out of the game world.
Red Dead Redemption 2
The World Changes, Make Sure To Appreciate It
Many consider Red Dead Redemption 2 to be one of the greatest video games ever made, and it’s best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. The game’s world is incredibly detailed, and fans often recommend taking your time and not rushing the main story. Without giving anything away, the world itself evolves as you play. A popular tip is to focus on exploring and doing side missions during chapters two and three, taking a slow and immersive approach.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is full of interesting side activities and tells compelling stories through its environment. Even though the main story sometimes feels urgent, you won’t feel pressured to rush through the world like in other games. The game’s world itself moves at a relaxed pace, reinforcing that feeling. It’s best to explore and enjoy everything around Chapters 2 and 3, before the story ramps up the tension and becomes more fast-paced in the final chapters.
The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind
You Need To Prove Yourself First Anyway
As a huge fan of the Elder Scrolls games, I’ve always loved how Morrowind treats you at the beginning. Unlike Skyrim, where everyone quickly realizes you’re the Dragonborn, or Oblivion, which throws you into the role of the Emperor’s hero right away, Morrowind just doesn’t give you special treatment. No one automatically assumes you’re important, and you actually have to earn your place in the story. You really have to work for it and explore the world before people start recognizing who you are – it’s a much more immersive experience, honestly.
Like New Vegas, Morrowind is celebrated for letting players truly define their own experience. Because of this, the joy of the game comes from the journey itself, not just finishing the story. Exploring every part of Morrowind is incredibly immersive, and you’ll wish it had a modern remake. Especially when you first start playing, you won’t mind spending hours simply wandering through its towns and landscapes.
Elden Ring
A Tarnished Rises With Time And Patience
The typical hero’s quest is often driven by a pressing need, but that’s not true in Elden Ring. There’s no one expecting you, and no immediate crisis you have to solve. This sense of freedom is partly due to the game’s subtle storytelling, but even if you understand the story, it’s clear you’re not rushing to prevent a disaster. The shattering of the Elden Ring and the destruction of the Lands Between have already happened. You’re simply a hero arriving after the fact, attempting to restore order.
As a player, I love how this game just lets you explore! The world is packed with bosses, tough enemies, and hidden dungeons, but it never feels punishing to just wander off the beaten path. In fact, you’re usually rewarded for it with some awesome gear! And honestly, the bosses are hard enough that it actually encourages you to level up and come back stronger, instead of just trying the same thing over and over until you get lucky. It’s a really smart design that makes exploration feel genuinely rewarding.
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2026-02-19 15:38