Open-World Games Where Combat Is Exhausting

Summary

Elden Ring’s complex boss battles physically exhaust players, making combat tiring and rewarding.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance requires patience and skill in melee combat, leaving players mentally fatigued.
Monster Hunter Wilds drains players with intense combat and stamina mechanics, adding layers of exhaustion.

Open-world video games often put more emphasis on allowing players to freely explore their constructed environments, while aspects like fighting take a secondary role. Even though some open-world games excel at creating engaging battle sequences, there are instances in these titles where combat can become overly taxing for players who may crave a respite after a few skirmishes.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve noticed that the intensity of battles in open-world games can leave me drained at multiple levels. Some games boast thrilling combats but still manage to wear me out due to the mental strain they induce. On the other hand, certain open-world games are criticized for their exhausting combat because it fails to introduce anything fresh or innovative for the game. So here’s a list of some open-world titles where the combat can be grueling, arranged based on how much it leaves me feeling fatigued-either due to repetition or sheer physical challenge.

8. Elden Ring

Boss Battles Have Players Physically Exhausted

It might be unexpected for some to perceive Elden Ring as a game featuring demanding combat, yet this aspect doesn’t necessarily mean it’s detrimental. On the contrary, Elden Ring enriches the souls-like genre by offering players an expansive and engaging world to traverse, filled with formidable bosses each possessing their own distinctive attack patterns that players must master if they aspire to conquer them.

Mastering the move sets of numerous adversaries in Elden Ring, and acquiring the proficiency to effortlessly conquer them, requires considerable time and energy, making the game’s combat quite taxing. Repeatedly perishing against certain enemies and having to restart battles can make progress seem arduous. Yet, the thrill of victory propels players towards their next challenge.

7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Swordplay That Tires The Mind

Kingdom Come: Deliverance” is another open-world game that offers engaging combat, yet it can be quite demanding. Unlike games like Skyrim, the combat in

In Kingdom Come: Deliverance, much like many other aspects, combat is a demanding task that requires skillful parrying, blocking, and strategic jabs to triumph. Unlike some games where relentless spamming of attacks might lead to victory, here the odds are stacked against such tactics. Instead, players must think creatively to solve problems, lest they find themselves locked in a life-or-death duel that could leave them drained during their journey through this immersive world.

6. Monster Hunter Wilds

Stock Up On Rations Or Else

In open-world games like Monster Hunter Wilds, exhaustion doesn’t only stem from the intensity of the battles, but also from the energy management systems within these games.

As I delve deeper into my adventures, I find myself growing increasingly aware that my endurance is at stake. With no fresh meat cooked or rations in tow, I soon discover that even the most mundane of monsters can drain me, leaving my stamina bar dangerously low. In such instances, it seems as if there’s an invisible foe lurking in the shadows, sapping my energy with each aggressive leap they take across the forests and plains we battle upon.

5. Ghost of Tsushima

Starts Out Exhausting But Gets Better

When beginning the game Ghost of Tsushima, new players might initially find the combat challenging, particularly when facing opponents who require more time and effort to defeat. This prolonged engagement with these foes could potentially wear down some players, causing them to hesitate in fully engaging with the remarkable combat system featured within this exceptional open-world adventure.

As a player delves deeper into the narrative and explores the world of Ghost of Tsushima, they’ll gradually uncover an array of ghostly weapons and distinctive combat styles that breathe life into the battle system, offering an engaging experience for numerous gamers. Much like in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, mindless button-mashing isn’t effective here. Instead, different stances and attacks are more successful against specific enemies. Adopting this approach will prevent players from becoming fatigued.

4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Not The Most Engaging Part Of The Game

Players might find it surprising that a game centered around a monster hunter, such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, would feature relatively straightforward combat. Despite the fact that the combat in The Witcher 3 isn’t as complex as some other games, there is a degree of simplicity to it that leads many players to opt for an easier difficulty level. This allows battles against both monsters and humans to be resolved more quickly, enabling players to return to the game’s captivating narrative with minimal delay, which is one of the standout features of this RPG title.

A common complaint about the combat system in “The Witcher 3” is that it can seem cumbersome and difficult to navigate. In an effort to create a more cinematic fighting experience, some players find it challenging to effectively battle enemies, resulting in a sense of exhaustion upon defeating them.

3. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Combat Has Never Been So Basic

While it’s undeniable that Skyrim is often hailed as one of the best open-world RPGs ever made, it’s important to note that this doesn’t make it a flawless game. The main appeal of Skyrim, for many players, lies in its vast world to discover and engaging side quests that have kept gamers engrossed for numerous hours.

Despite the game’s other strengths, its combat is often criticized as one of its weaknesses. Many players find it too basic and uninteresting, with fights in Skyrim sometimes becoming tedious, especially when enemies at higher difficulty levels require numerous hits to be defeated. Some players also feel that the magic system in Skyrim falls short compared to Oblivion. Consequently, a significant number of players prefer adopting the role of a stealth archer to navigate combat more efficiently.

2. Grand Theft Auto 5

Bullet Sponges Make For Poor Targets

In the game known as Grand Theft Auto 5, one aspect that can be particularly demanding is its combat system. Though the high-speed car races and the narrative of Grand Theft Auto 5 undoubtedly captivate players, the gunplay has been a point of contention for some – especially those who were fond of Grand Theft Auto 4’s combat mechanics – as they yearn for an improved experience in that regard.

In Grand Theft Auto 5, what really kept the game exciting was the variety of weapons available for purchase by the player, although some guns were consistently preferred over others. Conversely, in games like Skyrim, enemies don’t pose a greater challenge through strategic tactics but instead require more shots to defeat, making them seem monotonous as “ammo sponges” that consume an excessive amount of ammunition from the player.

1. Sea Of Thieves

Chase Down Other Players For Hours

In the realm of open-world games, Sea of Thieves stands out as the one with the most draining combats. This game is all about pirate escapades and it offers players the chance to engage in battles against other pirates and ghostly ships that sail across the vast oceans. Yet, when you’re up against other crews, these encounters can be quite prolonged, particularly when the battle takes place at sea.

Before setting sail with their target ship in sight, players in Sea of Thieves need to first chase after it, as catching up is crucial before they can engage in a cannon battle. This might involve sailing persistently towards the target for an extended period. Once the catch-up is achieved, the intense battle ensues, where the objective is to destroy the enemy ship faster than they do yours. The continuous back and forth between repair work on the ships, cannon fire, and resource management leaves both crews feeling tense and drained. If neither ship manages to sink completely, it may lead to a quick succession of battles, which could result in the end for the players, as they might not have enough time or resources to recover before the next encounter.

2025-08-11 05:35