Open-World Games Where You Aren't Overpowered

Summary

Play as a regular soldier in Foxhole, where every death spawns a new soldier.
In Project Zomboid, characters are vulnerable to harsh post-apocalyptic realities.
Arma 3 challenges players to be smart and vigilant as regular soldiers in combat.

As a seasoned gamer with decades under my belt, I’ve grown weary of playing as invincible, overpowered characters in open-world games. The thrill of victory has become dull when it’s more about clicking the right buttons at the right time rather than good strategy and skill. That’s why I’ve come to appreciate games that keep me grounded, where I play as an ordinary mortal, vulnerable and resourceful.

In many open-world video games, players assume the persona of a powerful figure, equipped with extraordinary talents, seemingly indestructible storyline protection, and the ability to quickly recover from battle wounds by restoring their health within moments.

Instead of primarily opting for games that are mainly entertaining, it’s refreshing to explore open-world titles where the protagonist isn’t excessively powerful. In such games, characters act as ordinary mortals, which means their choices carry more weight, and victories earned through careful thinking and skillful execution taste even sweeter.

5. Foxhole

Fight As An Ordinary Soldier, Get Killed By Artillery & Spawn As A New Soldier

In simpler terms, “Foxhole” refers to an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game set during World War II where continuous battles occur between two factions for more than a month at a stretch. Unlike conventional MMOs that focus on leveling up characters and acquiring enhanced abilities or stats, every character in “Foxhole” is ordinary. After each demise, players respawn as a new recruit.

It is incredibly easy to die in Foxhole, especially on the frontlines where an unlucky artillery shell can strike from afar. This is part of the realism and fun, and thankfully, it doesn’t take too long to spawn. With death always so close, players quickly learn to duck behind trenches, run from tanks, and be wary of anything slowing them such as mud. Players don’t have to fight as they could instead play as a medic, drive supplies to the front or produce equipment in the backline. Whatever they do, they are one normal soldier or worker, contributing to a wider war effort.

4. Project Zomboid

A Game That Asks Players How Will They Die?

In essence, Project Zomboid presents a scenario where characters might be seen as uniquely strong or gifted because it challenges players with the question of when and how their character will meet its demise. The only distinction between the player’s character and the zombie horde is that the character hasn’t yet succumbed to death. In this open-world game played from a top-down perspective, players must employ all the resources at their disposal in order to prolong survival as long as possible.

In a post-apocalyptic world, zombies will spot or sense the presence of the player, prompting them to gather in groups to pursue their prey. As an ordinary human without exceptional skills, players must also grapple with the challenges of surviving in this devastated world, which may seem commonplace but are surprisingly enjoyable to engage with. For instance, these lifelike characters will face battles against monotony, dehydration, and even melancholy. Although they won’t become invincible, characters can advance and gain new abilities, a consequence of their experiences rather than an unrealistic power-up. The process of growth is realistic, as honing skills through practice makes one more proficient in that area.

3. Arma 3

A Realistic Modern Military Game Where You Play As Regular Soldiers

Arma 3 is a contemporary military simulation game, where players assume roles ranging from ordinary foot soldiers to tank crew members and drone operators. In this game, no player is immune or superior – everyone experiences the harsh realities of warfare. As a sandbox title, it offers vast freedom, allowing players to engage in a wide variety of activities, including both single-player and multiplayer scenarios.

Additionally, you’ll find user-created scenarios and game types within this game. At no stage will players feel excessively powerful. Regardless of being in top-tier vehicles, there are consistent dangers to remain vigilant about. To survive, players must exercise intelligence and stay alert.

2. Death Stranding

Save The World As A Courier, Not A Fighter

Death Stranding is a distinctive open-world game featuring an unusual protagonist who isn’t particularly skilled in combat but excels as a courier or ‘porter’. In this haunting post-apocalyptic setting, Sam Bridges embarks on a mission to reinstate communication between isolated cities by restoring them to the Chiral Network, with the ultimate goal of revitalizing America.

To accomplish this, he needs to navigate dangerous landscapes and fight against harsh weather conditions while making deliveries. Several logistical factors must be taken into account since he lacks extraordinary abilities. The game will involve construction elements too, and there’s combat, but players might find themselves easily overpowered. Known for its immersive open-world setting, Death Stranding is one of the most atmospheric games in the industry.

1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Henry Starts Out As A Blacksmith’s Son & Can Never Fight Large Groups Of Enemies

Deliverance” is often hailed as one of the most authentic medieval games ever made. The player initially takes on the role of Henry, a blacksmith’s son with limited combat skills, only skilled enough to handle a wooden training sword. As the story unfolds, Henry’s abilities significantly improve. However, unlike in other games that portray this era, fights in “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” are never effortless as armor functions realistically and cannot be easily cut through.

In the final stages, Henry can potentially engage up to three adversaries simultaneously, given he’s equipped with full-body armor and an elite weapon. However, this is quite challenging. While this level of realism might not appeal to all players, each fight offers a deeply gratifying experience, much like other aspects of the game. For instance, initially, Henry cannot read, but the way he learns is unexpectedly enjoyable. Despite his growing influence throughout the narrative, Henry maintains humility and serves as a chess piece in the power struggle among nobles.

2024-12-13 08:04

Open-World Games Where You Aren’t Overpowered