Open-World Games With Best Weather Systems

Video game weather effects have improved dramatically over time. Initially, they were simply visual details used to enhance the game’s environment or emphasize important story moments – like a dark sky signaling a villain’s arrival, or rain accompanying a sad scene. As gaming technology advanced, developers began using weather as a functional element within the gameplay itself.

Weather effects in video games are now more impactful on how you play, sometimes adding to the experience and other times becoming frustrating. Let’s look at some popular games and how they handle weather – both the good and the bad.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Rain Slicked Surfaces

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is famous for its expansive and liberating open world, and its beautiful depiction of Hyrule. However, the game isn’t without its challenges. Rain, in particular, can be quite annoying, as it prevents Link from climbing, which can be a real problem when you’re trying to explore and gather items.

The game also features weather-related challenges. For example, Link might need to drink a hot beverage to stay warm in snowy regions, or a cold drink to cool down in hot areas, to avoid losing health.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Beware Of Timefall

In Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, players will journey through vast landscapes including deserts, mountains, and forests in both Mexico and Australia. The main environmental challenge is a special rain called Timefall, which contains a chemical that quickly ages anything it comes into contact with—whether it’s a person or an item.

To keep packages safe from rain, players can either build a shelter to wait it out or cover the packages with a tarp. For moving large amounts of goods, a truck is a good option. While snow can also cause damage, it affects the main character, Sam, more than anything else.

Final Fantasy 12

Monster Hunter

Final Fantasy 12 offered a large, relatively open world for a Final Fantasy game on the PS2. The game featured dynamic weather that could change environments, opening up new routes, blocking others, and even introducing different enemies.

A major optional challenge in the game involved hunting rare monsters, and players needed to watch the weather to find them. The weather also affected magic – for example, water spells were more powerful when it rained.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Dust In The Wind

Assassin’s Creed Origins was the first in the series to blend action gameplay with role-playing elements. The game features a vast open world primarily located in ancient Egypt. While exploring, players needed to watch out for unpredictable sandstorms.

Sandstorms would reduce visibility, but wouldn’t actually harm players – a difference from games like Mad Max. Players could use Eagle Vision to see through the storm and use it to their benefit, allowing them to eliminate enemies swiftly and stealthily.

Monster Hunter Wilds

The Seasons Of Fallow And Plenty

Monster Hunter Wilds is the first game in the Monster Hunter series to feature a completely open world. Players can explore the entire map, though story progression unlocks new areas as you play.

The game features two seasons – Fallow and Plenty – that impact the environment and the types of monsters you encounter. Eventually, you’ll be able to choose which season to play in from the mission menu. For instance, the Windward Plains starting area might experience sandstorms that reduce visibility, or lightning storms that players need to avoid to prevent injury.

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Sneaking With Ease

Okay, so I’ve been playing Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, and the world is broken up into these pretty big, open areas. A lot of it is desert, though – like, mostly desert with a few plants scattered around. It’s a stealth game, obviously, and I’ve found that using sandstorms is a huge help. You can sneak right past enemies or take them down when they can’t see anything. It’s a really cool tactic!

Rain provides cover for players by reducing visibility. The loud noise of heavy rainfall can also mask the sound of gunfire, meaning players don’t always need silencers on their weapons.

Fallout 4

Radstorm Alert

In Fallout 4, one of the biggest dangers isn’t enemies – it’s the weather. The game is set in Boston, near the ocean, and this causes radioactive storms, known as Radstorms. These storms happen because the rain picks up radiation, which, as any Fallout player knows, is extremely harmful.

Without treatment, exposure can sometimes change the player, so it’s smart to be prepared when exploring the wasteland. You can use medications like Rad-X to lessen the effects, or simply wait out the storm inside any building or shelter.

Xenoblade Chronicles X

Weather Proof Mechs

Xenoblade Chronicles X features a huge open world brimming with dangerous creatures that are initially much more powerful than your team. The game’s changing weather also impacts all character types. You’ll encounter a diverse cast of human and humanoid allies and enemies, alongside powerful mechs called Skells, which both sides can pilot.

Weather will impact various aspects of the game in different ways. Rain, for instance, can reduce the accuracy of both your teammates and enemies. However, if you’re controlling a Skell, rain won’t affect your accuracy. While Skells take time to unlock, they’re incredibly valuable – and not just because they offer protection from many weather conditions.

Pokemon Violet/Scarlet

Weather Evolution

Pokémon Violet and Pokémon Scarlet are massive games by Game Freak, and they cleverly use weather in several ways. For example, different weather conditions can cause specific Pokémon to appear – rain might make Water-type Pokémon more common.

The weather can even influence Pokémon evolution—for example, Sliggoo will evolve into Goodra when it’s raining. While weather-based evolution is currently uncommon, the Pokémon series is always changing and finding new ways for players to interact with their Pokémon, so we might see more of this in future games.

Mario Kart World

Grip That Wheel Tight

Mario Kart World introduces an open world to the series, seamlessly connecting tracks within circuits. Players can freely explore this world to find hidden mini-games and costumes. Given that it’s a racing game, the impact of weather on vehicle handling is a natural feature.

Rain makes tires lose grip, increasing the risk of skidding, especially on snow. Drivers need to be extra careful in these conditions. The racing surface itself can also add difficulty – for example, mud reduces tire traction and slows vehicles down.

2025-12-01 14:37