Open-World Games With Locked off Areas

Open-World Games With Locked off Areas

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can wholeheartedly attest to the artistry and finesse that goes into designing open-world games. The balance between freedom and structure is a delicate dance, one that these games below have mastered exceptionally well.


Some individuals appreciate open-world games for their unrestricted exploration. Yet, even these expansive games often gain from some degree of organization. Absent a definite objective or advancement, certain players might perceive the game as purposeless. The following games excel at releasing content gradually and revealing new areas to make moving through the narrative meaningful.

A clever approach is ensuring that the initial scenes hint at intrigue and mystery, yet suggest further discoveries for those who delve deeper into the narrative. This method can help mitigate the overpowering sensation of vast open-world maps for players who prioritize storytelling over exploration.

5 Red Dead Redemption

Go To Mexico Partway Through The Campaign

Red Dead Redemption tells the story of one man’s quest to eliminate his former outlaw associates in order to reconnect with his family. The tale carries a harsh moral complexity, as John Marston is prepared to betray the bank robbers who once nurtured him, all for the sake of seeing his wife and child once more.

In comparison to its predecessor, this map is relatively compact. However, it’s not completely accessible at the beginning of the game. A mission leads John Marston to Mexico for a fresh storyline, and the final act of the game opens up the northern part of the map. The game doesn’t feel overly restrictive because Red Dead Redemption places more emphasis on creating an immersive experience rather than encouraging extensive exploration or venturing off the main path.

4 Death Stranding

Connect The World To The Chiral Network Piece By Piece

In other words, “Death Stranding” represents Hideo Kojima’s second open-world game, following “Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain.” Initially, players can’t explore the entire map due to narrative reasons and in-game restrictions. At first, they lack the essential equipment required to navigate the challenging, desolate landscape.

In Death Stranding, I found myself venturing through various segments of the map, linking each one to the Chiral Network. Once connected, it became effortless to traverse as other players’ additions to the map began appearing, creating a seamless travel experience. The joy in this game lies in utilizing the advanced tools and infrastructure available in the latter stages to navigate areas that once seemed impossible to cross on foot.

3 Ghost Of Tsushima

New Parts Of The Map Open Up With Each Act

Ghost of Tsushima left gamers breathless with its stunning visuals. Unlike other open-world games, it seamlessly blended common elements into the game environment. Even the user interface felt natural, using wind to direct players towards waypoints and objectives rather than a traditional arrow or line on the ground.

The game environment is divided into distinct sections, with each new chapter revealing additional areas. These sections offer a variety of activities such as side missions and collectible items, accommodating players who prefer a linear approach to the main storyline as well as those who enjoy exploring all aspects of the game.

2 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Bridges To Different Parts Of The State Open Up

Back in 2005, the vastness of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was truly groundbreaking for PlayStation 2 users. It’s no wonder this game remains highly regarded as one of the greatest video games ever produced, despite some aspects of its gameplay feeling less polished by today’s standards.

In the realm of gaming, I’ve found myself lost in the massive open world of San Andreas. It’s no small feat that a substantial slice of the game’s narrative must be conquered before gaining access to the final zones. The game is divided into three distinct areas – Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas, each boasting its own unique architecture and vehicles. What truly sets San Andreas apart is the blend of sprawling wilderness alongside bustling metropolises, making every journey an adventure.

In Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City, certain regions become inaccessible once story missions conclude. Yet, due to their relatively smaller sizes compared to San Andreas, players can unlock the map more swiftly in these games.

1 ​​​​​Elden Ring

However Big You Thought The Map Was, It Is Actually Bigger

A key aspect of Elden Ring’s appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wonder while discovering an unfamiliar world, even for seasoned gamers who are often aware of a game’s mechanics. This is particularly evident in the manner the map is unveiled. Players can only unlock sections of the map by finding map fragments near specific landmarks, which makes it challenging to gauge the true size of the map.

One may not initially suspect that the uncharted northeastern region on the map holds accessible land, but as you progress about halfway through your journey, you’ll encounter the Mountaintops of the Giants. To your surprise, this is just one part of a larger area yet to be explored.

In discussions about its rank, it’s important to note that the position of Elden Ring doesn’t account for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC yet. This expansion pack offers an immense map filled with more content than many standalone video games. However, it requires a significant level of commitment to access this additional material.

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2024-10-04 19:34