Open-World Games With Non-Combat Magic

Summary

Non-combat magic in open-world games can offer exploration, utility, and creativity beyond destruction.
Games like Skyrim and Zelda prioritize problem-solving and traversal over brute force.
Magic can be used for nefarious purposes in games like Conan Exiles, requiring dark sacrifices.

In open-world video games, the majority of player interaction primarily involves combat, whether it’s wielding weapons such as swords, bows, or guns, or using magic for destructive purposes instead of its traditional creative uses. This is often how enemies are defeated and experience points are earned, making them resemble burnt bacon.

In contrast, not every open-world fantasy game adheres to this pattern. Some games expand on magic beyond simple spells like fireballs and lightning bolts, making it a versatile tool for exploration, creativity, and practical use rather than just destruction. These titles allow players to engage with the world in inventive, sometimes unexpected manners, providing magical systems that serve as both literal and metaphorical keys to discovery.

7. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Shouting, Soaring, and Seeing the Unseen

In Skyrim, although it’s brimming with destructive spells, its unique magical systems extend beyond just combat. For instance, the Clairvoyance spell assists players in locating objectives, while Telekinesis, Waterbreathing, and Detect Life enhance exploration by adding a magical touch to it.

Among the intriguing (and game-altering) spells, there’s Transmute, which empowers players to convert iron into gold. The Dragon Shouts, learnable by any character following the “chosen one” main storyline, grant a variety of magical capabilities. These include slowing time, dashing through space at high speed, summoning storms, and even controlling animals with ease.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

When The Ultrahand Is More Powerful Than The Sword

In the follow-up to Nintendo’s “Breath of the Wild,” titled “Tears of the Kingdom,” the open-world trend persists with a magic system emphasizing on physics interactions that encourages exploration rather than conflict. In this game, players have access to abilities like Ascend and Recall through the Ultrahand tool, which lets them move objects, rewind time, and phase through solid objects.

In this new adventure, Link acquires abilities that emulate those of a master magician, favoring cleverness, exploration, and inventive wit over raw strength. The world of Hyrule in TOTK transforms into an enchanting playground, ideal for those who appreciate creativity and enjoy crafting unique vehicles, traps, or mechanical marvels using unconventional ideas.

5. Conan Exiles

Dark Powers For Indirect Domination

Magic that doesn’t involve combat can lend an open world a feeling of boundless potential, yet its lack of direct damage doesn’t exclude it from being used for harmful intentions. In the game Conan Exiles, sorcery revolves around transformation, contamination, summoning, and subtle control – aspects that harmoniously blend with the survival and construction mechanics, especially for those prepared to perform the required ominous rituals.

In the fictional world of Conan, sorcerers possess the ability to form icy bridges or link settlements by means of enchanted stones. However, given that they are often perceived as malevolent characters within this narrative, any magical abilities the player acquires will likely necessitate a blood offering, which could come from the sorcerer themselves or an unwilling participant.

4. Hogwarts Legacy

Everyday Magic With Extraordinary Uses

As a gamer, stepping into the magical world of Hogwarts has always been my dream. With all the peril and thrill that comes with it, what truly captivates me about the Harry Potter universe is the fantasy of being a student learning the mystical arts of witchcraft and wizardry in a prestigious school like Hogwarts. And guess what? That’s exactly what Hogwarts Legacy offers! Sure, there’s plenty of combat magic to master, but it’s the everyday spells that make the gameplay feel authentic and engaging.

In most fantasy games, magic may or may not be a player’s focus, but Hogwarts Legacy makes it the main attraction. From casting spells like Wingardium Leviosa for levitation and Alohomora to unlock doors, to brewing potions and arranging decor to fit their ideal Room of Requirement setup, players utilize magic to solve puzzles and tame creatures that are reminiscent of what they learned in class.

3. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

From The Halls Of The Mages’ Guild And Of House Telvani

Despite being widely recognized as a legendary role-playing game by many veteran gamers, Morrowind doesn’t meet the standards of streamlined or accessible gaming experiences as we know them today. However, while players often find themselves struggling to memorize directions and dealing with complex combat mechanics, they are rewarded with a vast array of non-combat magical options reminiscent of a Daedric realm.

Beyond destructive abilities, there are also spells that allow for flight, finding hidden items, and becoming invisible. Some spells enable the character to walk on water, enchant NPCs, or instantly return the user to a secure location. Furthermore, players have the unique ability to craft highly customized and personalized spells using an array of unusual effects, effectively allowing them to design their own magical devices for navigation, stealth, utility, or role-playing purposes.

2. The Sims 3 (Supernatural)

Finding A World Of Magic In The Mundane

The Sims 3 achieved remarkable things for a game in the life simulation genre, particularly with its depiction of an open-world neighborhood. Although it may not appear to be a platform for magic and sorcery at first glance, devoted fans are well aware that eventually, there will be a supernatural expansion pack to infuse some enchantment into the game world. The “Supernatural” pack delivers on this promise by introducing the Witch and Fairy life modes.

As a gamer, I can tell you that dabbling in the arcane arts within Supernatural grants me the ability to zip around effortlessly, alter objects with a wave of my wand, infuse items with enchantments, and even summon tempests whenever I fancy. In this game, the magic system is not about battling enemies, but rather about enjoying the perks, causing a bit of trouble, and making life easier – all in an open-world setting that allows for endless exploration and creativity.

1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

Spellcasting & Spellcrafting Returns In Glorious Form

Many fans believe that the magic system in “The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion” represents the pinnacle of the series. Although some widely loved spells were missing, such as Levitation, the game compensates with its engaging physics-based spells. These spells not only interact mechanically with the world and its inhabitants but also offer an intuitive user experience.

Key point: Players can design their unique spells once they’re admitted to Arcane University. Oblivion Remastered refreshes every effect, making spell-casting more captivating with improved lighting, shadows, and animations, even for unconventional effects such as Invisibility, Telekinesis, and Demoralize.

2025-05-31 07:34