Open-World Games With The Best Lakes

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for immersive open-world experiences and a hearty appetite for all things aquatic, let me tell you about my favorite lakes from these three captivating games.

One reason open-world video games continue to be in high demand is their ability to provide an all-encompassing experience within a fictional universe. Although not every open-world game strives for this level of escapism, there’s always interest for those that do. For many gamers, the appeal lies in the opportunity to temporarily escape reality and immerse themselves in a serene, natural environment – a stark contrast to the chaotic urban landscape real life can sometimes become.

Video games boasting lush forests, towering mountains, and breathtaking views will captivate players simply due to their stunning visuals. Calm, tranquil lakes within these games offer an immersive experience, inviting players to unwind in a peaceful, slow-paced environment that mimics the calming influence of nature.

6 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

A Chaotic Viking Saga

Notable Lakes: Lough Neagh, Lough Neagh, Dudmaston Lake

While Assassin’s Creed Valhalla definitely isn’t a top-three pick for fans of the AC games, one thing the game absolutely nails is the visuals. Eivor might not be the most compelling protagonist, but his world is immaculate and immersive in equal measure. Split into multiple different maps, ranging from Vinland to Jotunheim, Eivor’s journeys take him to exotic places over the course of the game.

Among these locations, one is Ireland, introduced in the expansion pack titled “Wrath of the Druids DLC”. Ireland features numerous small lakes scattered across the area, with Lough Neagh being the largest and located in the eastern part. The term ‘lough’ in Irish means ‘lake’, and other water bodies in this region share a similar naming pattern. In the main game, only Dudmaston Lake in England stands out, situated to the west of the Ledecestre Bureau.

5 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Timeless Waters At The Heart Of Hyrule

Notable Lakes: Lake Hylia, Ralis Pond, Lake Akkala, and more

In the expansive universe of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” you’ll find an assortment of breathtaking landscapes ranging from towering volcanoes and grand castles to vast open plains and deserts, inviting exploration. Unlike its successor, “Tears of the Kingdom,” “Breath of the Wild” boasts fewer unique mechanics, but this allows the stunning backdrop of its world to truly shine.

Lake Hylia, a well-known and fundamental location in the Zelda series, has been an essential aspect of this universe since before “A Link to the Past”. Situated within the Central Hyrule Region, it is graced by the Bridge of Hylia spanning its entire expanse. To the west of Zora’s Domain lies the Ralis Pond, a home for a formidable Blue Hinox. The water level in this area is unusually low, allowing Link to traverse it on foot rather than swim.

4 Far Cry 5

Lakes From The American Frontier

Notable Lakes: Silver Lake, Cedar Lake, Langford Lake, Snowshoe Lake

The map in Far Cry 5 frequently features areas divided by rivers and lakes, with each section being a distinct region. Among the three main maps, it’s Montana that sees the majority of the gameplay and holds the most bodies of water.

The largest water feature within the game is Silver Lake, situated right in the heart of Hope County. It spreads out extensively, branching off into numerous tiny rivers. Numerous points of interest are scattered across this lake, with a small island dividing it into two halves. Additionally, you’ll find other lakes such as Snowshoe Lake in the northwest and Langford Lake in the west, among others.

3 The Isle

A Lush, Prehistoric Sandbox

Notable Lakes: Titan’s Lake, Secret Lake, Spring Lakes, Big and Little Hermit

In this online multiplayer game dubbed The Isle, players experience a unique twist in the survival genre. Instead of assuming human roles to gather resources, construct, manufacture, and expand, they can embody dinosaurs themselves! The roster spans from swift landbound raptors to soaring Pteranodons, aquatic Deinosuchus (which resemble crocodiles), and even the colossal T-Rexes.

To truly immerse oneself in a genuine dinosaur-themed sandbox adventure, it’s essential to construct a massive, verdant open environment teeming with forests, rivers, mountains, and undeniably, lakes. In the realm of The Isle, the grandest lake is Titan’s Lake, located near the map’s center just above the Dam. Scattered across the remainder of this world are smaller bodies of water such as the Twin Lakes, Spring Lakes, Big Hermit, and Little Hermit.

2 Red Dead Redemption 2

The Untamed West

Notable Lakes: Lake Isabella, Owanjila, Flat Iron Lake

In the vast, raw landscape of Red Dead Redemption 2’s Wild West, you’ll find everything from dense forests to open grasslands where oxen graze, and swampy territories that remain wild and untouched. The game prides itself on its commitment to authenticity, with Arthur Morgan not just a gun-wielding outlaw who duels in saloons or bar fights, but a man who cherishes every chance to delve into the uncharted wilderness. Frequently, his adventures lead him to the serene lakes scattered throughout the world, usually on a quest to catch elusive fish and expand his collection. The fishing mini-game is a detailed addition to the gameplay, giving players the chance to cast their lines into rivers, oceans, or even lakes.

Although Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn’t have numerous lakes, the ones it does have are exceptionally picturesque. In the region known as Grizzlies West lies the frozen Lake Isabella, encompassed by snow-capped mountains and inhabited by the Legendary Sockeye Salmon. In the area called Big Valley, players can find Owanjila, a sizeable water body where they can catch the Legendary Smallmouth Bass. The largest lake in the game is Flat Iron Lake, west of Blackwater, which houses the Legendary Bluegill.

1 Call of the Wild: The Angler

Ultimate Fishing Immersion

Notable Lakes: N/A

“The Call of the Wild: The Angler” is a highly realistic fishing game that takes place in an open environment, where locating excellent fishing spots is just as crucial to the gameplay as the actual fishing. Players are encouraged to cast their lure, relax, and appreciate the surroundings while they wait for a catch.

“The Angler” can be enjoyed solo or collaboratively, and it boasts numerous DLC expansions that primarily introduce fresh maps featuring additional serene lakes to explore. These maps are adorned with a variety of tranquil lakes, both large and small, nestled amidst majestic mountains and lush forests. For those seeking a peaceful gaming experience centered around picturesque lakes, there is arguably no better choice than this game.

2024-10-04 16:34