Open-World Games With The Best Mountainous Regions

Open-world games are popular because they offer huge, detailed environments that really pull players into the game. Whether it’s a fantastical realm or a futuristic world, there’s a special appeal to being able to freely explore a vast and immersive space.

Many open-world games include large, natural areas between cities and towns, and sometimes these environments even play a key role in the game’s story. If you enjoy beautiful scenery or challenging climbs, here are some open-world games that feature impressive mountains.

10. Middle-earth: Shadow Of War

Cirith Ungol Makes For A Deadly And Compelling Experience

As you might expect, Mordor isn’t a welcoming place. In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Cirith Ungol is usually a good starting point for players looking to establish control over a region. The area’s dramatic mountains and intricate cave systems are both challenging and appealing to explore.

The Nemesis system, which will be featured in future Monolith games, is well-utilized in this title. Players will be constantly challenged by powerful captains lurking in caves, ambushing them from various locations, or guarding dangerous mountain paths. Fortunately, the narrow roads winding through the mountains can also be used to the player’s advantage as strategic choke points.

9. Far Cry 5

Gamers Can Take In Montana From Up High

The beautiful Montana landscapes in Far Cry 5, including its large mountains, are completely open for players to explore. However, just like the dangerous cult hidden within the state, these mountains hold their own threats. Players can traverse the mountainous terrain using planes and various vehicles. Finding a good position on higher ground can make hunting and fighting much easier.

As a huge fan of Far Cry 4, I’m really excited about Far Cry 5! It seems like they’ve doubled down on what made the last game great – tons of action and the freedom to explore wherever you want. I can’t wait to roam around Hope County, checking out the amazing mountains and valleys, finding gear and tackling missions. The landscape looks incredible, and I’m already planning my adventures!

8. Greedfall

Lush And Untamed Mountainous Terrains

When it came out a few years ago, Greedfall was well-received thanks to its thoughtful look at imperialism and its unique fantasy world. Players take on the role of De Sardet as they explore the large, wild island of Teer Fradee, offering beautiful views of mountains and plenty of areas to discover.

If you enjoy RPGs and exploring vast worlds, now’s a great time to check out Greedfall. It features stunning mountain landscapes and a deeply engaging story with an important message. The game lets you explore at your own pace, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty of the world of Teer Fradee.

7. Horizon Zero Dawn, The Frozen Wilds, & Forbidden West

The Call Of The Mountain(s)

Okay, so Guerrilla Games really likes mountains, it seems! Seriously, both Horizon games are packed with them. They even named the VR game Call of the Mountain – and the climbing in that one feels amazing. While the main games aren’t all about mountains, they definitely feature them a lot. In Horizon Zero Dawn, the All-Mother Mountain is super important to the story and has one of the most beautiful views in the whole game. And the ‘Frozen Wilds’ DLC? Pretty much all set on a mountain, with my whole quest being about exploring the peak!

Like previous games, Horizon Forbidden West features impressive mountains – in this case, the Sheerside Mountains – that are beautiful and rewarding to explore. While these areas are consistently well-done, they can sometimes be a little tricky to navigate, which prevents the games from ranking even higher.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom

Okay, so Hyrule’s mountains in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are seriously awesome. These games give you such a huge, detailed world – honestly, it’s got everything you could ask for in a fantasy game. The cool thing is, they mostly use the same map, so a lot of the mountains look familiar. But in Tears of the Kingdom, things have changed a bit – you can see how time has passed and how people have built up the land around them.

For me, Breath of the Wild is really about the adventure itself. I love that I can basically go anywhere I can see, and the fun comes from figuring out how to deal with everything the environment throws at you. Places like Death Mountain are gorgeous, but they also make you think. You can’t just run up; you have to plan your route and manage your stamina if you want to make it. Honestly, that’s true for pretty much any mountain in the game – it’s all about preparation!

5. Riders Republic

Conquer Open-World Mountains Through Extreme Sports

Unlike many open-world games where mountains are just part of the scenery, Ubisoft’s Riders Republic is built around them. This extreme sports game lets you push your limits in a massive outdoor playground, offering a variety of different sports. While you can still explore freely, you’ll primarily be completing challenges in activities like biking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Ultimately, Riders Republic appeals most to people who already enjoy extreme sports, so it’s not a good fit for everyone who likes open-world games. That said, it’s a very ambitious title, and the game has gotten significantly more content thanks to downloadable expansions that added even more sports to play.

4. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Skyrim’s Ranges Are Imposing And Breathtaking

From the early exploration of places like Bleak Falls Barrow to the challenging climb to the Throat of the World, Skyrim boasts stunning but dangerous mountains. These peaks are home to bandits, trolls, and bears, and a single misstep can be fatal. Players need to be careful, especially while fighting, to avoid falling off cliffs. Thankfully, once you unlock the Unrelenting Force shout, you can easily push enemies off mountains – or even your companion Lydia, if you’re feeling mischievous!

It’s no surprise that Skyrim was incredibly popular, and Bethesda continues to try and recreate its success. The game’s beautifully designed world, complete with impressive and sometimes frightening locations, really highlights what made it so special.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Mountains Dot The Picturesque Landscape

Red Dead Redemption 2, a critically acclaimed and groundbreaking game, truly shines when you simply explore the world. You can spend your time doing all sorts of things, like watching birds, hunting, hiking, or setting up camp. Given how massive the game is, it’s no surprise that it features several stunning, yet treacherous, mountain areas to discover and hunt in.

Whether exploring the freezing Grizzlies, the famous Redemption Mountain, or the lush forests nearby, Red Dead Redemption 2 encourages players to hop on horseback and brave the dangerous wilderness, complete with massive mountain ranges.

2. Death Stranding & Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Open-World Games That Deliver Relatively Realistic Mountain Climbing

Like Breath of the Wild, Death Stranding makes its mountain areas integral to the gameplay, transforming them into obstacles players must overcome rather than just scenic backgrounds. However, Death Stranding takes this concept even further, making simply traversing the mountains a uniquely challenging experience that feels distinct from anywhere else in the game.

These areas can be quite challenging to get through at first. Sam will face difficult terrain and poor visibility while trying to find his way through the snowy mountains. As you explore, it’s a good idea to set up ziplines to make future trips much easier.

1. Ghost of Yotei

The Ultimate Open-World Mountain Game

Many consider Ghost of Yotei to be the ultimate open-world mountain game, and for good reason – it’s named after a real mountain! While Ghost of Tsushima featured Mount Jogaku, the sequel takes place primarily around and on Mount Yotei, a beautiful landmark in Japan that you can actually visit. Though not as well-known as some other Japanese mountains, Yotei provides a stunning setting for Atsu’s quest for revenge, and players will be able to explore it up close.

While often seen as a side activity, climbing Mount Yotei is highly recommended, and reaching the summit even earns you a trophy! It’s a tough climb that takes time, but the view from the top is one of the game’s best experiences and well worth the effort.

2025-12-17 21:39