Open-World RPGs That Don’t Get Good Until You Stop Playing Them ‘Correctly’

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Open-world games give players a lot of freedom, but they also subtly push you towards the main story. The game usually highlights the important quest location on the map, making it stand out from everything else. You can get sidetracked and spend hours doing other things, but the game seems to imply that’s not what you’re supposed to be doing.

Occasionally, a game’s story isn’t very exciting. While some open-world games depend on a strong narrative because they lack extra things to do, many others don’t. Sometimes, players just want to wander around and make their own fun, and that’s often when the game becomes truly enjoyable. In those kinds of games, it’s best to forget the main story and create your own adventures.

5. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Wait, Dragonborn, Come Back!

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim famously starts with your character riding in a cart to their execution. This immediately grabs your attention and focuses you on the story, especially when a dragon attacks soon after! The opening takes place in Helgen, and you then travel to Riverwood with either Ralof or Hadvar. It’s a clever way to introduce the game’s choices and teach you the basics, though some players might prefer to figure things out on their own.

As the Dragonborn, you’re immediately tasked with defeating Alduin, a powerful dragon who has returned to threaten Skyrim. Learning to use the Dragon Shout is your top priority. While the main storyline is important, many players find it’s not the best part of the game. The real richness of Skyrim comes from exploring its history and stories. For many, the true fun is creating a new character, roleplaying, and getting lost in the world for hundreds of hours. However, Skyrim‘s open-ended nature doesn’t fit every type of game.

4. Kenshi

What Do You Do? You Decide.

Role-playing games are known for their strong stories, so it’s surprising when a game like Kenshi throws traditional storytelling out the window. New players will likely feel lost and frustrated at first, struggling to figure out their goals, where to go, and even what their character can do. Expect to die repeatedly while still trying to understand the game’s complete lack of guidance.

Trying to find a specific path or guide won’t work well in Kenshi. To truly enjoy the game, you need to embrace experimentation and be open to figuring things out yourself. Find a way to play that you like – many players enjoy combat, especially with the game’s realistic injury system – and your character will naturally improve. Kenshi is a game you grow into, and you can eventually build a thriving group and settlement if you’re willing to accept its open-ended nature from the start.

3. Ghost Of Yotei

Ride With The Wind

As Atsu tries to defeat the Yotei Six, she’ll revisit many of the same towns and locations repeatedly. Usually, this involves checking in with allies who tell her to return when she’s prepared for the next step. Players might quickly fast-travel to get things done, but rushing through the game like Atsu might not be the best approach.

The island of Ezo feels incredibly alive and diverse, almost like a character in the game. Sucker Punch really focused on the details, and the clean interface encourages you to explore. The game wants you to check your collected items for available activities and complete them yourself, enjoying the scenery and unexpected moments along the way. Be sure to collect the amazing armor sets – they’re worth the effort! For a truly immersive experience, try manually cooking your food and lighting your campfire with the DualSense controller instead of just skipping the animations – it really captures the spirit of Tsushima.

2. Vampyr

The Middle Ground Between Two Very Extreme Ways To Play

Dontnod Entertainment’s Vampyr challenges players with tough choices. You play as Jonathan Reid, a doctor in 1918 London who’s become a vampire. The game features a semi-open world, letting you travel between large areas of the city to treat your patients. But how you care for them is up to you. As a dedicated doctor, you can cure illnesses – from headaches to colds – improving the health of each district. Keeping everyone healthy helps you maintain your humanity and leads to the best ending. However, this approach relies heavily on conversations and makes combat more challenging. Alternatively, feeding on residents gives you a significant experience boost, especially if you’ve gotten to know them well.

Achieving the best possible outcome will be challenging and may require a lot of effort. Alternatively, you could fully embrace a ruthless approach, maximizing your power by utilizing everything each character offers. However, this choice means London will fall into darkness, becoming overrun with enemies. This is a fitting, but bleak, result, leaving the city in ruins. If neither of those appeals to you, you can choose a more balanced path – carefully choosing who to help to strengthen both yourself and the people of London.

1. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Quite the Odyssey If You Keep Getting Sidetracked

In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, players explore a stunning and incredibly detailed recreation of ancient Greece. You play as either Kassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas, and become entangled in the Peloponnesian War – the conflict between Sparta and Athens. The game also continues the modern-day storyline involving the Animus, and delves into the broader history of the Assassin-Templar conflict, hinting at future events in the series.

With a lot going on, Ubisoft aimed to make Odyssey the largest Assassin’s Creed game to date, and they succeeded – the world is massive, almost overwhelmingly so. Like other games in the series, it’s filled with icons and collectibles, which can lead to feeling lost or burnt out if you try to do everything. Focus on upgrading your character and don’t worry too much about finding the perfect gear – it’s a natural part of the game’s action RPG style. Just relax and enjoy the adventure!

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2026-02-05 04:05