The Best Open World Games for People Who Don’t Like Guns

The Best Open World Games for People Who Don't Like Guns

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these games have truly revolutionized the way we approach combat in role-playing games. From Geralt’s elegant swordplay and magical Signs in The Witcher 3, to the intricate, fluid combat of Elden Ring’s Tarnished warriors, each game offers a unique and immersive fighting experience that keeps us coming back for more.


Many modern open-world games incorporate combat, often involving firearms in some form. If you’re a fan of gunfights, then this isn’t necessarily a drawback. However, for those who prefer non-violent or gun-free gaming experiences, the initial impression might be that their choices are somewhat restricted.

It’s fortunate that there are many excellent game examples, but it’s crucial to remember that the absence of guns doesn’t necessarily make a game suitable for children. Intriguingly, some top-notch open-world games without guns can be surprisingly violent. These games often feature swords and other sharp weapons that can inflict just as much harm, if not more, than firearms.

Games featuring characters like Marvel’s Spider-Man and Batman: Arkham Knight are excluded from this list because, although their protagonists themselves do not wield firearms, a significant number of the opponents they face do.

7 Shenmue 2

Ryo Fights Using His Fists

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always been captivated by Shenmue, a game that originally emerged from the idea of blending RPG elements with Virtua Fighter. However, the direction shifted during the development of the first game. Yet, one constant thread that stayed intact was the profound focus on martial arts. My character, Ryo Hazuki, is deeply rooted in the family tradition of Jujutsu, and he employs a diverse arsenal of fighting styles as he embarks on his relentless quest for vengeance.

In the world of Shenmue, Ryo encounters adversaries armed with blades instead of firearms. Contrary to a misleading article on Cheat Planet (“Reo Hazuky’s gun”), none of the Shenmue games feature guns. However, Shenmue 2 stands out as the most impressive for open-world exploration and combat among the three titles, although they all offer engaging gameplay experiences.

6 Minecraft

Steve Fights Using Swords and Bows

In Minecraft, the battles may seem simple compared to other popular open-world games, but they can still offer a lot of enjoyable gameplay. Battling Skeletons, Ghasts, and Creepers with various homemade weapons provides a thrill, just like engaging in PvP in Minecraft Survival Games does.

Ultimately, despite any other aspects, Minecraft truly shines when it comes to creating items. Players’ imagination is the only limit to what they can construct within this game, with countless bizarre and marvelous structures having been designed over time. From replicas of real-world monuments to intricate resource farms that border on the absurdly complex, Minecraft has seen it all.

5 Ghost of Tsushima

Jin Fights Using a Samurai Sword and Bow

In the opening of “Ghost of Tsushima”, Jin Sakai initially serves as a noble Samurai, tasked with shielding his homeland from the rampaging Mongol army. Yet, it swiftly becomes evident that the inhabitants of Tsushima are powerless against Khotun Khan’s troops, compelling Jin to reassess his strategy and occasionally discard some deeply ingrained principles he was brought up to cherish.

As I navigate through the stunning landscapes of Ghost of Tsushima, I initially resist my metamorphosis into the Ghost. But as the game unfolds, I find myself growing more attached to this enigmatic persona. The struggle between adhering to the traditional samurai code and pragmatically protecting my homeland becomes a captivating internal battle that adds depth to this exceptional open-world title. This clash of honor and practicality is what sets Ghost of Tsushima apart, making it one of the finest open-world games out there.

4 Skyrim

The Last Dragonborn Fights Using Medieval Weaponry and Magic

Even though it’s swarming with bugs like a Bali bathhouse, the game Skyrim remains an astonishingly incredible title. Over a decade after its debut, countless thousands of players continue to explore this open-world masterpiece concurrently, captivated by both its detailed combat system and richly developed world. The game’s thriving modding community also plays a significant role in keeping players engaged.

In terms of battle, the game “Skyrim” offers a vast assortment of weapons such as swords, maces, and axes. For those who prefer something more unconventional, there’s an option to utilize magic, with numerous spells at your disposal. If you’re seeking even more diversity, the Enroys’ Lore Friendly Guns of Skyrim mod allows for firearms, but it’s worth noting that the original game doesn’t include guns.

3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt Fights Using Swords and Signs

In terms of open-world role-playing games, not many studios can match the caliber of CD Projekt Red. Over the last ten to twenty years, this Polish developer has significantly advanced the genre, with numerous critics hailing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and its exceptional side quests and world-building as their magnum opus.

Geralt is renowned not just for his ability to stand his ground in a physical fight, but primarily for wielding two swords. One is made of silver, used to combat monstrous creatures, while the other, fashioned from steel, serves to subdue beasts – this category encompasses humans and intelligent species as well. In addition to swordsmanship, Geralt, the main character in question, possesses a unique skill set that includes using magical techniques known as Signs; five of these techniques are accessible in the third game.

2 Elden Ring

Tarnished Fight Using Bladed Weapons and Magic

Games developed by FromSoftware have consistently shone in their combat mechanics, while also providing engaging storylines. However, Elden Ring takes this to a new level. The setting of the Lands Between is one of the most captivating video game worlds ever created, rich with lore and mystery due in part to George R.R. Martin’s involvement. Known for his “A Song of Ice and Fire” series that inspired HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” Martin contributed significantly to this extraordinary game world.

The game Elden Ring offers an ideal experience for players who relish tough battles and rewarding exploration, with virtually limitless possibilities when crafting characters and an expansive collection of diverse map destinations to discover. To top it off, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is often considered one of the greatest video game add-ons ever created, offering even more top-tier content for those who have already completed the main game and are still craving more.

1 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Link Fights Using Swords and Whatever Else He Can Find Lying Around

In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the mechanism that makes weapons break after prolonged use has been a contentious point among many gamers, much like its 2017 predecessor. However, Tears of the Kingdom does offer a method to repair these weapons before they shatter, which is a relief for players. Furthermore, it introduces an indestructible Master Sword, a blessing for those who are eager to advance through the game without interruptions caused by broken weapons.

People who solely rely on the Master Sword might miss out on the game’s remarkable Fuse ability. As the name implies, this ability enables you to combine items, leading to the formation of extraordinary weapons in Tears of the Kingdom, and when Zonai Devices are included, the resulting weapons can be incredibly potent. This fusion process greatly enhances the magical feeling of exploring the game’s expansive open world.

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2024-08-16 02:44