The Best Open-World RPGs With Level Scaling

Key Takeaways

Level scaling in games like Diablo 4 and Cyberpunk 2077 ensures challenges remain steady.
Dying Light and Borderlands 3 use level scaling to maintain player engagement and avoid overpowering.
Skyrim’s level scaling offers players the freedom to explore different gameplay styles at their own pace.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that level scaling is a double-edged sword, much like a broadsword in the hands of a drunken dwarf. It has its merits and drawbacks, but when wielded skillfully by developers, it can make for a more immersive gaming experience.

Level scaling’s utility and benefit vary depending on what type of gamer one asks. Some love how enemies keep up with the player’s level. Others bemoan how it makes leveling up feel unimportant. When done poorly it can make the game too easy from start to finish.

As a gamer, I appreciate when game developers implement a well-crafted balance system that keeps me engaged and prevents me from becoming overpowered or relying on endless grinding. Open-world games, particularly those mentioned below, employ this smartly, especially in terms of accommodating friends who play at different levels or stages of the campaign. This way, we can enjoy the game together without one player having an unfair advantage.

6 Diablo 4

Open-World Action RPG Mayhem

In every Diablo game, there’s been a multiplayer aspect. With the release of Diablo 4, teaming up with friends to explore Sanctuary has never been more seamless. As long as players are on the same difficulty level or World Tier, they can slash through demons together, irrespective of their individual character levels.

In this game, characters often find themselves in a shared universe where they may encounter one another and face common foes. Remarkably, the game’s system adjusts enemy difficulty such that it remains balanced and entertaining for a level 1 character fighting alongside a level 35 character. Although the higher-level character has an edge with equipment and skills, progression through levels is still significant as it offers benefits.

5 Dying Light

After Beating The Game The Zombies Scale To Your Level

Years before Dead Island had a proper sequel, Dying Light served as its successor. This first-person RPG, featuring a zombie apocalypse setting, offers gamers an appealing blend of two worlds when it comes to level scaling. In the main storyline, there’s a structured progression path, and enemies become too challenging if players rush through the narrative without adequately preparing themselves.

As a gamer diving into Dying Light, I quickly learn that my foes only become as tough as me after I’ve conquered the game. The game ensures I’m aware of this adjustment, too. Since the thrill in Dying Light lies in scurrying to a safe zone when darkness falls and the enemies grow stronger, starting off with leveled-up adversaries wouldn’t exactly make for an enjoyable debut. However, once I’ve triumphed over the game, I find myself experiencing the classic endgame that gamers like me have come to expect from this genre.

4 Cyberpunk 2077

Enemies Scale To The Player’s Level After The 2.0 Update

Discussions and reviews have been abundant regarding the remarkable transformation of the open-world RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, from a much-criticized flop to a well-received game. The game bears little resemblance to its initial release version, particularly on consoles. With the arrival of the 2.0 update in 2023, level scaling was introduced into the game to prevent players from either being overly weak or too powerful when facing enemies.

Initially, battles were challenging for players until they reached an advanced level. Now, however, the difficulty remains consistent throughout the gameplay. For some gamers, this change diminishes the power fantasy that high-level RPGs traditionally offer when players can easily defeat previously formidable enemies. On the other hand, it allows players to explore the entire map from the start and ensures that every character build has a chance to succeed.

3 The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

Level Scaling To The Max

In “Oblivion,” the enemy difficulty scales closely with the player’s progression. Almost synchronously, the enemies level up as you do. However, this can be customized to some extent, but if it’s not properly balanced, the game could become overly challenging later on due to incorrect character builds.

In a game renowned for offering player choice, such freedom often results in an obstacle to progression beyond a specific stage, rendering further advancement almost unattainable. Although most gamers may complete the main game or lose interest before reaching this point, it certainly poses a challenge for dedicated players who invest hundreds of hours into the game and its expansions.

2 Borderlands 3

Level Scaling To Make Sure Players Always Have A Challenge

This iconic game series plays a nearly sole role in igniting the looter shooter craze. By blending the features of action RPGs, such as Diablo, into a first-person shooter format, it paved the way for games like Dead Island, The Division, and Dying Light to emerge. Without Borderlands blazing a trail, these games might not resemble what they are today.

In this fantastically violent video game setting, adversaries adjust their strength based on the player’s progression, but this doesn’t equate to an easy win. As you advance, fresh enemies and sub-missions adapt to your current level to prevent overpowered situations. Upon completing the game, challenging ‘vault hunter’ modes mirror your existing level. In multiplayer, balance is maintained by adjusting levels so everyone remains on par when joining forces.

The multiplayer mode includes a setting where opponents adapt to the host’s character level. While this can lead to an uneven playing field, it offers a chance for less experienced players to advance more rapidly in their levels.

1 Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Level Scaling To Give Players Maximum Freedom

More than a decade since its debut, the role-playing game (RPG) Skyrim still stands out with an exceptional degree of freedom that very few other RPGs can rival. Players have the liberty to mold their characters into virtually any role within the game’s universe and combat system. Whether one prefers to play as a powerful warrior, a stealthy archer, a spell-casting mage, or a cunning thief, Skyrim caters to all types of gameplay. The reason behind the importance of level scaling is because it ensures that players can enjoy this freedom regardless of their skill level or progression in the game.

To ensure an enjoyable and approachable gaming experience, the progression paths within the game should be somewhat lenient during initial play. If the game were overly punishing from the outset, it might not seem fun or inviting. However, players seeking a greater challenge can increase the difficulty level as they wish. This will make the game more demanding in exchange for increased experience points.

2024-10-13 05:33