The Saddest Open-World Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Some open-world games focus on emotional and dark storytelling instead of typical gameplay loops.
Games like The Long Dark and Death Stranding provide a lonely and tragic experience to players.
Titles like Shadow of the Colossus and Red Dead Redemption 2 deliver deep narratives with sad, bittersweet endings.

As a gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt and countless hours spent traversing open-world landscapes, I can confidently say that some of the most impactful games I’ve ever played were those that delved deep into emotional storytelling rather than relying solely on traditional gameplay loops.

In numerous open-world video games, key elements like combat, exploration, and questing form the core gameplay. However, it’s important to note that not every open-world game centers entirely on these activities. Some of these games employ these mechanics as integral aspects of their narrative structure, rather than standalone features. Not all these stories are lighthearted or conclude with a joyful resolution.

Some open-world games offer a sandbox style of play, yet they subtly guide players through a narrative filled with traumatic, desperate, and often melancholic events. These games conclude with a heartbreaking ending, creating an experience that is enjoyable and engaging, but also provokes deep contemplation. The primary storyline is set against themes such as loss, remorse, and solitude.

6 Ghost of Tsushima

That Poor Horse

Nestled in the era of feudal Japan, “Ghost of Tsushima” stands as an action-adventure game that immerses players into the role of the samurai warrior, Jin Sakai. The game is remarkable for its meticulously crafted and awe-inspiring open-world environment, along with its smooth, dynamic combat system. On this journey, players strive to liberate their homeland, a quest fueled by the captivating narrative of the storyline.

In the acclaimed game, Ghost of Tsushima, there are poignant moments that can tug at your heartstrings, such as the demise of your horse towards the end of the game. Additionally, various characters with whom you build relationships meet their untimely ends within the game. However, what keeps Ghost of Tsushima from ranking higher on this list is its setting – although it’s well-crafted – isn’t as bleak and ominous as some other games mentioned here.

5 The Long Dark

Lonely And Dismal

In the realm of survival games, not many have successfully conveyed the raw emotion of enduring solitude in a merciless and unyielding landscape like “The Long Dark” does. Unlike other survival games that incorporate themes such as battling zombies along with the mechanics, “The Long Dark” strips down to its core essence – mere survival. The player’s objective within this game is simply to survive.

In this game, survival proves challenging due to the treacherous environment. Perils include extreme cold and predators, making it a struggle for existence. The game setting is barren and ominous, constantly reminding players of their solitude. Survival here is a lonely, despairing fight against everyday adversity.

4 Death Stranding

Rebuilding Society In A Desolate World

In this game, you assume the character of Sam Porter, whose mission is to transport packages throughout the United States after a devastating catastrophe that left monsters rampaging and much of the planet in ruins. This action-packed title effectively portrays the vital significance of human connections in a genuine post-apocalyptic setting.

As I delve into Death Stranding, I can’t help but feel a sense of fun and excitement, yet there’s an undeniable melancholy that permeates the game’s atmosphere. The world is ravaged, and the ever-present specter of death looms large. Yet, as Sam Porter Bridges, I find myself shouldering the weighty responsibility of bridging the gaps between isolated human settlements, a task that feels both daunting and vital for our collective survival.

3 Shadow Of The Colossus

An Increasing Sense Of Dread

Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3
Released: October 18, 2005
Developer: Team Ico, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Action-adventure game, Platform game, Puzzle Video Game, Fighting game, Shooter Video Game

In “Shadow of the Colossus,” you step into an unusually quiet world as a character named Wander. Your mission is to rescue a girl named Mono, and to do so, you must defeat sixteen massive creatures known as colossi. The expansive game map can be unsettling as you track down each target, acting as the hunter in this grand adventure.

In Shadow of the Colossus, the underlying sadness arises from the morally complex decisions the player is required to make. On one side, Wander embarks on a perilous, valiant mission to save his beloved; yet, achieving this goal necessitates the destruction of ancient beings. As time advances in the game, it becomes increasingly apparent that the consequences of the player’s actions could be severe and heartbreaking.

2 NieR: Automata

Androids Fight Aliens

In the world of NieR: Automata, I find myself battling in a post-apocalyptic Earth, overrun by alien machines. Yet, it’s not just humans we fight for survival; our heroes are androids. Despite its swift gameplay, this game offers unexpectedly profound and unsettling undertones. The androids grapple with their own identity, and the seemingly endless struggle of war leaves them questioning its purpose.

In this game, numerous characters grapple with profound queries regarding their identity, while the narrative frequently elicits emotional turmoil. Regardless of the chosen ending, it ultimately underscores the inevitability of a tragic outcome for the player’s actions.

1 Red Dead Redemption 2

Almost Like Losing A Family

In “Red Dead Redemption 2,” the story unfolds during a fictional era when the Wild West was transitioning into a more law-abiding society. It’s a bit melancholic, as the days of the cowboy way of life were coming to an end. However, it’s Arthur Morgan’s personal struggles that resonate most deeply in this game.

In the game, Arthur’s experience is marked by difficult moments, such as experiencing betrayal and loss, but ultimately finds redemption in the end. As the story progresses, Arthur’s condition deteriorates, causing him to become increasingly desperate. The bond he shares with his gang, who serve as a substitute family for him, unravels over time, which adds to the melancholy atmosphere of the game. The ending, while bittersweet, is often praised as one of the saddest endings in any video game ever made.

2024-10-15 05:34