Top 7 Open-World Games Set in Virus-Outbreak Worlds

Summary

Mutations in post-apocalyptic games are often caused by virus outbreaks, allowing players to immerse themselves in open-world experiences.
Games like Dying Light and Vampyr present players with moral dilemmas and deep storytelling in virus-infected worlds.
Post-apocalyptic games like Prototype and Sunset Overdrive offer satisfying combat mechanics set in a virus-ravaged world.

In post-apocalyptic video games, a form of genetic alteration often leads to the brink of human annihilation, causing individuals to grow increasingly antagonistic as the struggle for survival intensifies.

These mutations, nevertheless, do not occur spontaneously; they are triggered for a specific reason, and most often it’s due to a viral epidemic. While numerous games introduce players to their world by depicting a widespread virus outbreak as the backstory, few translate this idea into an open-world gaming experience.

7. Once Human

A Virus That Merges Humans And Objects Together

Instead of being a virus, the world of Once Human is plagued by a pervasive entity that alters humans into bizarre, mutated creatures. The cause of illnesses in Once Human is a substance called Stardust, which has spread throughout the earth due to unlawful experiments conducted by a corporation named Rosetta.

As a devoted fan, I find myself immersed in the role of an extraordinary being – a Meta-Human. This designation is not just a label; it signifies an individual who has been uniquely enhanced by the mysterious Stardust, imbued upon us by none other than Rosetta itself, without undergoing any form of mutation. Unlike many others who are consumed by its power, we, the Meta-Humans, possess the unique ability to harness the potential of Stardust, utilizing it for our advantage rather than allowing it to command our minds. This extraordinary journey is mine, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else in this universe.

In this MMO game, completely eliminating the virtual virus isn’t feasible, but players engage in combat against AI-managed foes as well as other gamers within diverse settings. They begin anew, constructing and upgrading their bases, and then embark on various missions to acquire precious items and advance in levels.

6. Sunset Overdrive

When The Thirst For A Drink Ruins An Entire City

Sunset Overdrive stands out for its humorous narrative and it’s one of the factors why players adore this game. The anarchy in Sunset Overdrive erupted during a single night! A soda company decided to throw a party to introduce and distribute their new drink, but the issue was they were so eager about launching this new beverage that they overlooked the safety tests for the fresh concoction.

At a festive gathering, individuals sampling the latest Overcharge FizzCo drinks transform swiftly into aggressive beasts, causing chaos across the entire metropolis. Remarkably, the protagonist – a janitor at FizzCo – is saved from these monsters and subsequently allies with fellow survivors to restore order in the city!

In essence, while the plot of Sunset Overdrive isn’t central or particularly significant, what truly makes the game engaging is its captivating combat system and fluid movement mechanics, combined with an expansive open world for exploration.

5. Days Gone

A Story About Lost Ones In The Midst Of A Virus Outbreak

Unlike many games on the list, characters in most are attempting to restore order and eradicate a virus plaguing their world. However, Days Gone presents a unique narrative set within a virus-infested landscape, where survival rather than elimination is the norm. In this game, the virus outbreak has spiraled out of control, leading to an acceptance among the people that they must learn to live with it.

In this game, I find myself immersed in a world where the source and initial spread of the virus remain somewhat mysterious. Yet, unraveling Deacon’s personal narrative gradually reveals insights into the virus’ origins and its aftermath. However, the story doesn’t delve too deeply into those broader themes as it primarily focuses on Deacon’s personal journey, keeping me engaged and curious about what lies ahead in his life.

In a survival game with a strong narrative focus like Days Gone, you’ll find its combat systems are robust and engaging. Moreover, Deacon’s motorcycle is not just a means of transportation, it’s an essential tool that can be improved throughout your journey, enhancing the utility it offers during your explorations.

4. The Division

A Realistic Version Of A Virus Outbreak That Could Happen In Real Life

In the gaming world, I find myself immersed in The Division, one of the rare titles that unfolds amidst a nation-wide virus outbreak, thankfully sans zombies or monstrous mutations. Instead, it’s the breakdown of law and order that takes center stage as society crumbles.

In the game ‘The Division’, a viral outbreak takes place on Black Friday. This virus propagates by infecting cash through printed ink, hence earning the nickname, the Dollar Virus. Due to heavy human interaction during Black Friday, the virus rapidly spread throughout New York City, resulting in numerous fatalities.

In the storyline, the action starts following the occurrence of the outbreak. As New York gets invaded by assorted criminal gangs, the character is sent into Manhattan, accompanied by troops from various nations, to retake the city and uncover the source of the virus.

In simpler terms, the game “The Division 2” continues to get fresh updates from its creators. It effectively blends Player versus Player (PvP) and Player versus Environment (PvE) play styles, providing an engaging gaming experience. At the same time, it ensures a fair and satisfying advancement journey for the players.

3. Prototype

A Complicated And Twisted Story About Secret Experiments Of Elite Scientists

Despite no longer being active, the gaming franchise Prototype continues to be fondly remembered for its well-balanced gameplay, enjoyable combat mechanics, and intricate storyline. In the initial release, players are introduced to a dystopian New York City, already ravaged by the Blacklight virus, transforming numerous inhabitants into mutated creatures.

The main character is afflicted by the same infection, yet he employs his mutated state as a weapon against hostile infected individuals while searching for his forgotten past. Since he begins the game with amnesia, the narrative unfolds gradually. As events transpire, it’s revealed that our protagonist played a key role in initiating the virus outbreak, though there are numerous unexpected turns along the way.

In the second tale, there’s a noticeable lack of complexity, yet it remains an extension of the initial game’s narrative, as the original hero transitions into the primary villain instead.

The two games offer extremely gratifying control systems for navigating Manhattan swiftly and participating in intense battles. In addition to its existing features, Prototype 2 introduces additional combat enhancements, empowering players to harness nearby objects as weapons.

2. Dying Light

A Content-Rich, Post-Apocalyptic Adventure

In both iterations of the game “Dying Light,” the action unfolds following a massive viral outbreak. These events are not only separate incidents, but they are also intertwined. The first “Dying Light” is set within a fictional Middle Eastern city known as Harran. The source of the virus remains unidentified in this game, yet it rapidly infects everyone residing in Harran, transforming them into aggressive, mutated creatures.

In the story, the character is dispatched to a city on behalf of a worldwide organization aiming to gather crucial information for creating a cure for the virus. Unfortunately, the data falls into the wrong set of hands. Despite this initial mishap, the character successfully obtains the data, which ultimately sparks a global vaccination program that eliminates the threat. However, in the subsequent installment, the virus resurfaces worldwide in an even more potent form.

On this occasion, it’s clear to all that the source of the epidemic has been identified. The entity responsible for creating the remedy inadvertently transformed the virus into a potential biological weapon, but their attempt backfired, leading to the global spread of the infection, rather than just affecting a solitary city.

The “Dying Light” series truly thrives in its open-world design, offering a wealth of content beyond just the main storylines. Even the initial “Dying Light” game continues to be nurtured by its developers with regular updates, solidifying it as one of the richest zombie-themed games ever produced!

1. Vampyr

A Story About Sacrifices And Betrayals

If not for a few technical glitches and intricate battle system mechanics, “Vampyr” might have garnered significantly more popularity than it currently does. This game pushes players to make challenging choices, much like those in previous titles from Dontnod Entertainment, but the repercussions of these decisions are notably harsher this time around.

Vampyr

The story unfolds in bustling London during the height of the Spanish Flu pandemic. The main character is a dedicated physician who returns home to aid those in distress as the number of sick people escalates dramatically. However, a series of unusual events transforms this doctor into a vampire. This twist leaves the players grappling with an ethical dilemma: should they continue taking lives or focus on saving them.

In one aspect, the character must consume the blood of others to survive because of their vampire essence. Conversely, this character is a physician, and taking the lives of innocents goes against everything they stand for in terms of morality.

In the gripping game of Vampyr, players are skillfully caught in a web of challenging moral dilemmas. As they advance through the narrative, they uncover insights about the illness and its cure. The expansive setting of Vampyr gives players the freedom to strategize their actions and choose their targets for feeding at their leisure.

2025-04-10 05:34