Top 7 Open-World Games Where You Run a Store!

There are many opinions on what makes a great open-world game. Some people prioritize stunning visuals, while others believe the open world should provide engaging exploration and discovery opportunities. Ultimately, most gamers would agree that an immersive open world that draws you in is crucial for a game to stand out.

As a gamer, I’ve found that even the smallest, everyday actions can make a game feel incredibly immersive. While battling monsters and exploring grand landscapes is thrilling, it’s these little details that really bring a world to life. Take for instance, observing the lives of ordinary folks instead of just the mighty heroes or feared villains. This perspective adds depth and authenticity to an open-world game. And there’s no better way to experience this than by running your own shop! These games offer you the chance to interact with the people on a deeper level, making you feel like a true part of that world.

6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Spouse-Run Shops Are A Great Boon

In Skyrim, a merchant playstyle offers much more depth than most players realize. Whether you aim to mimic the trading techniques of the Khajiit merchants or create a gameplay style that thrives on exploration and haggling, the Speech skill provides numerous ways to make a commerce-oriented approach engaging. It’s essential to note, however, that this doesn’t involve managing a shop; rather, it’s about supplying other merchants as a wholesaler.

Even though the location of your partner’s store isn’t explicitly clear, you play a significant role in its prosperity. You often earn gold simply by conversing with your partner and benefiting from the shop’s success.

5. Fable 2

Become A Commercial Mogul

As the Fable series forges ahead towards a fourth major game, the first three games have already demonstrated the cleverness and charm fans can anticipate in Fable 4. Among these prequels, the second Fable stands out with a greater degree of player freedom and immersion compared to its predecessors, extending this sense into its property ownership and economic systems.

In this game, a wide variety of properties such as shops and storefronts can be both purchased and leased by the player. Once a specific shop is acquired, you’re given the power to adjust its prices and rental costs, which ultimately influence its success and profitability. A ruthless property mogul who increases prices excessively may amass wealth, but the cities they control will likely experience struggling economies.

4. Stardew Valley

Players Can Sell The Fruits Of Their Labor

Stardew Valley is renowned for its leisurely gameplay style, allowing players the freedom to relax without the pressure of generating massive earnings, though they may choose to do so if desired.

In Stardew Valley, players have several chances to pursue a business-oriented path if they wish to establish and manage a store. Yearly markets provide an excellent platform for players to display their finest produce or, for those with a mischievous streak, they can ally with JojaMart, transforming the region into a corporate town centered around the supermarket tycoon’s empire, allowing players to stock their goods within the local store.

3. Yakuza 0

There Are Plenty Of Businesses To Invest In

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my fascination with the intricate world of Yakuza 0. Unlike the relentless life of Japanese gangsters it portrays, there’s a surprising amount of tranquility to be found in nurturing a humble business that, over time, blossoms into a formidable enterprise. This transformation from a small-scale venture to a towering success is an aspect of the game that resonates deeply with me.

In Yakuza 0, players have the opportunity to invest in businesses and properties, transforming themselves into real estate tycoons, thriving club proprietors, or wealthy retail entrepreneurs. This aspect of the game provides a sense of authenticity and engagement. It’s one of the numerous features that give the game a lively and immersive feel.

2. Assassin’s Creed 2

Players Can Become The Richest Person In Italy

As a devout fan, I’ve been thrilled by the resounding success of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”. Stepping back into this legendary franchise, we can clearly see how it has grown and transformed throughout the years. In the early chapters of the game, players are granted ample chances to delve into shopfronts and various businesses, accumulating wealth so abundantly that it can border on being overpowering, leaving us with more money than the game knows how to handle effectively.

In follow-up games, the developers intentionally limited the assassins’ involvement in businesses like shopping and real estate investments to avoid confusion about why they didn’t own luxurious Greek villas. This decision also makes each game title more distinct by emphasizing any investment elements they choose to include.

1. Fallout 4

Settlement Building Lets Players Build A Commercial Empire

Despite numerous gamers finding the revised SPECIAL system in Fallout 4 to be overly simplified, there were intriguing perk selections interspersed amidst the limited choices provided. One such ability was charisma, which enabled players to establish trading caravans between their settlements.

When combined with modifications that improve settlements and cities, allowing players to set up shops within their settlements and engage in immersive trading between them offers a highly satisfying roleplaying experience as a merchant.

2025-04-06 23:04