Top 8 Open-World Games Where You Drive, Not Just Explore!

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Summary

  • Many open-world games offer vehicular traversal, but few focus on exploring entirely in a vehicle.
  • Cloudpunk immerses players in a cyberpunk city while mainly piloting a hover car for deliveries.
  • American Truck Simulator offers a relaxing driving experience with customization and zen mode.

In most open-world games, you can travel using vehicles, but it’s often just one way among several for players to traverse the game world. Few games, however, heavily emphasize the experience of exploring an entire open world exclusively from a vehicle.

The allure of exploring an open-world game, spending much of it driving, is intriguing for gamers, particularly when the game doesn’t focus on racing. Instead, these games use vehicles to envelop players within their worlds, offering more than just fast-paced travel.

8. Cloudpunk

The Majority Of The Game Involves Players Piloting A Hover Car To Deliver Packages

Cloudpunk offers an outstanding visual aesthetic for players to appreciate while they navigate a cyberpunk metropolis in a hovering courier vehicle. Occasionally, players exit their vehicle to walk around, yet it’s evident that the majority of the gameplay focuses on traveling by car during exploration.

In Cloudpunk, the narrative-focused design keeps players engaged while they carry out deliveries and gradually discover the storyline. The atmosphere of this game is flawlessly crafted, drawing players in swiftly as they climb into their reliable hover vehicle and journey from place to place.

7. Dredge

A Lovecraftian Fishing Game Where Upgrading The Boat Is Key To Survival

A Lovecraftian-themed fishing game is quite intriguing, and it’s delightful to witness Dredge execute this idea effectively. The fishing mechanics might become monotonous eventually, but the horror aspects make sure that the gaming experience remains engaging and far from dull for a considerable time.

As a dedicated fan of Dredge, my trusty fishing boat serves as the lifeblood of my adventures. The game’s thoughtful enhancements and upgrades make braving the dangerous seas less nerve-wracking, allowing me to progress swiftly and satisfyingly. By the time I’ve outfitted my boat for the journey, I feel ready to conquer the open world without fear.

6. American Truck Simulator

A Relaxing Open-World Driving Game

As a gamer, if you’re yearning for a laid-back, expansive driving adventure set in a captivating American landscape, American Truck Simulator is just the ticket. You get to pick from a variety of visually appealing trucks, personalize them to your taste, and roam freely at your own pace across this stunning virtual playground.

If you’re looking for a game with some tension or challenge, then American Truck Simulator might not be your cup of tea. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a video game to relax and unwind without constant pressure, the Zen mode in American Truck Simulator, which becomes available after extended driving sessions, could be perfect for you.

5. Pacific Drive

A Vehicular Roguelike Survival Game With An Eerie, Supernatural Setting

“Pacific Drive” is one of the standout indie video games from 2024, thanks to its distinctive gameplay mechanic and captivating setting. Gamers traverse junctions across the Olympic Peninsula, aiming to gather as much precious treasure as they can before the area begins to malfunction.

In this game, it’s crucial for players to quickly return to the gateway linked to their garage, which can be challenging. While they might step out of their station wagon to carry out routine maintenance or examine locations on foot, most of the game’s exploration primarily occurs within a car. It’s advisable for players not to let the vehicle wander too far if they want to progress effectively in the game.

4. Sunless Skies

Exploring The Lovecraftian Skies As The Captain Of An Airship

Sunless Sea, an intriguing indie game, captivated many fans despite its imperfections. On the other hand, the sequel, Sunless Skies, is a remarkable horror game that centers on story-driven exploration, addressing almost every concern fans had with the original title.

In Sunless Skies, the game offers a more enticing open world experience as players navigate faster ships through expanded, diverse zones. The combat has been significantly enhanced, while UI refinements guarantee that captivating narratives aren’t overshadowed. Together, these elements create an allure for players to enhance their vessels and delve into countless untold stories and eerie terrors hidden within the numerous zones they explore.

3. SnowRunner

Players Must Map Out Routes And Prepare Their Truck To Handle Tough Assignments

In SnowRunner, an engaging blend of realistic simulation and arcade-style mechanics is utilized, resulting in an enjoyable overall experience. Those aiming to accomplish the numerous tasks within this game should invest considerable time in prepping for their adventure prior to embarking on it.

Only after players have planned their route will they be able to choose the ideal vehicle for the task at hand. Following some final tweaks, they are then ready to embark on their mission, striving to accomplish their goal in the most secure and time-efficient manner possible.

2. Sid Meier’s Pirates!

Players Sail The High Seas And Make A Name For Themselves

Sid Meier, known for creating fantastic games, unfortunately didn’t receive the same level of acclaim for his game “Sid Meier’s Pirates!“. In this game, players took on the role of a swashbuckling scoundrel, free to pursue whatever they desired, whether it be a life as an infamous pirate, a prosperous merchant, or anything in between.

Most of this game unfolds over the ocean, while interactions on land are relatively scarce. Players can craft their characters’ legends and become renowned or even infamous figures in the Caribbean.

1. Driver: San Francisco

An Action-Packed Driving Game With A Unique Shift Mechanic

It’s unfortunate that fewer people don’t express fondness for Driver: San Francisco, one of the most innovative open-world driving games ever created. Those who are fans of this series are aware of its emphasis on high-octane gameplay, where players navigate their vehicle in a variety of thrilling scenarios, such as daring heists and death-defying races fueled by adrenaline.

One enjoyable aspect of the game “Driver: San Francisco” is its Shift mechanic, which allows the main character, Tanner, to take control of other vehicles freely during dramatic scenes. This intriguing feature becomes more appealing as players advance through the game and contributes significantly to the distinct charm of this often overlooked gem.

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2025-05-21 07:38