Open world games have become increasingly popular over the years, offering players the freedom to explore vast virtual environments and complete objectives in their own way. These games have been praised for their immersive environments, engaging stories, and the ability to lose oneself in the game world. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best open world games of all time, and what makes them so special.
The Best Open World Games of All Time
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game set in a massive open world. The game takes place in the province of Skyrim, where players take on the role of the Dragonborn, a powerful warrior who can absorb the souls of dragons to gain new abilities. Players are free to explore the game’s massive open world, completing quests, battling enemies, and discovering new locations. The game’s immersive world, deep lore, and engaging combat make it one of the best open world games of all time.
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V, developed by Rockstar North, is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game set in the fictional city of Los Santos. The game follows the stories of three playable characters: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, as they navigate the criminal underworld of the city. Players are free to explore the game’s vast open world, completing missions and side-quests, engaging in heists, and causing chaos in the city. The game’s immersive world, engaging story, and complex characters make it one of the best open world games of all time.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, developed by CD Projekt Red, is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game set in a vast open world. The game follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a witcher, as he searches for his adopted daughter. Players are free to explore the game’s open world, completing quests, battling enemies, and making choices that affect the game’s story. The game’s immersive world, engaging story, and complex characters make it one of the best open world games of all time.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2, developed by Rockstar Studios, is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game set in a vast open world. The game follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as he navigates the lawless frontier of the American Old West. Players are free to explore the game’s open world, completing missions, engaging in shootouts, and interacting with the game’s diverse cast of characters. The game’s immersive world, engaging story, and complex characters make it one of the best open world games of all time.
Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild, developed by Nintendo EPD, is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game set in a vast open world. The game takes place in the kingdom of Hyrule, where players take on the role of Link, a swordsman who must defeat the Calamity Ganon to save the kingdom. Players are free to explore the game’s open world, completing quests, battling enemies, and discovering new locations. The game’s immersive world, engaging story, and innovative gameplay make it one of the best open world games of all time.
What Makes These Open World Games So Special
Immersive Worlds
All of the games on this list feature incredibly immersive worlds that players can lose themselves in. From the snowy mountains of Skyrim to the deserts of Red Dead Redemption 2, each game offers a unique and detailed environment for players to explore. The attention to detail in these worlds, from the flora and fauna to the architecture and culture, make them feel alive and believable.
Engaging Storylines
Each of these games also features an engaging storyline that players can become invested in. Whether it’s the search for a lost daughter in The Witcher 3 or the rise and fall of a criminal gang in Grand Theft Auto V, the stories in these games are well-written and keep players hooked. The ability to make choices that affect the outcome of the story also adds a level of replayability to these games.
Complex Characters
Another standout feature of these open world games is the complexity of their characters. From the dragon-slaying Dragonborn in Skyrim to the morally gray Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2, the characters in these games are well-developed and relatable. Their interactions with each other and the player add depth to the story and make the world feel more alive.
Freedom of Choice
Finally, what sets these games apart is the freedom of choice they offer players. In open world games, players are not constrained by a linear path, and are free to explore, complete objectives, and engage with the world in their own way. This allows players to create their own unique experiences and memories within the game.
Checklist
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Grand Theft Auto V
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Breath of the Wild
FAQs
Q: Are these games available on multiple platforms?
A: Yes, most of these games are available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Q: Are these games suitable for all ages?
A: No, some of these games are rated for mature audiences and contain content that may not be suitable for children.
Q: Will I need a powerful computer to run these games?
A: The requirements for each game will vary, but some of these games may require a powerful computer to run at high settings.
Q: Are these games single player only?
A: All of the games on this list are primarily single player games, but some may have online multiplayer components.
In conclusion, these open world games are considered some of the best of all time for their immersive worlds, engaging storylines, complex characters, and freedom of choice. These games have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by players today. If you are looking for an open world game to lose yourself in, any of these games would be a great choice.