10 Open World Games You've Been SLEEPING On! 🤫

Action-adventure games are among the most widely played genres in gaming, and this genre is brimming with AAA success stories. Titles such as Elden Ring have sold tens of millions of copies, while others, like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, are well-known. However, for each highly acclaimed game, there’s an equally impressive one that has somehow escaped widespread attention.

There are some lesser-known jewels in the open-world genre that are indie games and lack the massive marketing budgets of giants such as Bethesda. Additionally, there are games that were launched at an unfortunate time and were overshadowed by other more popular releases. These games span a variety of genres, including survival epics and science fiction adventures, and every open-world enthusiast should take the time to explore these underestimated titles.

Playing Stranded Deep Is Like Taking the World’s Most Dangerous Vacation

Enthusiasts of survival games such as “The Long Dark” and “DayZ” should definitely give “Stranded Deep” a try. This open-world game is set smack in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, following a plane crash that leaves players stranded with only an emergency life raft. While there’s a relatively simple storyline focusing on various methods to return to civilization, much leisurely enjoyment can be found just by exploring the sandbox environment.

In Stranded Deep, adventurers can journey between islands, gathering essential items to expand their raft, or opt to settle on a single island where they can construct shelters for protection from UV rays, establish gardens for sustenance and medicinal plants, and even transform potatoes into energy sources for generators and aircraft. The game’s potential is virtually limitless, thanks to the availability of both multiplayer and singleplayer modes in Stranded Deep.

Yonder Proves Open World Games Can Be Relaxing

For enthusiasts of Stardew Valley, consider exploring Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles – a tranquil, serene open-world escapade. Unlike many open-world titles, Yonder eschews combat in favor of soothing pastimes such as farming, fishing, crafting, and trading.

Right from the get-go, the island’s charm and diversity are striking, featuring snow-capped mountains, verdant plains, and sunny coastlines, all linked smoothly within a map. A significant objective revolves around reactivating the Cloud Catcher, an antiquated contraption used to eliminate a fog known as the Murk, but this process is carried out peacefully and according to the player’s convenience. Happiness can be found in cultivating farms, discovering hidden treasures, and assisting others.

Two Worlds Is an Incredibly Ambitious Open-World RPG

In no way was the game Two Worlds flawless; it had its fair share of issues. The graphics were sometimes rough, missions could be effortlessly glitched, the game could essentially be completed in just a few minutes from starting, and the dialogue leaned too heavily on old-fashioned English phrases. Nevertheless, hidden beneath these imperfections lies an inventive and captivating open-world role-playing experience. For instance, Two Worlds introduced a refreshing and exclusive magic system centered around elements such as water and fire. Moreover, the combat options were more diverse compared to similar games, offering weapons like spears, dual wielding, and a strategic focus on choosing the ideal weapon against specific enemies. The absence of noticeable loading screens and the vast array of enemy variations also made this game stand out distinctly.>

Initially met with a mix of positive and negative reactions upon its debut, the game titled “Two Worlds” managed to establish a dedicated fan base and even spawned a sequel. The announcement of a third installment followed suit, but since the company behind it went out of business, there has been no word on another studio taking over the intellectual property. Nonetheless, for those seeking an authentic RPG experience, especially if they missed out on it initially, “Two Worlds” remains a worthwhile choice. It was launched around the same period as “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion“, which undeniably captured most of the attention at the time.

The Elex Series Is Seriously Underrated

In “Elex 2”, you’ll experience a unique twist on open-world RPGs, immersed in an expansive, imaginatively crafted world that lets you soar above with a jetpack. The enigmatic substance called Elex takes center stage, bestowing special powers on certain individuals, creating a fascinating blend of science and magic. In this post-apocalyptic fantasy setting, your mission is to unite the divided factions against an impending, powerful enemy.

Incorporating aspects that hint at both “Fallout” and “The Elder Scrolls,” “Elex 2 effortlessly transitions between hand-to-hand combat and advanced weaponry,” providing gameplay that resembles a well-crafted crossover mod in the most appealing manner. One moment you’re engaged in a sword fight, the next you’re hurling grenades. Although the “Elex” series is somewhat overlooked and underrated, it’s a hidden gem that warrants more recognition. With its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and unique design elements, “Elex 2” distinguishes itself as an exceptionally original title within the genre. It’s not merely different; it’s almost audaciously so.

It’s a Worthy Sequel to Risen

Despite being frequently overlooked, Risen 2: Dark Waters stands out for its distinctive mix of genre and ambiance. While the original game received acclaim for its traditional fantasy backdrop inspired by Sicily and other Mediterranean regions, boasting magic, titans, and a classic RPG structure, Risen 2 ventured into uncharted territory. The series took on a pirate-themed world, where elements such as swordplay, voodoo, and ancient deities remained, but were reimagined within a vibrant, nautical atmosphere.

In Risen 2’s sailing segments and combat, some people expressed concerns about the limited control and steep learning curve. However, these aspects didn’t diminish the overall enjoyment of the game. Instead, they contributed to the raw, authentic atmosphere the game aimed to create. The settings were intricately designed for their time, offering players a chance to traverse various environments such as foggy swamps, ancient temples, and wind-swept coastal towns. Unlike typical pirate stories, the narrative was approached with sophistication and depth.

Fans of Zombie Games Need to Play Days Gone

The game “Days Gone” showcases an impressively grand design, aiming to rank among the greatest zombie video games ever made, outshining titles such as Dead Rising, Dead Island, and Dying Light. The storyline is straightforward yet captivating, focusing on a biker’s struggle against waves of the undead, all while discovering numerous dark government conspiracies.

It’s the endless swarms of zombies scattered across the game world in “Days Gone” that truly set it apart. These hordes often require you to steer clear or outrun them, but with proper planning, they can be eliminated. The game boasts a dedicated fanbase, yet it garnered mixed reviews. Notably, the developers at Bend Studio have stated that Sony declined a sequel for “Days Gone”.

Sci-Fi Fans Need to Play This Underrated 2016 Open World RPG

In 2016, Spiders Studio launched The Technomancer, a little-noticed science fiction action RPG that slipped by unnoticed. Despite its grand ambitions, intricate plotting, and detailed world-building, it failed to garner the widespread acclaim it merited. This game is set in the same universe as Mars: War Logs, taking place during the Water War, 200 years after human colonization of Mars.

The Game “The Technomancer” delves into complex topics such as self-discovery and reliability within a fragmented society. It offers a narrative that branches out, leading to various conclusions, making it intriguing for multiple playthroughs so one can witness all potential outcomes. For enthusiasts of games set in post-apocalyptic landscapes,

There’s Nothing Like Ghostwire: Tokyo

The game was generally well-received when it debuted in 2022, but it fell short of its full potential and strengths. The narrative unfolds in Tokyo, which has been deserted following a supernatural incident. Players assume the role of Akito, who, after sustaining fatal injuries, is imbued with a spirit granting him extraordinary abilities.

One captivating motive to delve into Ghostwire: Tokyo is its distinctive setting, which shines as one of the . The developers have crafted a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Tokyo, where side quests are strategically placed throughout the map, providing not only gameplay incentives but also enriching backstory that offers a deeper understanding of the world’s ominous metamorphosis.

It Was Overshadowed By Skyrim When It Released

In the year 2012, the game titled “Kingdoms of Amalur” made its debut, stepping into a fantasy RPG market that was already brimming with options. Notably, “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” had been launched only a short while prior, making it tough for other RPGs to garner attention. However, even though a remastered version of the game, “Re-Reckoning,” was released in 2020, it continued to find it challenging to capture the limelight.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, one thing that truly sets Kingdoms of Amalur apart is its unique visual flair. Instead of going for gritty realism like some games do, it chose a daring and vibrant color scheme that painted a captivating, otherworldly landscape. To top it off, the game’s lore was deep and intricate, with a world brimming with magical factions, ancient conflicts, and thought-provoking themes about free will. If you’re into RPGs where characters, action-packed combat, and rich world-building take center stage, Kingdoms of Amalur is an underestimated treasure that can go toe-to-toe with more famous franchises.

It’s a Hidden Gem Created By the Old Dragon Age Team

The Dragon Age franchise, created by BioWare, is renowned for its epic fantasy RPG games. However, the latest installment titled The Veilguard has sparked debate among fans. While some appreciate its innovative approach, others have voiced dissatisfaction over its perceived weak narrative. These concerns seem to be substantiated by Electronic Arts’ decision to . For those who long for the classic feel of Dragon Age games, they can find solace in Eternal Strands, a game produced by Mike Laidlaw, former creative director of Dragon Age.

In simpler terms, “Eternal Strands”, an action-adventure game released in early 2025, blends traditional fantasy elements with contemporary sandbox features. The game world, filled with magic and colossal foes, takes inspiration from titles such as “Shadow of the Colossus” and “Breath of the Wild”. The character system resembles BioWare’s heritage, featuring characters like Sola the blacksmith and Laen the scholar who provide personal storylines and interactive relationships. Since its launch, “Eternal Strands” has garnered generally favorable reviews across all platforms, suggesting it deserves more recognition.

2025-05-05 02:29

10 Open World Games You’ve Been SLEEPING On! 🤫