10 Underrated Open World Games That Go Hard From Start to Finish

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Video games are incredibly engaging. Their expansive worlds, challenging enemies, and fascinating creatures make it difficult to stop playing. This sense of freedom is a major reason why people find them so addictive.

Many popular open-world games, such as Skyrim and Marvel’s Spider-Man, are well-known successes, but there are also fantastic games that haven’t received as much recognition. These lesser-known titles offer compelling stories and immersive worlds that players can truly get lost in.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Feels Just Like the Movies

In Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, you play as a Na’vi character who grew up inside an RDA research facility. After leaving that facility, you’re free to explore the expansive world of Pandora. The game boasts stunning visuals and faithfully recreates the look and feel of James Cameron’s Avatar films.

Playing Frontiers of Pandora feels a lot like playing a Far Cry game, but what truly sets it apart is the world of Pandora. There’s nothing quite like the experience of flying an Ikran through the air.

Days Gone Takes On Hordes of Zombies

Days Gone is a unique game that mixes the world of motorcycle enthusiasts with a massive zombie outbreak, and the result is fantastic. Although it received a somewhat mixed reception initially, it has since gained a dedicated following and is now considered by many to be one of the best in its genre.

In the game Days Gone, you ride a motorcycle through a broken, post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest, fighting zombie-like creatures called Freakers. A remastered version of Days Gone was recently released, making it a great time to check out the game if you didn’t play it before.

Far Cry 5 Takes on American Cults

Most Far Cry games are known for their exotic settings, but Far Cry 5 is different – it’s set in Montana and revolves around a dangerous religious cult. This change of scenery is a brilliant move. One particularly chilling moment happens early in the game when players first see the villain’s massive statue from a helicopter.

The game begins with a lot of momentum, and fighting a disturbing cult within the American heartland is consistently engaging. While the narrative doesn’t directly reflect real-world happenings, the unsettling atmosphere and cult themes are genuinely frightening.

The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction Lets The Hulk Loose

If you enjoyed playing Donkey Kong Bananza, you’ll definitely want to check out The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. This game lets you explore a huge, interactive world where almost everything can be destroyed – perfect for unleashing the Hulk’s power! It really captures the feel of being the Hulk, and the game keeps you engaged by letting you unlock new abilities as you play.

The game didn’t gain much attention when it first came out in 2005, but it might have been too innovative for its time. The unique experience of playing as the Hulk and destroying things makes it a game worth revisiting.

Mafia III Takes Players to New Bordeaux

When Mafia III first came out, opinions were divided, and it’s often forgotten about. What sets it apart is its willingness to address difficult topics like racism and segregation in the 1960s South, presented in a way that feels like a documentary – something you don’t often see in open-world games. Plus, the main character, Lincoln Clay, is compelling and realistically portrays the struggles of a war veteran.

Mafia III plays a lot like the Grand Theft Auto series, and whether you’ll like that depends on your preferences. The game is set in a historical open world, which might not appeal to everyone, but its ’60s soundtrack is fantastic. Cruising around New Bordeaux while listening to classic hits is a consistently enjoyable experience.

The Simpsons: Hit & Run Desperately Needs a Remake

From the very beginning of The Simpsons: Hit & Run, driving around Springfield as Homer feels authentic. It’s more than just a Simpsons game – it truly captures the world of the show. Remarkably, despite being released in 2003, the game still holds up beautifully, with jokes that remain hilarious and memorable.

As a huge fan of both GTA and The Simpsons, I was absolutely blown away when they combined the two! Just driving around Springfield causing trouble was a blast, and honestly, it was way ahead of its time. It’s a shame the original game had so many issues, and I’m still crossing my fingers for a proper remake someday.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate Doesn’t Get the Love It Deserves

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate unfortunately came out at the wrong time. Players were getting tired of a new Assassin’s Creed game every year, and a big change to the series was just around the corner with Assassin’s Creed Origins. This is a shame because Syndicate is actually a really good game – many fans consider it underrated – and it’s unique for featuring two main characters and a detailed, explorable version of Victorian London.

The game lets you play as either Jacob or Evie, and their different abilities make gameplay fresh and engaging. There are also plenty of fun side missions, like underground fight clubs and bounty hunting. Even the downloadable content, particularly the “Jack the Ripper” expansion, is a hidden gem. Overall, it’s an exciting adventure that’s definitely worth playing again if you’re a fan of the Assassin’s Creed series.

Bully Is Rockstar’s Most Underrated Game

Rockstar Games is famous for titles like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, but Bully remains a unique and beloved game. Although it initially caused some debate due to its themes, it’s now considered a classic. The game’s fun minigames are a big part of what makes it feel like a kid-friendly version of Grand Theft Auto.

Honestly, the game isn’t just about being a troublemaker at school. They really built out the world with stuff like wrestling, boxing, even chemistry class, and I had to do odd jobs like a paper route! Rockstar’s writing is seriously funny – it’s wacky, but not in a way that gets annoying. And as Bully gets closer to being 20 years old, I still think it’s one of Rockstar’s best games, and it doesn’t get nearly enough credit.

Sunset Overdrive Is Insomniac’s Most Extreme Game Yet

In Sunset Overdrive, you’ll experience a high-energy, action-packed adventure set during a zombie apocalypse… with a twist! A faulty energy drink has turned the citizens of Sunset City into mutants. But don’t expect a scary experience – the game feels more like a vibrant, over-the-top ’90s cereal commercial, complete with a pumping punk rock soundtrack.

Insomniac Games encourages fast-paced movement with parkour and grinding, and it’s clear that their game Sunset Overdrive heavily influenced Marvel’s Spider-Man. The game is delightfully over-the-top – you can even shoot explosive teddy bears from a rocket launcher! – and remains incredibly enjoyable. Sunset Overdrive is a genuinely fun experience that deserves more recognition from players.

Sleeping Dogs Is Criminally Slept On

It’s become a bit of a cliché to say Sleeping Dogs doesn’t get enough credit, but it really does deserve more attention. This open-world game is a fantastic homage to Hong Kong action movies, and the close-quarters combat feels perfectly suited to that style. Every punch flows seamlessly into the next, making even the most brutal takedowns incredibly satisfying. While guns are available, fighting with your fists is consistently the most rewarding way to play.

Hong Kong in this game is incredibly fun to explore, making it one of the best open-world cities available in gaming. Whether you prefer running and jumping or driving, traveling around always feels fantastic. Sleeping Dogs rivals the amazing open-world design of Grand Theft Auto, and that’s why it’s a game you shouldn’t miss.

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2025-11-28 00:14