Nowadays, open-world games are inescapable, but their popularity makes sense. Putting aside the fact that they offer a lot of content, this theme covers such a wide spectrum of genres, gameplay styles, tones, and mechanics that there should be something to suit every need. Sometimes, you might crave a dialogue-driven epic that tells a gripping storyline filled with twists and turns. Other times, you might yearn for a title that pushes the envelope, be it graphically or narratively. Finally, occasionally, you might just want an open-world game that makes you feel special.
While not extremely abundant, certain open-world games strive to make players feel as strong and unstoppable as possible, turning them into powerhouses who do not need weapons or gadgets to demolish enemies. Fist-viable combat can be hard to come by, but when done right, it can be incredible.
Here are some criteria and notes:
- “Powerhouse” is quite a vague term, so we need to define it. In this case, we are focusing on characters who are physically powerful and do not have to rely on tools to get the job done.
- The inclusion of weapons will not disqualify a game, but they need to complement unarmed combat.
- Only fully open-world games.
6 Crackdown Series
Government Funded Powerhouses
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Crackdown
Display card tags widget Display card system widgetDisplay card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget Display card main info widgetDisplay card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Released
- February 20, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITAL- Developer(s)
- Realtime Worlds
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Xbox 360
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Crackdown 2
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5 /10Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Released
- July 5, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALPHYSICAL- Developer(s)
- Ruffian Games
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
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Crackdown 3
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- February 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONDIGITALPHYSICAL- Developer(s)
- Sumo Digital
- Genre(s)
- Action
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One X, PC
OK, I know weapons play a relatively big part in Crackdown’s gameplay loop, to the point that “Firearms” is an actual stat that can and will be upgraded. However, the Agents are hardly just soldiers who know their way around guns and explosives. No, they gradually become super-powered beings who are capable of pretty much anything.
Best Open-World Games That Are Just Fun, Ranked
These open-world games might not be perfect, but they are simply fun to play. Sometimes, that is more than enough.
As far as open-world power fantasies are concerned, Crackdown is one of the most gratifying to play, largely due to a progression system that constantly makes its presence felt. Before long, you will be punching faction members into the next zipcode, sprinting through the streets like a buff speedster, and lifting cars like they are toys.
Personally, the first Crackdown is my favorite, with the third being a decent enough recreation of that formula. Crackdown 2 introduced a few ill-advised changes, but you still feel like a powerhouse.
5 Saints Row 4
From Gang Leader To Superhero
Saints Row 4
- Released
- August 20, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
So, Volition kind of took Saints Row in a weird direction. Initially, the franchise started as an alternative to GTA, albeit with more comedy and a focus on gang warfare. By Saints Row 3, the series had mostly moved away from realism, in favor of over-the-top action. In Saints Row 4, you have the power of the Flash and Superman combined, rendering vehicles obsolete in the process. Sure, you still use weapons, but they are hardly the be-all, end-all.
While pretty divisive, Saints Row 4 is at its best when viewed as an unapologetic power fantasy that almost plays out like a parody of open-world games. If you just want to run around a sandbox while playing hero, I cannot recommend this game enough. Yeah, it is quite repetitive and tells a pretty awful story, but the core gameplay is incredibly addictive.
4 Yakuza 0
Kiryu And Majima Do Not Need Weapons
Yakuza 0
- Released
- January 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Ah, Sega’s Yakuza/Like a Dragon, an IP that has been telling epic stories about manly emotional men who are not afraid to cry and love for decades. Every game in the series is, at the minimum, good, but newcomers who are not sure where to start should just pick up Yakuza 0. Arguably the best game in the franchise, the prequel chronicles Kiryu and Majima’s earliest days in the Yakuza, and both playable characters have fully fleshed-out combat systems that utilize multiple styles that can be swapped at a moment’s notice.
Before shifting to turn-based combat, Yakuza focused on relatively simple beat 'em up action. While roaming the streets, players frequently get into fights with ordinary thugs, and you will mostly use fisticuffs to send any enemies flying into next week. Kiryu and Majima are specifically presented as powerhouses who can take down armies solo, and that comes across in the actual gameplay.
3 Ultimate Spider-Man
Spidey Is Cool, But Venom Is The Real Powerhouse
Ultimate Spider-Man
- Released
- September 22, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Treyarch
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
- Platform(s)
- PS2, Xbox (Original), GameCube, PC, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS
Everybody’s favorite neighborhood Spider-Man has had plenty of open-world adventures, most of which do a great job of highlighting the hero’s agility, reflexes, and punching power. Insomniac’s trilogy has the most complete gameplay, but if you just want to wreak havoc in a sandbox, Ultimate Spider-Man is the way to go. Along with boasting a comic-accurate visual style, the game emphasizes combat more than normal, delivering a system that is stylish and satisfying.
The Biggest Versions Of Spider-Man, Ranked
Spider-Man has appeared in a diversity of forms, and the following stand out easily as the biggest versions of the webslinger.
Crucially, Venom is not only playable but also effectively the second protagonist, so players will spend half a playthrough running amok as the burly symbiote. Compared to Spider-Man’s gymnastic routines, Venom is all about overwhelming enemies with sheer brute strength, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in his wake. He is awesome.
Black Suit Spider-Man also feels very powerful.
2 Prototype Series
The Best Open-World Games For Feeling Powerful
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Prototype
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- June 9, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITAL -
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Prototype 2
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7 /10Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Released
- April 24, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITAL
It is an absolute travesty that we do not live in a timeline where Prototype 5 is one of the biggest upcoming releases. As more than a decade has passed since Prototype 2, the series could very well be dead and buried, destined to be part of gaming history rather than a forever-developing legacy.
Don't get your hopes up too high, but rumors of Prototype 3 have been making the rounds.
Frustration aside, Prototype’s two games are at least accessible and replayable, so they will hopefully continue to acquire new fans for years to come. While featuring different protagonists, both games are about genetically-modified behemoths who turn Manhattan into their personal playgrounds, and they do not take prisoners. Alex and James have deadly, horror-ish abilities that are kind of reminiscent of Venom’s symbiote attacks, although they are even more impressive in practice than the anti-hero escapades in Ultimate Spider-Man.
1 The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
The Ultimate Powerhouse
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
- Released
- August 23, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Radical Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
Well, it is only fitting that the biggest powerhouse in fiction produced the best open-world game for feeling like a powerhouse. Bruce Banner has made his share of video game appearances over the decades, but The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction is arguably the only one to capture the hero’s terrifying strength and penchant for relentless destruction. Now, I admit, Radical’s game has not aged so unbelievably well to be a must-play in this day and age, especially for complete newbies who are not aided by the influence of nostalgia. Honestly, I would recommend Prototype and its sequel before the developer’s earlier effort.
That said, the open-world sections are still awesome, as the game mostly just steps aside and lets players live out their Hulk fantasies. The Green Giant is very much presented as a force of nature who can either bench press or jump over a skyscraper, and he runs through most opponents without breaking a sweat. Hulk is not only powerful but feels powerful. Even the weapon system is designed around showcasing the Hulk’s strength, as he mostly just uses cars and objects spread across the sandbox.
Best Open‑World Games for Casual Players, Ranked
Not every open-world game has to be intense and complex. These titles are perfect for casual players who just want to relax.