Summary
- Some open-world games can sometimes feel empty, leading to a sense of loneliness, while others make players feel connected.
- Players can reshape and rebuild the world as they wish in games like Minecraft and My Time at Sandrock.
- Games like A Short Hike, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Spiritfarer provide players with opportunities to build relationships, discover hidden secrets, and immerse themselves in great storytelling.
Open-world games can provide players with absolute freedom to explore and sometimes reshape the land as they see fit without challenge, unless everything on the map is out to kill them, of course. Oftentimes, such game worlds can feel a bit empty, causing a sense of loneliness, especially in cases where there are no or few NPCs, or they feel a bit robotic, mindlessly repeating the same actions daily.
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There are times when an experience comes along that offers feelings of connection, whether that is with the world itself, other players, characters, or oneself. These are some of the best open-world games for feeling connected, ranked based on a combination of the feelings they evoke, their overall quality, and popularity with fans.
A Short Hike
Vibe With The Island & Its Hikers
A Short Hike
- Released
- April 5, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
Often described as a heartwarming experience, A Short Hike is a charming game where players control a young bird called Claire, who is visiting her aunt at Hawk Peak. It's highly encouraged that the game is enjoyed slowly, taking in every detail and investigating every nook and cranny to really make the most of this adventure.
Many players feel a connection with the world itself in this game, discovering hidden paths and enjoying the wholesome vibe of the area. Helping other hikers in need is incredibly rewarding, while chatting or playing minigames with others can also provide deep and meaningful bonds. Overall, it can give players a deeper appreciation of nature, and possibly even themselves.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Bond With Characters & Immerse In The World
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
It may seem a ridiculous notion that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can provide feelings of connection, especially given the intense combat and subject matter. Despite that, the narrative is branching and well-written, drawing players into the game world and making the majority of the characters Geralt of Rivia encounters feel real.
Apart from feeling immersed in the game world and forging strong friendships with many NPCs and communities, some romantic storylines and scenes can be genuinely touching. Encounters with Yennefer, Triss, Shani, and others are heartwarming, though there are also some bittersweet moments, especially when being forced to choose one sorceress over the other.
My Time At Sandrock
Build A Town & A Community
My Time At Sandrock
- Released
- November 2, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Comic Mischief +
- Developer(s)
- Pathea Games
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation, Farming
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Taking place over 300 years after an apocalyptic event, My Time at Sandrock places players in the eponymous town of Sandrock, where they must rebuild this struggling community. Not only does the Builder bring the locals together and return the town to its former glory, but they can also settle down and find a spouse.
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Apart from building, mining, farming, and protecting Sandrock from the many dangers that lurk nearby, there are countless quests specific to certain NPCs, plus plenty of minigames to enjoy with them. Players who see the land transform and relationships blossom thanks to their actions are sure to feel a sense of achievement and be viewed positively by the locals.
Death Stranding
Bring People & Communities Together
Death Stranding
- Released
- November 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Genre(s)
- Action
- Platform(s)
- iOS, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Death Stranding is a game that is all about forming connections in a very isolated world. Traversing the land in interesting ways as Sam Porter Bridges, a courier who generally remains in solitude, the goal is to bring hope to the survivors in the remnants of America after a strange event caused horrifying monstrosities to roam the earth.
Overcoming isolation as a theme is handled very subtly and naturally, as Sam delivers cargo to communities, survivalists, and researchers, forging new friendships among them. The asynchronous multiplayer mechanics allow players to see signs of others, either through items or other helpful structures left behind, making them feel supported and the desolate world feel more populated.
Final Fantasy 15
Four Friends On A Road Trip
Final Fantasy 15
- Released
- November 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Perhaps more than any other game in the popular franchise, Final Fantasy 15 emphasizes the tight-knit bond of its main characters. The protagonist, Noctis, and his three best friends build a strong relationship as they travel around the land of Eos, completing quests and meeting interesting people throughout their journey.
Each of the four friends brings something unique to the proceedings, from Ignis and his exquisite culinary offerings and Prompto's firearm skills to Gladiolus with his strength and combat expertise. Camping together, fighting together, and eating together build a strong kinship shared between the four friends, which is still clear to see during some very challenging times in their collective adventure.
Spiritfarer
Build A Boat & Grant Final Wishes For Spirits
Spiritfarer
- Released
- August 18, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
A wholesome game about death, Spiritfarer is a game where a box of tissues should always be nearby while playing it. Taking over as the new ferryman to the dead, Stella and her cat Daffodil must gradually build up their boat, pick up spirits, and care for them on their journey to the afterlife, performing quests for these deceased individuals before they can cross over.
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It's an incredibly emotional experience, learning about the lives and regrets that each spirit had, even leaving some feeling unfulfilled as they depart through the Everdoor. Saying goodbye is always difficult after forging strong bonds, but it is a necessary part of life, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey while it lasts and accepting fate.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Cooperation Is Key In Difficult Times
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released
- May 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated E for Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Taking place several years after the events of its predecessor, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom brings out all kinds of emotions in players. If experiencing it for the first time after Breath of the Wild, then seeing how the world and its inhabitants have changed is striking, and it features some of the best companion-based quests in gaming.
Each region in Hyrule has problems which Link can help to alleviate, giving players a feeling that their actions have an impact on the game world. There is also a sense of connection through time, given the situation with Zelda and Link's arm belonging to an ancient Zonai King, granting him unique abilities that help during the quest to stop Ganondorf.
Minecraft
Completely Transform The Land
Minecraft
- Released
- November 18, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Mojang
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
- Platform(s)
- 3DS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
One of the most popular games of the last two decades, Minecraft endures on the market, continuing to receive updates to its deep, varied, and approachable gameplay and game worlds. The ability to completely transform the world, block by block, allows players to feel ownership over their creations, forging a connection with their constructions.
Even exploring a new map, encountering creatures, villagers, and hostiles, as well as stumbling into each diverse biome, can still generate a sense of wonder. Taming animals and keeping them as pets is a great way to stave off loneliness in a single-player game, but multiplayer worlds can be an excellent means of cementing friendships with others while working toward a common goal.
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