Summary
- Magic is a captivating force in video games, offering unique experiences in open-world settings.
- Games like InFAMOUS Second Son, Lichdom: Battlemage, and Noita focus on magical combat mechanics.
- RPGs like The Witcher 3, Arx Fatalis, and Hogwarts Legacy provide immersive experiences in magical open worlds.
Since the early days of gaming, players have been drawn to the allure of magic—the secret power that defies logic and reshapes reality. Whether it's controlling the elements, influencing minds, or summoning mythical creatures, magic has remained a captivating force in video games.
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Video games provide a limitless canvas for creativity, and magic is one of the most widely explored concepts, bringing unique and imaginative experiences to life. This creative freedom is even more pronounced in open-world games, where players can shape their journey and wield magic as they see fit. Pushing these possibilities even further, here are some must-try open-world games with a focus on magical combat.
11 InFAMOUS: Second Son
Magic Reimagined
inFAMOUS Second Son
- Released
- March 21, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
Long before Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch had already mastered the art of crafting compelling open-world experiences, with Infamous standing as a prime example of their expertise. Rooted in comic book inspiration, Infamous: Second Son is an open-world superhero action game that shines in many aspects, particularly in its open-world gameplay.
Even over a decade after its release, Second Son remains visually impressive in a genre that constantly pushes graphical boundaries. The city of Seattle in the game not only looks beautiful but also feels alive. The game looks best when in motion and even the tiniest detail is clear to the naked eye.
The Infamous series may frame its superpowers with pseudo-scientific explanations, but their fantastical nature brings them closer to magic. Unlike any other game on this list, Infamous: Second Son offers one of the most unique and exhilarating power systems to experiment with. From classic electricity-based abilities to more unconventional powers like video, neon, and concrete, the game delivers an electrifying adrenaline rush with every attack.
Set in a vast open world, Infamous: Second Son grants players complete creative freedom to unleash their abilities however they choose. With stunning visuals and smooth gameplay, it remains a thrilling experience—even a decade after its release, and likely for years to come.
10 Lichdom: Battlemage
It Only Takes A Mage To Annihilate These Foes
|
Release Date |
26 August 2014 |
|
Platform(s) |
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
|
Genre(s) |
Action RPG |
|
Developer(s) |
Xaviant |
|
Publisher(s) |
Maximum Games |
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Engine |
CryEngine 3 |
Lichdom: Battlemage is a first-person magic-based RPG where, instead of guns, players wield an arsenal of powerful spells to annihilate their enemies. Its fast-paced combat transforms the mage class into an unstoppable force. Designed for fluid and unrestricted magical combat, the game lets players unleash devastation without limitations. Right from the start, Lichdom: Battlemage showcases its stunning visuals, no matter where players find themselves. From its war-torn world to the dazzling magic effects and intricately designed creatures, every aspect of the game is visually captivating.
Lichdom: Battlemage was designed with one goal in mind: to make the mage as powerful as possible, and its combat delivers on that vision flawlessly. Emphasizing an aggressive playstyle, the game offers a vast arsenal of spells that can be combined to unleash devastation upon hordes of demons. However, it suffers from its own shortcomings, particularly an uninspired storyline. Despite this, Lichdom: Battlemage stands as one of the most satisfying FPS RPG experiences, truly embodying the power of a badass mage.
9 Noita
Every Pixel Is Alive
Noita
- Released
- October 15, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Roguelike
Opening Noita for the first time, players are greeted by its charming pixel art and the promise of a grand wizarding adventure—only to be ruthlessly torn apart moments later. This magic-infused action roguelite is relentless, pushing players to their absolute limits. While its pixel art style creates the illusion of serenity, the game's fully-simulated world ensures that chaos is always just a spell away.
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Noita doesn’t make things easy for players. With no XP system, permadeath, and no clear guidance, it constantly pushes players to explore and discover its world on their own. The game is overflowing with magic, throwing players into a chaotic, ever-changing maelstrom of destruction. Its spell system functions like a chemistry experiment, encouraging players to interact with the environment and uncover the complex alchemy that defines the game’s unique magic mechanics.
The game’s spell system boasts over 400 spells across eight distinct types, offering endless possibilities for players to tailor their combat style in each run. That said, Noita may not be for everyone, but those seeking a relentless and unforgiving adventure will find plenty to enjoy in this pixel hell.
8 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Swords Are Not Enough
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
It has been almost a decade since The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released for the masses by CD Projekt Red, but the game still remains one of the best open world RPGs of all time and, with its unique magical world, the game deserves to be mentioned in a list that talks about the best games to play when looking for an open world game with magic-focused combat.
Though combat in The Witcher 3 primarily revolves around Geralt’s swordplay, the role of magic is just as vital. Signs form the core of the game’s magical system, granting Geralt unique abilities to gain an advantage over both human and monstrous foes. From Quen, which creates a protective shield, to Igni, which unleashes searing flames, and Axii, which manipulates minds, the game encourages players to strategically wield these powers to shift the tide of battle. Beyond his superhuman combat skills, these magical abilities add depth and variety to combat, making encounters far more dynamic than simple hack-and-slash combat.
Another standout aspect of the game is its vast open world, often praised as one of the best in the genre. The Witcher 3 offers players a wealth of content, from hidden mysteries and exploration rewards to intense battles that enhance the combat experience. With a rich variety of stories woven throughout, the game ensures an immersive and rewarding adventure well worth the time and investment.
7 Arx Fatalis
Casting Magic Involves More Than Pressing Buttons
Arx Fatalis
- Released
- December 23, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Upon the release of The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind, the popularity of first-person open world games increased exponentially, and Arkane Studios’ Arx Fatalis became one of the first games to make the jump, but this is where the similarities end. The fantasy world of Arx is not as open as Morrowind, but it still grants plenty of room to explore, as any open world should.
The place where Arx Fatalis excels is its magic system and combat and this statement is even more true when one realizes how innovative the magic in Arx was for its time. The rune-drawing magic system in makes spellcasting fun. The system has plenty of room for innovation as well, as players can cast two or more runes in proper order to craft a new spell. This method creates organic growth as players remember new and powerful rune combinations over time, which also makes things progress from a logical perspective too. The game offers other ways to approach combat, like ranged and melee, but none compare to the magic system of the game. Arx Fatalis is a game that is worth trying out for players looking for an interesting fantasy magic system in an open world setting.
6 Forspoken
Where Magic And Adrenaline Collide
Forspoken
- Released
- January 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
When talking about open-world games that solely focus on magic-based combat, Forspoken is in the vanguard of the list. This action-packed RPG from Square Enix invites players to the mystical world of Athia, and while the game does not give a great first impression, it comes with its own set of powers.
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The highlight of Forspoken is its magic-focused energetic combat and flashy parkour movement system. Players are armed with magical spells and they utilize them traverse through the vast world of Athia seamlessly while fighting off enemies with style. As players make progress through the game, the magical skillset expands, allowing them to slash through corrupted foes with ease.
However, the positives of Forspoken end here, as the game falls short in almost every other aspect. That said, it’s still worth a try for those who think they would enjoy the gameplay, especially since it can be completed in under 15 hours.
5 Ghostwire: Tokyo
The Elements At Your Fingertips
Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Released
- March 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
In a world where the district of Shibuya is infested with supernatural creatures walking the streets with no human life present, Ghostwire: Tokyo throws the player into a nightmarish ghost town version of the iconic urban hub. Forging an unsteady alliance with a mysterious spirit, players step into the role of Akito, the protagonist of the story, who sets out on a ride against the supernatural.
Ghostwire: Tokyo’s open world presents a dazzling modern portrayal of Shibuya with an otherworldly atmosphere. It masterfully blends the neon-lit concrete jungle with the supernatural to create a vast and immersive world that faithfully recreates the popular hotspots of Shibuya along with the dark alleys where no one treads to replicate the look and feel of the real thing.
Ghostwire’s combat takes a different approach to the first-person shooter genre. Utilizing a system of elemental attacks, players can create a blazing fireball or a raging tornado with a snap before pulling the core out of their enemies' bodies and concluding it with an epic finisher. Wind, water, and fire form the foundation of combat, supplemented by tools like talismans and a longbow for added strategic depth.
All in all, Ghostwire: Tokyo is a visually stunning game, though not without its flaws. Its biggest drawback lies in the combat system. While fluid, the magic mechanics lack depth, making the gameplay feel somewhat repetitive in the later stages. However, this doesn’t take away from the game’s brilliance, as players engage in eerie, otherworldly experiences that could only unfold in a ghost-infested Shibuya.
4 Dragon’s Dogma 2
A Grand Adventure Awaits
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
When discussing games with magic-focused combat, it doesn’t mean players are restricted to using only magic, but rather that the game features a well-designed magic system with enough depth and detail to make a magic-only playthrough viable. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is one such game that deserves a spot on this list, offering a thoughtfully crafted magic system that allows for diverse and engaging gameplay.
Magic is abundant in Dragons Dogma 2, and this is clearly evident from the beginning of the game as players choose their vocation. From the starting vocation of Mage to advanced vocations of Sorcery or hybrid vocations like Magick Archer, Warfarer and Mystic Spearhand, players can make their entire gameplay experiences magic-focused. Classes like Mages and Sorcerers come with great destructive spells but are held down by stamina and the time needed to cast spells, making them play a more reserved role in the party as they position themselves to cast spells to wreak havoc on monsters.
The open world of Dragons Dogma 2 is nothing to scoff at either, as the game demands players travel and explore it on foot. The limited access to fast travel and transport makes players take a slow approach as they are forced to fight a variety of monsters as they travel through the wilderness. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a full package that includes an awesome dynamic open world and some of the best combat in the genre, truly making for a one-of-a-kind experience.
3 Elden Ring
Keep The Flasks In Check
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
FromSoftware has long offered players the chance to craft powerful mage characters, but Elden Ring takes this concept to new heights. Not only does it refine the magic systems seen in previous Souls games, but it also places players within a vast, open world ripe for exploration.
The Lands Between is a place that is unforgiving for the weak, yet it mesmerizes players with its infectious beauty. Despite its massive scale, Elden Ring rarely leaves the player feeling fatigued from its sheer volume. With plenty of things to explore from the moment players step foot in Limgrave, Elden Ring continues to lure newcomers deeper into its world.
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Magic in Elden Ring is just as liberating. The game does not restrict its magic system to a single class as long as players spend their points on the right stats. The spell variety is immense and varies from ranged projectiles like magical sword attacks to healing, hurling boulders or fireballs or acquiring the power of the stars to wreak havoc. Players can choose for themselves from a huge library of sorceries and incantations before heading off to fight greater enemies. Elden Ring is a magical journey for players, but not an easy one. Players are guaranteed to die many times before reaching the end, but whatever awaits the player at the end of this grand adventure is worth all the time and energy spent.
2 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
You're Finally Awake
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
Bethesda’s magnum opus and a game that is still actively talked about in the video gaming industry after an entire decade of its release, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is one of the best games a player can find to enjoy a magical adventure in a vast open world. From the moment players step into its world, there is hardly a dull moment—whether exploring hidden dungeons, mastering powerful spells, or battling mighty dragons. With countless adventures waiting at every turn, Skyrim ensures that players are always immersed in something captivating.
Skyrim offers a diverse range of playstyles, ensuring that every type of player finds something to enjoy. For magic enthusiasts, the game provides a system that is both accessible to beginners and deep enough to reward those willing to master its intricacies. Skyrim has over 150 spells that come with their own utility. Be it conjuring the power of gods or demons, the magic in Skyrim unlocks all kinds of possibilities for the player.
Furthermore, when the game itself isn’t enough, Skyrim’s vast modding community takes it to unimaginable heights. With libraries of mods expanding the open world beyond Skyrim’s borders and introducing entirely new power systems never seen in Tamriel, the game’s potential feels limitless. This endless evolution is a major reason why Skyrim remains a beloved classic, continually reshaped by fans into something fresh and extraordinary.