Given how popular the open-world genre is, it's easy to see why developers feel the need to add compelling elements to their offerings to stand out in the market. The best way to do this is by integrating an amazing story that will keep fans hooked from the very start.
8 Best RPGs For Story-Driven Gameplay With Minimal Combat
Some gamers enjoy RPGs for their combat encounters, but other RPG fans want to play games like Planescape and The Council where combat can be avoided.
This is easier said than done, especially given the high standards players have for writing in their video games. Thankfully, the following titles do a great job by making their story a priority and letting players enjoy a masterful experience that they won't forget anytime soon.
8 Red Dead Redemption 2
Boasts The Best Narrative Ever Featured In A Rockstar Game
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Engine
- RAGE
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- N/A
- Cross Save
- N/A
- Franchise
- Red Dead Redemption
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- How Long To Beat
- 50 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Rockstar Games are known for their lived-in worlds and engrossing missions, with the narrative being more of an excuse to let players enjoy some incredible set pieces. This is not the case in Red Dead Redemption 2, where the narrative is certainly a huge part of the overall experience.
Arthur Morgan is easily one of the greatest video game protagonists of all time, taking part in an amazing narrative where the man he looked up to ends up being the very reason why the group he's been a part of for years breaks up. The deep storytelling ties in with the game's Honor system, changing certain events based on Arthur's morality.
7 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt's Quest To Find Ciri Is Full Of Epic And Emotional Moments
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
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Engine
- REDengine 3
- Cross-Platform Play
- yes
- Cross Save
- yes
- Expansions
- The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone, The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
- Franchise
- The Witcher
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- verified
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 52 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a story-rich open-world RPG that catapulted CD Projekt Red's reputation to new heights. Players loved Geralt's epic journey to locate Ciri after he regained his memories following the events of the second game.
He meets old friends and new characters who aid him in a journey full of memorable moments, including some that can make fans tear up. If the epic narrative of the base game wasn't enough, then players can check out the two incredible expansion packs that let them enjoy more well-written lengthy adventures.
6 Fallout: New Vegas
The Storytelling In Both The Main Story And Side Quests Is Incredibly Compelling
Fallout: New Vegas
- Released
- October 19, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
Fallout: New Vegas is the reason why Obsidian Entertainment is hailed by many as one of the greatest video game developers of all time. The game's incredible writing and role-playing opportunities make it a generation RPG that fans should check out if they haven't already.
Fallout New Vegas: All DLC Start Locations & Level Requirements
There are four story DLC expansions for Fallout: New Vegas – this guide explains what the Courier has to do to start each one.
The many side stories of Fallout: New Vegas are great and worth checking out along with the main quest. From chilling vault experiments to local disputes that are riveting in their way, the writing of New Vegas is in a class of its own.
5 Mafia 2
An Open-World Game Where Players Witness Vito's Rise In The Mafia
Mafia 2
- Released
- August 24, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
The first two Mafia games are known for being story-rich experiences where the sandbox is just an accessory for the plot. However, this isn't a bad thing, especially since these well-written narratives are a treat to witness every single time.
Mafia 2 focuses on the rise of Vito Scaletta, whose ascent in the underworld is riveting to witness. Watching him be alienated by his family while his bonds with his partners-in-crime grow stronger is a sobering experience that hammers in just how layered and engaging Mafia 2's writing is.
4 Cyberpunk 2077
The Game's Rich Setting And Immersive World Enhances The Story Considerably
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Engine
- REDengine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- ps, xbox, pc
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Cyberpunk
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Once all the bugs in Cyberpunk 2077 were ironed out, players were able to experience an epic story without any issues. V takes part in a heist in Arasaka Tower with their closest friend, only to be roped into a conspiracy as his mind is taken over by Johnny Silverhand's engram.
Instead of letting this takeover take place, V hits up their allies and embarks on a journey in and around Night City to regain control of their body once and for all. It's an excellent setup, with the narrative delivering some solid writing in both the main story and some memorable side quests that show CD Projekt Red at its very best.
3 Death Stranding
Kojima's Eccentric Storytelling Shines In This Unique Game
Death Stranding
- Released
- November 8, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Engine
- Decima
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes! Players will share the same server as Steam and Epic users
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Death Stranding
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- PC Release Date
- July 14, 2020
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- November 7, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- September 24, 2021
- Genre(s)
- Action
- Platform(s)
- iOS, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 40 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- no
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Kojima is a brilliant personality in the video game industry, and fans were excited to see his work on Death Stranding. While the core gameplay loop was hard to get used to, the reception to this game eventually warmed over time as players realized just how much fun this game could be despite its simple mechanics.
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Sam needs to best vehicles to make his deliveries in Death Stranding.
Players will love delivering packages to make progress in the story in a fascinating world full of hostile BTs that will drag the player down if they get their hands on Sam. Despite some unintentionally hilarious dialogue, Death Stranding's story is a blast to experience and makes for a notable highlight of this amazing experience.
2 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
A New Chapter In The Series Full Of Amazing Writing, From The Emotional Main Story To The Goofy Substories
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
- Released
- November 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Engine
- Dragon Engine
- Franchise
- Yakuza
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 45 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- File Size Xbox Series
- 39 GB (November 2023)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Fans who want to check out the best story in a Yakuza game will love what Ichiban's debut adventure brings to the table. Fans who were worried about the many drastic changes brought about by this mainline entry could rest easy once they saw that the majority of these risks paid off.
It helps that Ichiban is a well-written protagonist, with his lovable and loyal personality making him an easy character to root for. After seemingly being forsaken by his patriarch, Ichiban embarks on a quest to uncover the truth where he's accompanied by several friends who aid him in his adventures.
1 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
This Time Around, The Conclusion Is More Satisfying And Helps The Story Stand Out
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Released
- February 4, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
- Engine
- CryEngine
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
- PC Release Date
- February 4, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- February 4, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- February 4, 2025
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
While Kingdom Come: Deliverance was a great title with an excellent story, the lack of closure in the ending disappointed some fans. The same can't be said for the sequel, which wraps up most loose ends nicely and serves as a satisfactory chapter in Henry's adventures.
Some players may be frustrated that his accolades aren't properly recognized near the end, but that's a small complaint in the grand scheme of things. As one would expect, Warhorse Studios knocked the game's narrative out of the park, turning it into one of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's strongest pillars along with its gameplay.
8 Great Open-World Games With No Loading Screens
Players can traverse these games' open worlds seamlessly without having to pause for loading screens.