Open-world games are freeing, until they aren’t in some cases. For example, Elden Ring has one of the coolest open-world environments to explore without any hand-holding, but this is a double-edged sword. To see it all, players have to grind for levels to raise stats, along with finding a suitable amount of gear to create a character build that can take them to the endgame. They also have to worry about whether they are making the right choices or if they are crafting a build that will collapse against tougher opponents.
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While this can be immersive, it’s also not what every open-world fan wants out of each game they play. So, are there any open-world games out there that let players customize their characters in some way without it mattering too much in the end? The following examples all have some sort of skill or equipment options, meaning that classics like Grand Theft Auto 5 will not be considered since that’s not part of the gameplay loop.
We are going to focus on open-world games that provide build options, but you can pretty much go with whatever you like. No need to worry about min-maxing stats or optimizing loadouts.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
A Link To The Past
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild gives players a few ways they can raise Link’s capabilities, but there is no one build for armor sets that can make life easier. First off, two stats can be increased: Stamina and Health. More Health, aka Hearts, means Link can take a few more blows, and Stamina will allow players to swim, glide, and climb longer. By doing puzzle dungeons, players will earn Spirit Orbs, and four of those can be exchanged for either an increase to Stamina or Health.
By cooking various recipes, stamina and health can be restored, or increased temporarily, so with the right resources, even these stat increases aren’t fully necessary, but they do make things easier. Besides the Master Sword, which needs to recharge, all weapons and shields break pretty easily in the game, so there is no real ultimate weapon to strive for. As for Link’s gear, players can get him headgear, body armor, and pants. Each item typically has a defense stat associated and sometimes and bonus perk too, like the Zora Helm, which can increase swim speed. Wearing full armor sets typically boosts effects, and they can be good in certain areas for sure. Are they needed to get through the game’s hardest challenges? The simple answer is no.
Ghost Of Tsushima
The Samurai And Ninja Way
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Set in Japan, Ghost of Tsushima presents a more realistic world than BOTW, along with a story that is inspired by history. As Jin, players will have to free the island of Tsushima from Mongolian invaders as either a samurai warrior or a ninja. You don’t need to worry about getting new weapons, because Jin’s ancestral blade is all he needs, although you can dress up his sword with different scabbards, which will not affect performance. Different armor sets increase stats and grant Jin various boons. One example is the Ghost Armor set, which can reduce enemy detection if players are sneaking around camps, and if caught, there is a chance the armor can frighten enemies into a stunned state.
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Players can also equip charms that can grant various perks, like the Amaterasu charm, which will heal Jin upon killing enemies. Doing various tasks will earn skill points, which can be used to increase Samurai, Stance, or Ghost skills. Stats can also be increased from mini-games in the open-world, like taking a dip in hot springs can increase health. Following one path to create a build accompanied by an armor set could work, but having a broadly defined character is better. Overall, what will get you the furthest is using stealth when available and learning to dodge and counter enemy blows in the heat of a standoff.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Dress To Impress
Donkey Kong Bananza
- Released
- July 17, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Donkey Kong Bananza puts players in control of Donkey Kong, but he is also accompanied by Pauline, who doesn’t do much outside of co-op. As an action platformer, DK starts pretty powerfully as he can run, jump, climb walls, smash through objects, pick up debris to hit enemies, and even surf on land. By collecting banana-like gems called Banandium, players can get skill points to boost DK’s potential. He can gain more health, increase his punch strength, or unlock new skills like the ability to surf on the water. While all of those skills can make exploring easier, it’s not a big issue, as the game has a mid-level of difficulty.
The hardest parts are the optional platforming challenges, but having good gear or skills unlocked isn’t going to improve anything there. It’s all about timing. Speaking of gear, players can change DK’s fur color, which does nothing, but his pants and ties do have perks attached. The Banandium Chip Bolo tie can earn players more Banandium Chips, while the Red Britches can increase swim speed. Pauline can dress up in outfits too and give DK some more bonuses, like the Black Tempest Coat can increase the time players stay in the Elephant Bananza form. The final thing worth mentioning in Donkey Kong Bananza is the story-based powers that can change DK into other animals, all with unique powers, including the aforementioned Elephant Bananza, which can suck up objects and spit them back out. These are mandatory to complete the story, but you don't need them for 95% of the game.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Just Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Marvel's Spider-Man
- Released
- September 7, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World
Marvel’s Spider-Man is still the simplest of Insomniac's trilogy, as it is just about Peter Parker trying to balance his life between being a hero and a good citizen of New York City. Swinging around always feels good, as does the action-based combat that emphasizes Spider-Man's raw power and agility. With a good Spidey-Sense, players can counter enemies very easily, or at least they can with practice. As a superhero, players will be equipped with the best powers imaginable for a Spider-Man video game, so there is no need to lean into making various builds work between the gadgets, skills, and costumes.
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That said, those who do want to dig deep can find some fun in the following. Finding parts can build gadgets for combat, like the Spider-Drone, which can defend Spider-Man until it gets broken. There are three skill trees – Innovator, Defender, and Webslinger – and diversifying between the three is the best possible choice. Finally, suits are not just a callback to Spider-Man’s past as a franchise because they have perks attached. The Last Stand Suit makes it so enemies cannot block attacks, and all suits can be modded too. So, there are ways to make Peter a better Spider-Man, but it’s like going from 100% cool to 110% cool.
InFAMOUS Second Son
Define Your Superhero
inFAMOUS Second Son
- Released
- March 21, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
inFAMOUS Second Son is another superhero game, but unlike Peter Parker, Delsin Rowe has a more varied list of powers. He can absorb powers and use them as his own, sort of like Rogue from the X-Men. These powers will be unlocked through the story, and the core types include Smoke, Neon, Video, and Concrete. Like the other inFAMOUS games, players can earn Karma by being a good or villainous hero. For example, saving citizens in danger as they explore Seattle is good, while just killing them with devilish glee is bad.
Players can collect shards around the city, which can be used to buy or upgrade skills. Some of these skills require full good or full dark side energy, marked by the red and blue coloration in the menu. Delsin’s starting power, Smoke, allows him to shoot up chimneys, glide, infuse his chain with fire, and shoot fireballs. More powers can be unlocked from there, and players can choose one type to main, and they will be good; however, like the other examples, variation will always be the key to success. It should also be noted that the clothing options are cosmetic only. The only other thing worth mentioning is to choose a side of Karma to follow, because being in the middle is no good.
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