Not all open-world games need a story to keep fans engaged. Sometimes, the gameplay itself can be so riveting that players will forgive these games for not being too heavy in the narrative department.
It may seem foreign to fans, but the excellent gameplay of these titles is more than enough to keep fans engaged for the long haul. In a way, players carve out a story of their own in these games instead of following a pre-ordained path, simply by exploring and engaging with the open worlds.
8 Best Open-World Games With Dynamic Worlds
These open-world games impress with their dynamic worlds, providing players with immersive places that live and breathe without them.
The Matchless Kungfu
Freeform Structure Promotes Gameplay Over A Narrative
The Matchless Kungfu
- Released
- November 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, RPG
Players who want a challenging open-world game with a heavy dose of martial arts will love what The Matchless Kungfu brings to the table. The game's progression depends on the player's progress, allowing them to place certain chunks on the map after fulfilling certain requirements.
Without a main story, players are encouraged to play the game however they wish. Mastering the combat and struggling to survive while dealing with the game's weird rebirth system is compelling. Players will love spending a ton of time mastering the game's combat.
Caves Of Qud
An Open-World Roguelike That's All Gas, No Brakes
Caves Of Qud
- Released
- July 15, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, RPG
An open-world roguelike that throws players into the thick of it in no time, Caves of Qud is not a game for impatient players. It takes a while for players to figure out the gameplay mechanics enough so that they won't die after their first combat encounter.
Mastering the game's mechanics and allying with the game's factions is so riveting that most players will just ignore the main quest. The 's focus is more on organic gameplay moments, with the scope of this title making up for its rudimentary graphics.
No Man's Sky
The Core Focus Of This Game Is Spacefaring Exploration
No Man's Sky
- Released
- August 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
No Man's Sky overcame a horrendous launch to become one of the best space exploration games fans can check out. Getting to the center of the universe is just an elaborate excuse for players to check out this massive universe.
Traveling in space, harvesting resources, exploring planets, and engaging in the many side activities added via updates makes for a great time. If players want a relaxing exploration game, then No Man's Sky will be right up their alley.
Kenshi
Bucks Modern Trends And Lets Players Carve Their Own Path
Kenshi
- Released
- December 6, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- nr
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Open-World, Survival
Kenshi is a unique open-world game where players don't have any goal to follow. They create a character, choose a background, and are dropped into a random location in the world based on this choice.
From this moment, players can do whatever they want in this sandbox. As challenging as this game may be, slowly making progress and interacting with the game's deeper systems makes for a great time that shows Kenshi players just how far they've come.
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
Organic Gameplay That Isn't Constrained By Linear Storytelling
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
- Released
- October 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Strategy
The Mount & Blade games are known for giving players a ton of freedom, letting them pursue goals of their own making in a wide-open sandbox. Bannerlord is no exception, with this sequel being bigger and better than ever before. Players can control a gang of misfits, operate under a Lord, or form a legacy of their own that's totally independent from anyone else. Either way, the sky's the limit in Mount & Blade 2.
Dragon's Dogma 2
The Combat Is The Meat & Bones
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
Dragon's Dogma 2 features one of the best combat systems in the series. Sure, there may be a plot, but it's a threadbare excuse that encourages players to explore the world and make the most of their vocations.
8 Best Open-World Games That Start Small and Expand Gradually
Things may start out small in these open-world games to help players adjust, but in the end, they expand to massive, immersive experiences.
As the combat system opens up even more, players will get to face off against the game's strongest enemies and enjoy the progress they've made. The core gameplay loop of Dragon's Dogma 2 is so strong that players will forget about everything else.
The Sims 3
An Open-World Entry Considered To Be The Franchise's Peak
The Sims 3
- Released
- June 2, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
The Sims 3 is an amazing open-world life simulation title where there isn't a main story to find. Rather, the narratives that form are the ones that players have a direct hand in, as players guide their Sims on their journey from being an infant before growing into a competent adult who wants to pursue a career.
Players will have a blast engaging with the gameplay mechanics of The Sims 3 in this open-world setting. It's a shame that the sequel discarded this approach, making it a disappointment in the eyes of many.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
With A Focus On Gameplay, The Bulk Of The Story Is Optional
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Breath of the Wild is one of the greatest open-world games ever made. After a brief tutorial where Link is told to head to Hyrule Castle and save the princess, players are thrown into an open world full of things to do.
From this moment, players can explore wherever they want, even going so far as to make a beeline for Hyrule Castle, if they wish. Of course, the Guardian Stalkers will sober them up as they explore various corners of the world to become stronger before finally heading to the castle and stopping Ganon by any means necessary. There are some story cinematics, but the vast majority of them are optional and aren't required to enjoy the game.
8 Best Open-World Games That Offer Freedom In Playstyle
These great open-world video games offer players peerless freedom in playstyle, allowing a variety of ways to carve a path through their unique world.