Summary
- Not all open-world games rely on combat for engagement, some focus on exploration, puzzles, and storytelling.
- Games like Outer Wilds, Eastshade, Sable, and Disco Elysium offer combat-free gameplay experiences.
- Relaxing and simple open-world games like A Short Hike and Yonder provide peaceful exploration for players tired of violence.
Most people assume that all open-world games come packed with a combat loop to keep players interested. While this statement is true for the majority of sandbox games, there are some titles with an open world that don't rely on combat to keep players engaged.
Instead, these games let players focus on puzzles, exploration, or storytelling to keep things engaging. When players get invested in these experiences, they'll barely notice that these games lack any weapons whatsoever.
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8 Outer Wilds
A Self-Contained Galaxy Where Players Can Go Wherever They Want
Outer Wilds
- Released
- May 28, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Alcohol Reference
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Outer Wilds is one of the most underrated video games players can get their hands on. Knowledge is the resource players gather in this game as they explore an intimate galaxy and its many planets. Based on the information they uncover, players will understand how to make progress in areas that were challenging to explore. This simple gameplay loop is a huge part of what makes Outer Worlds a must-play open-world game.
7 Eastshade
Focuses On Simple Exploration And Helping People Out
Eastshade
- Released
- February 13, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Mild Language, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Open-World
Players who want a simple, feel-good game where they control a painter will find Eastshade to be right up their alley. The world is full of anthropomorphic animals that players can help out of the goodness of their heart. This charming and relaxing presentation is a huge part of what makes Eastshade such a gem of an open-world game. It's perfect for players who want to explore a beautiful sandbox without being roped into stressful combat situations.
6 Sable
A Relaxing Sandbox Game With A Focus On Exploration
Sable
- Released
- September 23, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Sable's simple gameplay lets players explore massive deserts on a hoverbike as they're tasked with helping the protagonist complete a ritual. As one would expect, this involves a fair bit of traversal as players try to find the mask that will help the eponymous protagonist prove herself to her clan.
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Solving puzzles and engaging in platforming challenges is a huge part of what makes this title so special. The relaxing gameplay will be perfect for players who are tired of the relentless violence present in most open-world games.
5 Disco Elysium
Loosely Fits The Definition Of An Open World, And Lacks Combat
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
While there are weapons to find in Disco Elysium, players can't exactly use firearms liberally in the series. Rather, these guns serve as a way to propel the narrative of an amazing story-driven game that lets players explore the dense city of Revachol.
The immersive setting rewards players for exploring the game's world and inspecting everything that catches the detective's fancy. The city may seem small at first glance, but the depth of content present in this environment makes exploration such an enjoyable part of Disco Elysium.
4 A Short Hike
A Small, Simple Open-World Game About Climbing A Mountain
A Short Hike
- Released
- April 5, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Players who want a simple open-world game that will cause them to grin from ear to ear will love what A Short Hike brings to the table. All players need to do is find golden feathers to improve the protagonist's ability to climb, fly, and jump. This is a necessity, since players need to acquire cellphone reception at the top of a mountain. The short runtime and cozy setting help A Short Hike feel like a warm hug, making it one of the most peaceful open-world games players can get their hands on.
3 The Witness
Explore The World And Find Puzzles To Solve
The Witness
- Released
- January 26, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Alcohol Reference
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
Players who loved Braid were hyped for The Witness, which didn't disappoint. Players awake on a mysterious island full of puzzles that are deceptively challenging and can make players scratch their heads.
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This makes The Witness perfect for fans of puzzle games with a sense of exploration. The sandbox is full of unique puzzles that can be downright frustrating at times, only for the solution to arrive out of nowhere and help players enjoy an immense sense of satisfaction.
2 Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
A Zen Open-World Game About Saving A Nature Reserve
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
- Released
- December 11, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is one of the most interesting open-world games available. The title lets players explore a charming island, only for it to be revealed that the nature reserve in this humble location will be razed to make way for a luxury hotel.
As one would expect, the protagonist takes a pro-environment stance and decides to round up the support of as many residents as possible. This makes for a laid-back and charming experience as players enjoy the game's warm visuals, interacting with several charming personalities in the process.
1 Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
A Fun Adventure Where Players Capture Sprites To Clear The Murk
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
- Released
- July 18, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Life Simulation
After becoming trapped on the island of Gemea, the protagonist of Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles finds it to be covered in a dark substance called the Murk. Thankfully, all they need to do is collect enough Sprites to clear the corruption plaguing this island.
This simple setup sets the stage for a charming adventure as players do everything in their power to save this island from being overwhelmed by the Murk. In a sea of open-world games full of dark settings and brutal combat, Yonder stands out as a charming experience that is perfect for all ages and lacks any form of combat.
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