Summary
- Open-world games can feature protagonists who are anything but human, adding unique gameplay experiences.
- Games like The Witcher 3, Skyrim, and Biomutant offer players the chance to control non-human characters.
- Maneater and Goat Simulator provide simple yet fun gameplay loops as players control a shark or a playful goat in open worlds.
Open-world games are a blast to play through, with players relishing the idea of exploring amazing sandboxes in the shoes of a lovable protagonist. Some games in this genre let players create their own protagonist, while others let players control a pre-made character.
These characters are often as human as the players themselves, but sometimes, open-world games get creative and let players control protagonists who are anything but human. These characters are varied and do a great job of letting players live out a fantasy where they aren't constrained by the limits of their species. Here are some of the most interesting examples.
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8 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Players Control A Mutant With Heightened Senses
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Geralt was a human child who was chosen to participate in the Trials of the Grasses. This mutated him to become a witcher, who had great compatibility with the potions that induced this transformation, allowing him to undergo more experimental procedures. He may be hated and derided by other humans, but that doesn't stop Geralt from aiding people in need and taking monster contracts to let villages enjoy an easier life. In many ways, he's less of a monster than the horrible humans he meets during his travels.
7 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
A Wide Variety Of Playable Races, Some Less Human Than Others
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
Skyrim is one of the most beloved open-world RPGs of all time, and fans can't get enough of it almost 15 years after its release. Controlling the Dragonborn in an epic quest to save the world from Alduin feels even more fantastical if players choose to create an exotic character from a non-human race.
The Elder Scrolls universe features classic fantasy elves, but it has unique creatures too. The Khajiit are humanoid felines who are iconic in their own right, while Argonians are reptilian beings who bring some unique strengths to the table. These races are far from human, and do a great job of making Skyrim's journey as interesting as possible for players.
6 Biomutant
The Protagonist Is A Mammal Who Is Tiny Yet Deadly
BioMutant
- Released
- May 25, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
Biomutant had some nice ideas, even if poor execution bogged down the title somewhat. However, that should take nothing away from the charm of this title, along with the many risks it took.
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Choosing to stick to a single narrator for the entire tale is a fun choice and helps Biomutant feel more exotic. As long as players are willing to deal with gameplay loops that aren't too innovative, they'll have a ton of fun controlling their custom anthropomorphic protagonist in Biomutant.
5 Maneater
Terrorize People As A Shark
Maneater
- Released
- May 22, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Sometimes, all open-world games need to do is provide players with a simple yet refreshing gameplay loop that they'll gobble up in no time. This is precisely what makes Maneater such a compelling title, even though the core gameplay loop is as simple as they come.
Players control a shark who must devour fish and other creatures to get stronger and deal with the many threats that come their way. The gameplay loop may get repetitive after a point, but the novelty of controlling a shark can easily carry players through this fun and refreshing video game.
4 Goat Simulator
An Entertaining Rampage As A Goat In An Open-World City
Goat Simulator
- Released
- April 1, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Crude Humor, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, Simulation
Goat Simulator is a great video game for players who just want to mess around and wreak havoc in an open world. Players control the goofiest goat to ever exist, who gallivants around without a care in the world and causes destruction on a ridiculous scale. They will find many secrets and fun activities to spend their time on in this hilarious sandbox game that doesn't take itself too seriously. If players want to relax after a hard day, then gallivanting around as this goat is a great way to spend their time.
3 Sonic Frontiers
The Lovable Hedgehog Stars In An Open-World Adventure
Sonic Frontiers
- Released
- November 8, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Sonic Frontiers went fully open-world and convinced many people to finally give this blue hedgehog the time of day. Despite some issues stemming from its weird visual design and some on-the-rails gameplay, this is the most fun many people have had with a Sonic game in quite some time.
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That itself is enough to convince most people to give Sonic Frontiers a shot. The lovable blue marsupial might have fallen behind in his rivalry with an iconic Italian plumber over the years, but games like Sonic Frontiers show the potential of platforming games with a focus on swift movement.
2 Caves Of Qud
Players Can Start Their Journey Either As Mutants Or True Kin
Caves Of Qud
- Released
- July 15, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, RPG
Caves of Qud is one of the most complex open-world games fans can get their hands on, but it's an experience that will stick with players after they manage to get over the game's ultra-steep learning curve. There are two genotypes that players can select to start out as. Mutants are essentially humans with some anomalies, but most people prefer playing as the True Kin, descendants of the Eaters, who are notably easier for an early-game run. However, as players gain more levels and become more adept at playing this game, they'll realize that Mutants are better for experienced players.
1 Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora
Control A Na'vi Who Frees Pandora's Western Frontier From Exploitation
Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora
- Released
- December 7, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Language, Mild Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
There was a time when playing an open-world game set in the Avatar universe would have been tantalizing for players. However, this hype died down by the time Frontiers of Pandora was released, which is perhaps why this title didn't sell all that much. It's a shame, since under the cookie-cutter Ubisoft design is a gorgeous world that will leave players with their jaws on the floor. Players will feel a pressing need to save the Western Frontier from human influence, just to see the planet breathe again and treat them to beautiful visuals.
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