Summary
- Games like God of War, Sekiro, and Shadow of the Colossus meld mythology into open-world gameplay seamlessly.
- Norse, Greek, and Slavic mythologies play a significant role in the gaming world, creating unique and captivating experiences.
- Games such as Hellblade, Immortals: Fenyx Rising, and The Elder Scrolls incorporate Celtic, Greek, and Roman mythologies to enrich open-world adventures.
The beautiful thing about gaming is its ability to transport the gamer to a world that can only be experienced through virtual gameplay. Gamers can be anyone they want, from knights in shining armor to playing the role of a powerful villain, each with their own intricate story.
However, what makes a game truly legendary is its ability to weave mythology and lore into a story.
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Combine this with an open-world map and suddenly, a brand-new fan favorite is born—and it's usually one full of vibrant characters and behemoth monsters. Here are some games that have left a mark on the world of gaming through their bold mythology and open-world concepts.
10 God Of War Ragnarok
An Emotional Story Set In The Nine Realms
God of War Ragnarok
- Released
- November 9, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
God of War Ragnarok left an emotional impact on the world that is still felt three years later. Its story, however, follows its own incredible mythology as Kratos and his son, Atreus, try to prevent the coming of Ragnarok.
As the game progresses (and, of course, becomes more difficult), gamers will be faced with both friend and legendary foe—and that's not even the best part. As the two heroes search each or the Nine Realms, players can explore each Nordic mythology-based land, revealing even more nods to an ancient culture.
9 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Japanese Folklore Shapeed This Story And World
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Released
- March 22, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a beautiful example of what can happen when Japanese folklore is woven into a fictional world. There are various nods to Shintoism throughout the game, and it has deep roots in the tales surrounding the environments, including the game's shrines.
As the story unfolds, these ties are only strengthened through the legendary creatures players meet in-game. Sekiro brings to life traditional elements in a game that continues to dazzle, while also teaching fans about Japan's historical legends.
8 Shadow Of The Colossus
Titanic Colossi Are Akin To Those In Greek Myths
Shadow of the Colossus
- Released
- February 6, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
While some games stick to one culture's mythology, Shadow of the Colossus incorporates elements from a variety of ancient lores.
The Colossi, as well as the giants the game is based on, are not all that dissimilar from the giants portrayed in both Greek and Norse mythology.
The game itself also plays out like a legend from mythological lore, with the protagonist, Wander, on a mission to bring back the woman Mono from the dead, and seeks the help of an ancient, disembodied power to do so.
7 Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
The Celtic Influence Is Strong Here
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Released
- August 16, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice is a game similar to God of War in the sense that the mythological ties are obvious, and they are many. Part of what makes Hellblade so uniquely impactful is its Norse and Celtic-inspired world-building, helping to craft a story that has stuck with players for some time.
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Senua's warrior journey through the underworld could be analyzed in many different ways, but it is rooted most deeply in European mythology. Further proof of this lies in Senua herself, as she shares a name with a Celtic goddess.
6 Immortals Fenyx Rising
Straight Out Of A Greek Epic
Immortals Fenyx Rising
- Released
- December 3, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
This open-world adventure is truly one of its kind, with a story taken directly from the pages of a Greek mythology book. The core dilemma of Immortals Fenyx Rising is that Fenyx must find a way to save the Olympians from Typhon, an absolute monster of a titan.
In traditional Greek mythology, Typhon fought both Zeus and the Olympians and was a force to be reckoned with—not unlike in this game. As far as mythological accuracy goes, this game is pretty on-point with its lore, even if it approaches the subject matter with a more tongue-in-cheek tone than its inspirations did.
5 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
A Melding Of Mythologies Helped To Create This Classic
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
The Elder Scrolls is by far the most well-known franchise when it comes to mythology, and one of the most highly praised regarding its unique lore. Skyrim takes notes from Greek, Norse, and even Roman mythology to create an open world that is wholly unique, enticing, and oftentimes, terrifying.
From the Nine Divines to the Nordic Pantheon, Bethesda made no secret of their divine inspiration for this title. While it isn't wholly set on portraying one single mythology, the blending of ancient folklore on display is one for the ages.
4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Slavic Folklore Shines Through In This Series
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
The Witcher is another franchise that's entirely rooted in a blending of mythologies. Specifically, The Witcher 3, which also happens to be an open-world game.
With direct nods to European folklore, The Witcher 3's characters and fiercest enemies are distinctly Slavic in their mythos. With enemies such as Striga and Kikimora, this game brings to life a culture that thrives in this fantasy setting.
3 Dragon's Dogma 2
Enemies And Bosses Reflect A Mythological Undertone
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
The mythology in Dragon's Dogma 2 comes from its lore-inspired monsters. With heavy influences from Greek, Egyptian, and Western mythology, the story itself could be considered a direct nod to epics such as the Illiad and the Odyssey and more contemporary works like The Lord of the Rings.
As epic adventures go, this game's open-world combat reveals enemies like chimeras, griffins, and even minotaurs. Even further tributes to Greek mythology can be seen throughout the game's environments, some of which emulate Ancient Greece.
2 Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Historically Accurate, For The Most Part
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
- Released
- October 15, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Open-World
Assassin's Creed Odyssey is no different than the other games on this list. This time, though, players are faced with a chance to explore a digital realization of Ancient Greece and even come face to face with some of its greatest legends.
While the game does take liberties to maintain the fantasy aspect of its gameplay and story, many aspects are true to historical context. History buffs were pleasantly surprised, while gamers were thrilled to face off against mythical creatures that only existed in folklore.
1 Diablo 2
Christian And Pagan Undercurrents Run Through This Game's Lore
Diablo 2
- Released
- June 28, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
While the title gives some of it away, the Diablo franchise is seeped in Christian iconography. Diablo 2 applies an open-world element to this while offering its own creative mythology in addition to the Christian icons that laid the franchise's foundation in the first game.
Elements such as angels and demons, heaven and hell, and even inspiration from pagan folklore can be found throughout this game's premise, while simultaneously bringing something new to the table with a standout dark fantasy setting unique to Diablo alone.
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