Summary
- Open-world games combine genres for unique experiences - Goat Simulator 3 offers chaotic fun.
- Simulation games in open worlds engage players with complex systems like in Satisfactory.
- Project Zomboid blends survival and simulation elements for challenging, engaging gameplay.
Open-world gaming has become so widespread in the industry that this genre is combined with various other gameplay loops to ensure that these titles stand out. Action gameplay with diverse combat is an easy fit here, but there are other genre amalgamations that have been rather experimental, in comparison.
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The idea of playing an open-world simulation game can seem odd at first blush, but this combination of genres is more engaging than it has any right to be. Players love the simulation gameplay elements that they can interact with in a sandbox that encourages exploration and player agency.
8 Goat Simulator 3
A Goofy Open-World Game Where Players Unleash Chaos As A Goat
Goat Simulator 3
- Released
- November 17, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Coffee Stain North
- Publisher(s)
- Coffee Stain Publishing
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Goat Simulator 3 is one of the funniest open-world games players can get their hands on. This title is full of hilarious hijinks as players simulate the actions of a derpy goat to cause unlimited chaos in this game's sandbox.
It may be a meme game, but the sheer number of wild swerves in Goat Simulator 3 are so intense that players will love just how unpredictable things can get. The weirdness present at the start of this title is just a taste of what Goat Simulator 3 has to offer when it goes truly off the rails.
7 Satisfactory
Players Build And Manage A Factory
Satisfactory
- Released
- September 10, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Coffee Stain Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Coffee Stain Publishing
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Sandbox, Base Building, Open-World, Management
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Satisfactory is a fun factory simulation game that takes place in an open-world environment. Players must form an industrial complex and satisfy the needs of the megacorp they work for.
Players who want to check out a game like Factorio that doesn't rely on an overly challenging gameplay loop will have a blast. The jump from Phase 3 to Phase 4 may be unreasonable, but players who are okay with experiencing this game at its best and dropping it after completing all the realistic challenges will love what Satisfactory brings to the table.
6 Dredge
A Lovecraftian Fishing Simulator Set In A Chilling Open World
Dredge
- Released
- March 31, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Black Salt Games
- Publisher(s)
- Team17
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
It's impressive how Dredge turns the simple act of fishing into one of the most unnerving parts of the experience. Players take control of a fisherman in a Lovecraftian fishing simulator that is as atmospheric as they come.
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They navigate an open world with many interesting zones, circumventing challenges and completing optional activities along the way. The chilling mystery at the heart of this game is quite engaging and will keep fans coming back for more.
5 Medieval Dynasty
An Open-World Medieval Village Simulator With Survival And Crafting Elements
Medieval Dynasty
- Released
- December 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Medieval Dynasty is the perfect simulator game for players who want to enjoy a relaxing time in the countryside as they slowly build up a village from scratch. The title feels like a survival game at first, with the protagonist starting from scratch and eventually making a name for themselves.
Eventually, villagers arrive in their fledgling settlement and can be instructed to perform various tasks for the betterment of the village. Watching a small settlement turn into a flourishing village never ceases to get engaging and is a huge part of what makes the simulation side of things so enticing in Medieval Dynasty.
4 Euro Truck Simulator 2
Players Can Relax As They Explore A Beautiful World In This Driving Sim
Euro Truck Simulator 2
- Released
- October 18, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- SCS Software
- Publisher(s)
- SCS Software
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
- Platform(s)
- PC
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is one of the most relaxing driving simulations players can get their hands on. People with a steering wheel setup will love how relaxing it feels to drive one of many realistic trucks across detailed landscapes.
The simulation feels great to play as players strive to follow the rules of the road and not get into any untoward accidents. In many ways, it's an anti-chaos game, unlike most other open-world titles, that will serve as a breath of fresh air for most players.
3 SnowRunner
Features Arcade-y Elements Where Players Must Manage Tricky Routes
SnowRunner
- Released
- April 28, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Saber Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Saber Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Driving, Simulation
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
If players want to check out a driving simulation that is more goal-oriented and features elements of arcade gameplay, then SnowRunner is the way to go. A huge part of the gameplay loop is mapping out routes and configuring a truck to ensure that players don't get stuck in transit.
The simple act of delivering packages becomes oddly compelling in SnowRunner. Players will lose track of time as they spend hours trying to ace every task possible without experiencing a catastrophic failure.
2 Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
The Open-World And Battle Simulator Tags Are Just A Taste Of This Title's Many Gameplay Loops
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
- Released
- October 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- TaleWorlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- TaleWorlds Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
The Mount & Blade series can be tough for fans to get into, given how complicated it seems at first glance. However, players who sink in the hours required to master the game's battle simulation will love the many emergent gameplay mechanics at play.
Bannerlord brought some changes to the table that existing fans had to get used to, but most people agree it's a massive step above its predecessor. Players start with almost nothing to their name, eventually becoming valiant knights or noble lords through their own actions.
1 Project Zomboid
The Simulation Elements Of This Open-World Zombie Game Are Surprisingly Engaging
Project Zomboid
- Released
- November 8, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- The Indie Stone
- Publisher(s)
- The Indie Stone
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- PC
Players who want to enjoy an excellent survival game that takes place in a challenging sandbox and features notable simulation elements will love what Project Zomboid brings to the table. Improving the skills of a survivor will give players flashbacks to The Sims, although all their hard work can be undone in a flash with a simple mistake.
A single bite from a zombie is all it takes to end a player's run in Project Zomboid, and this is far from the only way players can witness an unexpected game over. Every death becomes a lesson as players learn from their mistakes and eventually gather the skills they need to survive for more than a few days.
