Summary
- Medieval fantasy-infused worlds create immersive backdrops for exciting and rewarding exploration, extending beyond just open-world games.
- Soulslikes like Dark Souls 3, Lords of the Fallen, and Elden Ring offer hidden paths, secret areas, and varied rewards that challenge players to uncover their mysteries.
- Open-world RPGs approach exploration differently: from Dragon's Dogma 2 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's minimal map markers to Assassin's Creed Valhalla and The Witcher 3's unrestricted vastness of places to visit.
The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, or something resembling this historical times with an addition of unique fantasy elements, is one of the most popular settings for video games. Each year, numerous titles set in medieval fantasy captivate millions of players worldwide for a variety of reasons. Exploration is one key aspect, as typically such games feature large, explorable locations teeming with secrets, treasures, and thrilling discoveries, which form a cornerstone of the entire experience.
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Given that medieval games can offer plenty of aspects to draw players into their worlds, such as the combat or the ability to live a second life, for this list, emphasis is placed solely on exploration and the sense of wonder these game worlds offer. Note that the selection includes not only open-world medieval games but those with imaginative and fantasy semi-open medieval settings. With that in mind, let's delve into some of the top medieval fantasy titles renowned for their rich exploration opportunities.
8 Dark Souls 3
Packed With Intricate Secrets And Hidden Areas
Dark Souls 3
- Released
- March 24, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Dark Souls 3 has become almost synonymous with the dark fantasy genre, standing as an iconic predecessor to Elden Ring. While it lacks the interconnectivity of earlier entries and instead consists of a series of separate levels, the game still delivers an exceptional and rewarding exploration, thanks to FromSoftware's signature level design.
The game is filled with secrets, illusory walls, and hidden paths, leading to new sections of its vast, intricate environments. Some of these smaller areas are so well-concealed that even players who have completed the game multiple times may never discover them. Additionally, entire optional zones can only be accessed through careful exploration and puzzle-solving, rewarding players with legendary boss fights, powerful weapons, and rare armor.
7 Dragon's Dogma 2
Rare And Effective Mechanics For Unique Exploration
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Dragon's Dogma 2 offers one of the most organic and unpredictable open-world explorations in the genre, though it may not suit every taste. Unlike many modern RPGs, it employs rare and unconventional mechanics that heighten the sense of adventure, including dangerous nighttime enemies, no fast travel in the traditional sense, and an overall high-stakes approach to progression. Players are forced to carefully plan their journey, as every decision carries weight and tension. As a result, they develop a strong attachment to each town and settlement, knowing they might not return for a long time.
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Beyond its mechanics, Dragon's Dogma 2 boasts a massive world brimming with discovery. With minimal map markers, a constant sense of danger from formidable enemies, and plenty of hidden locations, the game delivers a thrilling sense of the unknown. However, due to the limited enemy and loot variety, exploration might not feel as rewarding, especially after spending dozens of hours in the game.
6 Lords Of The Fallen
Dual Worlds With A Truly Dark, Tortured Aesthetic
Lords of the Fallen
- Released
- October 13, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- HEXWORKS
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
For fans of dark fantasy and soulslike games, Lords of the Fallen stands out as a hidden gem. While it doesn't feature a traditional open world, its large, interconnected environments offer a seamless exploration experience, reminiscent of Dark Souls, with no entirely separate locations or loading screens. What truly sets this soulslike apart is its dual-world mechanic, allowing players to shift between Axiom and Umbral to uncover hidden paths, secret areas, and intricate puzzles.
Visually, Lords of the Fallen is one of the most stunning soulslike games to date, powered by Unreal Engine 5. The game's dark, twisted, gothic world is a marvel, featuring pitch-black catacombs, burning towns, colossal castles, and eerie landscapes that create an immersive, nightmarish atmosphere.
5 Assassin's Creed Valhalla
An Absorbing Vastness Of A Multi-Region Journey
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Released
- November 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
The medieval fantasy genre is deeply rooted in Arthurian legends and Norse mythology, making Assassin's Creed Valhalla the perfect destination for any medieval fan. Set in early medieval Anglo-Scandinavia, the game delivers an almost post-apocalyptic feel, where the ruins of the fallen Roman Empire evoke a sense of mystery and discovery.
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Beyond England, players can explore Vinland, Francia, Ireland, and even mythical realms like Asgard — each with unique architecture, landscapes, and new gameplay mechanics. Assassin's Creed Valhalla rewards exploration with ancient artifacts, hidden treasures, valuable loot, and legendary gear scattered across towering ruins, underground tunnels, and abandoned cities.
4 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
A Ticket To An Immersive Medieval Life
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Released
- February 4, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Open-World
Just like its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is one of the best open-world RPGs for players seeking true medieval immersion. Unlike many modern RPGs, the game emphasizes organic exploration rather than overwhelming players with map icons and waypoints. In this massive, historically accurate world, players have complete freedom to explore, but limited fast travel and even saving options make every journey a strategic decision with real consequences.
The world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is breathtakingly beautiful, packed with hidden secrets, easter eggs, and unique discoveries. Unlike any other RPG, the game excels in making players feel truly connected to its lands, characters, and natural events, creating a world that feels authentic and lived-in.
3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
An Unmistakable Mood And Atmosphere
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
The colossal, multi-region open world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the game's crowning achievements. Much like its strong narrative and memorable characters, the world itself plays a leading role, featuring stunning landscapes, dynamic weather, breathtaking sunsets, and a variety of deadly creatures lurking in the wild.
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One of The Witcher 3's greatest strengths is its world diversity. The game offers distinct and richly detailed regions, each with its own unique culture, mood, and music. From war-torn, swampy Velen to the rugged Viking-inspired mountainous Skellige and the sun-soaked vineyard-laden kingdom of Toussaint, every region's exploration feels fresh. With Roach, Geralt's loyal horse, travel feels seamless, and players can expect adventures, dangers, and hidden treasures no matter where they choose to roam.
2 Skyrim
Freedom At Its Finest
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
It's hard to say anything new about The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim after so many years of undying popularity. Even today, thousands of players continue to explore its vast world daily, proving that Skyrim offers one of the most immersive open worlds in gaming. Skyrim offers unparalleled freedom, a world where every corner hides secrets, lore, and meaningful activities that players can dedicate hundreds of hours to.
Unlike many modern open-world games that boast sheer size, Skyrim relies on density and environmental storytelling, making its world feel alive, even when the player isn't there. Despite its age, Skyrim remains a benchmark for open-world exploration. The phrase "It's not about the ending, it's about the journey" has never been more fitting.
1 Elden Ring
Variety Is Key
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
What happens when one combines FromSoftware's signature-level design seen in Dark Souls and Bloodborne with a massive, open world unlike anything before? The result is Elden Ring — a game that redefines exploration and discovery in the fantasy RPG genre. The Lands Between is a masterclass in world-building and density, featuring breathtaking landscapes, where every distant vista is fully explorable, hidden underground realms and entire cities buried deep beneath the surface, sky-high, seemingly unreachable locations, and secret-rich level design.
Beyond its world design, Elden Ring offers unmatched variety in every aspect: from weapons and combat styles to enemies, bosses, and environments. Even after dozens of hours, the game remains fresh, surprising, and packed with secrets, solidifying its place as one of the greatest exploration-driven RPGs available today.
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