For whatever reason, most open-world games tend to be RPGs with deep customization options, epic stories, loot, and quests. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a classic example, while something like Cyberpunk 2077 is a newer example. Then there are open-world games that have RPG elements without as many intricately intertwined systems.
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While they may not be classified as RPGs, they can feel as rich as they are in other ways. So, for open-world RPG fans who have exhausted all of the top games out there, they may want to look into these games, which may scratch similar itches. RPG-like or not, they’re just great open-world, or sandbox games set within sprawling cities.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Solve Puzzles, Raise Stats
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
The Zelda series has been RPG adjacent since the first release on the NES. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has dozens of trials players can go through, and once solved, they will get Spirit Orbs.
At statues, players can turn in four to raise health or stamina, which is a stat-based progression. Also, players can buy and upgrade armor sets, with accompanying bonuses, and weapons litter the world, which also rely on stats, even though they break easily.
God Of War (2018)
There’s Loot, Boy!
God of War
- Released
- April 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4
The God of War series has had RPG elements since the beginning as well, thanks to Kratos absorbing orbs to boost various weapons. In the 2018 reboot, it’s more apparent as players can find armor with various stat bonuses, which can then be upgraded.
Kratos can also buy skills, which will unlock various combat maneuvers to give players more ways to eradicate enemies. The journey is also far-reaching beyond the lands of Norse Mythology, and the best of RPGs, of course, instill a sense of wonder throughout campaigns.
Ghost Of Tsushima
Becoming A Samurai/Ninja Legend
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Ghost of Tsushima has one of the most mesmerizing worlds that realistically depicts Japanese lifestyle in the 1200s. As a disgraced samurai seeking revenge for his people, Jin can gain various sets of armor and tools to adhere to his noble samurai instincts, or he can adapt to his new ninja way to strike from the shadows.
Armor sets have stat bonuses, and players can learn skills to make Jin more fierce with the katana or deadlier from behind. Plus, the game is littered with quests and collectibles for players to fill their time.
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Skinning Is The Game
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
- Released
- October 29, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
Assassin’s Creed, as a series, would eventually go full RPG with a standard leveling-up system in 2017 with Assassin's Creed Origins. Before that, one of the most celebrated entries was Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag in 2013, which boasted several RPG elements.
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The biggest way players could boost the potential of Edward Kenway, the protagonist, was by hunting down animals. With specific skins, players could upgrade their armor or how much ammo they could carry with a very basic crafting system. Sailing to new islands and constantly being on the lookout for new animals was a big part of the pirate/assassin adventure.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Gadgets And Skills
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
Insomniac Games tends to add some sort of RPG element to their games, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is no different. By completing tasks and fighting bad guys, both Peter and Miles can earn skill points to unlock new combat maneuvers.
Also, each character can gain a set of tools to use in battle, which can be upgraded with the right materials. Along with that, there are tons of quests and collectibles to find around New York City, most of which can contribute toward gaining skill points and boosting gadgets.
InFAMOUS Second Son
A Shard-Based Economy
inFAMOUS Second Son
- Released
- March 21, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
inFAMOUS Second Son is another superhero game, although this one was developed by Sucker Punch, who also made Ghost of Tsushima. In this game, set in Seattle, players are a gifted protagonist, Delsin, who can gain different superpowers based on who he comes in contact with, which will happen throughout the course of the campaign.
He starts with a smoky fire ability, but he gains faster-than-light potential later on. By exploring Seattle, players can boost the potential of their superpowers through shards, which is the major upgrade system for the game.
Far Cry 3
The Definition Of Insanity
Far Cry 3
- Released
- November 29, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Open-World
Far Cry 3 is the game that changed everything for the Far Cry series, setting players up with more freedom than ever excite. As players explore the island they’re trapped on, they can gain EXP, which will in turn unlock skill points. There are a lot of side activities on the island to conquer, like taking over bases, which serve as major quests.
As a shooter with chaotic energy, it may not feel like an RPG at first, but the tropical location is wondrous, and that sense of reward after unlocking each new skill point will satiate those RPG cravings.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
A Network Of Leveling
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
- Released
- September 1, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Genre(s)
- Action, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain has an interesting gameplay loop as Venom Snake, Big Boss’s new codename, can go out to several biomes for missions. In these open environments, players can stick to mission objectives, or they can explore for soldiers and materials they can send back to Mother Base.
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With materials and soldiers, players can use them to build up sections of Mother Base or to make new gear. The more soldiers and materials players harvest, the bigger Mother Base will become. So, in a way, it’s a stealth game wherein players need to level up their base more so than their character, which in turn does aid Snake in the long run.
Star Wars Outlaws
Bold Choices In A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Star Wars Outlaws
- Released
- August 30, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence, Simulated Gambling, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure
One of the greatest RPGs of all time is also a Star Wars game, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. While Star Wars Outlaws isn’t a full RPG, it has enough elements to let players live out their days in the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars universe.
As a rogue, Kay, players will try to gain favor with various factions around the core planets they can explore. For example, on the first planet, Toshara, players can gain favor with the Pyke Syndicate. By siding with one faction, players can unlock new missions and even gain discounts with certain merchants, which can be used to unlock new gear and parts.
Dishonored
Whale Oil Makes A Man
Dishonored
- Released
- October 9, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
Dishonored takes place in a dystopian steampunk city, wherein it all thrives on whale oil. It’s a valuable currency within the lore, but players will use standard coins to unlock upgrades for their protagonist, Corvo.
Beyond his weaponry, players can also unlock new supernatural powers for Corvo after completing major tasks. The more powers they have, the easier it will be to carry out assassinations without being noticed around compounds. Blink, for example, can transport players across small gaps like a teleportation glitch.
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