Spoiler Warning: Due to the nature of this list, some narrative spoilers are discussed for each entry.
Summary
- Experience unique and compelling gameplay by going through open-world games multiple times.
- Second playthroughs can offer a fresh perspective, balance, and varied challenges.
- New Game+ modes in open-world games introduce twists, unique changes, and heightened difficulty for a new adventure.
Open-world gaming has become one of the most popular genres in the industry. Fans love how impressive certain sandbox games are, compelling them to explore every inch of the world and uncover everything it has to offer.
7 Best Open-World Games With No Leveling Up, Ranked
These open-world games incorporated more unique ways to make players stronger without the need to level up.
The best open-world games are the ones that incentivize players to go through the experience a second time. In certain instances, some games feel much better on another playthrough for a bevy of reasons.
8 Cyberpunk 2077
Greater Knowledge Of The Game Lets Players Experiment With Unique Builds
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Cyberpunk 2077 has a bunch of mechanics that players will spend a few hours mastering. However, by the time they finally understand how combat works, they'll already be pursuing a build that they may not prefer.
This becomes a thing of the past in a second playthrough, especially for players who played the game before Update 2.0. The game just feels different and more balanced, to the point where combat can feel better than it ever did on the first playthrough.
7 Disco Elysium
Making A Different Build And Trying Different Choices Is Great
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- ZA/UM
- Publisher(s)
- ZA/UM
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Stadia
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Disco Elysium can be a tough nut to crack at times. Fans don't know what to expect from a title that markets itself as an RPG without combat, only for fans to be floored by the amazing writing and distinct humor of this title that keeps them engaged till the very end.
By the time players reach the end, they'll want to try out this game once again by prioritizing other skills to see how the world is shaped by a new set of actions. This is especially true if players haven't tried The Final Cut, which adds fully voiced dialogue and some additional content for players to uncover.
6 Ghost Of Tsushima
With Upgrades, Pulverizing Enemies Is A Blast
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Ghost of Tsushima is one of the best open-world games on the PS5, with an amazing combat system that is wildly entertaining to master. By the time players unlock all the skills, they'll have reached the end of Jin Sakai's journey.
8 Best Open-World Management Games, Ranked
These excellent open-world management games offer diverse opportunities to explore, build, and create.
However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, with New Game+ allowing players to use their diverse skillset in another playthrough. Players can acquire unique gear in this mode and even give the Iki Island DLC a shot to see what new tricks this game has up its sleeve.
5 Batman: Arkham Knight
The Challenge Is Ramped Up To The Max, But Batman Has The Skills In His Arsenal To Counter Them
Batman: Arkham Knight
- Released
- June 23, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rocksteady Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Bros. Games
- Genre(s)
- Action
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Arkham Knight is one of the best superhero video games, despite the Batmobile and some elements of the plot splitting fans down the middle. However, they'll still love how the New Game+ mode will heighten the challenge of this game considerably.
Just like previous Arkham games, players will have to read enemy movements to figure out how to counter their attacks (with the visual indicator gone). An additional jumpscare is added to the game to shock players, a Fear Takedown charge is depleted if Batman is spotted, and Combat Challenges become harder than ever.
4 Elden Ring
Like Most FromSoftware Games, NG+ In This Game Is A Satisfying Challenge
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
All FromSoftware games are known for boasting impressive New Game+ content, and Elden Ring is no exception. After players complete this game, they can embark on yet another adventure with harder enemies and a greater challenge.
The Tarnished must continue to be at the top of their game to deal with the many foes that come their way. It can be pretty challenging, but players who want to test out new weapons and take on bosses who are tougher than ever will love what Elden Ring's New Game+ brings to the table.
3 Fallout: New Vegas
The Wealth Of Role-Playing Options Makes Multiple Playthroughs More Than Viable
Fallout: New Vegas
- Released
- October 19, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
Fallout: New Vegas is one of the greatest RPGs ever made, with players being floored by the depth of its role-playing. The Courier's adventures to reach New Vegas are a blast, especially for experienced players.
8 Best AA Open-World Games, Ranked
The AA gaming scene is proving the potential of indie developers through vast open worlds crafted with immense creativity and genius mechanics.
Survival mode can make things interesting in a second journey, where players can mold the Courier into a different image. Mods are also a great option to change the game just enough to make another playthrough more engaging than the first one, which shows just how incredible this game is.
2 Starfield
The Twists Added To NG+ Makes Numerous Playthroughs Worthwhile
Starfield
- Released
- September 6, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Starfield may have its issues, but fans can't deny that the twists it brings with New Game+ are pretty refreshing. For in-game reasons, every New Game+ playthrough takes place in a different universe where players can blast through the main quest and find out some unique changes in each universe.
From a previous protagonist emerging as the new Starborn to party members turning into potted plants, there's no shortage of unique ways that a new playthrough changes in Starfield. Players will love these changes so much that a new playthrough may just become even better than the first time they went through this intergalactic adventure.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Players Who've Finished The Game Can Tackle It In Master Mode
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii U, Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Breath of the Wild can be pretty brutal early on, even on a normal playthrough. Players are encouraged to make Link as strong as possible, allowing him to trivialize most of the threats in the game.
For a second playthrough, players can check out Master Mode to see just how refreshing the game can feel with a heightened difficulty. New Golden variants of enemies appear later on, and players can find valuable chests on floating platforms held up by Sky Octoroks; these comprise just a few of the many changes Master Mode makes to enhance a person's playthrough.
Open-World Games With Controversial Endings
These open-world games offer great exploration and stories, but their controversial endings didn't sit right with every player.