.It can take a long time to get into a game, which is completely fine. Some of the best games have slow starts, and players put up with some of the wilder beginnings because they know the game is going to be a good time eventually. It could be a slow rollout of tutorials or the story, but there are many examples from games like Persona 5 and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Then there are other games, specifically from the open-world genre, that nail it within the first five minutes. That doesn’t mean players are immediately playing within those five minutes, but something will get them hooked. These are some great examples.
Best Open-World Games Where You Can Invade Another Player's World
From Soulslikes to shooters, these game worlds are dangerous because of invading players.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Entering The Great Plateau
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild starts with Link waking up in a techno coffin before leaving a cave to see a giant version of Hyrule. Players will begin on the Great Plateau, and will need to help a mysterious stranger gather items from various dungeons, which will become Link’s tools for the rest of the game. Players can learn how to freeze water and slow down time, for example. While this does gate progress until players complete this area, the Great Plateau is massive in its own right, and it’s a great introduction to what players will face in the rest of Hyrule.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Taking Down Sandman
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 begins by interrupting the peaceful lives of Peter and Miles as Sandman attacks the city. While not every section of New York City is open yet, players can swing and fight villains very quickly, along with witnessing one of the game’s biggest spectacles, literally.
It’s a clever way to introduce players to the action and explain why it makes sense for them to switch between heroes as they try to rescue civilians. Things only get wilder from this intro, and that goes without saying in a Spider-Man game.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Mining For Success
Donkey Kong Bananza
- Released
- July 17, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Donkey Kong Bananza starts in the mines, wherein Donkey Kong is alone, smashing through rocks to find Banandium. While the opening mines aren’t as freeing as when Pauline gets introduced, getting acquainted with the destructible environment helps make the intro worthwhile.
Best Open-World Games That Make You Happy
It’s hard not to smile while playing these open-world games.
Fully destructible environments aren’t that common in games, or at least not ones with visceral feedback like this, which is why Donkey Kong Bananza is such a blast to play. Of all the Switch 2 games currently available, this game is THE must-own title.
Elden Ring
Preparing To Die
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
It doesn’t take much to get into a FromSoftware game like Elden Ring. Usually, a tougher-than-nails boss will challenge players way before they’re ready, and Elden Ring follows a similar path before the world opens up. It’s hard to deny the thrill of jumping into a new FromSoftware game, as they’re all completely mysterious.
Dropping into these types of Soulslike is addictive because it’s fun to explore and find the unknown. If players need a little help, co-op is there alongside a helpful community of like-minded explorers.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Minus Sixty One
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Released
- June 26, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Hideo Kojima games often start with lengthy cutscenes, but Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is technically different. Players will start their journey with Sam and Lou in Mexico, atop a huge mountain. They have to make their way back home as the haunting song “Minus Sixty One” by Woodkid starts to play. There’s not much to the gameplay other than walking and surviving fatal landfalls, but the scenery is drop-dead gorgeous. It’s the perfect way to showcase just how evolved this sequel is from its predecessor.
Middle-earth: Shadow Of War
Capitalizing On The First’s Success
Middle-Earth: Shadow of War
- Released
- October 10, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor walked so that Middle-earth: Shadow of War could run, as it’s a direct sequel following the same mechanics that fans should be familiar with. Players will storm an orc hideout and eliminate them with stealth, or by using traditional swordplay.
Open-World Games That Are Better With Co-Op
Not all open-world games should have multiplayer, but these examples make good use of co-op, and are actually better when played with friends.
This then leads into a big battle reminiscent of some of the best fight scenes in The Lord of the Rings films. It’s more of the same, but that’s a good thing, and the intro demonstrates that well while holding back a few surprises.
Red Faction: Guerilla
Another Smash ‘Em Up
Red Faction: Guerilla
- Released
- June 2, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter
Red Faction: Guerrilla was one of the first open-world games to include destructible environments. Players will put their mining skills to good use to help a rebellion flourish on Mars. The surface of Mars cannot be destroyed, but vehicles can topple like a house of cards. It’s a mechanic that never gets old, whether players use their hammer, explosives, or vehicles to create justice on the red planet.
Cat Quest 3
Don’t Mewtiny This Pirate Captain
Cat Quest III
- Released
- August 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
How many open-world games give players full control of a ship to sail around the world? The answer should be close to zero, but Cat Quest 3 is one of the rare examples. The world map can be explored to look for treasure, fight monsters, or locate hidden dungeons for more thrills. The game is one of the easier open-world games out there, which is perfect for anyone trying to get into the genre.
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Want to feel like an unstoppable samurai warrior as you wade into battle? These top-notch open-world games have got you covered.