Open World Sandbox Games With Strategic Combat

Open worlds have long been an integral part of many games, and are predominantly used in large-scale AAA games such as Far Cry and Red Dead Redemption 2 (though small, bite-sized open worlds have become popular among indie games as of late). Due to their nature, many of these games have players exploring from a third or first-person perspective and, as a result, usually feature hack-and-slash or FPS combat. Sandbox games let players create and achieve their own goals and tend to benefit from an open world, and these games often feature strategic combat.

Related

49 Most Immersive Open World Games, Ranked

Open world games are some of the most popular because of how many hours you can spend on them! These are the most immersive.

Posts 2

1 Stellar Tactics

A Unique Sci-Fi Open-World With Strategic Ground Combat

• Platform(s): PC
• Released: 2016
• Developer(s): Maverick Games
• Genre: RPG

Stellar Tactics takes place in a unique sci-fi open world plagued by a mysterious and horrifying disease. As a result, players can expect to go up against mutated enemies and monsters as well as the regular space pirates and bandits. While it may not be the most visually impressive game, Stellar Tactics manages to provide an interesting world to explore.

Despite featuring a narrative to follow, Stellar Tactics is predominantly a sandbox experience. In the game, players command a crew of mercenaries, exploring the vast galaxy in their own spaceship. There's plenty of boots-on-the-ground combat to take part in throughout Stellar Tactics, which is turn-based in nature and can be highly strategic. However, while many encounters require strategy to succeed, much of the strategy in Stellar Tactics comes down to building out a balanced party. This is done through the game's character progression, which has players using a classless system to choose perks for each of their characters.

2 Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

Over-World Exploration And Commanding Troops From The Ground

The Mount & Blade games are known for their open-world sandbox gameplay and strategic, large-scale battles. Unlike many strategic open-world sandboxes, though, Mount & Blade features real-time combat that gives players control over their own character. The strategy in Mount & Blade comes from the orders that players give their troops in the heat of battle, and the formation they have them in before it begins. This results in a visceral combat experience that's often immersive.

Outside of combat, players are free to explore Mount & Blade's world, though many locations are fairly similar, and memorable areas are few and far between. However, this open world provides players with an array of activities to partake in and territories to conquer, rarely leaving the player with little to do. Most of the exploration in Mount & Blade is done on an open over-world map, but players are also able to explore individual locations on foot.

3 Kenshi

Real-Time-With-Pause Combat In A Hostile Open-World

Taking place in a strange, unique open world filled with stretches of bleak desert and dotted with dangerous biomes, Kenshi is a consistent joy to explore. However, the world of Kenshi is extremely hostile and isn't afraid to take the player out (along with any companions they may have) in all manner of ways. As a result, Kenshi isn't for the faint of heart. The game is also relatively slow-paced, with character progression and exploration requiring patience on the part of the player.

Related

Best Open-World Sandbox Games, Ranked

Players who enjoy more open-ended, sandbox experiences can't go wrong with the following games.

Posts 4

By  Harry Ted Sprinks

Kenshi is a squad-based RPG, featuring real-time-with-pause combat that's often strategic. This real-time-with-pause structure allows players to blast through easier encounters while taking their time for the more dangerous situations. Kenshi also features hit-simulation in which a nasty blow to the leg will result in a limp, a badly wounded arm can't be used, and blood loss is a real concern. This adds depth to the game's combat and provides players with an entire system to worry about as their party trades blows with the enemy.

4 Battle Brothers

A Sandbox RPG With Deep Character Progression And Turn-Based Combat

This open-world sandbox RPG puts players in command of a company of mercenaries. The game's open world takes place in a low-fantasy setting, primarily populated by a mixture of noble houses and bandits. However, there are plenty of nasty creatures to battle, as well; undead, green-skinned orcs and goblins, and other abominations roam the darkest corners of the map.

The only goal players have in Battle Brothers is to make enough money to keep their company going, increasing their reputation with the various noble houses as they do so. However, the game also includes an array of end-game crises to overcome, adding an extra layer of challenge for those who have progressed far enough. Battle Brothers' greatest strengths, however, are in its RPG systems; in the game, players are given a great deal of control over every mercenary they recruit and are given the opportunity to customize their stats, perks, and equipment as they level up. This level of customization supports the strategic, turn-based combat, making for a rewarding experience.

MORE

7 Best Tactical Indie Games

The indie scene isn't loaded with tactics games, but that works in favor of these titles, which stand out as the best indie tactics games around.

Posts 2

By  Harry Ted Sprinks