Open-World Games That Expand Beyond Their First Look

The open-world map design is a game mechanic that has been adopted by creators from various categories.
role-playing games
In competitive PvP survival games, adopting an open-world approach for game environments has turned into a common practice. However, this hasn’t always been the norm.

Nevertheless, there are several titles that do more than just incorporate
open-world gameplay
Previously, this wasn’t a standard feature; however, present it in a manner that makes players marvel upon discovering the vastness of their playable area and all the enjoyment awaiting them. These game creators were trailblazers who tackled technological hurdles that seemed insurmountable back then.

Borderlands 2

Weapons, Weapons, And Even More Weapons

The
Bordlerlands
franchise
aided in shaping an entire genre, the looter shooter, and
Bordlerlands 2
arguably stands as the top choice within the series up until now. This title merges a fantastic, frequently amusing plot with fast-paced combat action and an abundance of treasure far exceeding what most players could possibly use.

The initial quests in
Bordlerlands 2
Direct the player towards specific areas on the map, giving the game a somewhat linear feeling. However, after completing the initial quests, the game environment expands, allowing players to freely explore and select optional missions as desired.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Old West Masterpiece

Several games fail to create a world as enjoyable to explore and live in as this one does.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Whether traversing the prairie or strolling down a city street,
Old West
in this town, the game completely envelops the player within the setting.

Once the game kicks off, it proceeds with a straightforward beginning sequence, and initially, it’s hard to grasp just how vast and densely detailed the expansive open-world environment really is. Only when you reach your initial camping spot and start venturing out to make money do you begin to see the true extent—both in terms of size and content richness—of the gameplay area. In summary,
RDR2
not only boasts one of the most expansive open-world environments to discover, but it also leads the pack in terms of quality.

Grand Theft Auto 5

Open World Mayhem

Grand Theft Auto 5
It stands as one of the most successful games ever, and rightly so; playing it is just incredibly enjoyable! After shifting from being a standalone title to becoming a live service game, regular updates with new content and special events continue to make the gameplay engaging and fulfilling.

GTA5
Features a sprawling open-world environment spanning nearly 30 miles squared. Initially, players starting with the primary narrative won’t explore much of the map, but they’ll gradually realize how extensive it truly is. Police pursuits can extend over numerous miles across various routes within the game world.

Ghost of Tsushima

Become A Samurai

Ghost of Tsushima
proved to be a winner for developers Sucker Punch Productions. It’s one of those exceptional titles where the overall product surpasses the individual components. In terms of gameplay mechanics, the title didn’t introduce groundbreaking innovations. However, it successfully merged these elements into an exceptionally coherent and seamlessly integrated gaming adventure that exuded high-quality craftsmanship. Stepping into the role of
role of a Samurai
,, the player can wander around as much as desired.

Certainly, one of the finest attributes of
Ghost of Tsushima
is the open world map, which is huge and rewarding to explore. Many players don’t realize just how huge the playing map is until they are dozens of hours into the game.

Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Colorful Open World Map

The original
Witcher
game and
Witcher 2
exhibited a somewhat artificial sense of openness characteristic of an open world. Indeed, players could explore the environment to a certain degree, yet true freedom didn’t come into play until
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
that the gameplay map turned into an entirely open world.

In this game, players aren’t shown the full boundaries of their exploration area until much later in the gameplay. The exceptional map design along with the highly intricate and vividly colored environment makes uncovering each section of the map an immensely satisfying endeavor.
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

High Seascapes: The Apex of Plundering

Several games have attempted to create an open-world game environment centered around maritime navigation. However, only a few have successfully achieved this.
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
undertook this challenge and succeeded. Being the sixth installment in a highly successful series made this an uncertain endeavor, but it paid off with one of the most cherished titles within the franchise.

Only when players start pursuing their personal objectives do they realize the sheer size of the game’s universe. While the map encompasses merely the West Indies, it does so with an expansive scope.
Sea voyages
Actually felt as though I was on a sea voyage, and just traveling around was enjoyable and entertaining.

Cyberpunk 2077

Moving From Success To Success

Cyberpunk 2077
experienced a bumpy start, facing backlash from various quarters because of performance problems, failing to meet expectations, and an abundance of gameplay glitches ranging from minor to severely impactful. As we move forward, things have evolved since then, and
Cyberpunk 2077
is in far superior condition and has rightfully claimed its spot among the finest games available.
cyberpunk genre
. The
Phantom Liberty
The DLC further capitalized on this success.

Starting a game of
Cyberpunk 2077
compels the player through a highly structured, lengthy segment of the primary storyline. Throughout this phase, indications of the vastness of the open-world map and the extent of Night City’s simulation remain scarce. After progressing past the introductory section, players gain unrestricted access to explore the expansive landscape, revealing just how extensive the city environment truly is.