Summary
- Players can determine their character’s fate through choices in open-world games.
- Open-world titles offer multiple endings based on player actions and interactions.
- Choosing between powerful individuals or ordinary characters affects the gameplay experience.
Throughout the years, open-world games have evolved significantly, taking advantage of the various unique game mechanics at their disposal. Implementing several NPCs to give players side quests, powerful weapons and resistant armor, there’s no shortage of things to discover. One of the main things that make open-world titles so great is the choice that players have in their characters’ stories, and how they interact with others.
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Open-world games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Daggerfall bring worlds to life with sprawling cities, bustling towns, and endless roads between.
In some open-world games, players will take on the role of a very powerful individual, whereas in others, they will be an ordinary person who must face insurmountable odds. Whatever the case, being able to choose the life they want to lead is always something players welcome. Here are some of the best open-world games where players can create their own path.
7
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Actions Have Dire Consequences
- Released
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October 31, 2024
- Players’ actions will get them different endings
- The game has received mixed responses among players
Dragon Age: The Veilguard has received a mixed response from players since it was first released. Overall, the game is fun to play and presents players with an interesting narrative that can culminate in many different endings. Players’ choices, actions and the side quests they decide to pursue, will determine what kind of ending they get.
This concept allows players to have full control of their journey, which makes the experience more immersive and allows for a feeling of consequence that more linear games cannot provide.
6
Starfield
An Intergalactic Journey Where Choices Matter
- Released
-
September 6, 2023
- Various planets to explore
- Players’ choices can result in multiple endings
Over the years, Bethesda has become famous for creating open-world RPG titles that are extremely fun to play, but that can also suffer from a few game-breaking bugs. This isn’t the exception for Starfield, which has captivated players thanks to the many intergalactic possibilities it offers.
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While this isn’t the first time that a Bethesda game has multiple endings, each one of those available is interesting and deserves exploring. Players’ choices will have a significant impact on the story, NPC interactions, and various aspects throughout the galaxy, giving them full control of a large part of the narrative.
5
Cyberpunk 2077
There Are Different Endings For V Depending On Players’ Choices
- Released
-
December 10, 2020
- Carefully crafted futuristic dystopia
- Players can choose to let V go out with a bang, or let Johnny Silverhand take over their body
When Cyberpunk 2077 was first released, it had a rough start among players as there were many performance bugs, and a good number of details to iron out. However, CD Projekt RED worked on every one of them over the years, and the game is now one of the best dystopian futuristic titles out there.
The game offers one of the best atmospheres in open-world titles, as well as a wide variety of weapons, side quests and NPCs. Players can choose from many different endings for V, which range from them dying, to joining the Aldecaldos to spend their final days.
4
Fallout 4
Cruel Choices Have An Impact On Companions
- Released
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November 10, 2015
- Players can choose violence or diplomacy, depending on the situation and their skills
- Siding with different factions will result in multiple endings
One would think that the only way to survive in a post-apocalyptic nuclear wasteland would be through violence and cruelty. However, this doesn’t have to be the case, as players taking on the role of the Sole Survivor will always have a chance to resolve conflicts peacefully and help those in need.
Fallout 4 not only gives players the chance to make their own path, but also decide who they want to side with at the end of the game, resulting in different outcomes for them and the rest of the world.
3
The Witcher 3
Witchers Have A Bad Reputation That Players Can Take Advantage Of
- Winner of the 2015 Game of the Year Award
- Multiple possible endings vary based on players’ choices
While some titles choose to focus on quality over quantity, this is not the case for The Witcher 3, as the game offers an outstanding narrative, a broad range of swords, great combat mechanics, and dozens of hours of fun. This golden combination is what earned The Witcher 3 the Game of the Year award in 2015, and also what keeps thousands of players interested in it more than nine years after its release.
While there aren’t specific cutscenes for each one, it’s estimated that The Witcher 3 has approximately 36 different ending variations. Which one players get will be greatly determined by their choices throughout the game and the questlines they choose to complete.
2
Red Dead Redemption 2
High Honor Runs Have Different Outcomes In Many Situations
- Released
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October 26, 2018
- Amazing game mechanics and immersive narrative
- Players’ Honor level can change the outcome of a few situations
Red Dead Redemption 2 opens with one of the most complex and complete snow biomes in open-world games. While many players complain that this part of the game is the least exciting, others agree that it helps build the narrative and works as a solid tutorial.
On top of its likable characters, interesting plot, beautifully designed locations, and exciting gunplay, Red Dead Redemption 2 also features a complex Honor System.
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These open-world games offer uniquely cozy experiences, and while some do still offer some conflict, they’re punctuated with relaxing moments.
If players decide to use Arthur to kill and rob the innocent, they will have Low Honor, whereas if they choose to help those in need and greet strangers as they walk down the street, their Honor will be high. Arthur’s Honor level can greatly change how certain situations unfold. A good example of this is one of the last debt collection missions that Leopold Strauss sends Arthur on. In a High Honor run, Arthur will grow a conscience and kick Strauss out of the camp so he can no longer prey on the poor.
1
Grand Theft Auto 5
Players Can Choose All Three Characters To Survive, Or They Can Choose Betrayal
- Released
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September 17, 2013
- Developer(s)
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Rockstar North
- Based on real-life Los Angeles locations
- Players can choose to save all three player characters
Grand Theft Auto 5 is, without a doubt, one of the most popular games of the last 20 years, and with good reason. The game’s faithful adaptation of many of Los Angeles’ iconic locations, along with the ongoing satire of modern society and the amazing narrative and gunplay, have turned this title into a timeless classic over the years.
At the end of the game, players will have three choices; Kill Trevor, Kill Michael, or Kill Devin Weston and let all three player characters survive. The latter is the most desirable choice, but at the end of the day, it’s up to every player’s preference. .
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Great Open-World Games That Aren’t Overwhelming
Players can enjoy these open-world games without feeling overwhelmed, a delicate balancing act that the following titles nail.
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