8 Best Open-World Games That Master the Balance Between Combat and Story

Summary

• Open-world games offer freedom in playstyle
• Balance is key: narrative and combat mechanics
• Red Dead Redemption 2 has epic ending and shooting mechanics

One of the greatest things about open-world games is that they offer a lot of freedom in terms of playstyle. This means that, in many cases, players can choose the path they want to take, the companions they wish to have at their side, and the weapons and armor that they wield against their enemies.

Some open worlds unfold at players’ pace, while others have a preset rhythm that has to be followed to get the best experience possible. Both types of games are great, but the true treasure is found when the narrative and the combat mechanics work well together. Here are some of the best games that master the balance between combat and story.

8

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

A Great Addition To An Already Beloved Franchise

• Fun combat mechanics
• Exciting story

Although Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is not the first installment of the franchise that features an open world, it does present players with a great opportunity to experience both combat and an interesting story together.

This game keeps many of the elements that made the Assassin’s Creed franchise great, while also implementing a few of its own that help it feel more complex. The story has many exciting turns to offer players, and the combat mechanics are well-crafted and always feel fun to use when facing enemies.

7

Horizon Zero Dawn

Combat Complements The Story Beautifully

• The world is Aloy’s to explore, even with all the dangers in it
• A well-crafted story full of interesting characters

One of the things that makes Horizon Zero Dawn so great, is the premise it presents to players. While this game isn’t the first to tell the story of the downfall of humanity caused by hubris, greed, and hunger for power, it does introduce an interesting concept that involves mechanical creatures that went rogue.

Like many other titles in this genre, Horizon Zero Dawn offers a deep and exciting narrative full of likable characters. When combined with the great combat mechanics that Aloy can take advantage of, this tile is all-around great.

6

Cyberpunk 2077

Night City Has A Lot To Offer The Narrative And Players’ Thirst For Action

• The game had a rough start, but has been significantly improved since then
• Story with multiple endings and various combat options

When Cyberpunk 2077 was first released back in 2020, it faced backlash due to a few performance issues that players were not happy with. Luckily, over the years, developer CD Projekt RED has made a massive effort to make up for this, and the game is now not only in a great state, but is arguably one of the best titles in its genre and concept.

Cyberpunk 2077 presents players with an immersive story that is wonderfully complemented by the fast-paced FPS game mechanics in it. Throughout the game, players can modify V by installing Cyberware, and obtaining the various perks available.

5

Ghost Of Tsushima

Peaceful Exploration And Adrenaline-rushing Combat

• The game has excellent katana combat mechanics
• The island of Tsushima is a work of art

Few games in the open-world genre can match the unparalleled feeling of peace that exploring the island of Tsushima can give players in Ghost of Tsushima. There’s just something about beautiful landscapes and open fields with detailed foliage that is soothing.

Moreover, Jin Sakai’s story of redemption and the recovery of his homeland is inspiring, and the combat mechanics and exciting encounters with the invading Mongols only help to build on this. Without a doubt, players looking for a gaming experience that is both thrilling and soothing must try Ghost of Tsushima.

4

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt’s Adventures Are Always Full Of Dangerous Encounters

• Excellent sword fighting mechanics
• Deep lore, complex NPCs, and interesting missions

While the Witcher franchise has been around for several years, most players agree that the third installment, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is CD Projekt RED’s magnum opus. This title features massive cities that feel alive, vicious monsters that are extremely challenging, and a compelling narrative that is, in and of itself, enough to make it a masterpiece.

However, when the great sword fighting mechanics that can be combined with Witcher Signs are added to the mix, the result is something else. And if that wasn’t enough, the various romance options available in the game add another layer of depth that feels like the cherry on top.

3

Skyrim

The Dragonborn’s Quest Is Interesting And Packed With Action

• The game has great replay value
• Players can join various factions and discover their fate as the Dragonborn throughout the story

If there’s one game that can masterfully combine combat and story, it’s Skyrim, and the fact that there are still tens of thousands of players active in the game almost 15 years after it was first released is evidence of that. Not only are the missions in the game very interesting, but the premise of the Dragonborn and all the lore behind them, along with the various factions that players can join, make this title overall great and give it high replay value.

First-timers should try to enjoy the game without glitches or exploits to get the full experience, but those who are replaying this title should try some great ways to get rich fast.

2

Elden Ring

Exploring The Lands Between Reveals Lore And Formidable Foes

• Deep lore that’s captivating
• The combat mechanics build on the Soulsborne universe and implement a few new things

Ever since it was first released in 2022, Elden Ring has taken the world by storm, pleasing both veterans of the Dark Souls franchise and attracting newcomers who want to dip their toes into this challenging experience.

Like any other FromSoftware game, Elden Ring features interesting, deep lore that not only complements the combat experience greatly, but also gives players considerable background information about many of the bosses they’ll face. Thanks to its open-world elements, this game takes Souslborne titles to a whole new level and lays the foundations for new content in this universe, such as the upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign.

1

Red Dead Redemption 2

A Masterpiece That Will Make More Than One Player Shed A Tear

• Emotional, epic ending
• Outstanding shooting mechanics that work well with the overall experience

Rockstar Games is known for creating titles that have amazing gameplay and are beautifully complemented by their story. This is the case for many games in the GTA franchise, and is also the case for Red Dead Redemption 2.

Following the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, Red Dead Redemption 2 delivers in every aspect it aims to. Not only does it have beautiful landscapes that players can appreciate on horseback, but the shooting mechanics are also very interesting, and the narrative is both compelling and deep. Most players who begin and complete the game shed a tear over its emotional ending.