Best Open-World Games That Start Small and Expand Gradually

With the sheer number of open-world games that players can get their hands on, it’s easy to see why people can’t get enough of these amazing sandbox titles that promote player freedom. However, these games need to implement smart design choices if they want to stick out in an overpopulated market.

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The simplest way to do this is to let players make gradual progress in these sandboxes, giving them all the time they need to understand everything from combat mechanics to the story’s stakes before things naturally evolve to become more epic than before. The best open-world video games that nail this balance end up being quite memorable and ensure that players will have a great time with these titles.

8

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

White Orchard Is A Great Tutorial Area Before Travel To The First Massive Zone

The Witcher 3‘s massive world could easily overwhelm players, but CD Projekt Red knew how to pace things properly and keep players engaged. White Orchard is a glorified tutorial area that introduces players to the basics, while the Royal Palace in Vizima sets the tone for the plot as Geralt is made aware that his ward is being hunted by the Wild Hunt.

It’s here that players get to explore leads to find Ciri in the game’s major locations, with most people stepping into Velen and being wowed by the game’s scope. The Witcher 3 truly begins at this moment and lets players embark on a grand adventure for the ages that is full of memorable moments.

7

Red Dead Redemption 2

The Prologue In Colter Is A Slow Beginning Before Players Get To Explore The Meat Of The Game

It’s easy to label the Prologue of Red Dead Redemption 2 as a boring part of the game, but Rockstar’s heavy focus on narrative mandated an introduction where players are slowly introduced to the members of Dutch’s gang. The gameplay elements of this title are slowly unveiled to players before they finally leave Colter and get to explore the world properly.

After the snowed-in setting they were introduced to, Red Dead Redemption 2‘s massive and beautiful world is something that fans can’t get enough of. It’s great to bond with Dutch and the rest of the gang, only for the seeds of their downfall to be sown as things go sour with each Chapter.

6

Ghost Of Tsushima

The First Region In Tsushima Is Just A Taste Of Things To Come

Systems

Released

July 17, 2020

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

When players start Ghost of Tsushima, they can’t progress past the first zone before getting access to some important traversal tools that will help them raid a fort and save Jin’s uncle. Until then, players are slowly introduced to the challenging combat and how they can use certain tools to make things easier for themselves.

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Eventually, after a successful effort to liberate the fort, players get to explore a massive second zone that is full of interesting side quests, duels, and anything else players can think of. Players are encouraged to clear out the map as much as possible before moving on, giving them the skills they need to tackle the toughest foes without breaking a sweat.

5

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

The Great Plateau Is An Ingenious Way To Introduce The Game’s Mechanics Before Players Get To Explore The World

Systems

Released

March 3, 2017

Developer(s)

Nintendo EPD

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

The beauty of Breath of the Wild stems from its organic exploration, but most players would be overwhelmed without a tutorial area that slowly ingratiates players to the basics. Getting all the runes and unlocking the glider is a slow yet rewarding process as players come to terms with this title’s gameplay.

It’s a satisfying moment when players finally get to leave the Great Plateau, embarking on an epic quest to save the world from Ganon’s influence. The Guardian Stalkers on the way to Hyrule Palace make it clear that players should tackle the Divine Beasts first before eventually moving on to the endgame.

4

Cyberpunk 2077

It Takes A While For The Plot To Get Going After A Heist Gone Wrong

The beginning of Cyberpunk 2077 establishes V and Jackie as steadfast friends who try to enact a heist for the ages. Raiding Arasaka Tower is no mean feat, but things go south in no time as V’s friend dies and their mind is taken over by the engram they were told to acquire.

This kickstarts the main plot of Cyberpunk 2077 where V is racing against the clock to preserve his body by any means necessary. Night City opens up and lets the player explore this urban landscape to their heart’s content, getting stronger and more competent at dealing with enemies while also completing quests efficiently using their build’s strengths.

3

Hogwarts Legacy

Players Must Gain Some Levels, Learn Some Spells, And Get The Broom To Make Exploration Outside Hogwarts Viable

As one would expect, Hogwarts Legacy lets players explore this massive school and uncover its many secrets. They must also learn some valuable spells to help them tackle foes with ease, unleashing inventive combos to great effect.

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Eventually, after going through numerous classes and getting the broom, players will finally gain the confidence to explore the Scottish Highlands around Hogwarts. Given how powerful the enemies in the open world are, it’s easy to see why the game encourages players to spend as much time in Hogwarts as possible before exploring the rest of the world.

2

Fallout: New Vegas

A Simple Courier Is Embroiled In A Massive Conspiracy Where The Fate Of The Mojave Is At Stake

Systems

Released

October 19, 2010

Players start out as a powerful Courier who was shot in the head before the beginning of Fallout: New Vegas. Instead of making a beeline for the eponymous, players are encouraged to go down the intended route and solve as many quests as possible to become stronger along the way.

Eventually, the conflict between the NCR and Caesar’s Legion is elaborated on as players walk along the intended part to reach New Vegas. It’s a great way to keep players informed before they finally make their way to this legendary city, meet Benny, and embark on a quest to secure the Platinum Chip and decide the fate of this city and the Mojave as a whole.

1

The Matchless Kungfu

The Player Can Place Blocks To Expand The Open World As They Slowly But Surely Make Progress

• Platform: PC
• Release Date: November 6, 2024
• Developer: HuanMos Game

The Matchless Kungfu is one of the most unique open-world games players can check out. The title is quite complex, and players may die over and over again before they understand how the game’s combat works, along with other gameplay pillars.

The best part about The Matchless Kungfu is how players play a direct role in helping the world expand. As they get stronger, the player can set new world blocks that add new content and give them more opportunities to develop their character as they interact with the denizens of this hostile world.

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