7 Best Open-World Games With Espionage Elements, Ranked

Open-world games are full of exciting opportunities for players to explore and discover. While some developers make the strange decision to not include weapons in their titles, others pack them to the brim to give players as many choices to destroy their enemies as possible.

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The open-world genre is so vast, that there are great FPS titles out there, and also others that focus on the narrative or exploring a medieval setting full of magical creatures. In any case, there are always special elements that make every story shine. Here are some of the best open-world titles with espionage elements.

7

Just Cause 4

A Freedom Fighter Takes On A Mighty Organization

Just Cause 4 Reloaded delivers an expansive and explosive gameplay experience in an all-new package! Just Cause 4 Reloaded includes additional premium content as well as all previously released improvements and additions to the game.

Jump into an action-packed open-world sandbox experience and cause chaos with a wide selection of weaponry, vehicles and gear. Strap into your wingsuit, equip your fully customizable grappling hook, and get ready to bring the thunder!
 

Action

Adventure

Open-World

Released

December 4, 2018

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Intense Violence, Strong Language

• Rico Rodriguez must take on The Black Hand organization
• Tons of action

Just Cause 4 is part of a great franchise that has been around for almost 20 years, which goes to show how popular it’s become and how beloved it is by its fans. Set in the fictional South American country of Solis, the game focuses on Rico Rodriguez, who will have to take on the powerful organization of the “Black Hand”, which serves dictators all over the world.

The reality is that, while Just Cause 4 is not the best game in its franchise, it still packs a huge punch and contains great espionage elements for players to enjoy.

6

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands

A Solid Addition To A Longstanding Franchise

In Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® Wildlands, the Santa Blanca drug cartel has transformed the beautiful country of Bolivia into a perilous narco-state, leading to lawlessness, fear, and rampant violence. With their corrosive influence growing, the cartel is set to bring this entire country to ruin.
But all hope is not lost.

You and your elite team of Ghosts must infiltrate and destroy the deadly cartel to save Bolivia, and its people, from total collapse.

Released

March 7, 2017

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs

• The game moves away from Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter setting
• Mountains, deserts, and other environments are available in this open world

One of the most notable traits of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands is that it moves away from the futuristic setting that was introduced by Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Played from a third-person perspective, this open world has a lot of possibilities for players to discover, and it includes a decent amount of espionage elements to make it worthy of this list.

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Although it might not be the best Ghost Recon game in the franchise, it still has enough aspects to it for players to have a great time completing it.

5

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate

Jumping on Rooftops And Gathering Information In Victorian England

London, 1868. The Industrial Revolution unleashes an incredible age of invention, transforming the lives of millions with technologies once thought impossible. Opportunities created during this period have people rushing to London to engage in this new world, a world no longer controlled by kings, emperors, politicians, or religion, but by a new common denominator: money.

As the brash, rebellious Jacob Frye, put up your dukes and take enemies on with lightning-fast multikills and countermoves. Use improved stealth tactics to elude your enemies and unleash your arsenal of weapons, including the kukri knife, brass knuckles, and sword cane. Utilize new technology like the rope launcher to scale buildings in seconds and take your enemies by surprise.

From Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, fight and triumph across the massive open world of Victorian London. Parkour across moving vehicles to track down enemies or escape after a daring raid, hijack carriages to engage in a no-holds-barred street race, or blaze a trail of destruction aboard steamboats along the River Thames.

With Jacob as the leader, gamers can establish Great Britain’s fiercest gang, the only force that can challenge the elite and defeat rival gangs to bring freedom to the oppressed masses. Enemy strongholds can be infiltrated by using an arsenal of weapons to dominate London’s underworld. From robbing trains to rescuing child laborers, players will stop at nothing to bring justice to London’s lawless streets.

20 years after the events of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, ‘JACK THE RIPPER’ has embarked on a brutal reign of terror that shocks London to its core and threatens the very existence of the Brotherhood of Assassins

Released

October 23, 2015

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Violence

• Set in Victorian England
• The game follows twins Jacob and Evie Frye

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is a complex topic to discuss, as some players absolutely hated it, whereas others think that it had its moments. Set in the second-half of the 19th century, this game follows the story of twin assassins, Jacob and Evie Frye, as they make their way through the underworld of Victorian England.

Like other Assassin’s Creed titles, this game focuses on parkour and combat. However, there are several other opportunities for players to engage in espionage while remaining undetected to gather information. This title recently received a 60 fps patch that greatly enhances the gameplay experience.

4

Watch Dogs

A Street-Smart Hacker Seeks Revenge For A Personal Loss

Play as Aiden Pearce, a brilliant hacker, whose criminal past led to a violent family tragedy. Now on the hunt for those who hurt your family, monitor and hack all who surround you by manipulating everything connected to the city’s network. Access omnipresent security cameras, download personal information to locate a target, control traffic lights and public transportation to stop the enemy. Use the city of Chicago as your ultimate weapon and exact your own style of revenge.

Open-World

Action

Adventure

Released

May 26, 2014

ESRB

M For Mature // Blood, Game Experience May Change During Online Play, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

• Aiden Pierce must avenge his niece’s death
• Being a vigilante usually involves some kind of espionage

When Watch Dogs was first released, it didn’t innovate in many regards. However, what it did well was great and actually kick-started a franchise that is still going strong to this day. The story of this game focuses on Aiden Pierce, who can use hacking apps on his phone to take over Chicago’s security system to hunt down those responsible for a loss in his family.

Since Watch Dogs is focused on a vigilante, there are many espionage elements present that wonderfully complement the gameplay experience. Although the car selection in the sequel is arguably better, those available in the first installment are also decent.

3

Cyberpunk 2077

Overhearing Conversations And Watching Enemies From A Distance Is Key

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.
Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.
Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades. 
The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?

Released

December 10, 2020

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

• Set in a dystopian society
• There’s a broad range of weapons and outfits for V to use

While the main focus of Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t exactly espionage, there are many instances where V will have to stay in the shadows and simply observe closely what others are saying or doing. The game is set in Night City, right inside a futuristic dystopian society that is run by evil corporations, crime bosses and dangerous gangs.

Throughout the game, players will have the chance to take advantage of various Cyberware upgrades, weapons, and outfits that can offer considerable protection from the elements and firearms.

2

Ghost Of Tsushima

Sneaking Past Mongolian Forces Requires Stealth And Caution

A storm is coming. Discover the expanded Ghost of Tsushima experience in this Director’s Cut.  Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action adventure from Sucker Punch Productions and PlayStation Studios, available for PS5 and PS4. Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima. Challenge opponents with your katana, master the bow to eliminate distant threats, develop stealth tactics to ambush enemies and explore a new story on Iki Island.

Systems

Released

July 17, 2020

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity

• Jin Sakai must repel Mongolian forces from his homeland
• Stealth and silence are critical

The story of Ghost of Tsushma follows Jin Sakai, a proud member of an important family, in a fictionalized version of the real-life island of Tsushima. When Mongolian forces invade his beloved homeland, Jin will have to go into hiding and hone his skills to remain undetected as he spies on his enemies, gathers information, and takes out entire camps without sounding the alarm.

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All in all, while Ghost of Tsushima does not focus specifically on espionage, it’s fair to say that there are a few chances here and there to use shadows and intel to Jin’s advantage. On top of this, the game features tons of extremely challenging bosses that will put players to the test at every turn.

One Of The Best Installments In This World-Famous Franchise

9/10

Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain

Konami Digital Entertainment continues forth the ‘METAL GEAR SOLID V Experience’ with the latest chapter, METAL GEAR SOLID V: The Phantom Pain. Ushering in a new era for the franchise with cutting-edge technology powered by the Fox Engine, MGSV: The Phantom Pain will provide players a first-rate gaming experience as they are offered tactical freedom to carry out open-world missions.

Nine years after the events of MGSV: GROUND ZEROES and the fall of Mother Base, Snake a.k.a. Big Boss, awakens from a nine year coma. The year is 1984. The Cold War serves as the backdrop as nuclear weapons continue to shape a global crisis. Driven by revenge, Snake establishes a new private army and returns to the battlefield in pursuit of the shadow group, XOF.

The METAL GEAR SOLID team continues to ambitiously explore mature themes such as the psychology of warfare and the atrocities that result from those that engage in its vicious cycle. One of the most anticipated games of the year with its open-world design, photorealistic visual fidelity and feature-rich game design, MGSV: The Phantom Pain will leave its mark as one of the hallmarks in the gaming industry for its cinematic storytelling, heavy themes, and immersive tactical gameplay.
 

Stealth

Action-Adventure

Shooter

Adventure

Released

September 1, 2015

ESRB

m

• Set in 1984, the game follows Venom Snake
• This game’s events take place nine years after Ground Zeroes

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is one of the best installments in this longstanding franchise that has captivated millions over the years. The game is set in 1984, exactly 9 years after the events of Ground Zeroes and follows the famous mercenary leader that everyone knows and loves, Venom Snake.

Along with its great combat mechanics, this game is full of interesting characters and opportunities for players to engage in espionage as they enter the territories of Soviet-occupied Afghanistan looking to exact revenge on those who tried to kill Snake and his forces.

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