Open-world games make up some of the best titles in the industry, with popular releases like Grand Theft Auto V, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Minecraft still being played today. However, there are other great titles that some gamers never pick up for one reason or another. Here are three video games that you should give a chance if you’ve never played them before.
Elden Ring
The latest game to come out of Fromsoftware is hot right now, and for good reason: it’s incredibly fun. It combines the classic feel of the Dark Souls games with an open world and lets you choose whether you want to progress along the main path or venture off and explore every nook and cranny of the world.
If you don’t think the game is for you purely because it is a FromSoftware game—which are known to be notoriously difficult—give this one a try. The multiplayer aspect, while still not conventional, is the most seamless version out of any other game by the developer, making it much easier to get help with a boss or to clear out a castle. Not to mention that summoning magical spirits is now an ability your character has, so even if you don’t have anybody to play with you’ll still have some help.
Red Dead Redemption 2
You may not have hopped on the cowboy bandwagon back in 2018 when the game was released, but if you haven’t checked out Red Dead 2 since then, you need to seriously consider it. The game may not have resonated with some players partially because of the genre and also because it is a prequel to a 2010 game (which was also amazing), but just because it’s not Grand Theft Auto doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out.
The storytelling is masterful, as are the graphics, the mission variety, and the score. Not to mention there are loads of side activities to keep you busy between missions, like customizing clothing and hairstyles, heading out to the wilderness for some long range hunting or trapping, gambling, or even seeing a show! It is without a doubt one of the best games Rockstar has ever put out.
Fallout 3/Fallout New Vegas
If the only Fallout games you’ve played have been Fallout 4 or, sadly, Fallout 76, then you need to travel back in time to Bethesda’s first crack at the franchise. Even though Fallout 3 came out over a decade ago, it still makes for a great open-world experience. Yes, the controls are a bit janky. And yes, the graphics might hurt your eyes. But at the heart of the game is a compelling story, unique choice and consequence options, crazy quests, and so much more. The same could be said for Fallout New Vegas, with its catchy tunes, interesting characters, and the addition of being able to gamble on the strip. These games are the best in the series, and it would be a shame if they were passed up because of their age.
Worlds to Explore
These are some of the best open-world games that the gaming industry has to offer, and you’re doing yourself a disservice by ignoring them. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, download the games and get to playing!