7 Open-World Games With Better Exploration Than Breath of the Wild

Released in 2017, Breath of the Wild is considered one of the best open-world adventure games of the past ten years. It completely changed expectations for the Legend of Zelda series and demonstrated that players still appreciate a truly great gaming experience. BotW successfully delivered this to longtime fans and also attracted a new audience who were previously unfamiliar with the Zelda franchise.

The gameplay in Breath of the Wild was truly groundbreaking and influenced many games that followed. One example took that same core gameplay and adapted it to a new fantasy setting with gods, magic, and monsters. While Breath of the Wild is famous for its vast and engaging open world, it’s not the only game that prioritizes giving players a fantastic sense of exploration.

Tears of the Kingdom Expanded on What Players Could Do In Breath of the Wild

No list of top games would be complete without mentioning Tears of the Kingdom (2023), the follow-up to Breath of the Wild. Tears of the Kingdom (TotK) improved upon everything players loved in BotW. Rather than reinventing exploration, Nintendo built on the existing Hyrule map and systems, and the results are truly impressive.

Exploring the world of Tears of the Kingdom can feel a bit daunting initially, particularly when you’re first learning to use the new Zonai building abilities. These abilities let you create everything from simple structures to complex vehicles and machines, all to help Link get around the huge map and defeat tough enemies. However, once you master these new features, TotK often feels more engaging and immersive than Breath of the Wild.

Dying Light 2 Stay Human Offers Fast-Paced Parkour Exploration

Released in 2022, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is the sequel to the popular zombie survival game. It features a vast open world teeming with zombies and different groups of people fighting over limited supplies. The game tells a compelling story packed with emotional moments, including loss, fear, and deception. What really sets Dying Light 2 apart is how you move through this world – you play as Aiden Caldwell, a wanderer traveling between the last remaining human settlements.

The game starts with Aiden becoming infected with a zombie virus, but it’s unique – it doesn’t automatically kill him. He can control the symptoms and stay human, which is where the game gets its name. What really makes Dying Light 2 enjoyable is its exciting parkour system. Players can climb almost anything and travel freely, as long as they have enough stamina. And of course, there’s the constant thrill of escaping dangerous zombies who are trying to attack.

Wuthering Waves Perfects BotW’s Exploration Formula

I’ve been playing Wuthering Waves (2024) and honestly, even though people compare it to Genshin Impact and other open-world gacha games, it’s so much more than that! It’s really captivating, and it feels like every update – they come out about every six weeks – just makes it even better. What’s amazing is that it’s free-to-play, but you’d never know it looking at the gorgeous and varied world they’ve created.

People often compare Wuthering Waves to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild because both games feature open-world exploration and a free-to-play system. Wuthering Waves definitely takes inspiration from BotW in how you explore, but it also adds features to make it even more enjoyable and efficient. For example, you can fly using a set of wings or travel quickly on a motorcycle that can jump, perform tricks, glide, and even drive on its own.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is One of the Greatest Open World Games Ever Made

Released in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 is the second installment in the Red Dead Redemption series and a favorite among many gamers. It features a captivating story, memorable characters, and all the elements of a great game. However, what truly sets it apart is the immersive and expansive open world you can explore.

Set in the Wild West, Red Dead Redemption 2 is often described as a “cowboy simulator,” and that description is pretty spot on. The game features a huge, detailed world packed with things to do – from side quests and collectibles to gathering resources. It expertly blends a compelling story with the freedom of open-world exploration, creating an immersive experience that really lets you live the life of a cowboy.

Insomniac’s Spider-Man Series is Perfect for Gamers Who Love Unique Mechanics

Insomniac Games first launched Marvel’s Spider-Man in 2018, and have since released two sequels: Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (2023). While fans have debated the stories of these games since Miles Morales was released, all three titles offer equally impressive open-world exploration.

The games are set in New York City, letting players control either Peter Parker, Miles Morales, or both Spider-Men. Players can experience the thrill of web-slinging through the city, soaring through the skies, and leaping across rooftops. The Marvel’s Spider-Man series takes the exciting, fast-paced movement of games like Dying Light 2 and amplifies it, offering a truly unique experience of traveling around NYC as Spider-Man.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Expands on the Original Flawlessly

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (expected in 2025) continues the story of Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding (2019). The first game is set in a post-apocalyptic United States and explores how the country has changed, with the sequel expanding the world by adding new locations such as Mexico and the Australian Outback.

What makes On the Beach truly stand out is how it moves beyond simply retreading the original game. It gives players a massive toolkit and a lot of freedom to approach gameplay their own way – something the first game lacked. On the Beach offers significantly more choices that genuinely affect the story, gameplay, and outcome, and it’s quickly establishing itself as one of the best open-world games available.

Cyberpunk 2077 Delivers a True Cyberpunk Experience

When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in 2020, it had a lot of technical problems, but the developers, CD Projekt Red, quickly fixed them. Now, it’s considered one of the best and most original open-world games available. Set in the dark and dangerous city of Night City – a fictional place in California – the game offers a gritty, realistic look at survival in a crime-ridden metropolis. Players will soon be able to experience this world in a new way.

Cyberpunk 2077 features a massive map, letting players fully explore Night City and its surrounding areas. What sets it apart is its gritty, futuristic gameplay. Players use advanced technology to hack into computers, security systems, and even the implants of other people, offering a unique way to interact with the world. With enhancements to player abilities, cool vehicles, and tons of side missions and bounties, Cyberpunk 2077 creates a truly immersive and endlessly engaging cyberpunk experience.

2026-04-30 20:48