Summary
The open-world genre in gamingcan offer players a lot of freedom, but not every gamer wants 100 quests they need to complete to progress. Nor does every player want a world so big that they can get lost and confused about where to go next. Sometimes, expansive environments and too many crafting materials can feel overwhelming.
The titles on this list keep their concepts more streamlined, without losing the wonder of exploration or the thrill of learning about a setting for oneself. Whether gamers have never played this type of game before, or are looking for something more relaxing than stressful, there is something for everyone to explore.
Minecraft,when set to peaceful mode, becomes one of the most soothingopen-world sandbox experiences that players can have. Players can still do all the mining, crafting, and exploring that they know and love, but without worrying about the enemies and monsters they may encounter.
Players can build at their own pace, and the freedom that the game mode offers is hard to match. Without enemies, Minecraft becomes an even calmer and more serene place. It’s perfect for players looking for a fun weekend project or some shorter creative sessions.
Spiritfarerisnot a traditional open-world game, but it does offer players an expansive sea to chart and explore, and a customizable boat to sail the open ocean. The gameplay itself is modular, meaning that players can choose when to do activities such as crafting, cooking, and fishing. The journey never gets overwhelming. Instead, it’s emotionally rich, making players want to jump back into this narrative adventure as soon as they can.
Immortals Fenyx Risingtakes the open world formula that Ubisoft knows and does well, and trims all the excess from it. With clear progression and focused quests, players will appreciate the manageable pace. Meanwhile, this mythology action-adventure game still offers fun combat, puzzles, and exploration. There is a lightness to the overall gaming experience thanks to its vibrancy and humor. If players are looking for something a little less intimidating, this might be the game for them.
Lakeoffers players the chance to swap epic quests for small-town reconnection. Players deliver mail in this cozy 1980s environment that will leave them feeling full of warmth and nostalgia thanks to its narrative-focused, slice-of-life gameplay. Each new day brings a list of simple but appreciated decisions to make, and driving routes that combine with a relaxing open world that puts no pressure on players. Instead, it offers a gentler pacing than they may be used to with other games.
Submerged: Hidden Depths
Submerged: Hidden Depthis a hauntingly beautiful flooded world that is deliberately slow. Instead of fighting something big and scary, they can instead put their focus on discovering what lies in store for them, climbing and sailing through the setting’s post-apocalyptic beauty. The game is simple in the best ways. The visual storytelling element, lack of combat, and low stress allow players time to breathe,without being something that they can put down easily. There is so much to do and explore, even at a slower pace.
InEastshade,players feel like the pen (or the brush) is mightier than the sword. Instead of being warriors, players are artists who answer gentle questions through a painting mechanic, filling the space with wonder, and are rewarded for their creativity. There is no danger to hide from in this game. Instead, players immerse themselves in thescenery around them, the rich NPC interactions, and the story. If someone is craving a quiet immersion with a sense of whimsy, this might be the perfect game for them.
Though the game is small in scale with a lot of compact pieces, theopen-world design will leave players with plenty to explore.A Short Hikeembodies everything that works with the traditional open world genre, and makes it smaller and just as charming with its quick goals and joyful movement.
There is no pressure to complete quests or find secrets. Instead, players can choose to focus on chats with the locals, climbing somewhere, or gliding around, all in a few small spaces full of potential.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wildhelps ease players into the systems they need to learn, and encourages a version of self-directed play that allows them to be rewarded for their curiosity. This organic exploration, coupled with the ambient worldbuilding, keeps players from feeling overwhelmed by the open world. There is a lot to explore and the world feels rich with experiences, but it doesn’t feel cluttered. Every discovery feels earned and manageable. For players looking for a game with structurewithout too many strict paths to follow, this could be perfect.
Tchiais set in a New Caledonia-inspired world, featuring lighthearted exploration and a heartwarming story that players will be talking about for years to come. The mechanics are creative, and the overall tone of the game feels playful thanks to laid-back quests and musical moments. The game is also very forgiving. This means that players don’t feel overloaded, and instead get to focus on the relaxing open-world experience that they may need after a long gaming session of something more intense.
Sablefocuses on the idea of discovery without all the danger that some open-world games can bring. Players need toexplore the mysterious desert planet, but they can do so at their own pace, without the need to follow strict guidelines. There is no combat in the game, or any time pressure. It is an almost meditative journey, uncovering stories with the help of some gliding and climbing. This game is perfect for players who want the beauty of a new game without all the burnout of a traditional open-world title.
