Ranking the 6 best open world games focused on realism

realism It's not the focus of every game, and it shouldn't be. Ultimately, the 99% goal of the title is to present a welcome escape from reality, allowing you to explore magical realms, accomplish unimaginable feats, and slay Ganon. However, some projects go in the opposite direction, emphasizing realism over everything else. open world games It's better equipped than most to move in this direction, and almost all of the best entries in the genre are just as immersive.

Realism can now take many forms, and numerous sandbox releases combine stunning visuals with over-the-top gameplay that makes sense in the context of the world. As we will see, these games are not the focus of this article. An open world game that emphasizes realism In almost every aspect. In the name of diversity we will try to highlight different subgenres.

honorable mention

The following games are set in a fantasy world or contain elements that are too fantastical. However, internally it is consistent and engaging.

  • Elder Scrolls series (especially Morrowind and oblivion)
  • Gothic
  • yakuza series
  • The Witcher 3
  • death stranding
  • Kensi
  • Assassin's Creed series
  • Ghost of Tsushima & Yotei
  • stalker series
  • no man's sky
  • forza horizon series

6

Shenmue 1 & 2

Dreamcast game famous for realism


Shenmue tag page cover art

Shenmue

released

December 29, 1999

ESRB

tea


you can't talk Realistic open world game without mentioning Shenmue And that sequel was probably the first project that really tried to create this kind of journey. The game moves at a glacial pace, especially compared to other releases of the same era. You will be fully immersed in Yokosuka and Hong Kong, encouraged and encouraged to embrace the culture and find employment.

By modern standards, ShenmueThe world of is small and unremarkable. By historical standards, ShenmueThe world of was a groundbreaking achievement for the late 90s, showing a level of detail that was very impressive. If you've never come across this game before, you might have a hard time keeping your interest, but I still recommend checking it out. The first two releases have a timeless appeal and are available in HD remasters.

5

Microsoft Flight Simulator (and other sims like Euro Truck Simulator 2)

Flight planning around the world

To be honest, these simulator games are arguably the most realistic open world games on the market, but they focus on enabling a specific type of life rather than a diverse range. Although not a traditional entry into the genre, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020's Free Flight mode allows you to travel the globe, plan your own trips, and go to places you'd never be able to visit in real life. Naturally, you can't roam or explore these areas, but you still have the world at your fingertips.

Although you can adjust the depth, the controls are designed to be as realistic as possible, and beginners are likely to struggle early on. But once you get used to it MFSAs you learn the mechanics and become comfortable with them, you will experience a freedom like no other. open world game We provide.

games like Euro Truck Simulator 2, american truck simulatorand Snow Runner Despite the focus on overlanding, they are made from the same cloth.

4

mafia series

The game is rarely considered open world, but it is a historical crime epic.

mafia It's a strange case. The numbered entry has a gorgeous, truly open world that offers very little in the way of interaction. Each game takes you to a city that brings to life a different era and area of ​​American history.

  • mafia: Lost Heaven, a work inspired by Chicago in the 1930s
  • mafia 2: Empire Bay, inspired by 1940s New York
  • mafia 3: New Bordeaux inspired by New Orleans in the 1960s

Stunning visuals combined with immersive sound design and underlying characterization. mafia It does a great job of telling a story that complements and highlights each game's respective era, while also touching on modern themes that still resonate. But in these worlds, you can't really do anything except move from one story beat to the next. As a result, although they are incredibly realistic, they sometimes look like set costumes.

3

cyberpunk 2077

An open world depicting a potentially realistic future

For the most part, we avoided fantasy and sci-fi games. Because “realistic” isn’t usually the best way to describe it. in other words, cyberpunk 2077 It's probably one of the most plausible depictions of a future society fully owned by corporations, where greed, technology, and depression are rampant. It's not the world we want to live in, but it's the world our successors must embrace.

Even if you ignore the subject of the story and focus only on the world itself, cyberpunk 2077'Night City' is not much different from some cities that exist in reality. While nameless NPCs are there, it's consistent with the feeling of being surrounded by millions of faceless strangers in a big city. You can ignore the story and wander the streets, immersed in the oppressive sounds of a society collapsing into vice and ambition.

2

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar's open-world masterpiece

Aside from the occasional odd moment, Rockstar's games are consistently realistic, especially their open-world projects. teaser, GTA 4and LA Noir It's all well-founded, and here are the developer's best achievements: Red Dead Redemption 2. Although the American West tends to be romanticized by modern media, RDR2 It doesn't follow this path, but instead thoroughly depicts a brutal era when despair replaced freedom for most people.

Yes, the story includes plenty of “Hollywood” shootouts, but much of the campaign emphasizes the little moments that make up everyday survival. You're not cycling through Arthur Morgan's highlights and greatest hits, but rather embodying him as a whole. The gameplay is particularly obsessed with simulating minor details that most games ignore for fear of boring the player.

1

Kingdom Come: Deliverance (both games)

The most realistic open world game

After successful second entry, Kingdom Come: Salvation This is probably the first name that comes to mind when most people hear “immersive medieval games.” And Warhorse Studios has totally earned its reputation. The sequel is superior in almost every way, but its predecessor is just as realistic. Players enjoy the harsh life of a farmer with little meaning to life.

Become Henry and embark on a journey to seek revenge for your massacred family and village. Your journey is difficult, painful and unforgiving. You have to actively train and improve your skills, nothing comes easy. As you slowly travel through the village, you meet NPCs who are struggling to survive their bitter lives. Henry is initially a simple blacksmith trying to act as a soldier, so he will struggle to survive the battle in the early hours. Lastly, as long as you put in the time, you will get better.

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