Open-world games are often expansive, entirely open areas that give players (mostly) free roam over their various locations.Games such asSkyrim, for example, let players loose in the world with very few restrictions outside of their character’s lack of strength. Metroidvanias and Soulslikes, on the other hand, as well as a select few open-world games, feature open worlds made up of several unique zones.
In the case of Metroidvanias, and even in Soulslikes, these zones are systemically unlocked throughout the game. However, these constituent zones are often interconnected, allowing players to open shortcuts and loop back on themselves. Furthermore, these zones are often seamlessly connected with no loading screens. Examples of non-interconnected worlds includeThe Outer Worlds, a well-crafted open-world RPG with several areas to explore that are each completely separate from the last.
What defines an open-world game?Many players would argue that open-world games must not gate the player from reaching certain areas without specific upgrades/keys/abilities. This is often why such games are labeled as Metroidvanias, instead. However, many Metroidvanias (and Soulslikes) allow players to explore in a non-linear fashion, often with multiple routes through the game. As players unlock abilities, these worlds become more open. While not as open as games such asFalloutandSkyrim, these games will still be included for the purposes of this list.
This entry inthe iconicBatman: Arkhamseriesis known for its fluid and satisfying - albeit somewhat shallow - combat and immersive, evocative environments. TheArkhamgames are known for their well-craftedBatmanexperiences that remain loyal to the source material.
Batman: Arkham Knightis a particularly great experience for fans ofBatman, as it allows players to explore a seamlessly connected realization of Gotham City. Although its various locations may not be as distinct as other open-world games, exploring Gotham City’s dense, interconnected streets is an immersive experience thanks to expressive movement controls.
This open-world, party-based RPG featuresa unique low-fantasy settingpacked with weird and wonderful environments and creatures. The world ofKenshiis harsh and hostile, with a slow-burning progression system and plenty that can go wrong. Players can go anywhere they want in the game, and the game’s interconnected areas can be traveled between seamlessly.
The lack of any clear narrative and/or direction also results in a non-linear experience, offering sandbox gameplay that allows players to explore at their own pace. From the Deadlands and the Cannibal Plains, all the way to the Burning Forest, there are plenty of unique areas to explore inKenshi.
Although the first game featured many monotonous environments that were antithetical tothe Soulslike genre,The Surge 2’sopen and interconnected world is full of variety. Furthermore,The Surge 2consistently interconnects each of its zones in satisfying ways.
Many ofThe Surge 2’sdense locations are connected through Downtown Jericho City. Furthermore,The Surge 2is also packed with satisfying shortcuts that made the originalDark Soulsso rewarding to explore.
WhileElden Ring’sworld can, unfortunately, be somewhat hollow in places, never quite reaching the level of care and detail put into the interconnected world of the originalDark Souls, many players enjoy exploring its more open environments.Elden Ring’smany areas are seamlessly connected to each other, providing an immersive and often mesmerizing world to explore. Furthermore, whileElden Ringmight not provide shortcuts and loops quite as satisfying asDark Souls, it has plenty ofequally immersive moments.
Each location inElden Ringmanages to be distinct, from the sprawling battlements of Stormveil Castle to the eerie underground passages of the Subterranean Shunning Grounds. Thanks toElden Ring’sexpansive areas, there are plenty of nooks and crannies for players to discover.
Hollow Knightis notorious for its detailed world design and interconnected areas, offering players a truly satisfying exploration experience. This comes naturally toHollow Knight, as it combines elements of the Metroidvania and Soulslike genres alike, resulting in a unique and consistently engaging pseudo-open-world.
AsHollow Knightis a Metroidvaniaat heart, players aren’t able to explore every area ofHollow Knight’sbeautifully illustrated world from the get-go. However, the non-linear gameplay and interconnected zones slowly unveil a grander, detailed world for players to explore.
The interconnected world of the originalDark Soulsis arguably what makes it so special, and what made it such a cult hit before FromSoftware’s explosion of popularity.Dark Soulsmay be known for its high difficulty curve, but it’s the game’s deep world that makes it so memorable.
The world ofDark Soulsis made memorable through its variety of distinct locations, loops, shortcuts, and multiple routes.Areas such as Blighttownand the Depths can be skipped almost entirely, while other players may wade through both of these areas in a single playthrough. While certain areas may not be accessible from the beginning of the game, speed-runners have shown that there are plenty of ways to take advantage ofDark Souls’interconnected open zones.
