Summary
Many modern games featureopen-world maps. Some games limit the player to certain areas of the map, slowly unlocking additional areas, which are generally signposted in the main story. Others open the entire map in one go, and rely on the player exploring by themselves to discover new locations and find adventure.
Ubisoftis a game publisher that has been responsible for some of the most highly-rated open-world game franchises of all time. This includes theAssasin’s Creed,Watch Dogs, andFar Cryfranchises. Many Ubisoft games, especially the more recent ones, feature an open-world approach togame map design. This opens up possibilities for sandbox-type gameplay, which is generally driven by player exploration. There are a number of Ubisoft games that got the recipe just right when it comes to exploring the map and getting more from the game.
The Division 2is a live-service game, with players collaborating to achieve community goals, as well as progressing their own character. Set in Washington, D.C.following an apocalypse, players complete missions and other activities either solo, or as part of a group.
The open-world map design inThe Division 2is exceptional, with a fully-detailed recreation of lathe parts of Washington, D.C. for the player to explore. Exploration rewards playerS in many ways, such as uncovering hidden missions and gaining intelligence on the activities of the enemy faction.
Ghost Recon Wildlandstakes place in a massive open world that portrays a fictional version of the country of Bolivia. The game map features a range of different biomes, including rugged mountains, lush jungles, and stark deserts.
From an exploration point of view,Ghost Recon Wildlandsis rewarding for a number of reasons. Firstly, this is a game that rewards explorers with breathtaking scenery and visuals. Secondly, exploring inGhost Recon Wildlandsprovides players with a way to uncover hidden content such as POIs and missions which are hidden off the beaten path.
Far Cry Primalmoves away from the provenFar Cryrecipe to focus on a greater level of survival gameplay. Taking place inprehistoric times, the huge open-world map is populated with prehistoric wildlife and primitive human tribes.
Exploration inFar Cry Primalcan be dangerous, but this only adds to the reward of uncovering new secrets, points of interest, and exploitable resources. The terrain and environment inFar Cry Primalare esthetically pleasing, and a reward all on their own. Overall, exploration inFar Cry Primalis well worth the effort.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the 11th title in the widely acclaimedAssassin’s Creedfranchise, is set in Ancient Greece. The highly-detailed open-world map has plenty of varied biomes, including thickly vegetated forests, Mediterranean islands, and sprawling cities replete with period-accurate architecture.
The level of detail and commitment to accuracy that has been put into crafting the open world is what makes exploring inAssassin’s Creed Odysseyso compelling. Alongside the exceptionally well-crafted main story, exploring Ancient Greece is one of the best features of the game. It is almost like traveling back in time.
Watch Dogs Legiontakes place in an open-world rendition of the City of London, set in a distant, dystopian future. Fans of the cyberpunk genre will instantly feel at home playingWatch Dogs Legion. The main story arc is compelling, and the game, along with theWatch Dogsseries in general, is recognized for its well-thought-outhacking mechanics.
Exploring the urban landscape of a dystopian London is immersive simply for the look and feel of the open world. However, almost every NPC inhabiting the world can be interacted with, has their own backstory, and can be recruited to join DedSec, the game’s group of underground revolutionary hackers. Each one brings their own set of skills to the cause, from a football hooligan who can rough people up to an off-duty spy complete with gadgetry and fancy cars. There are many secrets to be discovered in the world as well, providing dozens of hours of gameplay.
Following the disappointing reception thatFar Cry 2received, Ubisoft tookFar Cry 3back to the recipe of the original game in the franchise. Once again, the gameplay takes place on a tropical island, in first-person, only this time the villain is all-too human.
The game has an excellent main plot, but this is often overshadowed by the breathtaking open-world map, with its mountains, jungle, and beaches. Exploration inFar Cry 3is not only worth putting effort into, but absolutely critical to the survival aspects of the game. Overall,Far Cry 3is a game that encourages players to explore, leading them to new discoveries and activities and giving them the tools they need to survive.
Immortals Fenyx Risingis anaction-adventure gamewith gameplay taking place on a colorful open-world map. The setting is Ancient Greece but with a twist, as the land is populated by mythological creatures and fantastical environments.
Alongside the main story and excellent combat system, exploration is an important part ofImmortals Fenyx Rising. There are many puzzles to be found while exploring, although most of these are signposted in the main questline or in side quests, meaning the ones that aren’t are all the more challenging for it. Overall, exploration inImmortals Fenyx Risingis extremely rewarding, in part due to the great map and puzzle design. The game deserves top place on this list for giving the player plenty of good reasons to step off the beaten path.
