Summary
This list details some of theshorter open-world gamesthat don’t fail to pack a punch when it comes to detailed, thoughtful world-building, exciting side-quests and, of course, short but sweet main stories that bring everything together. Perhaps the best part of these shorter stories is that they leave the player craving more, maintaining momentum until the very end, encouraging further gameplay beyond the main narrative.
After all, the magic of open-world games is that they don’t have to be long to be deeply immersive, thrilling experiences. Players can log hundreds of hours in these worlds through exploration, or indeed stick with the quick fix of the main story.
Some semi-open worlds like Journey to the Savage Plane will also be considered.
Survivors of a zombie apocalypse must forge a community and defend themselves inState of Decay 2.While the central story isn’t the longest, the game offers several different campaign modes and a sandbox environment, making it perfectly replayable. Players are also responsible for base-building and resource management, adding to its immersive post-apocalyptic feel.
There’s plenty of choice throughoutState of Decay 2, with building and upgrading options to develop suitable living quarters within bases, there’s plenty of items to scavenge, and the ability to play co-op with up to three players means it can be enjoyed alone or with friends.
InThe Outer Worlds, players must grapple witha conspiracy that threatens to wipe out a space colony. Fans of the game praise it for its well-written, witty dialogue, its choice-based gameplay, and the engaging central story.The Outer Worldsalso plays with the idea of flaws, tracking gameplay to tailor the experience to player skills and foibles, making it perfectly personalizable.
Despite the shortness of the primary story, the variety of possible endings makes this a great game for replay. With each different choice comes a different consequence, keeping the story fresh and exciting for players.
The sole survivor of a plane crash must fight to stay alive on a strange island with cannibalistic creatures.The Forestcombines terrifying horror elements into a classic survival-style game, with its first-person perspective gameplay highlighting the isolation and vulnerability of its vast open-world setting.
Short though it may be, the central story is compelling and works perfectly when accompanied by the interactive forest environment, where every tree can be used for building a camp or starting a fire. This game is packed with options for lovers of different play styles, including crafting, dynamic combat,base building, and exploration of a variety of environments within its deep forest setting.
Rage 2is a dystopian first-person shooter with exciting combat mechanics, focusing on a ranger fighting for justice in the wasteland. Fans of the game describe the gameplay experience as satisfying and exhilarating, with a plethora of ready-to-use vehicles and collectible weapons enhancing the far-from-ordinary open world.
The open world is a perfect backdrop to the gameplay. It’s colorful, varies in terrain types, and is littered with fascinating abandoned structures.Rage 2is perfect for quick, explosive fun without a complex, long-winded narrative.
This unusual story follows a corporate explorer journeying to a mysterious planet, ARY-26, with the aim of human colonization. The semi-open world is designed for deep exploration, with psychedelic backdrops and unusual creatures throughout. The writing inJourney To The Savage Planetis also a particular standout, with plenty of silly happenings punctuating the central narrative.
While this game’s main story is particularly short, players are welcome to explore the world as much as they like, with a vast survey to complete and the option to craft from scavenged items. Short but sweet, there’s lots of enjoyment to be had on ARY-26.
This game follows a hunter and her companion, an eagle, through attempting to lift a curse from the world. Players love the vivid open-world setting, which holdsseveral gorgeous environments within, including mountains, forests, meadows, and snowy landscapes.The Pathlessalso offers two rather unusual skills to hone during gameplay: archery and falconry. With dynamic systems for flight and shooting, there are some unique perspectives to be gained while exploring this world.
WhileThe Pathlessis a relatively short story, fans of the game love it for its exploration, following the plot at a gentler speed so they can savor the emotional bond forged between the player and the eagle, and take the time to enjoy the landscapes.
Sableis a coming-of-age story that follows its nomadic protagonist through vast desert landscapes, searching for her place in the world.A relaxing and exploration-focused game, the unique art style stands out and makesSablea particularly memorable experience, with its brief story combining adventure and introspection beautifully.
Complementing the stunning visuals is a complete soundtrack by Japanese Breakfast. This cements the truly immersive quality ofSable, which can be explored gradually, at the player’s pace, allowing for every aspect to be enjoyed in its own time.
In the Wyoming Wilderness of the 1980s, a fire lookout explores mysterious happenings in the forest he works in. The vast open-world map that ties this game together allows for plenty of exploration, with a story that can be taken at the player’s own pace.
While the central narrative of this game is very short, it leaves a lasting impression. With its introspective, emotional outlook and stunning graphics, exploring the wilderness andtrying to understand the strange goings-onis thoughtful, immersive, and a little bit spooky.
