5 lesser-known games for open world exploration lovers

Open world games have evolved since their introduction, with titles now featuring large maps to explore, detailed environments, diverse activities, and a variety of NPCs. These open worlds allow players to immerse themselves in an imaginary world where they have the freedom to do whatever they want whenever they please.

While games like those from the Grand Theft Auto series offer players a polished open world and get a ton of praise for it, other titles like The Saboteur or Tchia don't get the same level of recognition.

With that being said, we look at five lesser-known open world games that gamers would enjoy playing.

NOTE: This article is subjective, solely reflects the writer's opinions, and is not ranked in any particular order.

---

These lesser-known open world games are a must-play

1) Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is an ARPG (Image via THQ Nordic)

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is an open world RPG that takes place in Amalur, created by the popular fantasy author R.A. Salvatore. Your character is called the Fateless One, who has been revived from the dead and has no memory of his life before he died. The narrative here focuses on you discovering the secrets of your past as you protect the world from Tuatha Deohn.

The open world in the game is not the best graphically, but it features lush green environments, various regions, and busy cities to explore. The game offers players various side quests in Amalur, along with hidden treasures to find and dungeons to explore. The NPCs you find in the game also provide lore about the world and give the player more reasons to explore the environment.

---

2) Outward

Outward supports split screen (Image via Deep Silver)

Outward is an open world title that revolves around survival, as you explore a vast environment. The world features terrains like deserts, mountains, and swamps, with each type of environment providing a different challenge to the player. The game also offers a co-op mode where you can explore the world with your friend and survive unknown threats.

The combat here is Soulslike and heavily emphasizes the idea of resource management, forcing the player to make crucial decisions increasing the difficulty of surviving. There is also a dynamic weather system and day and night cycle that will impact the quests you will come across on your journey. While the graphics here are not AAA-level, the colorful art style makes up for it.

---

3) Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is developed by Capcom (Image via Capcom)

Dragon's Dogma Dark Arisen is part of the Dragon's Dogma franchise created by Capcom. The game Is set in the fictional open world of Gransys filled with mountains, dungeons, forests, and caves to explore. Aside from the main campaign, Dark Arisen also offers players side quests spread across the map.

These quests can be accessed by talking to NPCs, encouraging you to explore the open world. Here, you will encounter hidden areas and encounter monsters. The game also has a day and night cycle. The night introduces stronger and more dangerous enemies.

---

4) Sable

Sable features vast deserts to explore (Image via Raw Fury)

Sable is an indie game that allows you to go on an adventure where you can glide across a large desert. The game doesn't feature AAA graphical fidelity but offers a colorful and eye-catching art style that enhances the look of the environment and architecture. Sable is mainly a puzzle platformer where you solve environmental puzzles to progress.

In the game, your choices matter and you can experience different endings depending on the decisions you make. Sable is a visual treat with its hand-drawn graphics and story-rich exploration. The story is told through the ruins of ancient wonders and spaceships lying around the desert.

---

5) The Witness

The Witness features environmental puzzles (Image via Thekla, Inc.)

The Witness has a simple concept: you are isolated on an island and wake up to find no one around you. However, the island has various environmental puzzles to solve and further your exploration. While the game can be challenging at times, the colorful environments here are an eye-pleaser.

While not the most graphically impressive game on the list, this indie game relies on its colors and atmosphere in the open world to catch the player's attention. The Witness is full of mystery, as the puzzles you solve help reveal how you arrived at this isolated island.