Many people consider open-world games to be overwhelming experiences that can flood the player with so many things to do that they can find it overly challenging to tackle such titles. This is understandable, given that not everyone has the time to invest so many hours into these massive titles with maps that stretch for miles on end.
Thankfully, open-world gaming has become so popular that many developers strive to make these titles as accessible as possible. As a result, even people who are completely unfamiliar with how open-world games work can still enjoy these games quite a bit. The learning curve for such games is not steep at all, making these titles quite beginner-friendly in every way.
7 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Many people may not consider Animal Crossing: New Horizons to be an open-world game, but the sandbox that players are dropped in loosely adheres to this justification. Unlike most other titles in the genre that prioritize combat, puzzles, and everything else along the same lines, New Horizons is all about relaxing and letting players flex their creative muscles.
Players can transform a run-down and desolate island into a thing of beauty, allowing them to craft everything from better houses to beautiful structures that they can show off to their friends. It's a social game that players can use to unwind after a long day.
6 A Short Hike
A Short Hike is a simple and (no pun intended) short game that players can finish in a few hours or so. The vibes of this game are immaculate, making for a brief yet lighthearted experience as players embark on the life-altering quest... to get some cellphone reception.
Players will have to gather golden feathers scattered across the world to improve their maneuverability while also scaling the mountain bit by bit. The characters that are met along the way have a ton of heart and contribute to the quality of the game in their own way.
5 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Most people would think that a game about a series with life-threatening battles like Dragon Ball Z would not be an easy game in the slightest. However, aside from the Villainous Enemies that players encounter in the game, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a breeze, with even the toughest battles in the series turning into afterthoughts as players dodge telegraphed moves before dishing out some serious pain.
It helps that the game can be especially charming and lighthearted at times, with the simple act of exploring the game world being pretty entertaining. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot may not hold anything special for long-time players of open-world games, but beginners to the genre who like DBZ will be more than pleased with what the title brings to the table.
4 Minecraft
Minecraft has become one of the most popular indie titles of all time, and it's easy to see why this is the case. The sandbox gameplay coupled with the unlimited creativity that players can enjoy in this game world makes it a widely-celebrated title that Microsoft paid the big bucks for to become a part of the Xbox family.
Every procedurally generated world is a hub of creativity that players can explore to their heart's content. Minecraft's surprisingly deep gameplay loop coupled with the amazing stuff people have created in this game makes it a treat to behold in every way.
3 Lego City Undercover
The Lego games have been surprisingly impressive, with each title being a blast to play through in its own way. While there are several games that players consider to be their favorites, most people would agree that Lego City Undercover is easily the best of the bunch for slow-paced open-worlds.
Coming around a time when the Lego games decided to go open-world, Lego City Undercover perfects this formula and allows players to muck about in a creative landscape that is full to the brim with secrets and hidden areas. Players control the undercover officer Chase McCain as he tries his hardest to chase down and arrest notorious crime boss Rex Fury.
2 Watch Dogs 2
The first Watch Dogs title had a pretty dark story with hacking elements that didn't really gel together, leading to the game feeling rather disjointed at times. Ubisoft learned from its mistakes and ensured that the second title's story didn't feel disconnected from its gameplay in any way.
The result is Watch Dogs 2, a relentlessly joyful title that makes sure to keep things lighthearted and fresh while also building up on the hacking gameplay quite a bit. Players can approach a mission using everything from their combat skills to the wealth of hacks they can mess about with. It's impressive how the game gives players multiple solutions to a problem without overwhelming them, making this title pretty easy for open-world beginners to get into.
1 Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an indie gem that took over the world by storm when it was launched. The charming pixel art of the game coupled with its relaxing gameplay made for a great time as players interacted with the residents of Pelican Town while developing their plot of land into something truly magical.
There's a reason why so many people are hyped for the release of Haunted Chocolatier, made by the same developer who created this masterpiece. It's the perfect example of a comfort game that players can boot up whenever they need to relax, unwind, and get a broad smile on their faces!