Video game hub worlds essentially act as a sort of safe zone for the player, somewhere they can improve their gear, chat with allies, and plan their next mission. Hub worlds have been around for many years by this point, meaning in order for them to really make an impression on a player, they need to go above and beyond in their design.
A good hub world needs to not only have plenty of features and tools for the player to utilize in between levels but also needs to have a pleasant and homely aesthetic that really makes the player feel at ease and safe. While they may have got their start in single-player games, hub worlds are now just as popular in multiplayer titles too where players can interact with one another in a single space, so this list will be taking both into account to understand which truly comes out on top as being the very best.
7 Coco's VR Hub - Crash Bandicoot: Wrath Of Cortex
Hub worlds are nothing new in Crash games, but the design of Coco's VR Hub in Wrath of Cortex is a real stand-out in regard to its design, making it a real joy to return to after a few grueling platforming sections. The whole base has a very futuristic and almost ethereal aesthetic to it which is complimented by a funky iteration of the classic Crash Bandicoot main theme.
What really helps this area shine though is the attention to detail in terms of the mission portals. Every chamber has 5 levels that must be completed to move on with the game, but each one has a very distinct theme to help make them unique. So while one chamber has snow flying across the screen for example, another has flames raging around the portals and lava on the floor. These might be minor additions, but they really go a long way in making these areas memorable to fans.
6 The Gathering Hub - Monster Hunter World
The Gathering Hub is a large tavern where players can interact with one another and upgrade their gear in Monster Hunter World, but it's really the social aspect of this hub world that makes it so enjoyable. Players can relax with a nice comforting meal after a long hunt, or if they're feeling a little competitive, they can also partake in some arm wrestling. Each hunter will also have access to their own personal room in the Gathering Hub which offers them a bit of privacy whenever they need it.
It also needs to be said that the visuals of this area are absolutely stunning, with the amazing in-game lighting elegantly complimenting the rustic architecture of the area. Up to 16 hunters can reside in the Gathering Hub at once, so while it can be quite cozy with a small group, it can turn into a party real quickly when with a bigger crew.
5 The Lake Of Nine - God Of War
By the time Kratos and Atreus manage to reach The Lake of Nine, they've already been through quite the ordeal, battling giant trolls and having more than a few arguments between them both, so it's certainly a relief once they manage to reach somewhere they can relax and plan their next move. Because of how big the lake actually is, it gives the player plenty of freedom to discover any areas they like the look of in the distance.
The lake is also full of a handful of unique characters, whether it's the endlessly charismatic blacksmith Brok, or the extremely menacing World Serpent which can be seen from afar, it's a beautiful area that rewards the player for exploring as much as they possibly can.
4 Peach's Castle - Super Mario 64
For the very first time in the series, players were able to fully explore Peach's castle at their own leisure in Super Mario 64. While the structure itself may not seem that big from the outside, it's still very easy to get lost when racing through the multiple corridors and stairways Mario can find when running and hopping around the castle.
Of course, the upbeat and lighthearted melody that plays in the background, which has gone on to become one of the most iconic themes in video game history, also helps to make this area so much fun to explore, especially considering how many secrets are hidden around the building.
3 Fortress Of Doom - Doom Eternal
Being able to teleport to a gigantic space station after ripping and tearing through hordes of demons makes for an incredibly fun gameplay loop in Doom Eternal. It's hard to ever imagine the Doom Slayer being able to relax, but this area provides players with a glimpse at what he gets up to when he's not purging the earth of demons, such as having a stacked bookshelf and magazines lying around that he no doubt enjoys flicking through.
The Fortress of Doom is also undoubtedly the hub world with the most easter eggs in video game history. From being able to find Doom Guy's very own skateboard from Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3, to booting up Doom 2 on his personal computer, there's so much to discover here which is perfect for providing a break from the hack-and-slash action of the core gameplay.
2 Garreg Mach Monastery - Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Players will be spending a lot of time in the Garreg Mach Monastery during their time in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, but considering that this game is a Switch exclusive, its astonishing just how many characters Nintendo managed to pack in and around the area for a handheld system. Not only can players speak to all the students and professors to get their views on current ongoing events in the world, but they can also enjoy some cooking, host a tea party, or participate in some combat training.
In classic Fire Emblem fashion, everything that is done outside of battle will have an effect on the relationship between characters, and can also boost the stats of units when they re-enter combat, so it's well worth making use of all the features that are available. Unlike a lot of hub worlds that reside outside of the main story, Garreg Mach actually plays an incredibly important role in the plot of Three Houses, making it even more memorable and iconic.
1 House of Hades - Hades
Every time Zagreus meets his demise when trying to escape the Underworld, he will return to the House of Hades where he can plan and strategize for the next run, or talk to the many fun and charismatic NPCs that can give him a few hints for his next attempt. As the game goes on though, and Zagreus starts to get even closer to reaching his mother, the hub world also begins to change with new characters entering the house on a regular basis, and new lines of dialogue being delivered every single time the player returns.
This mechanic of connecting the hub world to the dungeon-crawling gameplay loop is incredibly unique and really helps to make the whole place feel alive and relevant to the overarching plot. Hades' very own abode also has everything Zagreus needs to prepare him for future runs, including his own bedroom where he can upgrade abilities, and the combat arena where he can test out any weapons on his trusty pal, Skelly. The vibrant and colorful art style really acts as the cherry on top, making each room feel extremely lively and vibrant, resulting in one of the most relaxing and beneficial hub worlds in any video game.