Games that reward us for exploration are like none other. Exploring virtual worlds is an incredible adventure, especially when the game rewards curiosity and the need to explore. Some games have massive maps that feel soulless and empty, while others may have smaller maps full of detail and areas of interest.
Getting rewarded for exploring the map is gratifying to an endless degree and the rewards can differ from a special weapon to a collectible or even a new quest. Open-world games are about freedom, and exploring without following a quest offers players an alternative to satisfy their inner explorer. Here are the best open-world games that encourage exploration.
6 Subnautica
For players that have gotten burnt out from exploring the outdoors of video games, it is time to hit the vast alien ocean of Subnautica. Ocean exploration is an entirely new experience for many gamers, and Subnautica provides a rich underwater map to delve into and get lost. The ocean is full of mysterious sea creatures, several aquatic biomes, and remains of alien machinery.
Exploring the ocean and finding new biomes will provide new materials allowing players to access better tools and help them progress in the game. There are around 14 scary sea creatures that will turn a relaxing underwater journey into a sudden bolt to safety. All sea creatures are unique and behave differently, allowing players to learn about their alien local aquatic life. There is a story in Subnautica, although the focus is exploring the vast ocean and experiencing new underwater biomes full of color and unique creatures.
5 Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 started with a bang and has met player expectations. Island exploration is lovely, as the graphics are beautiful. There are plenty of hidden points of interest to explore, such as caves and hidden chests throughout the Caribbean island.
The island is full of wildlife to investigate and hunt. There are plenty of countryside areas to explore if players need more time to venture around the inhabited regions of the island. Aside from all the hidden caves and treasure, there are 15 hidden locations in Far Cry 6 that range from a haunted cemetery to references to other games.
4 Minecraft
When it comes to quantity, no other game has Minecraft beat. The map for Minecraft is among the largest map of open-world games. Minecraft has a procedurally generated map that has seen over ten years of tweaks and added content to provide lots of incentives for exploration. Players have many options for exploration with three realms to choose from.
The first realm is the overworld which is a calming realm to explore as it is full of unique flowers, beautiful terrain, and villages. The nether is a hell-themed realm with colorful biomes and mobs. Finally, the end is an otherworldly biome that is a unique and eerie experience. Many dungeon chests in Minecraft contain loot that is not craftable by the player.
3 The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 has a detailed world that begs to be explored. Hidden treasure and monsters lurk around every corner, alongside many surprises. Exploring will often lead players to specific areas or NPCs that will initiate one of the many side quests in the game. The same side quests send players to venture through forests and ruins in search of monsters or items.
In The Witcher 3, many treasure hunt quests in the game will have players exploring forests and ruins in search of rare loot. The loot obtained by exploring is rewarding and will help players attain better gear. Players need to exercise caution when exploring during the early game as many monsters are powerful.
2 Red Dead Redemption 2
The map of Red Dead Redemption 2 is massive and has a lot of depth and variety. There are many activities in Red Dead Redemption 2 to do with exploration. Players track and hunt a total of 16 legendary animals scattered throughout the map. To spice things up while hunting down all the 16 legendary animals, players can collect rare weapons and horses or even find dinosaur bones.
Sightseeing is also another fan favorite as the graphics and map design lead to many beautiful areas. While exploring, players may see crazy sights, such as an intense confrontation between a grizzly bear and a wolf. Watching interactions in the world is a lot of fun and adds immersion to the vast map.
1 Tears Of The Kingdom
It’s hard to compete with Tears of the Kingdom when it comes to exploration as it is the core of the game. Exploring the map is essential for story progression at many key points in the game and feels organic without being annoying. While exploring, players will find a plethora of side quests and unique areas in their adventures.
For players that love to find treasure, Tears of the Kingdom is scattered with many hidden treasures and over 900 hidden Korok seeds. While many games tend to direct players in a certain direction, Tears of the Kingdom gives players complete freedom to dictate how they wish to advance.