Open-world video games are named as such because they typically establish a well-developed area and allow players to freely explore it. There are a few central conventions of an open-world game, but not every developer adheres to them all. Usually, players can encounter tasks in a non-linear way, since they roam the map uninhibited. Tears of the Kingdom is a great example of this because there is a main storyline at play, but gamers may complete almost all areas and quests at any time. Another typical quality is to not lock areas behind the player and prevent them from returning - although it is relatively common to unlock new areas after enough progress has been made.

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While some open-world games opt to establish entirely new and unique worlds, others lean into the realism of everyday life and use recognizable areas as the backdrop to their story. This can often make for a remarkable experience, creating an almost surreal atmosphere as players experience unreal scenarios in mundane environments. These environments can be even more tricky to create since players are far more familiar with how a backyard should look compared to somewhere like outer space. It's the small details that make these worlds rich and lively, which furthermore makes them absolutely sensational to explore.

5 Gone Home (2013)

An Eerie Mystery in the Confines of an Empty Home

Gone Home is an open-world walking simulator, in which players assume the role of a young woman named Katie. After returning home, Katie finds her entire family missing and finds only clues to suggest what happened. The entire game takes place in Katie's family home in Oregon, and players can freely explore the house to collect clues and information to figure out what happened.

Gone Home's gameplay has no specific goals or quests but rather lets players wander around the house to discover the mystery for themselves. There's no outlined, linear path for players to take, and it's almost entirely up to them what clues they encounter first. It encourages exploration, and although it has limited actual gameplay, gamers are free to move at their own pace while uncovering what has happened to Katie's family. It may not be the best choice for players who want a massive map, or combat, but it's the perfect game for mystery-lovers and explorers.

4 Spider-Man (2018), Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020), & Spider-Man 2 (2023)

Slinging Webs Through Manhattan

Spider-Man may seem, at first, a strange title to be anywhere near the word 'mundane'. While players are swinging through the city and taking down villains, it's easy to forget that the setting for Spidey's exploits is an interpretation of modern-day Manhattan. Although there may be certain copyrights and laws preventing a complete recreation, Spider-Man's iteration of the New York borough is a beautifully vivid location.

One of the main appeals of Spider-Man in all forms, from comic books to films, to video games, is his proximity to real life. His entire identity as the 'friendly neighborhood Spider-Man' grounds him as a character adjacent to reality. He is very purposefully written as an almost typical teenager living in a mundane world, who stumbles upon a great power. There's no better option for a background to his rise to heroism than a familiar city, where players can be the extraordinary among the ordinary. Miles Morales is very much the same kind of character, trying to balance being a hero with the challenges of real life.

3 Firewatch (2016)

Unsettling Secrets in a Stunning Setting

Firewatch is an adventure game released in 2016 to positive critical reception. Players will control Henry, who has taken a job as a fire lookout in Shoshone National Park - a real-life National Park in Wyoming. Armed with a walkie-talkie, Henry must explore the area and can choose to communicate with Delilah, another fire lookout in a different watchtower. Players can freely wander Shoshone; however, certain linear events take place after encountering specific clues or at certain times of the day.

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Firewatch was heavily praised for its unique art style and nostalgic interpretation of a National Park, so much so that it's easy to forget the game is based in a real place. Its simple, humdrum setting is the perfect backdrop to the unsettling events taking place, contrasting brilliantly with the pleasant design. Henry's discussions with Delilah only add to the realism of the game, and the limited gameplay truly makes it feel like non-fiction. Firewatch is perfect for gamers who love story-first games with mystery and dialogue choice.

2 Grounded (2022)

Surviving the Perils of a Backyard

Grounded is a survival adventure game in which players assume the role of Max, Willow, Pete, or Hoops, four children who have been shrunk to the size of a bug. The game requires players to explore a mysterious backyard, collecting resources to build a base and keep their character alive. Gamers will encounter things typically found in a backyard, including terrifying insects that act as enemies.

Grounded is a brilliant game for players who enjoy exploring areas for resources and quests. There's no location more mundane than a backyard - which is also the typical location for various imaginary childhood adventures. The game is loyal to realism where it can be, which means the characters will need food and water to stay alive. Despite these realistic aspects, it's safe to say there's nothing normal about the situation these kids have found themselves in.

1 Bully (2006)

Prank Your Way to the Top of a School's Food Chain

Bully is a fantastically fun game that may have slipped the minds of many gamers. Those who did play it may be surprised to learn this title was created by Rockstar Games, the developers of GTA - one of the most well-known open-world franchises of all time. Bully stays true to the open-world nature of GTA, except this time players assume the role of Jimmy Hopkins as he explores Bullworth Academy. Jimmy's goal is to prank and fight his way to the top of the school, and generally do anything that will get him in trouble. Rockstar Games may have switched up the setting, but the disruptive, chaotic objectives remain the same.

Bully lets players freely explore Bullworth Academy and the surrounding fictional town of Bullworth, although this can be limited while Jimmy is completing a specific mission. There's a plethora of weapons available for Jimmy to cause trouble, including stink bombs and bottle rockets, and the game supports general acts of disorder. There are also side missions available for Jimmy to undertake as and when he encounters them, but they are totally optional. The missions and storyline are linear, but there's plenty of fun to be had in racing around Bullworth and causing havoc. It's a great choice for fans of GTA and any gamers who are looking for a chance to be top of the high-school food chain.

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