Everyone enjoys a proper adventure, experiencing new things, and all the other joys and surprises that the notion entails. However, not everybody has the time or access to such activities. Fortunately, adventure-seekers have the realm of video games to satisfy that wanderlust urge.
There are dozens of open-world video games that give us virtual environments and sometimes even planets to explore to the gamer's heart's content. With the help of Metacritic, here is a list of incredible open-world games to satisfy the indoor explorer.
Dead Island (71)
Who wouldn't want to explore a tropical paradise with lush, vibrant jungles, beautiful lagoons, and, of course, zombies? Dead Island is not a perfect game by the strictest definition but don't let that rating deceive you. There's something extremely cathartic about hacking and slashing your way through Legions of infected, all in the ruins of a tropical resort.
Skyrim (84)
What can be said about Skyrim that hasn't already been said? It's one of the most iconic open-world video games ever created, as well as one of the mandatory video gaming experiences for any player.
The lore is rich, the world is beautiful, the dragons are hungry, and the quests are endless. Follow the story, or branch out on a completely separate path. Whatever the choice, adventure is out there.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (88)
To be fair, almost any one of the Assassin's Creed series could make this list. While the Egyptian-themed Origins almost made the cut, the spot goes to the treasure trove of high seas adventure, Black Flag. In this entry in the series, players fly the colors of Captain Kenway as they set sail in search of Templars and treasure. There's plenty of loot to discover and loads to unlock, better prepare for a 7-day voyage.
Stardew Valley (87)
Sometimes players want to sail the seas with a crew of buccaneers, sometimes they want to maul through a horde of zombies, and sometimes they desire to take on a dragon. But then there are the times where they just want to sit back, relax, and watch the 16-bit crops grow.
Stardew Valley is one of the most mellow titles in the history of gaming. There's loads of places to explore, as well as comfy places to rest on one's laurels.
Horizon Zero Dawn (89)
Ever want to feel like Princess Merida in a sea of hostile robots? Horizon Zero Dawn offers players that chance. In this beautiful cyberpunk wasteland, take on the role of Aloy and let the arrows fly into the silicon hearts of various robotic beasts and monsters. Craft, fight, and explore ruins of a strange technological civilization. Come for the visuals, stay for the exploration.
Minecraft (93)
Minecraft is an ever-growing gaming phenomenon that already has millions and millions of players logged in right now. The world is only limited by the player's imagination, and many user-created worlds are practically endless.
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Visit a famous or fictional monument, try to survive in a dense forest or a deserted island, or fight against an army of creepers. Whatever the decision, if it can be made it can be played.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (93)
Quite possibly the best game in the titular Witcher series, the third entry is without a doubt one of the most expensive and impressive fantasy worlds ever to grace the home console. With a beautiful kingdom of characters and creatures alike to encounter and engage with, the game has hours of material. Take on the role of the white wolf, pick up the sword and slay.
Batman: Arkham City (96)
Considered by many to be the best superhero video game ever created, this second entry in Batman's Arkham series takes the narrative out of the Asylum and onto the literal mean streets of Gotham City. Like the first game, the best of Batman's rogues' gallery are present and ready for the player to unleash fistfuls of justice on them.
With Mark Hamill as the Joker and Kevin Conroy reprising his role as the Caped Crusader, it's a love letter to the shadow of the Bat.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (97)
While the previous title in the series was no doubt an icon on the PlayStation 3, its sequel is what truly captures the freedom and adventure of the wild-west for everyone who picked up a controller for this Rockstar title. Along with its gripping narrative story, players can step into the boots of a gunslinging outlaw and take out a gang of desperados, play poker in the saloon, and ride off into the sunset in this fulfillment of everyone's cowboy fantasy.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (97)
If there's one title that needs to be on top of everyone's list, it's Breath of the Wild. Easily the most beautiful game on this list with one of the most enchanting fantasy realms ever created. Hyrule has never been so vibrant, so breathtaking, or so dangerous. There are dozens of shrines, dungeons, and ruins to explore in this incredible adventure from Nintendo.