Less Known Open World Games Worth Playing

The open-world genre has dominated the industry for years, with giants such as The Witcher 3, GTA V, and Elden Ring being almost undisputed references. However, beyond the spotlights, there's a vast catalog of titles which haven't gotten to the same fame level, but offer unique, creative experiences that deserve any player's attention. Some failed in marketing, others arrived at the wrong time, or were overshadowed by more popular competitors. But the truth is, they all have qualities that can surprise, be it through narrative, innovative gameplay, or setting.

Below, I've selected ten less popular open-world games worth checking out. Each one has a distinct proposal, ranging from space-based sci-fi to fantasy worlds, including post-apocalyptic adventures, and even more artistic experiments. Perhaps you'll discover your next favorite title here, the one that went unnoticed but has the potential to captivate you for dozens of hours.

Star Overdrive is one of those games few people’ve heard of, but that boasts incredibly ambitious ideas. Set in a futuristic universe full of colonized planets, the title offers a mix of space exploration and ground combat. Unlike many games that focus solely on one aspect, it lets you pilot ships, explore inhospitable moons, and, at the same time, experience adventures in futuristic cities full of political intrigue.

Its strong point is the sense of scale. With each journey between systems, the player realizes how vast and detailed the game's universe is. While it lacks the polish of larger titles, the game makes up for it with creative freedom, allowing you to pursue a career as a mercenary, merchant, explorer, or even an intergalactic pirate.

The narrative is non-linear, but rather shaped by choices, creating a personalized experience. The graphics may not be as impressive compared to AAA games, but the artistic direction makes up for it, featuring settings reminiscent of classic sci-fi illustrations.

Star Overdrive may not be on the radar of major publishers, but for those who enjoy RPGs and space exploration, it's a hidden gem worth checking out.

Sand Land was born from the manga by Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball. Even with this pedigree, the game went somewhat unnoticed. Set in an arid and devastated desert, it blends RPG elements with open-world action. The idea is to put the player in the shoes of Beelzebub, a charismatic demon prince who teams up with humans to survive in a world where water is a scarce resource.

The setting is the key differentiator: the desert isn't just a backdrop, but a living character, full of dangers and mysteries. Exploration happens both on foot and in customized vehicles, which can be upgraded to face enemies or traverse inhospitable terrain. This vehicle system gives the game a unique identity, setting it apart from other, more traditional RPGs.

The narrative balances humor and social commentary, reflecting on inequality, power, and survival, but always with Toriyama's lighthearted and cartoonish style. Despite this, the gameplay also offers challenging moments, especially in combat against bigger enemies.

Although it hasn't achieved a huge popularity, Sand Land is a unique experience, especially for fans of the mangaka's artistic style. It shows that open worlds can be creative and compact, without needing hundreds of hours to captivate the player.

Released in 2009, The Saboteur was overshadowed by other major titles of its time, but it’s one of the most creative experiences in the open-world genre. Set in @@@@-occupied France during World War II, the game puts the player in the shoes of Sean Devlin, an Irishman involved in the resistance.

The game's differential’s in its artistic direction. Enemy-dominated areas appear in black and white, with red and gold accents, a visual metaphor for @@@@ oppression. As the player liberates areas, the vibrant colors return, creating an emotional impact that goes beyond the gameplay.

In gameplay, The Saboteur mixes stealth, intense shootouts, and sabotage mechanics. You can infiltrate bases, blow up installations, or use disguises to deceive soldiers. This freedom makes each mission feel organic, offering you multiple ways to accomplish objectives.

Although it received criticism for bugs and a lack of polish, the game’s remembered for its bold aesthetic and its protagonist’s charm. Today, it's practically a cult title, deserving of rediscovery by fans of historical narratives mixed with open-world action.

Red Faction: Guerrilla brought an innovative approach that still stands out today: fully dynamic environment destruction. Set on Mars, the game casts the player as part of a rebel group fighting an oppressive corporation.

The most impressive feature is the physics. Each building, tower, or structure can be destroyed piece by piece, allowing you to take down enemy bases in creative ways. This adds a layer of strategy, something rare in open-world games. Instead of simply shooting, you can collapse an entire bridge onto an enemy convoy or blow up support columns to demolish buildings.

The game also offers a vast map of Mars, with varied regions going from red deserts to industrial facilities. The campaign blends explosive action with moments of guerrilla warfare, giving the player the feeling of being part of a revolutionary movement.

Although it didn't achieve the success of other third-person shooters, Red Faction: Guerrilla gained a loyal following exactly because of its innovation. Today, it's remembered as a cult classic that still inspires debate about physics and destruction in digital games.

Rage 2 was born from the collaboration between id Software and Avalanche Studios, featuring a chaotic and colorful open world. Despite this, it received little attention and mixed reviews upon release. However, for those who enjoy frenetic action, it's a worthwhile experience.

The game’s set in a post-apocalyptic future, where violent factions fight for power. The gameplay is its strong point: combat’s intense, fast-paced, and packed with special abilities. Mixing classic id Software shootouts with vehicle exploration from Avalanche Studios, the game delivers moments of pure adrenaline.

The world, despite its uneven content density, is fun to explore. There are grotesque mutants, city ruins, and enemy bases scattered throughout the map. The feeling of freedom to wreak havoc is strong, especially with creative weapons and powers that add variety to combat.

While it failed to present a compelling narrative, Rage 2 makes up for it with solid, stylized gameplay. If you're looking for an open-world game that prioritizes insane action and immediate fun, it's a great choice.

Blacktail is one of the newest games on this list, but still relatively unknown. It immerses players in a dark retelling of Slavic folklore, casting them as Yaga, a young woman who may become the legendary Baba Yaga.

The open world is magical and frightening at the same time, filled with mysterious forests, fantastic creatures, and an atmosphere that blends fairy tale and psychological horror. The artistic direction is impressive, with stylized visuals that create an almost dreamlike experience.

The gameplay mixes exploration, bow combat, and spellcasting, as well as moral choices that shape Yaga's journey. The karma system means each decision influences how the world reacts to you, reinforcing the dilemma between light and darkness.

Even though it's an indie title, Blacktail shows a level of artistic and narrative care that rivals larger productions. It's a game that begs to be explored slowly, appreciating every detail of the environment and story. For those looking for something different from traditional open worlds, it's a memorable experience.

Outward is an open-world RPG that focuses on immersion and realism. Unlike games where the player is a predestined hero, here you’re just an ordinary person trying to survive in a hostile world.

The main focus is on survival: you must manage hunger, thirst, temperature, and even disease. Long journeys require preparation, with backpacks loaded with supplies, tents, and equipment. This approach makes each journey a true expedition, full of risks and rewards.

The combat system is more paced and requires strategy, reminiscent of soulslike games. Also, the game can be played in co-op, online, or split-screen, which intensifies the feeling of shared adventure.

Despite not having impressive graphics, Outward stands out for its depth and the unique feeling of actually living in that world. It's not a game for everyone, but for those who enjoy challenges and realism, it’s one of the most authentic experiences in the genre.

When it comes to space survival games, Osiris: New Dawn is one of the least talked about, but one who offers fascinating ideas. In it, the player takes on the role of an explorer attempting to colonize a hostile alien planet.

Exploration is the heart of the game. You need to gather resources, build bases, face alien creatures, and deal with the inhospitable environment. The sense of isolation is palpable, reinforced by the vast landscapes and constant danger.

The building system is robust, allowing you to create shelters, vehicles, and even entire colonies. There’s also RPG elements, with skill progression and specializations. Playing in a group further expands the possibilities, as teamwork is essential to survival.

Although it has faced criticism for technical issues and a lack of polish, Osiris: New Dawn offers a unique experience for space exploration fans. It's a game that rewards patience and planning, creating the feeling of truly colonizing another world.

From the same developer as Gothic and Risen, Elex 2 continues its sci-fi and fantasy universe. Although it hasn't achieved widespread renown, it's an ambitious open-world RPG with complex choices and freedom of exploration.

The game blends elements of futuristic technology and magic, creating a unique setting. Protagonist Jax must unite rival factions against an alien threat, and each one of the player's decisions influences alliances and the course of the story.

Exploration is vertical and dynamic, thanks to the jetpack which allows players to reach locations in a creative way. Combat, while criticized by some, has depth and rewards those who learn its nuances.

Just like other Piranha Bytes games, Elex 2 requires patience, but offers a rewarding sense of progression. It's the type of game that doesn't hold the player's hand, but delivers true freedom.

For RPG fans who value choice and dense worlds, Elex 2 is a title that deserves more recognition.

Kingdoms of Amalur was originally released in 2012, but only gained new life with the Re-Reckoning remaster. Even so, it remains an underrated title in the open-world RPG genre.

The highlight is the combat system, considered one of the most dynamic and satisfying ever made in a Western RPG. It mixes the fluidity of action games with the depth of skill customization, allowing players to create unique character styles.

The world of Amalur is vast and colorful, full of kingdoms, dungeons, and well-crafted side stories. The lore was created by renowned fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, and this is reflected in the richness of the narrative details.

Even having not achieved the success of titles like Skyrim, Kingdoms of Amalur offers hundreds of hours of quality content. The remaster brought graphical improvements and gameplay tweaks, making it more accessible to new players.

If you enjoy open-world RPGs but are looking for something outside the box, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a great choice.

The most popular open-world games usually take up all the space in discussions, but this list shows how there’s hidden gems worth noting. Each of these titles brings original ideas, be it bold narratives, unique gameplay systems, or unique worlds to explore.

Exploring beyond the mainstream can yield unexpected and, often, memorable experiences. After all, the joy of gaming also lies in discovering what might have gone unnoticed, but could become unforgettable.