Open-world games offer a unique playground for storytelling. With vast landscapes and branching narratives, players can immerse themselves in the world and shape their unique experiences. But some games go beyond simply offering freedom; they craft compelling Hero Journeys that resonate deeply with players. These games don’t just tell stories; they inspire us with tales of courage, sacrifice, and the power of overcoming adversity.
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This article will explore the eight best open-world games with truly inspiring Hero Journeys. These games showcase how open worlds can be used to craft unforgettable character arcs, from the humble beginnings of a reluctant hero to the epic rise of a legendary figure.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
| Franchise | The Legend of Zelda |
| Top Critic Rating | 97/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 96% |
| Platforms | Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch |
| Released | March 3, 2017 |
| Developer(s) | Nintendo EPD |
| Publisher(s) | Nintendo |
Link, the silent protagonist of this masterpiece, begins as a seemingly ordinary young man. Shipwrecked and amnesiac, he awakens in a desolate landscape ravaged by Calamity Ganon. His journey is one of rediscovery – rediscovering his strength, his skills, and his purpose. He explores Hyrule’s vast and breathtaking world, unravelling ancient mysteries, mastering divine beasts, and ultimately confronting the ultimate evil. Breath of the Wild masterfully blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and character growth into an unforgettable Hero Journey.
Red Dead Redemption 2
| Franchise | Red Dead |
| Top Critic Rating | 97/100 (Metacritic – PlayStation 4) |
| Critics Recommend | Overwhelmingly Positive (Across most platforms) |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Released | October 26, 2018 |
| Developer(s) | Rockstar Games |
| Publisher(s) | Rockstar Games |
Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of this critically acclaimed Western epic, is a hardened outlaw grappling with his mortality. As the law closes in on the Van der Linde gang, Arthur is forced to confront his past choices and decide what kind of man he wants to be. His journey is a poignant exploration of redemption, loyalty, and the weight of the past. Red Dead Redemption 2 masterfully depicts Arthur’s internal struggle and gradual transformation, making him one of video game history’s most compelling and complex protagonists.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
| Franchise | The Witcher |
| Top Critic Rating | 93/100 (Metacritic – PC version) |
| Critics Recommend | Overwhelmingly Positive (Across most platforms) |
| Platform(s) | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S et Nintendo Switch. |
| Released | May 19, 2015 |
| Developer(s) | CD Projekt Red |
| Publisher(s) | CD Projekt |
Geralt of Rivia, the grizzled monster hunter, embarks on a perilous quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri. As he traverses the war-torn world of The Witcher, Geralt encounters a cast of unforgettable characters and faces moral dilemmas that challenge his very nature. The Witcher 3 masterfully blends action, adventure, and mature storytelling, offering players multiple paths and consequences for their choices. Geralt’s journey is not just about finding Ciri; it’s about finding himself in a world of chaos.
Horizon Zero Dawn
| Franchise | Horizon |
| Top Critic Rating | 90/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 94% |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Windows |
| Released | February 28, 2017 (PS4), August 7, 2020 (Windows) |
| Developer(s) | Guerrilla Games |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
Aloy, a skilled hunter in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic creatures, embarks on a quest to uncover her origins and save her people from extinction. Her journey is one of self-discovery as she reveals the secrets of the past and confronts the dangers of the present. Horizon Zero Dawn is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure that celebrates the power of knowledge and the resilience of the human spirit.
Elden Ring
| Franchise | Souls |
| Top Critic Rating | 96/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 94% |
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S et Nintendo Switch. |
| Released | February 25, 2022 |
| Developer(s) | FromSoftware |
| Publisher(s) | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S et, Nintendo Switch. |
The Tarnished, an amnesiac protagonist, embarks on a perilous journey to become Elden Lord in the Lands Between. This challenging and rewarding open-world RPG offers a unique approach to the Hero’s Journey. Players are given incredible freedom to explore, experiment, and overcome obstacles. The journey is not linear; it’s a non-linear exploration of self-discovery and overcoming adversity. Elden Ring encourages players to embrace the unknown and forge their path to greatness.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
| Franchise | Assassin’s Creed |
| Top Critic Rating | 87/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 83% |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Stadia |
| Released | October 5, 2018 |
| Developer(s) | Ubisoft Quebec |
| Publisher(s) | Ubisoft |
This historical action RPG allows players to choose between playing as Alexios or Kassandra, siblings who embark on a quest to uncover their family history and restore their legacy. Odyssey offers a rich, engaging narrative with multiple endings and choices that significantly impact the story. The game masterfully blends historical fiction with mythological elements, creating a unique and captivating Hero Journey.
Cyberpunk 2077
| Franchise | Cyberpunk |
| Top Critic Rating | 88/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 89% |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia, PC |
| Released | December 10, 2020 |
| Developer(s) | CD Projekt Red |
| Publisher(s) | CD Projekt |
V, a street-smart mercenary in the cyberpunk metropolis of Night City, embarks on a dangerous mission to find a cure for a deadly biochip implanted in their head. Cyberpunk 2077 offers a deep and branching narrative with multiple endings and choices that shape V’s story. The game explores themes of identity, morality, and the dangers of technology in a captivating and thought-provoking way.
Ghost of Tsushima
| Franchise | Ghost of Tsushima (standalone) |
| Top Critic Rating | 94/100 (Metacritic) |
| Critics Recommend | 94% |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| Released | July 17, 2020 |
| Developer(s) | Sucker Punch Productions |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
Jin Sakai, a legendary samurai, must abandon his traditional ways to protect his homeland from the Mongol invasion. His journey is one of adapting to new challenges, embracing unconventional tactics, and ultimately finding a balance between his honour and the needs of his people. Ghost of Tsushima is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure that celebrates the beauty and resilience of Japanese culture.
Games With Inspiring Hero Journeys
| Game Title | Protagonist | Key Journey Aspects |
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | Link | Rediscovering strength, skills, and purpose; overcoming Calamity Ganon. |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Arthur Morgan | Redemption, loyalty, confronting past choices. |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Geralt of Rivia | Finding his adopted daughter, Ciri; facing moral dilemmas. |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | Aloy | Uncovering origins, saving humanity from extinction. |
| Elden Ring | The Tarnished | Becoming Elden Lord, overcoming adversity in a challenging world. |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | Alexios/Kassandra | Uncovering family history, restoring legacy. |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | V | Finding a cure for a biochip, exploring themes of identity and morality. |
| Ghost of Tsushima | Jin Sakai | He finds his adopted daughter, Ciri, facing moral dilemmas. |
PC Requirements Best Open-World Games
| Game Title | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements |
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | OS: Windows 7, 8, or 10 <br> Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD equivalent <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, AMD Radeon RX 480, or equivalent GPU <br> Storage: 15 GB | OS: Windows 10 <br> Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD equivalent <br> Graphics: Discrete graphics card comparable to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480 <br> Storage: 20 GB |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i5-2600K / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 <br> Memory: 8GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 2GB / AMD Radeon R9 280 3GB <br> Storage: 150GB | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 <br> Memory: 12GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB <br> Storage: 150GB |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | OS: Windows 7 or 64-bit Windows 10 <br> Processor: Intel CPU Core i5-2500K @ 3.3 GHz or AMD Phenom II X4 940 @ 3.0 GHz <br> Memory: 6GB RAM <br> Graphics: GTX 660 2GB (NVIDIA) or HD 7870 2GB (AMD) <br> Storage: 40GB | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel CPU Core i7 3770K @ 3.5 GHz or AMD FX-8350 @ 4.0 GHz <br> Memory: 8GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 4GB or AMD Radeon R9 290 4GB <br> Storage: 40GB |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K / AMD FX-6300 <br> Memory: 8GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 and AMD Radeon R9 290 (or higher) <br> Storage: 100GB | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X <br> Memory: 16GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 6GB of GDDR5 memory <br> Storage: 100GB |
| Elden Ring | Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X <br> Memory: 12GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 3GB of VRAM <br> Storage: 60GB | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X <br> Memory: 16GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB) <br> Storage: 60GB |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i5-2400s @ 2.5 GHz / AMD FX-6300 @ 3.5 GHz <br> Memory: 8GB RAM <br> Graphics: GPUs with performance equivalent to an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or an AMD Radeon R9 280 <br> Storage: 45GB | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 @ 3.4 GHz / AMD FX-8350 @ 4.0 GHz <br> Memory: 16GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 390 <br> Storage: 45GB |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K / AMD Ryzen 3 1200 <br> Memory: 8GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 / AMD Radeon R9 290X <br> Storage: 70GB | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i7 4790 / AMD Ryzen 3 3300X <br> Memory: 12GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 590 <br> Storage: 70GB |
| Ghost of Tsushima | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X <br> Memory: 8GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB <br> Storage: 50GB | OS: Windows 10 64-bit <br> Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X <br> Memory: 16GB RAM <br> Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 8GB <br> Storage: 50GB |
Conclusion
Open-world games have the potential to be more than just sprawling landscapes and endless side quests. Crafted with care and intention, they can deliver genuinely inspiring Hero Journeys that stay with players long after the credits roll. The games on this list demonstrate the power of open-world storytelling to create unforgettable characters and narratives that resonate deeply with players. By embracing freedom and player choice, developers can craft unique and meaningful experiences beyond simple gameplay and offer profound insights into the human condition.
FAQs
1. What makes a hero’s journey inspiring in a game?
An inspiring hero’s journey in a game typically involves overcoming significant internal and external challenges. The hero demonstrates growth, resilience, and a strong moral compass. Their journey resonates with players on an emotional level, offering hope, motivation, and a sense of purpose.
2. What are some popular games with inspiring hero journeys?
Some popular examples include: * The Legend of Zelda series: Link’s unwavering courage and determination to save Hyrule. * Journey: A solitary traveller’s journey of self-discovery and overcoming obstacles. * Red Dead Redemption 2: Arthur Morgan’s complex character arc of redemption and finding meaning in a changing world. * The Last of Us: Joel’s evolving relationship with Ellie and his struggle to protect her in a post-apocalyptic world. * Stardew Valley: The player’s transformation from city dweller to thriving farmer, contributing positively to their community.
3. How do inspiring hero journeys impact players?
Inspiring hero journeys can have a profound impact on players. They can * Motivate players to overcome challenges in their own lives. * Provide a sense of hope and purpose. * Encourage empathy and compassion. * Promote self-reflection and personal growth.
4. Can games with dark themes still have inspiring hero journeys?
Absolutely. Dark themes can often amplify the impact of an inspiring hero’s journey. The hero’s struggle against overwhelming odds or fight for a better future in a grim world can be profoundly moving and inspiring.
5. How do developers create inspiring hero journeys in games?
Developers create inspiring hero journeys through:
Compelling narratives and well-developed characters. * Meaningful choices and consequences that shape the hero’s path. * Challenging gameplay that tests the hero’s skills and resilience. * Visceral and emotionally resonant storytelling techniques.
Author
Sardar Khurram is the guy behind the Kings Game. He’s super into video games and writes about them every Day. He tells you what he thinks of new games, how they work, and what’s good and evil. He also talks about what’s happening in the gaming world. This guy loves games and wants to share his thoughts with you! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
