Games that reward us forexplorationare 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.
Related:Most Immersive Open World Games
Gettingrewarded for exploring the mapis 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 thebest open-world games that encourage exploration.
6Subnautica
For players that have gotten burnt out from exploring the outdoors of video games, it is time to hit the vast alien ocean ofSubnautica.Ocean exploration is an entirely new experience for many gamers, andSubnauticaprovides 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 around14 scary sea creaturesthat 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 inSubnautica,although the focus is exploring the vast ocean and experiencing new underwater biomes full of color and unique creatures.
5Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6started 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.
Related:Far Cry 6: The Best Sniper Rifles
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 hiddenlocations inFar Cry 6that range from a haunted cemetery to references to other games.
4Minecraft
When it comes to quantity, no other game hasMinecraftbeat. The map forMinecraftis among thelargest map of open-world games.Minecrafthas 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 inMinecraftcontain loot that is not craftable by the player.
3The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3has 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.
Related:The Best Witcher 3 Mods
InThe 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.
The map ofRed Dead Redemption 2is massive and has a lot of depth and variety. There are many activities inRed Dead Redemption 2to 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 intenseconfrontation between a grizzly bear and a wolf. Watching interactions in the world is a lot of fun and adds immersion to the vast map.
1Tears Of The Kingdom
It’s hard to compete withTears of the Kingdomwhen it comes to exploration as it is the core of the game. Exploring the map is essential for storyprogression at many key pointsin 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 Kingdomis scattered with many hidden treasures and over900 hidden Korok seeds. While many games tend to direct players in a certain direction,Tears of the Kingdomgives players complete freedom to dictate how they wish to advance.
More:Elden Ring’s Map Lacks The Best Thing About Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
