Due to their typically large scope and expansive, free-form environments, open-world games are often the territory of larger studios. However, via clever design, tight scopes, and focused gameplay, indie studios are beginning to offer increasingly fresh and exciting open-world experiences.
Their nature as indie games may often inhibit their size and longevity, but these titles excel with their refreshing gameplay and unique world design. From the frontier horror ofBlood West, to the science-fantasy world ofCaves Of Qud, there’s something here for every gamer to enjoy.
Star Traders: Frontiersis an open-world sci-fi sandbox supported by sturdy RPG mechanics. The game features two combat systems: one for ground and one for space battles, each tactical in its own right. However, combat isn’t always necessary, and players are afforded a great deal of freedom.
From questing across the galaxy to pursuing wealth with the trading system, there’s plenty to do inStar Traders, despite its lower budget. Mining asteroids, battling with pirates, trading goods; nearly every flavor of the space-sim pie is available here, elevated by a sturdy quest system that provides motivation throughout. Exploration may be simplistic, but the high levels of customization and variety of activities keepStar Tradersfun throughout.
For The Kingis a strategy RPG with a roguelike structure, excelling withits cooperative gameplayand tabletop elements. Chief of these tabletop elements is its overworld exploration, featuring a hexagonal map that encourages methodical play.
Though it is perhaps more focused on combat and dungeon-crawling than exploration, the open world plays an integral role inFor The King’sdesign. Combat itself is also well-tuned, blending luck and strategy in an accessible manner.For The Kingcan be enjoyed in single player, though its gameplay does lend itself well to cooperative play.
Blood Westis an open-world FPS that takes place in a unique setting, blending Wild West imagery with eldritch horror. The game’s immersive-sim inspirations are a clear standout, offeringa great deal of player expressionthat drives both gameplay and exploration.
An RPG perk system allows players to progress at a steady rate, providing customization that adds opportunities for expression and increases replay value. This blends well withBlood West’simmersive-sim elements, increasing the options available to the player throughout the game. Best of all is the game’s blend of stealth, action, and exploration, bolstered by a winning art-style and unique world.
For fans of combat-focused experiences,Battle Brothersis sure to please. This strategy RPG tasks players with managing a mercenary company in an open-world, offering frequent combat that’s both turn-based and tactical. Exploration is limited to overworld travel, so players looking for a deep and detailed open-world may be disappointed. However, it allows players to pick and choose where to go, which missions to take, and who to align with.
Typical RPG character progression is supported by a variety of unique perks, each of which can be combined in various ways to provide players with unique soldiers. These RPG elements allow for plenty of expression, elevating the overall experience beyond its repetitive structure.
Kenshiis a sandbox RPG witha harsh and hostile setting, offering deadly environments populated by equally lethal creatures. The dangerous nature of this world makes it all the more immersive, supported by simulated systems that give it life.
The systems-led design ofKenshiand lack of clear player direction leans heavily on emergent gameplay, providing players with dynamic challenges that test creativity and problem-solving. Careful planning and cautious play are also frequently rewarded, givingKenshia distinct butadmittedly slow-burning feel. The game is further supported by a sturdy but equally slow-burning character progression system that provides a consistent through-line to the experience.
Disco Elysiumimmediately excels with itspainterly art-styleand melancholic soundtrack. It soon reveals itself to be a poignant experience, with poetic, evocative writing and a contemplative tone. The colorful characters and artistic presentation do a great job of makingDisco Elysiumimmediately engaging, but it’s the small and open world that provides such a playground.
Disco Elysiumis minimal in gameplay, providing what is essentially a point-and-click adventure that’s supported by distinctive RPG systems. Progression provides a looking glass into the protagonist’s own mind, even allowing players to shape it to a degree. It’s as unique as the world itself, which seems at once a magical and surreal place despite its grounded setting and tone.
Caves Of Qudoffers a distinctive open world with itsexotic science-fantasy setting. Combining ruined architecture and lost technology with burgeoning mutations and new cultures, Qud is an ever-interesting place to be, kept intriguing by its blend of hand-crafted and procedural content.
Exploring the interconnected websof Qud’s dark and mysterious caverns is always dangerous, but this only makes it all the more exciting. Traditional gameplay and visuals may scare some players away, but Qud is a place worth visiting for more than a few hours.
