8 Open-World Games That Surprised Players

You won’t believe how good these were Swipe to discover hidden open-world gems

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

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Elden Ring

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Sleeping Dogs

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Outer Wilds

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Death Stranding

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Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

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Far Cry 5

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Mad Max

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8 Open-World Games That Surprised Players

8 Open-World Games That Surprised Players

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Elden Ring

Elden Ring

FromSoftware surprised everyone by mastering open-world structure. Bosses around every corner. Mystery in every direction.

Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs

The GTA-style formula... in Hong Kong? This underdog action game shocked players with its gripping story and hand-to-hand combat.

Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds

A time-loop space mystery with no combat — yet one of the most emotional open-world games ever. Unexpectedly brilliant.

Death Stranding

Death Stranding

“Walking simulator”? Not quite. This haunting journey across post-apocalyptic America became something unforgettable.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

A licensed LOTR game with real depth? The Nemesis system turned enemies into characters, a genius innovation.

Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5

Ubisoft took the open-world chaos to rural Montana. The story shocked fans with its dark, unsettling twist.

Mad Max

Mad Max

It came and went quietly, but Mad Max is one of the most atmospheric, intense sandboxes ever made. Surprisingly great vehicle combat, too.