Top 10 Semi-Open World Video Games to Play

Open world games evoke a unique sense of exploration and adventure that linear titles often fail to replicate. However, they don’t cater to everyone’s gaming preferences; some players may feel overwhelmed by the vastness of these expansive worlds.

Fortunately, a category known as “semi-open world”games has emerged. These titles provide ample opportunities for exploration without the intimidating scale of traditional open world games. They strike a harmonious balance, allowing players to follow a structured path while still veering off into vast, intriguing landscapes when desired.

Semi-open world games serve as the perfect middle ground for players seeking a rich adventure without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

10 Dragon Age: Inquisition

Large Regions Feel Like an Open World

The Inquisitor faces a dragon in Dragon Age Inquisition

Among the leading RPGs, the Dragon Age series ranks highly, with Dragon Age: Inquisition often hailed as a standout. This title clinched the Game of the Year award in 2014 and is frequently referenced as one of BioWare’s flagship achievements.

Unlike typical open world games, Dragon Age: Inquisition consists of interconnected large regions that players can explore within two distinct countries. While players may not enjoy complete freedom to traverse the map at will, they can dive deep into each area while following an overarching narrative structure.

Each location is designed to feel lived-in and full of opportunities to engage, encouraging players to revisit them. Even though it may initially feel like an open world game, its design elements keep the adventure contained and focused.

9 Metro Exodus

Only Some Levels Are Open World

After parting ways from the S. T.A. L.K. E.R.development team, 4A Games shifted their focus to a new horror series titled Metro, with Metro Exodus being acclaimed as the pinnacle of the franchise.

This game encapsulates the essence of a semi-open world, featuring six strictly linear levels along with others that offer exploration opportunities. Transitioning from horror to survival shooter mechanics reinvented the franchise, presenting grim yet captivating scenarios.

In these open world segments, players must skillfully manage their ammunition, treating each bullet as precious. Notably, the challenging Ranger Hardcore Full Dive mode introduces an intense survival experience, appealing to those who appreciate a linear narrative sprinkled with exploration.

8 Dishonored 2

Individual Maps are Individual “Worlds”

The Dishonored series redefines stealth gameplay, with Dishonored 2 offering players diverse levels—each one acting as a distinct environment for exploration. Though the maps can be thoroughly examined, they function independently from one another.

These vertical spaces encourage players to sneak or combat through various apartment buildings, enhancing immersion. While the gameplay within each level is enriched with depth and excitement, progression limits backtracking, requiring players to be strategic in their actions before moving forward.

7 Like a Dragon/Yakuza Series

Confined to Inner Tokyo

Yakuza 3 Remastered character walking in Tokyo

While easily mistaken for open world games, the majority of the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series are better characterized as semi-open. These games predominantly take place in Tokyo, especially within the Kamurochō District, modeled closely after the real-life Kabukichō.

As someone who has experienced Japan firsthand, it’s striking how accurately the game captures the vibrancy of Tokyo, even echoing familiar sounds like those from Don Quijote stores. The world-building is masterful, providing ample opportunities for players to roam freely.

However, exploring the entirety of Tokyo is a daunting task, necessitating considerable time investment. Based on my experience during a week-long visit, I barely scratched the surface of this sprawling city.

To truly appreciate the game’s narrative and characters, playing in the native Japanese language is highly recommended, enhancing the player’s immersion in this captivating world filled with humor and unexpected moments.

6 Thief (2014)

Chapter-Based Open World

The Thief games allow players to indulge in the art of stealing, and the 2014 iteration invites players to navigate the life of Garrett, a consummate thief embroiled in greater events.

In this title, players break into various establishments to pilfer precious items while gaining upgrades proportional to the wealth they acquire. However, it’s crucial to understand that this game doesn’t present a traditional open world—they operate in a chapter-based structure where players can explore freely in each chapter before moving on.

Once players progress to the next chapter, they lose the ability to return and collect missed items from previous ones, demanding thorough exploration during their current mission.

5 Tomb Raider (2013)

Linear with Open Exploration

The 2013 Tomb Raider reboot successfully revitalized the franchise, ushering in a level of exploration that previous titles couldn’t match. The game follows the protagonist Lara Croft as she washes ashore on the mysterious island of Yamatai, unearthing its secrets.

While the game itself is primarily linear, players encounter numerous opportunities for exploration and discovery along the way. After completion, the map opens fully, giving players a chance to hunt for collectibles and unravel more of the story in a style reminiscent of Arkham Asylum.

4 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Free Reign Exploration of Favorite Planets

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic combat scene

The official Star Wars site recognizes Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic as an open-world game, yet players will observe that its exploration is more nuanced. The game acts as a story-driven CRPG with a semblance of open world elements.

Despite its limitations, KOTOR allows for abundant exploration opportunities that evoke the feeling of an open world. With a rich tapestry of character interactions and role-playing possibilities, players often overlook its constraints.

The game brilliantly overcomes technological limitations, establishing an atmosphere that feels expansive, despite its actual structure being semi-open. As players await the anticipated remake, questions arise about how much broader the exploration will be compared to the original.

3 Control

Open-Ended Environments

Control is unique, combining strange narratives with exciting gameplay dynamics. Developed by Remedy Entertainment, players step into the shoes of Jesse Faden, who becomes the director of the Federal Bureau of Control tasked with unraveling supernatural mysteries.

Though the game features sprawling environments, it does not classify as open world. Instead, the design allows for vast exploration in an intricate setting, misleading players into thinking they’re in an open world due to the density of options available.

With a Metroidvania format emphasizing puzzles and environmental storytelling, players can significantly enjoy unraveling the complexities of the game. A recent free update has expanded accessibility, bringing it to the PC and current-gen consoles and even introducing a surprising Hideo Kojima cameo.

2 God of War (2018)

Each Area Branches to Another

The God of War series exemplifies a balanced blend of linear and open world elements. The modern iterations adopt a semi-open structure, with interconnected regions that offer players guided pathways.

The Norse mythology titles represent a nearly perfect amalgamation of linear storytelling and exploratory freedom. Ensnared in a quest for vengeance, Kratos traverses a rich tapestry of mythological landscapes, each unveiling intricate narratives.

Players are required to complete specific linear quests in each area before being allowed to delve deeper, a structure that maintains focus while enriching the story. Ultimately, players find themselves captivated by the experiences and narratives more than pure exploration.

1 Hitman (2016)

By Any Means Necessary

Easily one of the quintessential semi-open world games, Hitman casts players as Agent 47, a skilled assassin assigned a series of contracts around the world. Each mission is set within a designated level, offering players a myriad of opportunities to execute their targets creatively.

The game allows free exploration within its levels, giving players the ability to utilize disguises and weapons at their discretion. This flexibility fosters innumerable strategies for completing objectives, showcasing the semi-open world nature brilliantly.

The creative freedom can lead to entertaining results, like using a mundane object to orchestrate elaborate takedowns, emphasizing the importance of stealth and strategy over chaos.

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