The moment players pull away from their enchanting journey through the forests and plateaus of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, they can often feel a profound sense of loss, akin to experiencing a Hyrule hangover. Nintendo has crafted an expansive open universe filled with engaging discoveries, intricate puzzles, and formidable foes, making it a standout title of the last decade.
While few games can match the sheer acclaim garnered by Breath of the Wild, a number of other titles boast vast worlds, thrilling monsters, and hidden corners ripe for exploration. For those eager to jump into another adventure, we invite you to explore games that offer similar explorative gameplay and sword-swinging excitement. Here are some of the top alternatives to Zelda: BOTW.
Exciting Developments
Updated February 1, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Recently, Nintendo confirmed the upcoming Switch 2, with more details expected in April 2025. As the current generation of consoles nears its end, it’s hard to believe that Breath of the Wild, which still feels vibrant and fresh, will soon belong to the previous generation.
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The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom
A Modern Classic Blending BOTW and TOTK
Alluding to classic Zelda aesthetics, Echoes of Wisdom revives isometric gameplay with traditional dungeons and linear progression. Although it appeals more to fans of Link’s Awakening, this 2024 release resonates with those who enjoyed Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
This time, Princess Zelda steps into the spotlight, embarking on a quest to seal rifts and safeguard Hyrule. Accompanied by the fairy Tri and wielding the Tri Rod, she possesses the unique ability to capture echoes of defeated foes and items essential for puzzles and navigation.
This echo system reminiscent of Tears of the Kingdom’s Fuse feature celebrates creativity while offering a more linear gaming structure. While it’s not an open-world experience, it encourages exploration combined with a defined path, striking a familiar chord with players.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Elevating the BOTW Experience
A long-awaited sequel, Tears of the Kingdom successfully builds upon the Breath of the Wild formula without disappointing. It retains the lush world of Hyrule, introducing enhancements including a new fusion ability that enables Link to combine weapons, shields, and items, significantly impacting puzzle-solving mechanics.
Though the narrative takes a backseat similar to its predecessor, Tears of the Kingdom offers a touch more direction, particularly in its opening moments. Essentially, it invites players to relive the innovative sandbox gameplay that defined BOTW while exploring exciting new features.
Ring of Fire
A Parallel in Open-World Design
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring presents a contrasting narrative to Breath of the Wild, steeped in dark, Lovecraftian themes. However, both titles share a commitment to freedom in exploration, allowing players to traverse expansive maps at their own pace and discover numerous secrets scattered throughout the landscapes.
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity
A Breath of the Wild Spin-Off
Functioning as a prequel, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity explores the events leading to the Great Calamity, making it essential for fans eager to delve deeper into the lore surrounding BOTW. While it adopts a hack-and-slash gameplay style distinct from its predecessor, its connection to the beloved story makes it a worthy recommendation.
Immortals Fenyx Rising
BOTW Meets Ubisoft’s Take
Ubisoft’s Immortals Fenyx Rising draws heavily from Breath of the Wild, offering a vibrant open world influenced by Greek mythology. As players control Fenyx, a Greek hero set on saving the gods, the game combines fast-paced, stylish combat with exploration and puzzle-solving reminiscent of BOTW, making it a recommended experience for fans.
Genshin Impact
More Than Just a BOTW Clone
Initially regarded as a Breath of the Wild copy, Genshin Impact has carved its niche since its launch in 2020, becoming a beloved action RPG with regular updates and a dedicated player base. Although it shares superficial similarities in art style and mechanics, its gameplay focuses on character-based squad combat within a continuously expanding world.
Palworld
Crafting, Survival, & Pokémon Elements
In the spirit of BOTW, Palworld delivers a unique open-world experience by merging survival, monster collection, and base-building elements into one coherent package. Players explore a vibrant world, engage in crafting, and embark on journeys that spotlight freedom in gameplay and exploration.
Super Mario Odyssey
Expanding Another Nintendo Classic
Super Mario Odyssey, like BOTW, is filled with secrets and challenges that bring joy to its players. Although it operates within platforming confines rather than adventure mechanics, it reflects Nintendo’s ability to reinvigorate classic franchises with modern game design principles.
Monster Hunter Rise
Challenging Yet Accessible Combat
The beloved Monster Hunter franchise continues to build upon its legacy with Monster Hunter Rise, a title known for its demanding combat and diversely equipped characters. Although it focuses intensely on boss encounters rather than exploration, it offers an engaging alternative for players craving an action-oriented experience.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Unfettered Exploration
Recognized for its unparalleled exploration, Skyrim laid the groundwork for freedom-filled RPG experiences. This timeless title invites players to immerse themselves in a rich narrative while embarking on thrilling quests across its expansive and unbridled landscape.
Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora
Breathtaking Fantasy World
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora translates James Cameron’s world into an engaging open-world experience. Players navigate a vibrant environment that reacts to actions, creating a uniquely immersive engagement. The game serves well as a form of adventure, offering a visually stunning experience enhanced by exploration.
Sonic Frontiers
A Mixed Open-World Evolution
Sega’s take on the open-world genre within the Sonic franchise—the Sonic Frontiers—presents an adventurous yet controversial shift. While it faces criticism, it captivates players by offering a lively world that beckons exploration, showcasing Sonic’s charm even amidst its conspicuous challenges.
Asterigos: Curse Of The Stars
Diverse Weapon Selection
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars challenges players as they explore the cursed city of Aphes, armed with a variety of weapons to aid in their combat encounters. Emphasizing exploration, the game draws similarities to BOTW’s fluidity in weapon usage while retaining its individual charm.
Grounded
A Sandbox Adventure
Set in a backyard from a miniature perspective, Grounded gives players free rein to explore as they navigate dangers and adventure in a sandbox world, paralleling BOTW’s essence of exploration and discovery. Its emphasis on cooperative play enhances the experience, leading to fun-filled sessions with friends.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Innovative Pokémon Adventure
Pokémon Legends: Arceus reimagines the traditional Pokémon experience by introducing an open-world format that disrupts longstanding conventions. By doing so, it offers players an opportunity to explore and capture Pokémon in unprecedented ways, aligning subtly with the exploration themes of BOTW.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
A Wholesome Adventure
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a serene exploration game that encourages players to engage with its vibrant world at their own pace. Lacking combat but rich in tranquility, it conveys a narrative focused on exploration, resonating with the leisurely adventure found in BOTW.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Dynamic Movement & Traversal Mechanics
As players swing through New York City in Marvel’s Spider-Man, the movement system serves as the centerpiece, much like exploration plays a crucial role in BOTW. While the plots diverge, the joy of traversal creates a similar sense of excitement in both titles.
Sea Of Thieves
Creating Your Own Adventure
Sea of Thieves embodies the essence of freedom featured in BOTW, allowing players to explore, sail, and create their own fun, whether alone or cooperatively. The game’s open nature engages players in their own narratives, contributing to its long-term appeal.
Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana
Engaging Story and Exploration
The Ys franchise has continually delivered exceptional RPG experiences, and Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana is no exception. With thrilling hack-and-slash combat and a compelling narrative, it provides a refreshing alternative for fans who enjoy exploring captivating worlds.
Moonlighter
Charming Indie Adventure with Replayability
Moonlighter offers a unique blend of shopkeeping and dungeon-crawling, inviting players to craft their own experiences while solving puzzles and battling foes. Its mix of adventure aspects keeps it engaging, even drawing comparisons to the beloved Zelda formula.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Embracing the Now
Dungeons of Hinterberg emphasizes a relaxed and immersive exploration experience, as players can engage with its world at their leisure, reminiscent of the freedoms in BOTW. Through four diverse biomes, players explore dungeons and partake in community interactions while focusing on the present.
Ashen
A Distinctive Visuals and Gameplay
Ashen offers players a unique art style and mechanics framed within an open-world setting, allowing them to explore and engage in combat in ways that resonate with players’ experiences in BOTW. Its focus on player-driven progression sets it apart within its genre.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
An Open-World Benchmark
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt showcases a narrative and world-building ethos that resonates with players who appreciate the immersive elements found in BOTW. While its gameplay leans heavily on story progression, the vast universe crafted by CD Projekt Red invites exploratory engagement.
Eyes
A Timeless Classic
Okami stands out as a stunning action-adventure title that continues to charm players. As they embody the deity Amaterasu, players embark on an artistic journey filled with puzzles and exploration, creating a delightful experience akin to the wonders of BOTW.
Horizon Zero Dawn & Forbidden West
Exquisite World-Building & Engaging Combat
Set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel Forbidden West invite players to grapple with giant mechanical enemies while navigating a world brimming with stories and challenges. Their rich lore and open-world design strike a chord with adventurers who appreciate the immersive explorations found within BOTW.
Darksiders 2
Zelda-Inspired Adventure
Darksiders 2 presents players with an epic blend of RPG elements and cornerstones reminiscent of classic Zelda games. Through its intricate world and compelling boss battles, it effectively caters to fans of adventure-driven experiences seeking an expansive journey like BOTW.
Death Stranding
A Journey of Solitude
Death Stranding offers an individual experience that focuses on exploration and connection, echoing the solitude of BOTW’s vastness. As protagonists traverse across a fractured world in search of purpose, the core similarities lie in their emotional undertones and journeying themes.
Oceanhorn 2: Knights Of The Lost Realm
A Notable Inspiration from BOTW
Oceanhorn 2 embraces its inspiration from Breath of the Wild while striving to create its own identity. Although it adds a full 3D aesthetic to the mix, the gameplay retains echoes of earlier Zelda titles, appealing to fans of both comparisons and originality.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Top-tier JRPG Experience
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 stands out as a significant JRPG for the Switch, capturing attention for both its expansive world and storytelling depth. Despite its structured narrative, it provides intricate explorations for those eager to dive into fantasy realms akin to those found in BOTW.
Kena: Bridge Of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spirits crafts a visually stunning narrative experience, emphasizing exploration while combating corruption within a captivating world. Although linear in structure, it offers lush environments that reward players for delving beyond the conventional paths.
Hyper Light Drifter
Atmospheric Adventure
Hyper Light Drifter captivates players with a beautiful world filled with rich storytelling elements and challenging combat. Its aesthetic sensibilities and exploration-centric gameplay echo the compelling ambiance of BOTW, encouraging an immersive journey through a fragmented landscape.
Ghost Of Tsushima
A Beautiful Open World Experience
Ghost of Tsushima stands as a visually striking title with a narrative-driven approach, guiding players through a richly detailed world. Even though it employs a more traditional open-world formula, the game’s stunning vistas and engaging combat reflect the adventurous spirit reminiscent of BOTW.
Future Titles to Watch for BOTW Enthusiasts
Looking Ahead
The gaming industry never rests, consistently producing an array of impactful titles, both AAA and indie. While Nintendo maintains its tradition of limited annual Zelda releases, upcoming games promise fresh adventures for fans of the genre.
Here are noteworthy upcoming titles that fans of Breath of the Wild should mark on their calendars:
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A: Following the success of Legends: Arceus, this sequel aims to enhance exploration mechanics further, building on its predecessor’s achievements.
- Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: Expanding on the original concept, the sequel enhances graphics and gameplay while retaining the charm of shopkeeping along with dungeon exploration.
With plenty of rich, engaging narratives and open-world opportunities ahead, adventure awaits!
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