Open-world video games are some of the most popular types of games that fans want to get into nowadays. These games usually withhold large worlds that players can run around in while finding secrets, loot, fight various enemies, and so much more. That's why the perfect open-world game will never want to seem empty.
Fans who are looking for more of a lighthearted experience rather than the darkness of a Dark Souls game will want to seek out open-world games that are more vivid and happy. These games are bright, colorful, and joyful, and more than often, offer players a way to relax.
10 Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend of Zelda franchise is one of the largest faces in gaming, while also being one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. The Legend of Zelda is known for its complex puzzles, difficult dungeons, and enthralling story. One of the best titles, and more modern entries, is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild.
Breath of The Wild takes the Zelda franchise into a much-needed direction with a vast open-world, crafting system, unique mechanics, and an art style that any gamer can fall in love with. The face-up world of Breath of the Wild is joyful, and anyone can relax while riding a horse through an open, grassy field.
9 Minecraft
Known to be one of the most relaxing games of all time with an incredibly peaceful soundtrack is the gaming giant, Minecraft. Minecraft has a unique open-world that is randomly generated the first time a player spawns into their world.
With different biomes, cave systems, and rare obstructions on the map, Minecraft's open-world paves the way for an infinite amount of adventure. The game, accompanied by its soothing soundtrack, fares well in a lighthearted sense that any player can get along with; even gaming beginners.
8 No Man's Sky
Though this open-world survival game initially kicked off very poorly, No Man's Sky eventually grew to be what most fans expected the game to be at first, and then some. In No Man's Sky, players will wake up on a randomly generated planet, which is about the same size as a legitimate planet.
Players will then need to search the planet for supplies in order to get their ship up and running. After that, players have an almost infinite universe to explore, with different planets, solar systems, and even societies. The open-world of No Man's Sky is undoubtedly beautiful, and the colors in every solar system praise the lightheartedness that resides within the game.
7 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is, no doubt, a dark medieval-fantasy game at its core, but the large open-world of Skyrim is undeniably rich with life. When walking around the fantasy world, players can take in the in-depth environment that Skyrim truly has to offer.
Even though Skyrim can place players in some pretty creepy places, a lot of the places in Skyrim can easily prove to be lighthearted, especially when players seek it out. Building their own house from the ground up, marrying and starting a family, hunting out in the wilderness, or simply hiking through fantastic scenery in Skyrim will prove to players that the game can be lighthearted.
6 Marvel's Spider-Man
One of the greatest games that was released in 2018 withholds one of the most refreshing open-worlds to swing around in while offering a sense of relaxation and happiness. That is Marvel's Spider-Man. Marvel's Spider-man places players in the shoes of Peter Parker, who is the Spider-Man.
Players will have the entirety of New York City to explore. At the same time, they are able to swing from buildings, flip around the streets, hunt for collectibles, and beat up bad guys who are terrorizing the New Yorkers.
5 Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is one of the best open-world games that players can get into today. This anime game is notably inspired by the world ad mechanics of Breath of the Wild, which means fans of the Zelda game will love Genshin Impact.
Players will be able to control a wide variety of characters while being able to unlock even more. They can then use those characters to run around the incredibly large world that Genshin Impact is withholding, with different regions, enemies, cities, and so much more. For fans of compelling stories, this game has just that as well.
4 Terraria
Fans of Minecraft will more than likely have heard of Terraria, as the game is very comparable, yet is also very different at the same time. Terraria is an open-world game with one key feature: it is 2D. There is an entire 2D world for gamers to explore, from the highest points in the sky to the lowest points below the topsoil.
Like other survival games, players will be able to craft gear and weapons, build structures and bases, and fight off enemies. Terraria has a very lighthearted feel to it, especially during the daytime when enemies aren't frequent.
3 Hogwarts Legacy
The Harry Potter wizarding world has much more to offer than the story of the destined Harry Potter, and Hogwarts Legacy defines that fact. In Hogwarts Legacy, players will be able to create their own character and attend Hogwarts, where they'll learn a variety of spells, potions, and more.
Hogwarts Legacy is also an open-world game, in which players are able to explore as much as they would like. There is much to be discovered around the awe-inspiring map of Hogwarts Legacy, so no player should go about in boredom. Players even have unique ways of getting around the map in Hogwarts Legacy.
2 Astroneer
Astroneer is one of the most relaxing games that players can come across, as gamers will have different planets to explore in a calm universe. Players just starting out in Astroneer may be overwhelmed at first, but after learning how the game works, Astroneer is a pleasant ride through various experiences across the galaxy.
Players will not only explore a beautiful series of open-world planets in Astroneer, but will also come across happy NPCs, materials, wonderful landscapes, and a campaign that is fun to play through.
1 Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is very comparable to Astroneer, as they are both open-world video games that take place in the vast setting of outer space. But, the two have key differences that set each other apart.
Outer Wilds is a phenomenal game that places players in the unique shoes of an adventurer who, like everyone else in the galaxy, is killed by a supernova every 22 minutes. The goal of the game is to stop the supernova and the 22-minute time loop, but players are also to explore an incredible open-world game full of secrets.