So far 2026 has given us Crimson Desert and GothicJust to name two open-world RPGs. While they may not remain the same in the mind as mythological works The Witcher 3It's safe to predict that these titles won't be forgotten in a decade's time. Unfortunately, many open-world RPGs fail to escape this fate, dooming them for the present and the future that often appear in “forgotten games” discussions.
One of my favorite things to do is revisit games from the 2000s and 2010s that have almost no digital footprint, just what they offer, what they hold, and if they should be better known. To be honest, open-world RPGs aren't plentiful, but some great titles exist that fans of any genre should really check out. While far from perfect, they are fantastic in their own right.
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Drakan: Ancient Gates
A PS2 open-world RPG that lets you ride a dragon
Drakan: Ancient Gates
- issued
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January 29, 2002
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ // Blood and gore, violence
- developer(s)
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Unreal software
The deepest cut in this article, Drakon: Ancient Gates, A PS2 cult classic that only qualifies for the “cult” part, since it seems like most people barely remember it. The definition of a flawless masterpiece, Surreal Software's project was ahead of its time, offering a sense of scale that modern AAA developers still struggle to integrate.
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The gameplay loop is divided into on-the-ground and in-the-air segments, the latter involving heading into the sky on the back of a fire-breathing dragon. Both parts are well developed for their era, with skill trees, weapon types, magic and land combat with puzzles. Drakon'Aerial dogfights are its main selling point, and the rain of fire on camps in hub areas still looks very impressive.
The “bugged” part comes from the many bugs that plague it Drakan: Ancient GatesA side effect of an ambitious project that did not get everything to work smoothly. I wish the game was ported to PC, because modders can really do amazing work.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
The Forgotten Final Chapter (and the best FF13 game)
I know what you're thinking: “No final fantasy The game is forgotten.” Normally, I would agree, but Lightning Returns Certainly comes closest to being an exception. We're talking about the third entry in a polarizing trilogy that had long since lost steam by 2013; Just die hard FF13 Fans noticed that too Lightning Returns came out
Unlike the linear hallways of the original game, Lightning Returns is an open world game with four areas that can be explored in any order. While not a traditional party feature, the game's schemata system offers one of the most satisfying active combat loops in the JRPG genre, with Lightning effectively acting as multiple classes by swapping out his customizable garbs. Battles are fast-paced, tactical, and visually spectacular; FF13 It would have been much better if it had been played closer Lightning Returns.
As much as I enjoy this strange final chapter, Lightning Returns Straight-up can be different. The chaotic cosmic story reads almost like fan fiction, features Lightning as a pseudo-goddess, and forces players to rush the countdown clock (which isn't too hard once you learn the mechanics, but it still feels unnecessary).
Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
An ambitious RPG that gives you complete freedom
of the Troika Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura That strange bubble consists of being highly regarded among enthusiasts and completely insignificant to everyone else. In terms of pure role-playing freedom, Arcanum Set the standard in the early 2000s, and it still puts many modern titles to shame. Even if it is not built like that GTAYet the game features an open world that mostly lets you go where you want, with a level of responsiveness that very few RPGs attempt.
As the title suggests, Arcanum Takes place in a society divided by science and magic, and you decide to prioritize technology or play as a wizard. Quests encourage you to take different approaches, be it brute force, diplomacy, stealth, or even engineering. Just be prepared for the results.
Due to its age and general jack, Arcanum It can be hard to appreciate these days, especially when the combat isn't particularly great by any stretch of the imagination.
Yo-Kai Watch 2
Yo-Kai Watch went open-world before Pokemon
Hard to believe in repentance, but for a brief moment, Yo-Kai Watch Seemed ready to join Pokemon As Nintendo's new big zoo franchise. The original game did incredibly well, leading to an avalanche of spin-offs, sequels, and other media. Maybe it was oversaturation, or the fact that its international release took over 2 years to materialize, but Yo-Kai Watch 2 It didn't attract anywhere near as much attention as its predecessor.
After 15 years, these forgotten PS3 fantasy masterpieces are as old as fine wine
Rayman Origins, Child of Eden, and other overlooked PS3 gems have held up remarkably well 15 years later, providing timeless gaming experiences.
Naturally, fans of the first entry should 100% play all the sequels, all of which contain new ideas that enable them to stand on their own feet. However, people who have never heard of the franchise should especially try the second entry, as it ranks among the 3DS's best and most atmospheric open-world games. Mix monster collection with slice-of-life elements, Yo-Kai Watch 2 Brings rural and suburban Japan incredibly well to life, while using time travel to change the face of the world.
The battle system is a bit too passive for its own good, so I wouldn't particularly recommend the game as a turn-based JRPG.
Kenshi
The biggest open-world RPG that most people will never play
Kenshi
- issued
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December 6, 2018
at this moment, Kenshi is Over 4K players on Steam, which should automatically disqualify it from getting the “forgotten” label. When I realized that, Kenshi Arguably the most underrated open-world RPG of all time, loved by a select group but completely ignored by everyone else. fell into a giant Mad Max-esque sandbox, you are a nobody and must decide how to live, survive and prosper.
Your actions determine your place in the world, and you can be anything from a nomad to a military leader or a merchant. Progress feels incredible because it is earned through real struggle; For example, if you lose an arm in a skirmish, you don't just have to wait for it to regrow. Kenshi Excellent at casual storytelling.
7 open-world RPGs that are 10/10, no notes
Over the years, these open-world RPGs remain the undisputed pinnacle of the genre—and are absolutely worth playing today.
For its flaws, you only need to look at a single screenshot. Kenshi Looks like an absolute train wreck, and it runs like one too.
