The best open-world games with swappable character loadouts

When gamers think of loadouts, their minds may immediately go to online shooters Call of Duty or Apex Legends. Whether it's adjusting strategies, trying out a new skill set, or switching to a different build entirely, loadouts can make all the difference in overcoming obstacles and keeping gameplay fresh. However, loadouts aren't limited to the FPS genre—they also appear in other types of games, including open world.

While open-world games are often synonymous with player customization, loadouts aren't always key. However, when they are included, they can completely change how players tackle challenges. Some open-world games let players seamlessly swap between loadouts, providing a level of flexibility that can come in handy in tougher missions. If a particular strategy isn't working, these games allow players to switch things up on the fly.

9

Once human

Once, twice, three times loadout

Starting with the most obscure game on this list, Once human Gives players the freedom to switch their approach with its easy loadout system. Whether preparing for an intense battle or gathering resources, switching between setups is quick and efficient. This flexibility means players can adapt to an unpredictable world without constantly digging through menus to re-equip items.

That said, the system isn't front and center, and it's easy to overlook. Players will need to take some time to explore the menus and set things up properly — but once they do, switching playstyles becomes a seamless part of the experience.

8

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Swing between two characters

ok of Marvel SPeader Man 2 The loadouts don't exactly scream. However, players should note that in this open-world game, they can seamlessly switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales thanks to the PS5's impressive fast-loading capabilities (not so impressive for PC players).

So with Peter and Miles, fans have two different characters to roam around NYC with – each with their own unique and customizable abilities, gadgets, and even suits. Peter has some great options with abilities like Anti-Venom Blast and Spider-Rush, while Miles is bringing the heat with his Chain Lightning and Venom Dash moves.

7

Grand Theft Auto 5

Who said a crowd of three?

This list wouldn't be complete without including it GTA V – the pinnacle of open-world games and one of the best-selling pieces of media to ever grace the planet. The game features not just two, but three playable characters to choose from, each with their own items, skills, and special abilities.

Michael De Santa, Trevor Phillips, and Franklin Clinton all come with their own weapons, unique stats, and “yeee ass” haircuts. Also all three characters have their own personal safehouses that have their own sets. It will be interesting to see how they top this mechanic in GTA VI, but it's a challenge that many players believe Rockstar can overcome.

6

Far cry 6

Explore Yara with customizable loadouts

The highly popular sixth installment cry away The series lets players carry up to four swappable loadouts. That's not surprising for a franchise that's all about freedom of choice and letting players create their own chaotic cocktails.

So as players explore the deadly open-world paradise that is Yara, loadouts can be customized to include whatever pistols, machine guns, bows, shotguns, or RPGs their hearts desire. It should be noted that this feature can only be accessed after players complete the “Libertad Rises” mission.

5

Guild Wars 2

More like construction wars

Guild Wars 2 A free-to-play MMORPG featuring a beloved build template system that allows players to quickly switch between specific setups. By default, each character can have three build loadouts and two equipment loadouts with additional slots available through microtransactions, providing plenty of flexibility for tackling PvE, PvP, and WvW content.

These templates, accessible through the Hero panel, let players seamlessly swap skills, attributes, and gear. For even more convenience, build templates can be stored in build storage, making them accessible to the entire account.

4

Division 2

This does not separate players from character loadouts

there is another Division 2A standout in the looter-shooter genre, and a textbook example of how to combine open-world exploration with strategic gameplay. While many games in the genre focus on a single playstyle, Division 2 Lets players switch between 12 unique character loadouts to tackle missions and challenges however they want.

To do this, players need to navigate through their menu and select their desired loadout before returning to action. While it requires a few extra steps, the depth and flexibility offered by this system make it well worth the effort.

3

Terraria

Explore, build, craft, fight, survive, and mine

TerrariaOne of the best-selling open-world games of all time, with over 50 million copies sold, it gives players many ways to customize their experience – including a handy loadout system. From the moment a character is created, players can instantly switch between three different sets of armor and accessories, each with their own color and vanity slots. Whether it's ready for exploration, combat, or construction, swapping between loadouts is quick and easy.

With no need to unlock this feature, players can dive straight into using different setups, making customization easier than ever. TerrariaEver-changing challenges.

2

Fallout 76

Special loadouts for special residents

Fans begged Bethesda to introduce swappable character loadouts Fallout 76. Bethesda finally delivered, but without some warning. Introduced in the “Locked and Loaded” update were special loadouts that gave Vault Dwellers the ability to modify their special attributes or completely reboot.

Starting at level 25, players can go to a “punch card machine” to change their perk card selections and save new custom setups to a slot. The first two loadout slots are free, but the remaining 13 require a fee of 500 Atoms, a form of currency that can be earned in-game.

1

Ghost of Tsushima

Swap between armor loadouts in 13th century Japan

Another game where the devs blessed the players from above (as a post-launch patch). Ghost of Tsushima. In this PlayStation classic from Sucker Punch, followers of Jin Sakai's story can change their armor loadouts with a few clicks. With this feature, players can completely change their playstyle without the hassle of repeatedly resetting skill points to use new builds.

However, it's an easy thing to miss since loadouts are disabled by default in the game's settings. But don't worry as it is very simple to enable.