These open-world titles make the most of the genre by providing players with incredibly unique terrains for them to explore.
Exploration is among the cornerstones of what makes the open-world genre so popular today. When presented with an entirely new or alien world, there’s nothing quite like simply picking a direction and heading straight off to see what’s out there to find.
But in particular, especially among open-world games with large maps or expansive stories, it’s often the case that unique environments will be the main draw to further exploration. There will always be an ineffable charm to exploring a medieval fantasy forest, but for players looking to broaden their horizons, here are some open worlds with more distinct terrains.5 Subnautica: Below Zero
Subnautica offers a deep, dangerous mixture of underwater terrains. Beneath the surface of a barren, frozen hellscape is a thriving ocean of biodiversity and sea creatures, both strange and wonderful. The sequel to the hit Subnautica takes on a more amphibious approach to open world terrain, keeping the focus on underwater exploration but also allowing players to traverse a surreal, frozen surface above.
There’s an intriguing mystery unfolding as the central plot in this title, and exploring abandoned research bases below the surface of the planet only becomes more interesting as this quest for answers takes players through deep sea caverns and crystalline reefs. There will always be something new to discover in Below Zero, especially as the time of day completely shifts the tone and atmosphere of the terrain.4 Kenshi
There is something so wonderfully strange and warped about the languid, dangerous, mysterious terrain in Kenshi, with names like the Burning Forest and Purple Sands giving the player an idea of what they’re getting into.
