Summary
Blending genres in open-world games is like mixing ingredients in a recipe. Sometimes, it can result in a masterpiece; other times, it’s a weird mishmash that will leave the player scratching their head.
When it works, though, it creates something that feels genuinely unique and endlessly captivating. Whether it’s RPG mechanics thrown into action-packed worlds or strategy elements woven into chaotic sandboxes, these open-world games prove that mixing things up can lead to incredible experiences.
Elden Ringis more than just an action RPG; it’s a melting pot of genres, and somehow, every ingredient works. At its core, it’s a punishing Soulslike with precise combat and a lore-soaked world, but it doesn’t stop there. The open-world exploration is deeply rooted in classic adventure games, pushing players to wander without a clear destination, discovering secrets andoptional bosses that feel genuinely rewarding.
Then there’s the RPG progression, where builds can drastically change how the game feels. One moment, it’s an intense melee brawl, and the next, it’s a strategic duel of spell-slinging. The game even flirts with survival elements, as players manage resources and cautiously traverse landscapes brimming with danger. In true FromSoftware fashion, it doesn’t spoon-feed anything, forcing players to piece together both the story and the mechanics through careful observation.
It’s hard to believe how farNo Man’s Skyhas come since its rocky launch. Now, it’s a game that comfortably blends survival, crafting, space exploration, and even a bit of base-building simulation. Players start on a hostile planet with barely anything, being forced to scrape together resources just to stay alive. It’s a survival experience at first, but the game quickly expands into something much more.
The sheer freedom to build bases, establish trade routes, and even build fleets turns it into a kind of management sim layered with exploration. One minute, players will be mining resources to survive, and the next, they’ll be commanding freighters across a vast galaxy. There’s alsoa touch of multiplayer-driven chaos, as shared universes can lead to encounters with other explorers. What’s truly impressive is how seamlessly the game switches between planetary survival and interstellar conquest. With its constant updates,No Man’s Skyhas evolved into one of the most genre-diverse open-world experiences out there.
Rockstar’s magnum opus (beforeGTA 6comes out, at least) doesn’t just give players a sprawling Old West to explore; it fills it with storytelling, action, survival, and even a touch of management. At its heart,Red Dead Redemption 2is an epic narrative-driven action game, butits immersive open worldinvites players to do much more than simply partake in shootouts and horse chases.
Arthur Morgan’s journey is steeped in role-playing elements, from maintaining his camp and forging relationships to choosing how honorable (or ruthless) he wants to be. The game even leans into survival territory, as players can eat, sleep, and keep their weapons clean. Add to that hunting, fishing, crafting, and a surprisingly complex economy, and it’s clear that Rockstar wasn’t just aiming for a straightforward Western shooter. Even after the credits roll, the world still feels alive, inviting players to continue living out their cowboy fantasies, whether it’s by robbing trains or settling into a quiet fishing spot by the river.
Ubisoft’s shift to RPG mechanics in theAssassin’s Creedseries found its peak withValhalla. It’s a game that blends open-world exploration with role-playing progression, but it doesn’t shy away from other genres. Raiding monasteries helps it to feel like a tactical action game, while the story-driven quests are pure RPG, being filled with choices and consequences.
The settlement-building aspect also brings in a light management sim vibe. Upgrading buildings, recruiting clan members, and choosing how to expand give players a sense of ownership that isn’t typical for the series. At the same time, the combat system is as brutal and satisfying as a hack-and-slash game, especially whendual-wielding axes against hordes of enemies.Valhalla’s genre fusion makes it feel vast and multifaceted, making every part of Viking life, from exploration to combat, a rewarding endeavor.
It takes guts to completely change a long-standing formula, butYakuza: Like a Dragonpulled it off spectacularly. Gone are the real-time street brawls; they have instead been replaced withturn-based combat that feels both strategic and hilariously over-the-top. Yet it keeps its open-world DNA intact, immersing players in the chaotic life of Ichiban Kasuga and his ragtag crew.
What sets this one apart is how it blends JRPG mechanics withYakuza’s signature mix of crime drama and absurd side quests. Players aren’t just fighting thugs; they’re managing a business empire, befriending random locals, and fighting dudes in mascot suits. The genre mashup shouldn’t work, but it does. This is largely thanks to the game’s self-awareness and willingness to embrace both drama and comedy.
Fallout: New Vegasnever sticks to just being a post-apocalyptic RPG. It’s also a political drama, a first-person shooter, anda fun survival gameall at once. Here, players navigate the Mojave Wasteland, choosing factions to ally with while balancing resource management and combat proficiency.
The branching narrative paths make it feel like a choose-your-own-adventure book wrapped in a gritty, irradiated shell. Whether sneaking through enemy camps or talking one’s way out of trouble, most choices are left up to the player. On top of that, the survival mode adds a layer of realism, making water and food crucial to survival.
Kojima’s sprawling spy thriller is an open-world tactical masterpiece. Combining stealth with real-time base management and even light RPG elements, it’s a genre-blending triumph. InMetal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, players command Mother Base, customize weapons, and strategize on how to infiltrate enemy strongholds.
It’s an action game at heart, but the stealth mechanics are so finely tuned that combat often feels like a last resort. The story’s intricate, twisting plot is classic Kojima, blending military drama with sci-fi elements that keep players guessing.
Despite its rocky launch,Cyberpunk 2077has grown into a sprawling RPG, featuring FPS and narrative-driven storytelling intertwined. Night City is a chaotic mix of corporate dystopia and neon-lit rebellion, and players can approach it as a shooter, a hacker, or a stealthy mercenary.
The sheer depth of customization makes it feel like a playground where choices genuinely impact gameplay. Whetherhacking security systemsor going full guns-blazing, every approach is valid. The blend of RPG mechanics and FPS combat makes each skirmish feel personal, and the story’s branching paths ensure that no two playthroughs are the same.
