Open-world gamesare usually about exploration, adventure, and sometimes fighting terrifying monsters. But every now and then, developers throw a curveball—a cute little critter that’s way too adorable to be menacing.
These enemies are so charming that players almost feel guilty for taking them down (almost). Whether it’s their big, round eyes or the way they waddle around cluelessly, these characters somehow make even battles feel a little bit wholesome. Here are six of the best open-world games where the enemies are just too cute to hate.
When the world’s been overrun by mutated animals and plant life, one would expect most of what they encounter to be terrifying. Yet,Biomutantdoesn’t take the usualpost-apocalypticroute. Instead, it fills its open world with bizarre yet irresistibly adorable creatures that look like they wandered out of a fever dream. The game’s enemies range from fuzzy rodent-like mutants to vibrant, wide-eyed monsters that somehow manage to look both fearsome and huggable.
One of the standout examples has to be the small, squishy critters that bounce around aimlessly, sometimes becoming more of a distraction than a threat. Even the more aggressive enemies often have oversized, floppy ears or comically round bodies, making them look like plush toys brought to life. The contrast between their appearance and their aggressive behavior makes encounters feel almost surreal. It’s hard to stay mad when foes looks like it would rather cuddle than fight.
5My Time At Portia
Building With Buddies And Battling With Blobs
My Time At Portiamight not seem like a game where enemies matter much—it’s more about crafting, farming, and building relationships. But every now and then, players have to deal with the more mischievous inhabitants of Portia’s outskirts. The Sea Urchin creatures, with their wide eyes and little sailor hats, are somehow both annoying and endearing. They bounce around the beach like excitable pets rather than hostile threats.
And then there’s the colorful Llamas. They don’t attack unless provoked, and even then, their wiggly, dance-like movements make them look more playful than aggressive. Their vibrant pink and purple coats give them a distinctly whimsical vibe that makes fighting them feel almost rude. Most enemies inMy Time At Portiaseem designed to make players smile more than anything, reinforcing the game’s upbeat, cozy atmosphere.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3is known for its sprawling environments and epic battles, but not every encounter feels like alife-or-death situation.Some enemies look like they’ve stumbled in from a plush toy convention. Take the Nopon, for instance—small, round, and looking like overgrown hamsters with feathered tufts. They’re technically NPCs rather than enemies, but their presence makes the world feel more vibrant and lived-in.
Then there’s the iconic Bunnet—a rabbit-like creature with an endearing hop and a face that practically screams “pet me.” Despite being low-level enemies early on, they don’t give off a particularly hostile vibe. Even as players progress to tougher foes, the world remains sprinkled with these cuter, less aggressive enemies, offering a lighthearted break from the game’s more intense moments.
Genshin Impactmay be about saving afantastical worldfrom ancient threats, but not every battle feels epic. Some enemies are just too charming to be taken seriously. Hilichurls, for instance, are tribal goblin-like creatures that dance, snooze, and sometimes just hang out around campfires. Their expressive faces and clumsy movements make them more endearing than fearsome.
Another standout is the Slime. These bouncy elemental blobs have adorable faces that almost look shocked when they’re attacked. Whether they’re water, fire, or electro variants, their round, jelly-like bodies and quirky animations make them look like they belong in a mascot platformer rather than an open-world RPG. It’s easy to forget that these cute critters are technically enemies when they’re just bobbing around happily.
When players think ofBreath of the Wild, they might picturebreathtaking landscapesand challenging fights. But amid the Lynels and Guardians are the Bokoblins—pig-like humanoids that range from downright goofy to oddly cute. Watching them dance around a campfire or sleep in messy little huts makes them feel less like menacing foes and more like wild animals just trying to live their best life.
Then there are the Chuchus, jelly-like creatures that bounce around aimlessly until they notice Link. Their wobbly movements and bright, translucent bodies almost make them look like living gummy candies. Even when they split into smaller versions after a hit, it’s hard not to think of them as anything other than squishy companions. The mix of dangerous and delightful makesBreath of the Wild’s world feel unpredictable and alive.
It’s no secret thatDragon Quest Builders 2is packed with charm. From its vibrant blocky environments to the creative freedom it offers, everything about this game feels warm and inviting. That same energy carries over to its enemies. The iconic Slimes, with their big goofy grins and gelatinous bodies, are practically the game’s mascots. Even when they’re lunging at players with surprisingly decent damage output, they’re just too cute to take seriously.
Then there are the Drackies—bat-like creatures with huge eyes and mischievous smiles. They flutter around the player, looking more like curious pets than actual threats. Fighting them feels more like shooing away a pesky but lovable critter. Even as the game throws more intimidating foes at the player, it’s the smaller,cuter enemiesthat linger in memory, as ifDragon Quest Builders 2wants to remind players that the world is more about building than battling.
