Summary
Besides harvesting resources for crafting and accepting quests, most of the interaction in open-world video games is done through violence. That’s true whether the player is swinging a sword, nocking an arrow, or aiming a gun. Magic, something that is usually associated with intelligence and creativity, is also used like a cudgel to flatten foes and turn them into crispy XP bacon.
However, that’s not the case for all open-world fantasy games. From illusion-breaking and levitation to time manipulation and teleportation, some go beyond fireballs and lightning bolts to make magic a tool for exploration, creativity, and utility, not just destruction. These games empower players to interact with the world in imaginative, often surprising ways, offering magical systems that open doors both literal and metaphorical.
While Skyrim is packed to the brim with destructive spells, its most iconic magical systems aren’t limited to combat. Spells like Clairvoyance help guide players to objectives, while Telekinesis, Waterbreathing, and Detect Life make exploration a magical endeavor in its own right.
One of the most interesting (and balance-breaking) spells, Transmute, allows players to turn iron into gold. Dragon Shouts, which can be learned by players of any build so long as they follow the"chosen one" main story, offer a range of magical abilities that let players slow time, sprint through space, call storms, and even bend animals to their will.
Nintendo’s sequel toBreath of the Wildcontinued its open-world streak with a physics-driven magic system that invites experimentation over confrontation. InTears of the Kingdom, players wield abilities on the Ultrahand like Ascend and Recall, allowing them to manipulate objects, reverse time, and pass through solid matter.
These powers give Link the powers of a great mage who prioritizes problem-solving, traversal, and playful ingenuity over brute force and turnTOTK’s Hyrule into a magical playground and a paradise for those who enjoyusing creativity to shape the open-world, whether that’s building vehicles, traps, or magical mechs with out-of-the-box thinking.
Non-combat magic can imbue an open world with the sense of greater possibility, but just because it doesn’t directly deal damage, that doesn’t mean it can’t be used for nefarious purposes. InConan Exiles, sorcery is all about transformation, corruption, summoning, and subtle manipulation, and perfectly complements the survival and building mechanics for those willing to make the necessary dark sacrifices.
Sorcerers can use their powers to create bridges of ice or connect settlements with magic stones, but since they tend to be regarded as villainous inConan, and so any powers the player gains will usually requirea blood sacrifice for their magic, either from the sorcerer or an unwilling victim.
While there is plenty of danger and action to be had in theHarry Potteruniverse, the fantasy of being enrolled in a private school where students learn the art of witchcraft and wizardry is the main draw of the series.Hogwarts Legacygives players exactly this, and while there is plenty of combat magic to pick up, the day-to-day spells have a prominent role in gameplay.
Most fantasy games give players the choice whether to embrace magic or not, butHogwarts Legacyputs magic at the center stage. From theWingardium Leviosalevitation spell and theAlohomoraunlocking charm to brewing potions and conjuring decor for theirperfect Room of Requirement layout, players use their abilities to solve puzzles and tame beasts with techniques lifted straight out of the classroom.
Although it is considered a legendary RPG by most old-head gamers,Morrowindis hardly considered streamlined or accessible by today’s standards. However, while players are expected to memorize directions and contend with unwieldy combat, they havea Daedric-realm’s worthof options when it comes to non-combat magic.
On top of the damage-dealing kind, there are spells of flying, item finding, and invisibility. Some spells let the player walk on water, others charm NPCs, or teleport the user back to a safe location. Not only that, but the player can make incredibly specific and personalized custom spells with all of the strange effects available, letting players essentially create their own magical tools for traversal, stealth, utility, or roleplaying.
The Sims 3pulled off some impressive feats for a life simulation game, not least its presentation of an open-world neighborhood. While the series might not seem like a vessel for fantasy and sorcery, fans worth their salt all know that sooner or later, there will bea supernatural expansion packto add a little magic to the world. The “Supernatural” pack does just that with its introduction of the Witch and Fairy life states.
Sims who take the time to master the magical arts can teleport, transfigure objects, enchant items, and summon storms at will. Coupled with an open town and sandbox-style freedom, “Supernatural” lets players live a magical life where spellcraft is more about fun, mischief, and convenience than combat.
Most fans consider the magic system inThe Elder Scrolls 4:Oblivionto be the peak of the series. While some fan-favorite spells were absent (most notably Levitation),Oblivionand its remaster make up for it with their fun physics-based spells, which not only have a mechanical influence on the world and the people in it but also have an intuitive feel.
Most importantly, players have the ability to create their own spells with these effects, at least once they are accepted into the Arcane University.Oblivion Remasteredgives every effect a facelift, making casting more immersive and visually striking with enhanced lighting, shadows, and animations, including the wacky non-combat effects like Invisibility, Telekinesis, and Demoralize.
