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5 Best Historical Open-World Games

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I’ve always dreamed of journeying to the past, from the bustling city-states of Greece to the feudal fortresses scattered all around medieval Japan. Works of fiction have long been the closest thing we poor daydreamers got to a time machine until video games pushed the immersion up a notch.

History buffs might find some titles listed here on Gaming surprisingly detailed and accurate, starting with the Total War and the Crusader Kings series. But for those gamers looking for more freedom to explore the past, open-world settings sound even more exciting. So, while their educational value might be a tad questionable, these five open-world historical games offer the most compelling interactive trip to bygone days.

5. Far Cry Primal

Taking you back to the beginning of mankind, Far Cry Primal is your best shot at living the prehistoric life. Set in 10,000 BC, the tenth installment in the saga has you play as a hunter striving to turn from prey to apex predator. These unusual premises unsettled more than a few Far Cry fans, as the franchise’s signature first-person shooter gunplay doesn’t align with such a primal setting. That said, Ubisoft straying from the series’ established formula worked wonders to rejuvenate the gameplay.

Instead of firing automatic rifles, you need to scavenge materials and craft primitive weapons to combat hostile tribes and face the fierce creatures lurking around – some of which may be mounted once tamed, like the sabertooth cat. Many more prehistoric wildlife can be spotted across the game’s savage yet majestic open world, which evokes the natural landscapes of Eastern Europe.

4. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Next up on this list is another Ubisoft masterpiece. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is often considered as the franchise’s zenith. The game’s narrative weaves around the historical events of the Peloponnesian War opposing Sparta to Athens, conjuring up legendary figures like Perikles and Alkibiades.

Besides the main quests and storylines, we players can roam around as many iconic locations as the Hot Gates of Thermopylae and the Parthenon in discovery mode. Universally hailed for its stunning aesthetics and mind-blowing details, Odyssey’s reactive open world is everything ancient Greece enthusiasts could dream of in the gaming medium.

3. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0 takes us back to a time not so long ago. Set in the late 80s Japan, this action-adventure title is a welcoming entry point for newcomers to the Like a Dragon series. Rather than continuing the story told by its predecessors, this prequel follows the early yakuza years of the reformed-mobster-to-be Kazuma Kiryu.

In true Like a Dragon spirit, exploration is key in the red-light districts of Kamurochō and Sotenbori, which are brimming with wacky side quests and minigames. Developers also nailed the atmosphere of the Japanese bubble era, with authentic 80s Japanese hit songs adding even more flair to that nostalgia-filled story.

2.Red Dead Redemption II

Set in 1899, Red Dead Redemption II is hands down the best Western epic around. In this award-winning blockbuster hit, we step into the boots of outlaw Arthur Morgan to undertake various missions across America’s ruthless heartland. Whether you feel like ambushing trains or robbing banks, anything goes to survive. The game’s vast open world also allows for less life-threatening activities like playing blackjack at the saloon.

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1.Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima immerses you in the life of a 13th-century samurai, Jin Takai. Faced with the looming threat of Mongolian invasions on the island of Tsushima, Jin resolves to protect his homeland at all costs. However, fending off the enemy means choosing between heeding the warrior code or using dishonorable but effective methods to mitigate the casualties.

Long story short, will you draw your katana to engage the invaders head-on or use stealth tactics to strike enemy commanders discreetly? While combat makes up a big chunk of this action-heavy samurai tale, the game’s beautifully rendered open world also beckons exploration. Meditative moments await as you put the fighting to rest to craft a haiku in a secluded mountainous area or let loose in a traditional thermal spring.

Daniel is a life long gamer and he breathes technology and lives to try new gadgets. He's quite the assassin at Call of Duty.