Top 5 Open-World Games for Exploring Forests

Immersion in video games is a challenging peak—many try to conquer it, but only a handful succeed. For players, immersion is a key factor in choosing a game, particularly in single-player titles. This is especially true for open-world games, where an engaging environment can significantly enhance the experience.

Open-world games can generally be categorized into two types: those featuring urban environments, whether contemporary or futuristic, and those that take players back to nature, often in medieval or fantasy settings. In these nature-focused games, the emphasis on forests, trees, and a simpler lifestyle is central to the immersive experience. Forests, in particular, have a unique ability to draw players in, anchoring them in the game world as few other elements can. Read on to check out top 5 open-world games for exploring forests.

1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a new open-world role-playing game that focuses on being very realistic. It takes place in medieval Bohemia, and you play as Henry, a blacksmith's helper who wants revenge. Throughout his journey, Henry will become a soldier, rescue damsels in distress, maintain public order, participate in wars, and much more.

From the moment Henry leaves his village, he’s met with an enormous map filled with dense forests, a basic map that offers little guidance, and minimal direction. Getting lost in the woods at night is a genuine threat, as many objectives lack quest markers, particularly during treasure hunts. The game features a day/night cycle, where darkness can become so profound that visibility drops to just a couple of feet, even with a torch. Coupled with the realistic forests, where each tree looks almost identical, it’s clear why KCD stands out as a leader in immersion.

>>> Read more: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Release date, Trailer, Story & More

2. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a game that has some problems, but its world looks amazing. It's like James Cameron's vision came to life in a video game. The colors are bright and the plants are very green. When it comes to the diversity of foliage and visual quality, few games can compete.

While many titles introduce variety in their open worlds through different biomes, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora opts for a different approach, focusing on diverse foliage and varying tree types within its forests. The game features three distinct areas, each with its own identity. 

3. Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is a fun game about a samurai fighting Mongols on the island of Tsushima. It has a good story, exciting fights, and feels very real. Yet, the standout feature is undoubtedly the visuals. Every mountain, river, building, and rock is infused with character, and the forests are no exception.

The forests in Ghost of Tsushima offer a stunning variety. Much of the map features highly realistic trees, lush green grass, and the occasional bamboo. Players will encounter forests drenched in golden hues, dense bamboo thickets perfect for exploration, and striking blood-red trees in specific places.

4. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands is a realistic game where you play as a soldier fighting in a big, open world. It's like a classic Tom Clancy game, but in a new, open world setting. Realism is a fundamental principle of Wildlands, and it is evident throughout the gameplay.

In Ghost Recon Wildlands, players often find themselves patiently waiting just outside enemy bases, assessing threats and locating objectives. As its name suggests, the game emphasizes recon and stealth, encouraging players to pause, breathe, and soak in the surroundings.

The game has a big map with many different kinds of land, like flat plains and sandy deserts. But most of the land is covered in forests. Players can crawl through mud and hide behind trees to shoot enemies, which makes the game feel very real. Even when not engaged in combat, navigating from point A to point B frequently involves trekking through these dense woods.

5. Horizon: Forbidden West

Horizon: Forbidden West is a game set in a world after a big disaster. People now live simple lives like they did long ago, but there are still some parts of old technology left.

Nature has largely reclaimed the landscape, with forests making up a significant portion of the game world. Each forest offers its own unique features, adding to the richness of the environment.

While much of Horizon: Forbidden West involves fast-paced runs from one objective to another, players who take the time to appreciate the scenery often have a richer experience. It’s highly recommended for every player to turn off the HUD, switch to Explorer Mode, and simply revel in the stunning visuals at least once.

>>> Also check out: 10 Best Open-World Puzzle Games