Discover Open-World Games Like Breath of the Wild for the Whole Family
I'll never forget the first time I explored the vast open world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with my kids. We spent hours discovering hidden shrines, climbing mountains, and solving p...
November 14, 2025 · 7 min read
Mom of two, gamer for life. I find the best games you can actually finish between school runs and bedtime stories.
I'll never forget the first time I explored the vast open world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with my kids. We spent hours discovering hidden shrines, climbing mountains, and solving puzzles together. If you're looking for more games like this, you're in luck!
Discovering Games Like Breath of the Wild
Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and adventure that captivates players of all ages. In this article, we'll count down our top picks for games that capture a similar spirit.
10. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Ubisoft Paris · Ubisoft Entertainment
Mar 6, 2017
Create a team with up to 3 friends in Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands and enjoy the ultimate military shooter experience set in a massive, dange…
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands is a tactical third-person shooter with a massive open world set in Bolivia. Players take on the role of a Ghost Recon operative, tasked with taking down a powerful Bolivian cartel. The game features a strong focus on teamwork and strategy, making it a great choice for players who enjoy cooperative gameplay.
One of the standout features of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands is its responsive open world, which allows players to approach objectives in a variety of creative ways. The game's Bolivian setting is also richly detailed, with a compelling narrative that explores themes of corruption and insurgency.
9. Animal Crossing: Wild World
Animal Crossing: Wild World
Nintendo EAD · Nintendo
Nov 23, 2005
Players move into a living, breathing world inside the Nintendo DS...and then invite their friends to visit from anywhere on earth. In Animal Cross…
Animal Crossing: Wild World is a life simulation game that lets players build and customize their own virtual village. While it may seem like a departure from the action-adventure gameplay of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: Wild World shares a similar sense of exploration and discovery.
Players can fish, garden, and decorate their homes, all while interacting with the game's charming characters. The game's relaxing atmosphere and gentle pace make it a great choice for players looking for a more laid-back experience.
8. Sayonara Wild Hearts
Sayonara Wild Hearts
Simogo · Annapurna Interactive
Sep 19, 2019
Sayonara Wild Hearts is a euphoric music video dream about being awesome, riding motorcycles, skateboarding, dance battling, shooting lasers, wield…
Sayonara Wild Hearts is a rhythm-based action game that combines elements of music games and endless runners. Players take on the role of a heartbroken protagonist, navigating a surreal world filled with challenging obstacles and mesmerizing visuals.
The game's unique blend of music and action makes it a standout title, with a captivating atmosphere that's both hypnotic and exhilarating. While it may not offer the same level of exploration as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Sayonara Wild Hearts shares a similar sense of freedom and joy.
7. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios · Sega
Jan 16, 2020
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a role-playing game developed and published by Sega. Released in 2020, it is the eighth main entry in the Yakuza series. T…
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a role-playing game that marks a significant departure from the traditional Yakuza series formula. Players take on the role of Ichiban Kasuga, a young man who becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue and deception.
The game's open world is set in modern-day Japan, with a richly detailed environment that's full of life and character. The game's combat system is also noteworthy, with a unique blend of RPG elements and action gameplay.
6. Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds
Mobius Digital · Annapurna Interactive
May 28, 2019
Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed and award-winning open world mystery about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. The newest member …
Outer Wilds is a critically-acclaimed open-world mystery game that takes players on a journey through a solar system trapped in a time loop. Players take on the role of a space explorer, tasked with uncovering the secrets of the solar system before the loop resets.
The game's unique time-loop mechanic adds a layer of complexity and replayability, as players must use their knowledge from previous loops to uncover new secrets and progress through the game. The game's atmosphere is also noteworthy, with a haunting and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of time, space, and existence.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
CD Projekt RED · WB Games
May 19, 2015
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red. Set in a dark fantasy world, the game follows Gera…
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action RPG with a massive open world set in a dark fantasy universe. Players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter tasked with finding his adopted daughter Ciri.
The game's engaging narrative, deep characters, and mature themes make it a standout title, with a richly detailed world that's full of life and danger. The game's combat system is also noteworthy, with a complex and satisfying blend of swordplay and magic.
4. Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans live in tribes and must fight against robotic creatures. Players take on the role of Aloy, a hunter tasked with uncovering the secrets of her past.
The game's unique blend of post-apocalyptic and sci-fi elements makes it a standout title, with a richly detailed world that's full of life and danger. The game's combat system is also noteworthy, with a complex and satisfying blend of ranged and melee combat.
3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed: Revelations - Collectors Edition
Dec 15, 2011
This Collector's Edition contains: - A special Collector's box - Assassin's Creed: Revelations (base game) - An artbook - The game's soundtrack - …
Assassin's Creed Odyssey is an action RPG set in ancient Greece, where players take on the role of a mercenary tasked with uncovering a conspiracy. The game's massive open world is full of life and character, with a richly detailed environment that's ripe for exploration.
The game's narrative is also noteworthy, with a complex and engaging storyline that explores themes of identity, morality, and power. The game's combat system is also satisfying, with a deep and complex blend of melee and ranged combat.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Collector's Edition
Monolith Soft · Nintendo
Dec 1, 2017
The next adventure is on the Nintendo Switch console set on the backs of colossal, living Titans. Discover each Titan’s diverse regions, culture, w…
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a JRPG with a massive open world set in a fantasy universe. Players take on the role of Rex, a young man tasked with uncovering the secrets of his past.
The game's richly detailed world is full of life and character, with a complex and engaging narrative that explores themes of identity, community, and power. The game's combat system is also noteworthy, with a deep and complex blend of real-time combat and RPG elements.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 3 · Nintendo
Mar 3, 2017
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the first 3D open-world game in the Zelda series. Link can travel anywhere and be equipped with weapons …
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a groundbreaking open-world adventure that sets the standard for games like it. Players take on the role of Link, tasked with exploring a vast and beautiful world, solving puzzles, and fighting against enemies.
The game's physics engine and chemistry system make it a standout title, with a richly detailed world that's full of life and wonder. The game's narrative is also noteworthy, with a complex and engaging storyline that explores themes of identity, memory, and power.
