Sometimes, when players want toexplore an open-world game, they just want to go on an adventure. They want to take in the sights and sounds, meet new characters, and go about life in a fictional world.
Combat can be an unnecessary stress for players that want this experience, and thankfully, there are plenty of open-world games that don’t have any.
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Sometimes it’s all about cruising in the city.
This allows players to just enjoy the world they’re staying in, with whatever gameplay loop that’s enjoyed instead.
From all across the world and beyond, with all types of scenery and landscapes, these open-world games provide an incredible adventure without the worries of getting into combat.
10Minecraft (Peaceful or Creative Mode)
Focus on Creation and Development
A lovely feature thatMinecrafthas allows players to turn off combat entirely while creating their world, or in the middle of playing if they so decide.
They can do this by either playing inCreative Mode, which gives players access to everything so they can build and create whatever they imagine. Or, they could do this by selecting thePeacefuldifficulty inSurvival Modeif players want to be able toforage and craft.
Afterwards, players are able to explore an endless world, orswitch to a different seedif they aren’t happy with where they landed.
There are countless biomes to explore, endless opportunity, and loads of fun. It’s a classic option for those wanting familiarity, eithersingleplayer or co-op.
9Subnautica
Explore the Deep Ocean
Subnautica
Subnauticais a game about exploring the ocean and living in harmony with all its inhabitants, no matter how cute or terrifying. With the recentannouncement of its sequel, fans are diving back into the water to relive the experience.
The game does not have any combat, and it’s got an absolutelybeautiful worldto see. The creatures within can be frightening, adorable or simply intriguing, and there’s lots to uncover beneath the surface.
Subnautica offers an unforgettable experience for those who love the deep sea and marine life, so stick some flippers on and dive in.
8Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Pure, Wholesome Exploration
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
For those who want a pure, unwavering exploration, look no further thanYonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles.
The world in Yonder would beabsolutely lovely to visit, covered in lush foliage and stunning landscapes. Exploration is wholesome, and there’s no need to worry about combat at all.
Sure, there are quests, but of course, if players want to simply explore the world, that’s the central focus anyway.Described as anExploration Simulator, the vibrant colors, and charming interactions make for a wholesome and peaceful experience.
This isn’t a game meant to be played quickly but rather slowly, experienced at your leisure. It’s the literal equivalent of stopping to smell the roses, and it does so perfectly.
7A Short Hike
Hike a Peaceful Mountainside
A Short Hike
In an adorable, wholesomeopen world,A Short Hikeis a wonderful experience for those who want to go mountaineering. Theclimbing mechanicsin the game are fun and memorable, but they also maintaina level of simplicity that allows just about anyone to pick up and play.
Players make their way up the game’s mountain,Hawk Peak, without having to worry about combat. You will have some tricky hurdles to overcome like the notoriously hard boating sequence, but you may do so with no weapons or violence.
Plus, the characters that can be encountered are cute and unique, adding charm to an already lovely experience.
6The Long Dark
Survive in a Cold, Endless Winter
The Long Dark
WhileThe Long Darkhas hunting, there isn’t actually combat in the game. Hunting is done out of necessity —of pure survival — as that’s the central focus of the game: surviving a harsh, endless winter.
It’s an open-world game wherethere are still stakes, as the player has to keep warm and remain well-fed and hydrated. It’s realistic, genuinely, but is also tranquil and serene.
It’s a unique experience, especially since it encourages players to explore slowly and meticulously plan their next move. Players must be careful and methodical, allowing for a true winter expedition.
The game is also just gorgeous, genuinely one-of-a-kind for fans ofsnowy levels.
5No Man’s Sky
Stunning Exploration in Space
To this day, No Man’s Skycontinues to beone of the most replayable games available, offering endless exploration without thethreat of combat.
Playing as an astronaut, the goal is to get to the center of the near-infinite universe. It’sone of, if not the largest open-world games to exist, spanning hundreds of solar systems and planets that would take real-life years to discover.
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We aren’t just saying this to protect their feelings. In this case, size doesn’t matter!
It’s a stunning experience in every playthrough, leaving players in genuine awe and wonder every time they load up the game.
After all, there is nothing quite as magical as becoming lost among the stars.
Peace in Desert Dunes
For players wanting to explore a world a little more stylized,Sableis an artistic paradise. With the biomes on the planet being deserts and dunes, it makes players feel like they’re exploring Tatooine inStar Wars, complete with a sand glider to get around on.
Thisadventure gamedoesn’t have combat but does have tons of puzzles to solve, which reveal more of the world to explore. Plus, calming lo-fi music constantly plays in the background, adding to the pleasant experience.
It’s a visually striking game with lots to offer, especially for players who want a chill gameplay loop. It’s essentially Breath of the Wild without stakes, and that’s something we can all get behind.
3Firewatch
Take in the Wyoming Wilderness
Firewatchis a beautiful game known foritsemotionally heartbreaking story. It’s well written and portrayed, following the player as they run from their lives to be fire lookoutsin the Wyoming wilderness.
The game can be described asa walking simulatorwith its gameplay, and it’s unfortunatelyrather short— but the experience remains unforgettable.
It’s all the best and emotionally charged moments of camping alone, with themes of isolation and growth seeping through the skies. It’s a stunning game with a stunning story, making it an ideal selection for players.
2Eastshade
The World is Your Canvas
Eastshadeis a wholesome, peaceful game that focuses on enjoying the beauty of nature and its place in art. The player is a painter, exploring the world and helping others along the way with each brush stroke.
The quests are wholesome, allowing people to grow and come together as a community. It’s peaceful and quiet, and there’s so much to take in.
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Players don’t have to be good artists, either, since painting is done by simply taking a photo and manifesting it on canvas. This way, each work of art is one-to-one with the vision they wanted to capture.
It’s a masterful experience of beauty and expression, and it’s well worth a play by anyone with even a remote interest in art.
1Outer Wilds
Uncover the Solar System’s Secrets
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is anaward-winning space gamethat relies on learning experience. Players are stuck in a time loop of witnessing the end of the universe, and must explore the solar system to figure out why. Each time the world ends, players are able to progress with the knowledge they gained prior.
This game is aMetroidbrainia, where no context is provided, and knowledge is golden. Yet, exploration is still crucial, because how else are players supposed to learn what’s happening?
It’s a unique and incredible game that makes22 minutesfeel both indescribably long and short, and would be an excellent experience for those who want an open-world game with no combat.
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