Open world games where every player is afraid

One of the common tropes of the open-world genre is to drop the player into a virtual world, as a nobody, unprepared, with no name, clear agenda, or powers, and force them to start from scratch. Additionally, it is not uncommon for the game to populate its world with powerful and dangerous enemies, keeping players constantly on their toes as they navigate new pressures and new encounters. In recent years, even more games have been trying to become more challenging than before, with a pervasive sense of helplessness from the horror genre seeping into many action and open-world games, especially after the huge success of Elden Ring.

However, some open world games turn the tables and give players the rather rare feeling of being a force to be reckoned with, striking fear into enemies just by showing up. From a unique story or reputation to overpowered abilities or other special features, today we look at open-world games where everyone is afraid of the protagonist, and highlight how the mechanics of fear define each of the titles below, making them feel special.

Prototype

The enemies are hunting the unstoppable mutant, they know they will lose

A now forgotten open world series, Prototypeimmediately comes to mind when I think of a game like this. Taking on the role of an overpowered mutant in a post-apocalyptic setting is a lot of fun, and even though Alex Mercer is actually being hunted by everyone, the game feels like every ordinary soldier knows that this is not a battle they can win. Mercer can dispatch hordes of simple enemies with ease with his bare hands and gradually unlocks more superhuman abilities as the game progresses, including the ability to literally absorb any human being, taking on their form and shape, which can be especially useful for infiltration missions.

However, those are only a short distraction away Prototypes an action-oriented core where unleashing rampant mayhem on a grand scale is the funnest part of the game as we see the Gentek forces throw everything they have at stopping Mercer to no avail as he destroys soldiers, vehicles, tanks and helicopters like they're toys. So, who is the hunter here?

Ghost of Tsushima

Is there really a vengeful spirit protecting the island?

With its classic introduction to an open-world action-adventure game where a well-established character loses almost everything in an instant, Ghost of Tsushima hides a unique, fear-driven twist for later. As Jin Sakai becomes the protector and liberator of his own lands, his legend grows around the world and Mongol soldiers come to recognize and fear him.

Later in Ghost of Tsushimaas Jin fully embodies his “Ghost” alias, uses lethal poison to massively kill enemy soldiers, which is unexpected for a samurai, and unlocks the powerful Spirit stance, the tables are completely turned. Not only is Jin capable of killing almost any enemy with a single sword strike, but the Mongols would just freeze in panic upon witnessing the notorious Ghost, with many just fleeing the battlefield altogether. A really special feeling of being a real force of nature, with the continuation of the game, Ghost of Yoteiwhich offers comparable fear mechanics in the late game where Atsu fully joins with the feral wolves to fight alongside her, confusing and terrifying enemies and bounty hunters who quickly surrender.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt is a mutant, equally despised and feared

After earlier Charmer games where Geralt of Rivia completely lost his memories The Witcher 3: Wild HuntGeralt finally gets them back, including his notorious past when he was known as the “Butcher of Blaviken”. As Geralt wanders the war-torn world, ordinary people such as villagers, peasants, and guards alike despise and fear him, greeting him with slurs like “freak”. While this reflects people's prejudice against wizards as unnatural outcasts and highlights the hostility he faces, few would dare face him in a sword fight, knowing how things would go from there.

Throughout the game, several quests and episodes contain such scenes that show how people usually treat and fear Geralt. The Witcher 3: Wild Huntwhile some may even run away once they see his pale face. Interestingly, this perception rarely applies to immediate in-game encounters with common bandits who haven't learned to fear high-level spellcasters in elite gear attacking players on sight, leading to countless recognizable memes widely known in the fan community.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Dark lord, light lord — same thing really

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor slowly establishing an unlikely symbiosis between the reanimated Talion and the ghostly Ceelebribor, gradually building his name and reputation over time, but Shadow of War it already starts with the Bright Lord being a legendary terror across all of Mordor. Even more powerful than before, having created their new Ring of Power, wielding overwhelming superhuman abilities and capable of turning anyone to his side, the Lord of Light unleashes a full-scale war against Sauron's forces, hunting, eliminating, and recruiting his most elite commanders to his cause.

The Nemesis system is the cherry on top of the entire experience, creating unique bonds and interactions for each player, depending on their past encounters with goblin warriors, many of whom will hate Talion, relentlessly pursue him, or be haunted by the mere name of the Bright Lord, becoming a pitiful shell of their former self and living solely on the player's own mercy. WITH Middle-earth: Shadow of War's epic scope and vast stakes that allow Talion to challenge the Dark Lord himself, the game is unparalleled in the open world genre.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

The notorious Misthios of the Leonidas bloodline

IN Assassin's Creed series, players often walk the line from being a nobody to becoming a respected Hidden One, destined to become the next prominent figure in the centuries-old conflict. IN Assassin's Creed Odysseythings are a little different from the start, as the protagonist and their sibling are direct descendants of the esteemed King Leonidas I, who himself hails from the extraterrestrial Isu, the so-called First Civilization. Regardless of who players choose as their character, Kassandra or Alexios, they will quickly become notorious misthios to live up to their father's reputation and conquer the most challenging war missions throughout Greece.

With the Spear of Leonidas imbued with fantastic abilities, AC Odyssey players gain some godlike powers to become invulnerable to enemies and feared by the entire Kosmos Cult. In addition Assassin's Creed Odyssey borrows a light version of the Nemesis system Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordorfor a dynamic mercenary system that can hunt or be hunted by players in an open world. This system resembles police mechanics GTA series where more elite mercenaries are hired to prevent players from wreaking havoc or taking out major strongholds – but this often just means extra high loot and more experience for players.

Batman: Arkham Knight

Fear and darkness are your allies

Intelligence, darkness, and fear are the most powerful tools in Batman's arsenal, and players can wield all three in Batman: Arkham Knight. Playing the Dark Knight in his prime, with all of Gotham living under his watchful and watchful protection, Bruce Wayne needs no real superpowers to instill primal fear in anyone he faces, regardless of whether players choose stealth or direct confrontation as their approach. It serves as an epic conclusion Batman: Arkham series, the game expands Batman's tricks, abilities and tactics to new heights, allowing players to overcome the most impossible situations.

With an AI of common enemies that has learned to fear Batman, it's especially fun to stealthily clear levels, watch enemies panic when they notice their numbers dwindling, and search your surroundings chaotically knowing that the Bat could be anywhere and the clock is ticking. A full embrace of the DC Universe, Batman: Arkham Knight also continues to explore Batman's complex relationships with many supervillains and anti-heroes, highlighting how years of dedication have made Batman a figure to be reckoned with in Gotham, with many daring to whisper his name.