The best open world games with swappable characters

When players think of explosives, their minds may immediately go to online shooting games like Call of Duty or Apex Legends. Whether it's tweaking tactics, trying out a new skill set, or switching to a completely different lineup, loadouts can make all the difference in overcoming obstacles and keeping gameplay fresh. However, cargo isn't just limited to the FPS genre – it appears in other types of games as well, including open world.

While open-world games are often synonymous with player customization, it's not always a staple. However, when included, they can completely change the way players approach challenges. Some open-world games allow players to seamlessly switch between gear, providing a level of flexibility that can come in handy during more challenging missions. If a certain strategy isn't working, these games allow players to change things on the fly.

9

Once a Man

Once, twice, three times A Loadout

Starting with the most obscure game on this list, Once a Man offers players the freedom to change their approach with a practical loadout system. Whether you're gearing up for intense combat or gathering resources, switching between settings is quick and efficient. This flexibility means players can adapt to an unpredictable world without having to constantly dig through menus and replenish items.

This means the system is not front and center and easy to miss. Players will need to take a moment to explore the menus and get things set up just right – but once they do, switching between playstyles becomes a seamless part of the experience.

8

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Swing between two characters

Good, from Marvel WITHPider-Man 2 doesn't exactly scream charges. However, players should remember that they can seamlessly switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales in this open-world game thanks to the PS5's impressive fast-loading capabilities (not so impressive for PC players).

So with Peter and Miles, fans have two distinct characters to mindlessly swing around NYC – each with their own unique and customizable set of abilities, gadgets and even suits. Peter has some great options with abilities like Anti-Venom Blast and Spider-Rush, while Miles brings the heat with his Chain Lightning and Venom Dash moves.

7

Grand Theft Auto 5

Who said three is a crowd?

This list wouldn't be complete without an inclusion GTA V – the pinnacle of open-world gaming and one of the best-selling media to ever grace the planet. The game features not just two, but three playable characters to choose from, each with their own items, skills, and special abilities.

Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips and Franklin Clinton have their own arsenal of weapons, unique stats and “yeeyee ass” hairstyles. Additionally, all three characters have their own hideout with their own set of perks. It will be interesting to see how they overcome this mechanic in GTA VI, but it's a challenge that most players believe Rockstar can overcome.

6

Far Cry 6

Explore Yara with customizable loadouts

The sixth part of the very popular series Far Cry series allows players to equip up to four interchangeable loads. That's no surprise for a franchise that's all about freedom of choice and letting players make their own messy cocktails.

So while players explore the deadly open-world paradise that is Yara, the weaponry can be customized to include whatever pistols, machine guns, bows, shotguns or RPGs their hearts desire. It should be noted that this feature is only accessible after players complete the “Libertad Rises” mission.

5

Guild Wars 2

More like Build Wars

Guild Wars 2 is a free-to-play MMORPG with the popular Build Template system that allows players to quickly switch between specialized settings. By default, each character can have up to three kits and two pieces of equipment with additional slots available through microtransactions, offering plenty of flexibility to tackle PvE, PvP and WvW content.

Accessible through the Hero panel, these templates allow players to seamlessly swap skills, traits, and equipment. For even more convenience, build templates can be stored in the build repository, making them accessible throughout your account.

4

Division 2

Nothing separates the player from these characters

Next up is Division 2a stalwart of the looter-shooter genre and a textbook example of how to combine open-world exploration with tactical gameplay. While many games in this genre focus on one play style, Division 2 allows players to switch between 12 specialized characters and solve missions and challenges in any way they want.

To do this, players must scroll through their menu and select the desired refill before returning to the action. While this requires a few extra steps, the depth and flexibility this system offers is well worth the effort.

3

Terrariums

Exploration, building, crafting, combat, survival and mining

Terrariumsone of the best-selling open-world games of all time, with over 50 million copies sold, it gives players plenty of ways to customize their experience – including a handy loading system. From the moment a character is created, players can instantly switch between three different sets of armor and accessories, each with their own dyes and slots. Whether you're gearing up to explore, battle, or build, switching between items is quick and easy.

Without the need to unlock this feature, players can dive straight into experimenting with different settings, making it easier than ever to adapt. Terrariumsever-changing challenges.

2

Fallout 76

SPECIAL loadings for special residents

Fans have been begging Bethesda to introduce interchangeable character gear Fallout 76. Bethesda eventually delivered, but not without a few caveats. The “Locked & Loaded” update introduced SPECIAL Loadouts, offering Vault Dwellers the ability to modify or completely reset their SPECIAL attributes.

Starting at level 25, players can visit the “punch card machine” where they can change their Perk Card selection and save new customizations to the slot. The first two slots are free, but the remaining 13 require a fee of 500 atoms each, which is a form of in-game earning currency.

1

Ghost Of Tsushima

Exchange between armours of armor in 13th century Japan

Another game where the developers blessed the players from above (in the form of a post-launch patch) Ghost of Tsushima. Followers of Jin Sakai's story can change their armor with just a few clicks in this PlayStation classic from Sucker Punch. With this feature, players can completely change their playstyle without having to bother with repeatedly resetting skill points just to experiment with new builds.

It's easy to miss though, as Loadouts are disabled by default in the game's settings. But don't worry because activation is very simple.