The Best Cult Classic Open-World Games

Most AAA open-world games are very popular and make it a point to attract the widest audiences possible. However, this also leads to some other sandbox games being overlooked by the wider gaming public.

This is a shame, since some of the most unique open-world games players can check out are intensely riveting despite not selling millions of units. Fans who do get into cult classic open-world titles are very passionate and form close-knit communities that can’t get enough of them.

8

The Matchless Kungfu

A Wuxia Sandbox Where Players Decide How The World Evolves

Players who enjoy the freeform gameplay of Kenshi and want to experience it with a martial arts twist will have a blast with The Matchless Kungfu. As one would expect, getting into this title is easier said than done, especially since players have to wrap their heads around several complicated concepts first.

From how rebirth works in this game to the way the open world expands, there’s no shortage of weirdness to find in this unique sandbox title. Letting players choose what blocks they place in the world as they make progress in the game is a simple yet engaging way to reward their efforts. The depth of the martial arts systems in The Matchless Kungfu have earned it a small but dedicated following.

7

Caves Of Qud

A Roguelike Open-World Game That’s Deceptively Captivating

Caves of Qud is a fun roguelike open-world game that fans of games like NetHack will have a great time with. The ASCII graphics may be hard to get used to, but this crude visual presentation hides one of the most complex and rewarding open-world games ever made.

The beauty of Caves of Qud stems from its incredible depth, with players controlling either a True Kin or a mutant in a hostile, randomized world with a deceptively deep faction system. Players should strive to make as many allies as possible if they don’t want to be hunted down every step of the way in this tough-as-nails open-world game.

6

Pathologic 2

A Surreal Open-World Game That Requires Patience And Caution

Pathologic is a unique video game that is perfect for fans of surreal horror experiences, and it’s only fitting that its sequel is also a weird gem. Pathologic 2 is a sequel, remake, and reboot in one complete package, which may sound weird but is completely on brand with the rest of this title’s unique trappings.

Players will take on the role of a town’s doctor right at the onset of a deadly plague, and their goal is to find a cure and save as many people as they can. Players who want to get into this cult classic open-world game should keep in mind that it is far from easy. Death can arrive at a moment’s notice for both them and the game’s many NPCs, and it may cause permanent penalties to hamper a player’s run, which can be devastating.

5

Kenshi

Players Decide Their Goal In A Challenging, Wide-Open Sandbox

In an era when video games love giving players objectives to strive towards, players looking for something fresh will be glad to get their hands on Kenshi. After creating a character, they are dropped into one of several predetermined start locations based on their background.

From this very moment, players are left to their own devices. They must figure things out on their own, and will likely die numerous times in the process. However, the depth of Kenshi‘s gameplay, coupled with its undeniable charm, ensures that players will love powering through the brutal early game to find out what makes this title so special.

4

Project Zomboid

A Challenging But Riveting Survival Experience In A Harsh Open World

Project Zomboid is one of the hardest open-world games players can get their hands on. The survival mechanics are so challenging that the simple act of climbing through a broken window becomes something players will agonize over if they don’t want to get an infected wound in the process.

Once players understand how this game works, they’ll love the lite-Sims gameplay of working on skills to become more adept at a certain task. While Project Zomboid can be a tough nut to crack for some, players who get into the gameplay loop will find it hard to tear themselves away from this certified cult classic.

3

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl

Kickstarted A Beloved Cult Horror Franchise Consisting Of Tough Open-World Survival Games

STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl marked the start of something special, with many people being introduced to the series, and the books that inspired it, because of this hard-as-nails survival horror title. Exploring the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and getting into intense firefights will never cease to be engaging, even almost two decades after the game’s release.

Players who were lucky enough to check out this title were likely enraptured by its tough yet satisfying gameplay. It’s a beloved cult classic that players should check out if they’re seeking a harder version of the open-world Fallout games with deeper gameplay (but less role-playing goodness).

2

Sunless Skies

A Story-Driven, Eploration-Focused Open-World Horror Game

It’s a shame that more players aren’t aware of Sunless Skies. This game is a genre mashup that will intrigue even the most seasoned open-world fans. Both a sequel and a massive upgrade over Sunless Sea, here exploration isn’t agonizingly slow, combat takes place in real time, and the UI improvements ensure that the story will leave a lasting impression on players.

The beauty of Sunless Skies stems from its amazing worldbuilding that cuts no corners. It a deep Lovecraftian universe full of mysteries that players have no choice but to solve themselves. Taking to the skies in Sunless Skies makes for a fascinating moment that helps this indie open-world game establish itself as a story-driven cult classic that players will have a great time with.

1

Disco Elysium

A Politically Rich Open-World RPG

Disco Elysium features a complex narrative and intense worldbuilding, so much so that some players may find it to be daunting. Others drop the title after seeing just how verbose the game is in the first hour or two, as playing it is not unlike reading a surrealist detective novel.

However, players who stick with this title for the long haul will understand firsthand why its vey vocal fans can’t get enough of it. Harry Du Bois’ investigation makes for a riveting narrative, and the deep RPG systems ensure that no two playthroughs will be the same. Players must exhaust every clue in sight and solve the mystery of this cult classic masterpiece.