The Best Open-World Games That Force Players To Git Gud

Players love games that test their skills, letting them get engrossed in a combat-heavy loop that takes a while to master. Many popular open-world games feature such cutthroat action where a single mistake can have dire consequences for the player.

If players want to enjoy the act of exploring these sandboxes, then it’s imperative to get good at these open-world combat systems. Floundering in combat over and over again will lead to players becoming frustrated, eventually, so it’s important that they learn from their mistakes and focus on improving their weaknesses.

8

Horizon Forbidden West

Without Fast Reflexes And Proper Weapon Use, The Machines Will Trample Aloy

Just like Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West ensures that players will be punished if they fail to dodge the well-telegraphed attacks and powerful moves of the game’s many robotic enemies. These hostile machines are no joke and will crush Aloy in no time if she isn’t careful.

This is why it becomes crucial for the player to master her moveset and determine the most effective ways to tackle each foe in the game. This ensures that players won’t constantly find themselves on the losing side of battles against these massive behemoths.

7

Caves Of Qud

A Roguelike Open-World Game With A Steep Learning Curve

A tough roguelike open-world game that takes no prisoners, players must be ready to die numerous times when playing Caves of Qud. The game is unforgiving to beginners and will demand their complete attention as they learn from their many deaths.

Eventually, players will figure out how to tackle the early game challenges as one of the two starting races and eventually start allying themselves with factions. This will give players the cushion they need to become stronger and deal with tougher threats in a world that will chew them up and spit them out if they aren’t careful.

6

Ghost Of Tsushima

Dealing With Multiple Enemy Types Requires Leveling Up Skills, Switching Stances, And Using Tools

Ghost of Tsushima is one of the most beautiful open-world games ever made. The action in this game is very impressive, with players unlocking a variety of stances and abilities throughout their time on the island of Tsushima as they confront numerous Mongol threats.

Eventually, as the Mongols become stronger and more well-equipped, Jin must use every tool in his arsenal and figure out the best way to deal with multiple dangerous enemies at a time. This leads to a point where even the most fearsome brutes become easier to manage for the Ghost as he tears apart everything and everyone standing in his way.

5

Project Zomboid

A Single Mistake Can Have Dire Consequences In This Hard-As-Nails Survival Game

Project Zomboid is not a game for impatient people. The title doesn’t hold the player’s hand and forces them to understand how the cutthroat survival mechanics work.

If players decide to give this game the time of day, they’ll find themselves learning the best ways to deal with its many threats. Bolstering home bases, scavenging for resources, and ensuring that players don’t cut themselves after entering a building through a broken window are just a few of the many things they must learn to become better at playing Project Zomboid.

4

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Re-Learning Old Combat Mechanics And Mastering New Techniques Is A Must

An argument can be made that Marvel’s Spider-Man and its sequel are harder than the Arkham games, at least on their normal difficulties. The two Spider-Men can get hit with a ton of powerful attacks in a flash if they aren’t careful, causing their health bar to drop at an alarming rate.

Players must master dodges and parries, with the latter being especially useful in the final stretch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, when the symbiotes take over. The massive symbiote brute will teach players why parrying is so useful, since this enemy is extremely challenging to defeat if players haven’t mastered this crucial defensive tool.

3

NieR: Automata

Combat Is Fast, Frenetic, And Rewards Player Skill

One of the most beautiful open-world games ever made, NieR: Automata deserves all the praise its earned and then some. Players love the game’s immaculate vibes and malleable gameplay, which is primarily centered on a hack-and-slash loop with a few mechanical switch-ups here and there.

Combat is very challenging, and players must master the movesets of every playable character to make things easier on themselves. Failing to do so will lead to a very bad time against some of the game’s most challenging boss fights.

2

Elden Ring

It’s A Given That An Open-World FromSoftware Game Will Have A High Skill Ceiling

FromSoftware games are the reason why “git gud” became a meme. Ever since Dark Souls became a worldwide phenomenon, fans have done everything possible to master the developer’s brand of combat and become better at playing their games.

This applies to Elden Ring as well, especially since this title will likely be the first FromSoftware game that many people have checked out. “Gitting gud” is easier in this game because of the open world, which provides many avenues for the Tarnished to get stronger and get payback on a boss that has been giving them a tough time for a while.

1

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Combat Is Simple Yet Feels Incredible To Master, Especially With The Abilities Link Has

The malleable gameplay of Tears of the Kingdom makes it clear why this game has such a high skill ceiling. Players must understand how to use Link’s Fuse and Ultrahand abilities effectively to open up new avenues for damaging opponents in combat.

The basic combat mechanics are also a blast to master as players parry attacks, land Flurry Rushes, and figure out other ways to take out their opponents in style. By the end of the game, skilled players can school King Gleeoks without being hit once, which makes for a very satisfying moment.