8 Best Open-World Adventure Games with the Deepest Character Builds

The open-world genre is one of the most complex and complete, as it not only allows players to explore vast maps and encounter multiple interesting things, but it also gives them the freedom to play however they choose. Some open-worlds shine in combat, narrative, or customization options for weapons, and attire.

There are others that, on top of everything else, also offer a polished range of possibilities when it comes to character building. This allows players to face their enemies and interact with the world in any way they choose. Whether you lean more towards long-range combat, or prefer the brutality of close-range encounters, the following games will surely scratch your itch.

8 Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Solid Builds That Can Provide an Advantage in Combat

While Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is not the most popular title out there when compared to more mainstream RPGs, it still manages to deliver an amazing experience, especially with its remastered visuals and improved gameplay. Maybe it isn't the game with the most complex character building. But it definitely offers a lot of options, so you can play however you want.

This game might not be my favorite of the lot, but I can say without a doubt that, besides its great build depth, it also becomes more interesting when explored.

7 Assassin's Creed Odyssey

More Complex Builds Make the Game Feel Lighter

Those who have been around since the first Assassin's Creed game were probably not very happy when the franchise adopted RPG and open-world elements. However, over time, it became evident that it was the right call, as it opened a world of possibilities.

There are tons of unique builds in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, including those heavily reliant on poison, CRIT damage, stealth, and much more. All in all, while there are games on this list that offer even more possibilities, those available on this title shouldn’t be looked down on.

6 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Witcher Gear, Potions, Mutagens, and Oils

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of those titles that offers a lot in terms of gameplay, narrative, character complexity, and, of course, deep build customization. Throughout the game, you will be able to combine different Oils, Potions and Mutagens to take Geralt to the next level and make it easier to defeat certain foes depending on your needs.

Moreover, you can also use different types of Silver and Steel swords, as well as a wide range of armor sets to reduce damage and get certain perks from them. All in all, this, along with some great exploration features in the game, make it an all-around masterpiece.

5 Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberware and Smart Weapons Offer Endless Possibilities

Although Cyberpunk 2077 had a rough launch, a lot of the bugs that made the game almost unplayable at first have been ironed out, and today this title is one of the greatest of the decade. The possibilities to build V are almost endless, thanks to both the intricate regular and Smart Weapons available and the various cyberware augmentations that you can get installed on your body.

Do you like to take enemies out from a distance? No problem. Do you prefer close-quarters combat with Gorilla Arms or Mantis Blades? You got it. Is inflicting fire damage more your thing? Say no more. There are many open-worlds you shouldn’t play, but Cyberpunk 2077 is definitely not part of that list.

4 Fallout 4

Perks and Collectibles Increase Survival Chances

The Fallout franchise has always been known for offering players various possibilities in terms of how they want to build their characters to survive against insurmountable odds. Fallout 4 specifically, builds on many of the great aspects its predecessors had already mastered, while incorporating new elements that elevate the gaming experience.

If you play your cards right, you can become a master negotiator to pay lower prices and get more Bottle Caps for your items, or you can also become a silver-tongued devil to escape dangerous situations and persuade others. And when it comes to combat, the sky’s the limit, as there are Perks for nearly every skill you could possibly imagine.

3 Ghost of Tsushima

Stealth or Aggression, Both Can Be Maximized

Few games are as visually stunning as Ghost of Tsushima. And the fact that it combines its beautiful scenery with outstanding combat mechanics, a compelling narrative, and multiple builds for Jin, makes it a wonderful game overall. The Ghost of Tsushima character-building experience is heavily reliant on the armor sets you collect, the Skills you unlock, and the Stances that you use.

Besides the multiple build options, there's something about this game that I've always loved, and it's that, even though it's so vast, it's one of those open-worlds where you can't choose the wrong path, no matter what you do.

Hundreds of Different Ways to Engage With the World

Although The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has been out for a very long time at this point, I'm still amazed by how deeply the Dragonborn can be customized and how many skills there are to unlock. Especially for a game released in 2011.

Mind you, it’s not just the enormous Skill Tree available, but also the wide variety of weapons, spells, and armor sets that you can craft and unlock as you progress through the game. This, along with the nearly-infinite quests available, is why The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is still an RPG role model.

1 Elden Ring

Builds Go Deeper Than in Any Other Soulsborne Title

Soulsborne titles have always been famous for allowing players to craft multiple builds and even adapt them based on their needs and the enemy they're fighting. Elden Ring follows proudly in its predecessor's footsteps by offering the same thing to players, albeit on a much greater level and with considerably more depth. There are many reasons why this is possible, but I'd attribute that mostly to the game's open-world nature, which allows players to discover more items and try out more things.

And if that wasn't enough, character building was made even more extensive with the introduction of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, which brought new weapons, armor sets, and scaling possibilities to players' hands.