8 Open-World Games with Better Environmental Storytelling Than The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

There's no denying that out of all the genres out there, the open-world one is arguably the most complete when it comes to game mechanics, NPCs to discover and interact with, and collectibles to obtain either to use as weapons or pieces of attire.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the best examples of this, as it not only offers a compelling narrative, but also builds on it with its DLCs, various weapons, and amazing armor pieces to keep Geralt protected. However, as amazing as the game is, there are a few others that I consider to be better in terms of environmental storytelling.

8 Horizon Zero Dawn

Finding Remnants of a Lost Civilization Is Exciting

The first time I played Horizon Zero Dawn, I was immediately captured by how vast and dangerous the world felt. For a game set in a post-apocalyptic world, I was surprised to see how colorful everything was and how the people hadn't lost hope despite their hardships.

However, what caught my eye the most were the remnants of a lost civilization long gone. Even from the beginning of the game, when a young Aloy is exploring, you can quickly understand that humanity had much more advanced technology. From there, it's not hard to infer what brought the apocalypse about. On top of this, Horizon Zero Dawn has some amazing characters, with one of my personal favorites being Sylens, played by the late Lance Reddick.

7 Cyberpunk 2077

The Division of Classes Is Evident the More You Explore

Some people might jump down my throat for this take, but hear me out first. I'm one of the greatest fans of The Witcher franchise. However, it's undeniable that it fails to shine where Cyberpunk 2077 does, which is a crude portrayal of social classes and the power large corporations have over society.

Granted, each game is set in a different time, and in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, shameless capitalism wasn't as much of a problem as it is in V's world. But that's exactly what makes Cyberpunk 2077 shine brighter than its counterpart by the same developer in terms of environmental storytelling—the disparity of social classes and how the world feels more alive thanks to that. Those looking for a different experience should try some of the mods available for Cyberpunk 2077, as they can change the game significantly.

6 Subnautica 2

There's Nothing Like Finding Ancient Alien Architecture

While it sounds crazy to compare a AA game like Subnautica 2 to a AAA one in most regards, especially environmental storytelling, I think it's all about perspective. I love exploring The Continent in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, especially the Skellige Isles as I track down Spoils of War. However, there's just something about traveling across the ocean looking for wreckage and discovering ancient alien architecture that gives Subnautica 2 the edge.

Obviously, if we were to compare both games fairly, with the same budget and number of developers, things would change. But as things stand, I think the game set in Proteus does more with the resources it has. Not to mention that crafting good items first in Subnautica 2 matters a lot more than it does in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

5 Fallout 4

Ruins and Mutants All Over the Place

I know, there's a ton of post-apocalyptic games on this list, but there's a good reason for it—they're fascinating specifically because of that. Who doesn't love exploring a run-down world while finding the remains of a broken, long-lost society amid perils and companions? And an even better question—which game offers this better than Fallout 4?

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an outstanding game, but even with the monsters you encounter, and the blood feuds you get to be a witness to, it always feels more "welcoming" than Fallout 4, if that makes sense. The former and its environment makes me feel like I'm playing a D&D match, which is amazing, but the latter makes me feel like I'm actually fighting for my life with no one to help or guide me.

4 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Kingdom of Hyrule Is Full of Life

I think we can all agree when I say that there's what everyone else does, and then there's what Nintendo does. I've always admired the way the company has provided added value to their customers. Maybe its consoles aren't the most powerful, but boy, are its exclusive titles masterpieces and its interactive controls fun as hell.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an excellent example of this, as it has that fascinating Nintendo feel to it, tied specifically to its particular franchise. I wouldn't go as far as to call it "better" in terms of environmental storytelling than The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. But I would call it on par, while standing out by offering a similar, yet completely different experience.

3 Red Dead Redemption 2

The Wild West Feels Accurate and Alive

In many ways, Red Dead Redemption 2 is very similar to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. You spend a lot of time on horseback while traveling through unpopulated wilderness, often come across small towns and villages with a few errands to run, and you get to kill your fair share of evil men. That said, I do believe Red Dead Redemption 2 has better environmental storytelling than that which you can find on The Continent.

For starters, you can interact with every NPC you walk next to, and that counts towards your Honor meter. Also, there's the possibility of finding aliens and other creepy mysteries in Red Dead Redemption 2, whereas The Continent seems to stay fairly faithful to its time and fantasy setting.

Politics, Race Wars, and Places of Worship

It feels a little strange to compare two games when they can both fit into the same category. If you think about it, both The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are set in a fantasy world, with different monsters and races scattered across the land. There's magic, various weapons, and options for romancing a few love interests.

However, where I think The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim surpasses The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is in its history. The Elder Scrolls gaming franchise has been around for longer than The Witcher's, and that alone lets it have more lore, which you can discover through reading, and also through exploring. Dwemer ruins feel ancient, the Guardian Stones and their mysterious origins are fascinating, and the extensive dragon lore is puzzling in the best possible way. That said, the game is on the older side and after a while, it can feel repetitive, so if you're trying to make your next Skyrim playthrough harder, there are a few ways you can go about it.

1 Elden Ring

The Lore Is Extensive, and the World Embodies It

This one in particular is a no contest. Again, I absolutely love The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but when compared to Elden Ring, there's just no way it can beat it in terms of environmental storytelling. There's just so much to discover in The Lands Between. Whether it is the remains of Godwyn, the decay in Caelid, or the Mountaintops of the Giants, every turn brings something surprising.

And let's not forget how much Leyndell changes after you defeat a certain enemy. You have to give credit where credit is due. Not to mention that Elden Ring's strongest bosses are arguably more challenging than those in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.