The Combat in These 8 Open-World Games Games Puts Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's to Shame

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become a celebrated release in the RPG genre, beloved for its dynamic turn-based combat, unique setting, and captivating narrative. Its combat is notable, and there's certainly little wrong with it.

However, for those looking for more or perhaps something radically different in an open-world setting, there's plenty on offer. From the lightning-quick combat of Sunset Overdrive to the slow and deliberate challenges of Elden Ring, there's something for everyone if you want to try something different from Clair.

8 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

A Clunky, Challenging, But Ultimately Rewarding Combat System

Look, Kingdom Come: Deliverance isn't for everyone. In fact, it's not a game for me. But that doesn't take away from the fact that its combat system can be tremendously rewarding.

The reason for this is that Kingdom Come: Deliverance can be brutal. Combat is tough and players shouldn't expect to take on multiple opponents and get away unscathed, if alive at all. But have patience, learn its systems, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance can be worthwhile. However, its combat is delivered in a unique and sometimes clunky way, and some may bounce off of it quite quickly.

7 Fallout: New Vegas

Tactical Positioning And Threat Assessment In An Expansive World

Some players may consider Fallout: New Vegas to have a somewhat antiquated combat system. Its gunplay and melee combat can be a little clunky. However, the VATs system, RPG mechanics, and diverse arsenal of weapons allow for deep and satisfying gameplay.

In addition, Fallout: New Vegas can be incredibly tactical; the game often requires careful positioning and threat assessment in order to succeed. Combined with its expansive open world and plethora of unique side-quests, Fallout: New Vegas is a must-play.

6 Destiny 2

A Semi-Open World Game With Satisfying Gunplay

While perhaps not a true open-world game, Destiny 2's many zones can be freely explored by the player. In essence, the opportunities for exploration that it provides are similar to that of smaller open world games. 'Open World' is also a popular user-defined tag for the game on its Steam store page.

Semantics aside, Destiny 2 is perfect for players that enjoy good combat and open-world exploration. As an FPS, Destiny 2 focuses on gunplay above all else, and here it passes with flying colors. Any fan of sci-fi, exploration, and FPS combat should certainly give Destiny 2 ago.

5 No Rest For The Wicked

An ARPG With Soulslike Combat

Although it falls somewhat short with its emphasis on farming/grinding and the addition of in-game timers, No Rest For The Wicked makes up for this with its combat system. No Rest For The Wicked is an ARPG with elements of a Soulslike. More specifically, it blends Soulslike combat with the structure of an ARPG.

This combat is weighty, challenging, and allows for real mastery. And, while the aforementioned emphasis on farming might not be my cup of tea, it does allow players to better prepare themselves for more challenging foes.

4 Battle Brothers

Slow-Burning Strategy In A Brutal Open World

Battle Brothers is a hardcore turn-based strategy game about running your own mercenary company in a bleak Medieval-fantasy world. The game features a variety of unique enemies and a world that changes every time you play, with dynamic factions that make the world feel alive.

While exploring its open world is more of a means to an end, Battle Brothers excels with its combat. The RPG systems at play allow for a great deal of customization, allowing players to use perks, stat points, and equipment to create deadly mercenaries. The injury, morale, and terrain system also add a great deal of depth.

3 Caves of Qud

A Massive Open World With Diverse Combat Encounters

Take one look at Caves of Qud and you might think I'm crazy for including it in this list. However, while Caves of Qud's graphics may leave something to be desired by many players, I find its minimalist style can be incredibly charming. More importantly, it allows Qud to focus on its massive, dynamic open-world, interactivity, character customization, and combat.

The sheer amount of variety in Caves of Qud is near unparalleled in the open-world genre, with character creation alone injecting a high dose of diversity right from the start. The number of skills and abilities tied to both skills and mutations makes every level-up interesting and, combined with unique enemies and creative items to find, makes for highly engaging combat encounters.

2 Sunset Overdrive

High-Octane Combat With Extreme Mobility

Sunset Overdrive is an open-world action game that takes place during a post-apocalypse caused by an energy drink. Other than its brightly-colored aesthetic and tongue-in-cheek humor, Sunset Overdrive sets itself apart with dynamic combat.

Developed by Insomniac Games, it comes as no surprise that Sunset Overdrive features a creative arsenal of weapons for the player to make use of. But these weapons aren't the only trick Sunset Overdrive has up its sleeve; the game's greatest feature is arguably its fluid and expressive movement system, allowing players to leap across town, wall-run, and even grind along rails.

1 Elden Ring

Dark Souls in a True Open World

While the original Dark Souls remains my favorite of FromSoftware's titles, its open-world counterpart, Elden Ring, is still worth playing. The game's open world is packed with bosses to defeat and locations to discover, but its combat is perhaps its greatest strength.

Elden Ring's combat is remarkably similar to the Dark Souls games, and any fan of FromSoftware's original trilogy will be familiar with its formula. The heavily telegraphed enemy attacks are the highlight, and combined with the stamina management and variety of ways to play, Elden Ring gives Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 a serious run for its money.