Open-world games and intricate folklore are often entwined with one another, due to how they tell riveting stories, inspired by tales that have transcended generations and cultures. There are a few amazing open-world games that have a rich folklore, allowing audiences and players alike to immerse themselves in new settings and backgrounds, as well as engrossing in cultures that might otherwise be unfamiliar and educational.
These games exhibit tons of fun for players to try out, as well as a look into a new world, with key mythologies and folklore explored through a variety of different ways. Whether it’s respecting the Earth, slaying monsters, or battling beasts, the best open-world games often feature heavy and exciting folklore worth mentioning.
5 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Japanese & Buddhist Folklore
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is often regarded as a linear open world, due to the fact that it has multiple maps that must be completed to progress. Yet, these areas and maps often have an abundance of secrets to those who go back and begin exploring, especially with bound challenges. Most of the folklore from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice comes from Buddhist and Japanese folklore and myth.
In many enemy designs, locations, and narrative beats, Japanese folklore takes center stage with its depiction of monks and mythical creatures. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice may not tell a completely traditional story, but it weaves elements of myth and folklore within its game. That is, if players can get past the opening section, considering how hard FromSoftware games can often be.
4 Immortals: Fenyx Rising
Greek Folklore
Whilst Immortals: Fenyx Rising may have gone under the radar for some players, it’s a game worth checking out, especially since they are tasked with filling the shoes of a newly created winged demigod who has been tasked with saving the Greek gods. As the gods’ last hope from a dark curse, Immortals: Fenyx Rising can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of difficulty, even to those who just want an interesting premise that delves deeper into Greek mythology.
Whilst some may know most Greek mythology through the violent depictions in God of War, Immortals: Fenyx Rising takes a gentler approach, where Fenyx will encounter mythological beasts and powers from the gods themselves. The folklore within Immortals: Fenyx Rising is as vast as the open world itself.
3 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Nordic Folklore
Whilst seemingly all of the Assassin’s Creed games feature ties to mythology and folklore, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is one of the most deep-rooted entries that involves the gods seemingly directly into the story. Gone are the days of Juno and the Apple of Eden, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla introduces audiences to Norse Mythology, and even Valhalla itself, with all the gods that are involved in the ancient folklore.
Not only does Assassin’s Creed Valhalla feature Aesir gods, mythological creatures and beings, and artifacts of old, but the game also has rap battles for Vikings with the Flyting mechanic. This feature in itself is from the Icelandic poem ‘Lokasenna’, showcasing a deep understanding of folklore with Vikings' insults through song.
2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Slavic Folklore
The Witcher 3 bolsters the writings of Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski to even greater heights than they already were thanks to CD Projekt RED’s dedication to his material. The Polish video game developer excels in making the source material the game’s bible, and many of the creatures and monsters that Geralt fights in The Witcher 3 are inspired by European folklore, whether that’s Slavic, or other varieties within Europe, to make up this dark fantasy world.
Whilst the story itself follows Geralt of Rivia on a quest to find his daughter, Ciri, there are a few monsters in need of a Witcher along the way. These stories and side quests often have deep-rooted ties to mythology and folklore inspiration from the Slavic and even some regions of Canada and America, like the Leshens and Alps.
1 Ghost of Tsushima
Japanese Folklore
Ghost of Tsushima is one of the most immersive open-world games of all time due to its lack of HUD elements and its compelling design. Within the game, players are tasked with halting the Mongol invasion of Tsushima, an island of Japan that acts as the first line of defense to the mainland. Players can find many references to mythology and folklore, entwined with Japanese culture and idealogy fitting of its samurai age.
Even deeper than the main story itself, players can traverse Iki Island with the DLC, which features more spiritual ties. Yet, the true folklore comes from Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, the co-op multiplayer mode that delves into demonic Oni in the mortal realm.