It can be challenging to find games set in utopias within the gaming world. Many game developers tend to focus on dystopian settings, where darkness seems to prevail. However, there are still games that delve into the ideas and concepts of utopia, even if they take a darker path to do so. After all, without conflict, there wouldn't be much of a story, would there?
With that in mind, let's explore open-world games set in utopias, even if they are a little bit darker than players would expect.
10 Surviving Mars
Establishing a perfect society on Mars
Surviving Mars is a sandbox city-building game with a twist. It allows players to create their ideal city on the surface of Mars, designing it exactly as they see fit. The concept of utopia in this game is simple, as it represents a society that is so technologically advanced that the idea of a society in space is attainable and actionable. Being a part of that, even virtually, allows players to appreciate the beauty of scientific progress.
Surviving Mars offers players the opportunity to design their perfect space society on the red planet.
9 Minecraft
Discover and build in this tranquil utopia
Minecraft might be an unexpected game to be associated with the concept of Utopia, but in reality, the game world is so open and expansive that it can't be classified as anything else. Even the nighttime monsters can be disabled, leaving not a single major flaw in this perfect society. Players have the freedom to explore and build anything they can imagine, creating a world that thrives on exploration and creativity.
Minecraft can be a surprisingly peaceful experience if players know how to make it so.
8 We Happy Few
Witness a utopia's downfall
We Happy Few is one of the darkest games centered around the premise of a utopia, but it still qualifies, if players overlook the horrors that unfold within the game itself. The utopia concept hinges on everyone within it being under the influence of a drug called Joy, which pacifies them and distorts their perception to see only the bright side of everything. Players take on the role of a character who seeks to escape this society, so the utopia doesn't last for long.
We Happy Few is a survival horror game that places the player in a seemingly joyous and perfect utopia, only to watch it all crumble.
7 Ark: Survival Evolved
Survive on this enigmatic island utopia
ARK: Survival Evolved is a game featuring various worlds, but Valguero offers players a pristine and breathtaking utopia to explore and survive in. The backdrop is stunning, even as players must battle for their lives amidst the scenery. Players can construct bases and collaborate to survive, presenting a striking contrast to the seemingly peaceful environment.
ARK: Survival Evolved is a multiplayer classic for players in general, but with the beauty of the scenery in the game's many worlds, it can become mind-bending as they must reconcile that with the dangers they're facing.
6 Horizon: Zero Dawn
Experience a different, better version of earth
Horizon: Zero Dawn is set in a futuristic, peaceful-looking version of Earth. Everything about it seems untouchable and wonderful, from the scenic viewpoints scattered throughout the world to the scientific advancements the human race has seemingly made in the time between now and when the game is set. Obviously, this is only a facade, as players must fight robots to survive.
Horizon: Zero Dawn is set in a utopia where everything seems flawless at the start, but as players explore more, there is a darkness underneath.
5 No Man's Sky
Glide through space
No Man's Sky is a game that faced criticism at launch but has evolved to become a fan favorite. One of the reasons players now adore this game is due to the expansive world and the alien species. Combat exists in the game, but trade and peaceful interactions are integral to the experience. Combine that with the lovely flora and fauna, and the world of No Man's Sky couldn't be better.
No Man's Sky is a relaxing open-world survival game that enables players to travel through space peacefully.
4 Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Experience Pokemon in an open-world
The world of Pokemon has always been a utopia, but in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, this world finally becomes open. It encompasses everything players love about Pokemon but on a larger scale. True to the franchise, combat is an option, but players can also leisurely traverse the world, collecting creatures and immersing themselves in the most tranquil way possible. It can be a soothing experience if players allow it.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet brings the Pokemon formula into an open world, creating an exceptionally enriching experience.
3 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Live amidst nature
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is a game that emphasizes nature and the outdoors right from the start. The tutorial area is teeming with lush greenery, and Link can spend most of his time here, cooking and peacefully exploring while engaging with the world. The game rarely places the player in unavoidable danger, allowing the game to remain bright and welcoming.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild enables players to explore the lush greenery around them at their own peaceful pace.
2 Abzu
Explore the heart of the ocean
Abzu takes place entirely underwater, which might seem like an unusual setting for a utopia, but when the player is surrounded by such splendor, it's hard to describe it as anything else. Players explore the ocean alongside the ecosystem and cannot harm it, keeping the world perpetually perfect. Instead, players actually aid the world by activating Sonar cells, which revitalize the areas in which they are found.
Abzu allows players to delve into the ocean and interact with the abundant life they encounter.
1 Outer Wilds
A space-based world all about kindness and creativity
Finally, Outer Wilds stands as the premier open-world game set in a utopia. It may not seem like a utopia at first, as players can meet unfortunate fates when exploring space in the time loop the game revolves around. However, the world and society in the game center around kindness towards others and finding creative solutions to problems. Players can soar through space, engaging with amiable aliens and uncovering mysteries.
Outer Wilds prioritizes kindness over conflict, creating a perfect society with numerous revelations to unveil.