Rural settings are a common backdrop in video games, and while certain titles like Stardew Valley focus on the charm of rural life, open-world games aim for authenticity. Despite being less densely populated, these landscapes are visually stunning and rich in detail.
Medieval and historical fantasy games often feature rural environments, showcasing settings like the American Midwest. The following open-world games deliver exceptionally realistic rural environments that allow players to immerse themselves in the beauty and challenges of rural life.
5 Far Cry 5
Experience Rural Montana
Unlike its tropical predecessors, Far Cry 5 is set in a realistic rural environment in a fictional region of Montana, offering picturesque mountainous landscapes for players to explore.
Playing as a junior deputy sheriff, gamers must liberate the rural region from the grip of a charismatic and perilous cult leader, experiencing various aspects of rural life and engaging in conflicts on farms.
4 The Witcher 3
Immerse Yourself in Medieval Fantasy Rural Life
Despite its fantasy nature, The Witcher 3 draws inspiration from the Middle Ages, offering a remarkably realistic rural backdrop. Players can witness the stunning countryside, bustling with farmers tending to their crops as they embark on Geralt's adventures.
From the war-torn village of White Orchard to the fertile fields of Toussaint, the game beautifully portrays the fragility and potential of rural life, all while integrating the presence of mythical creatures.
3 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
Explore Medieval Britain's Fertile Lands
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla transports players to the Viking world of Scandinavia and the lush, coveted lands of medieval Britain, offering a highly realistic rural setting amidst its fantastical elements.
While these idyllic landscapes are initially serene, the game presents a contrast as raiding forces bring chaos, yet pockets of untouched rural life can still be discovered across the open world.
2 Red Dead Redemption 2
Experience the Rural Midwest of the Late 19th Century
While Red Dead Redemption 2 features towns and cities like Saint Denis, the majority of the game unfolds in a meticulously crafted representation of the American Midwest, capturing its rural essence.
As one of the most visually stunning games, players can traverse the countryside on horseback, immersing themselves in the intricacies of rural life, meticulously designed to reflect historical accuracy.
1 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Step Into 15th Century Bohemia's Agricultural Landscape
Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the epitome of medieval gaming, immerses players in the early 15th-century Bohemian countryside, offering an unparalleled level of immersion and historical accuracy.
As players traverse the stunning countryside, they encounter numerous fields, villages, and stud farms, witnessing the unparalleled attention to detail, including ancient agricultural practices and the marvel of water-powered mills.