Summary
The Middle Ages,also known as the medieval period, or something resembling this historical times with an addition of unique fantasy elements, is one of the most popular settings for video games. Each year, numerous titles set in medieval fantasy captivate millions of players worldwide for a variety of reasons.Exploration is one key aspect, as typically such games feature large, explorable locations teeming with secrets, treasures, and thrilling discoveries, which form a cornerstone of the entire experience.
Given that medieval games can offer plenty of aspects to draw players into their worlds, such as the combat or theability to live a second life, for this list, emphasis is placed solely on exploration and the sense of wonder these game worlds offer. Note that the selection includes not only open-world medieval games but those with imaginative and fantasy semi-open medieval settings. With that in mind, let’s delve into some of the top medieval fantasy titles renowned for their rich exploration opportunities.
Dark Souls 3has become almost synonymous with the dark fantasy genre, standing as an iconic predecessor toElden Ring. While it lacks the interconnectivity of earlier entries and instead consists of a series of separate levels, the game still delivers an exceptional and rewarding exploration, thanks to FromSoftware’s signature level design.
The game is filled with secrets, illusory walls, and hidden paths, leading to new sections of its vast, intricate environments. Some of these smaller areas are so well-concealed that even players who have completed the game multiple times may never discover them. Additionally, entire optional zones can only be accessed through careful exploration and puzzle-solving,rewarding players with legendary boss fights, powerful weapons, and rare armor.
Dragon’s Dogma 2offers one of themost organic and unpredictable open-worldexplorations in the genre, though it may not suit every taste. Unlike many modern RPGs, it employs rare and unconventional mechanics that heighten the sense of adventure, including dangerous nighttime enemies, no fast travel in the traditional sense, and an overall high-stakes approach to progression. Players are forced to carefully plan their journey, as every decision carries weight and tension. As a result, they develop a strong attachment to each town and settlement, knowing they might not return for a long time.
Beyond its mechanics,Dragon’s Dogma 2boasts a massive world brimming with discovery. With minimal map markers, a constant sense of danger from formidable enemies, and plenty of hidden locations, the game delivers a thrilling sense of the unknown. However, due to the limited enemy and loot variety, exploration might not feel as rewarding, especially after spending dozens of hours in the game.
For fans of dark fantasy and soulslike games,Lords of the Fallenstands out as a hidden gem. While it doesn’t feature a traditional open world, its large, interconnected environments offer a seamless exploration experience, reminiscent ofDark Souls, with no entirely separate locations or loading screens. What truly sets this soulslike apart is its dual-world mechanic, allowing players to shift between Axiom and Umbral to uncover hidden paths, secret areas, and intricate puzzles.
Visually,Lords of the Fallenis one of the most stunning soulslike games to date,powered by Unreal Engine 5. The game’s dark, twisted, gothic world is a marvel, featuring pitch-black catacombs, burning towns, colossal castles, and eerie landscapes that create an immersive, nightmarish atmosphere.
The medieval fantasy genre is deeply rooted in Arthurian legends and Norse mythology, makingAssassin’s Creed Valhallathe perfect destination for any medieval fan. Set in early medieval Anglo-Scandinavia, the game delivers an almost post-apocalyptic feel, where the ruins of the fallen Roman Empire evoke a sense of mystery and discovery.
Beyond England, players can explore Vinland, Francia, Ireland, and even mythical realms like Asgard — each with unique architecture, landscapes, and new gameplay mechanics.Assassin’s Creed Valhallarewards exploration with ancient artifacts, hidden treasures,valuable loot, and legendary gearscattered across towering ruins, underground tunnels, and abandoned cities.
Just like its predecessor,Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2is one of the best open-world RPGs for players seeking true medieval immersion. Unlike many modern RPGs, the game emphasizes organic exploration rather than overwhelming players with map icons and waypoints. In this massive, historically accurate world, players have complete freedom to explore, but limited fast travel and even saving options make every journey a strategic decision with real consequences.
The world ofKingdom Come: Deliverance 2is breathtakingly beautiful, packed withhidden secrets, easter eggs, and unique discoveries. Unlike any other RPG, the game excels in making players feel truly connected to its lands, characters, and natural events, creating a world that feels authentic and lived-in.
The colossal, multi-region open world ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntis one of the game’s crowning achievements. Much like itsstrong narrative and memorable characters, the world itself plays a leading role, featuring stunning landscapes, dynamic weather, breathtaking sunsets, and a variety of deadly creatures lurking in the wild.
One ofThe Witcher 3’s greatest strengths is its world diversity. The game offers distinct and richly detailed regions, each with its own unique culture, mood, and music. From war-torn, swampy Velen to the rugged Viking-inspired mountainous Skellige and the sun-soaked vineyard-laden kingdom of Toussaint, every region’s exploration feels fresh. With Roach, Geralt’s loyal horse, travel feels seamless, and players can expect adventures, dangers, and hidden treasures no matter where they choose to roam.
It’s hard to say anything new aboutThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimafter so many years of undying popularity. Even today, thousands of players continue to explore its vast world daily, proving thatSkyrimoffers one of the most immersive open worlds in gaming.Skyrimoffers unparalleled freedom, a world where every corner hides secrets, lore, and meaningful activities that players can dedicate hundreds of hours to.
Unlike many modern open-world games that boast sheer size,Skyrimrelies ondensity and environmental storytelling, making its world feel alive, even when the player isn’t there. Despite its age,Skyrimremains a benchmark for open-world exploration. The phrase “It’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey” has never been more fitting.
What happens when one combines FromSoftware’s signature-level designseen inDark SoulsandBloodbornewith a massive, open world unlike anything before? The result isElden Ring— a game that redefines exploration and discovery in the fantasy RPG genre. The Lands Between is a masterclass in world-building and density, featuring breathtaking landscapes, where every distant vista is fully explorable, hidden underground realms and entire cities buried deep beneath the surface, sky-high, seemingly unreachable locations, and secret-rich level design.
Beyond its world design,Elden Ringoffersunmatched variety in every aspect: fromweapons and combat stylesto enemies, bosses, and environments. Even after dozens of hours, the game remains fresh, surprising, and packed with secrets, solidifying its place as one of the greatest exploration-driven RPGs available today.
