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However, one issue with open-world games is that parents may not know exactly what they’re buying for their children. For example, when buying a Mariogame, most parents know that their kid will be platforming the entire time, but with open-world games, the huge array of side quests and activities to uncover can make it tricky to keep track of everything in the game. Thankfully, are numerous excellent open-world games for kids currently available.
Updated on January 9, 2022, by Jack Pursey: Open-world gaming is continuing to rise in prominence and doesn’t appear to be slowing down time anytime soon. Numerous iconic IPs are now starting to get in on the act, with even the historically linear Sonic The Hedgehog series embracing open-world design with the upcoming Sonic Frontiers. This is great for fans of the genre, of course, as the choice of open-world games to play is ever-increasing. So, to give parents some more ideas for suitable games, we’ve expanded this list to include some more great open-world games for kids.
18 Lego Worlds
• Release Date: 7 March 2017
• Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Lego Worlds is a sandbox game that was developed by Traveller’s Tales and has many similarities to Mojang Studios’ Minecraft, throwing players into a 3D procedurally generated world and letting them build almost anything they like from the ground up.
Lego Worlds struggled to impress critics, and its highest rating on Metacritic came in at an underwhelming 71 on PC. Still, the concept of the game is very strong for kids that like Lego, and considering the price that physical Lego costs these days, Lego Worlds is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing numerous sets.
17 TerraTech
• Release Date: 6 February 2015
• Available Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, SteamOS, Xbox One, Mac
From one sandbox game to another, TerraTech was developed by British studio Payload Studios and lets players construct static bases and vehicles that will be used in cartoon-style combat.
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Along with a traditional sandbox Creative mode, TerraTech also features a Campaign mode with a storyline, where the playable character has traveled to other planets from Earth to gather essential resources. There is also a Sumo mode in the game, where players put their combat skills to the test in tech vs. tech battles.
16 Grow Up
• Release Date: 16 August 2016
• Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Grow Up was developed by Ubisoft Reflections and is the sequel to 2015’s Grow Home. The game features an unorthodox blend of the open-world and platforming genres, the latter of which is often considered to be inherently linear.
However, Ubisoft’s Newcastle-based development team Ubisoft Reflections did a fantastic job of meshing the two contrasting genres by creating an open-world game that is great fun to simply explore and traverse while trying to complete the game’s main objective of recovering spaceship parts.
15 Dragon Quest Builders 2
• Release Date: 20 December 2018
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
As the name suggests, Dragon Quest Builders 2is a spin-off to the popular JRPG Dragon Questseries, with an emphasis on sandbox building. Square Enix’s game takes clear inspiration from Minecraft by letting players gather materials and build blocky structures across its colorful open world.
Along with the building mechanics, Dragon Quest Builders 2 also differentiates itself from the main Dragon Quest series by ditching its signature turn-based combat in favor of an action-RPG style.
14 Stardew Valley
• Release Date: 26 February 2016
• Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android
Stardew Valleyhas become a staple of the casual open-world genre since it was released just over five years ago. The game follows a similar pattern to many games in the farm simulation genre by beginning with the player inheriting a plot of land that they are free to cultivate and build upon in any way that they choose.
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However, Stardew Valley stands above its competition in the crowded farm simulator genre with its excellent social features and simple yet addicting gameplay mechanics.
13 Forza Horizon 4
• Release Date: 28 September 2018
• Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Like the aforementioned Stardew Valley, Forza Horizon 4stands above the competition in its genre with its fantastic social features. That isn’t the only great feature that Forza Horizon 4 offers, though, as the game also implements a stunning rendition of Great Britain with an impressive season cycle that offers visual and gameplay changes around the year.
Forza Horizon 4 is a no-brainer for racing fans with Game Pass, and downloading it today will give players some practice for the upcoming Forza Horizon 5, which is set in Mexico and released in November 2021.
12 Terraria
• Release Date: 16 May 2011
• Available Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Terrariawas released a few months before Minecraft, though sadly for Re-Logic and 505 Games, the sandbox game has always had to live in the shadow of its open-world competitor.
However, it’s easy to forget just how successful Terraria has been due to the enormous commercial success of Minecraft. Terraria has sold over 35 million copies over the last decade, with many long-time players still thoroughly enjoying the game with friends today. Like Minecraft, the game offers a sandbox open-world that players can build and create in, though it differentiates itself from a 2D perspective.
11 Assassin’s Creed Origins (Discovery Tour Mode)
• Release Date: 27 October 2017
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
The Assassin’s Creedseries may initially seem like an odd choice to recommend to children, given that the series is known for its sword-fighting and assassinations. Assassin’s Creed Originsdoesn’t buck this trend in its main campaign, though it does offer a separate mode that offers a fantastic educational experience.
Origins’ Discovery Tour mode lets players explore the game’s Ancient Egypt map but replaces the missions and enemies with historical information and tour guides. Ubisoft is clearly confident about the Discovery Tour’s ability to teach, as they have marketed the mode to schools.
10 LEGO City Undercover
• Release Date: 18 March 2013
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Wii U, Microsoft Windows
As one would expect from a game under the LEGObrand, LEGO City Undercover gears every aspect of its content with children in mind. The game is commonly referred to as “Grand Theft Auto for kids” and consequently has a few fights and car chases, though they’re all presented in the wholesome, non-violent style that would be expected from a LEGO video game.
LEGO City Undercover puts players in the shoes of police officer Chase McCain, who is tasked with cleaning up the city’s crime, which is out of control thanks to the infamous criminal Rex Fury escaping prison.
9 Astroneer
• Release Date: 16 December 2016
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
System Era Softworks’ Astroneer was released on PC and Xbox One in February 2019, before coming to PlayStation 4 in November of the same year. The game is a sandbox adventure that has no overarching goals to complete, though there are various challenges for players to partake in.
Astroneer wasn’t a smash hit with critics, though the game soon began receiving praise from fans and ultimately won the fan-voted Gamer’s Voice Video Game award at the 2019 SXSW Gaming Awards.
8 Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
• Release Date: 18 July 2017
• Available Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles kicks off in a dramatic fashion when a bolt of lightning destroys the player’s boat. However, the game will soon attain a far more meditative pace when the playable character finds themselves on the magical island of Gemea.
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The island has a beautiful landscape that can be freely explored in a similar fashion to Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Players are also encouraged to partake in activities such as crafting and farming, though their main goal is to clear a substance known as the Murk.
7 Eastshade
• Release Date: 13 February 2019
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Macintosh operating systems, Xbox One
Much like the aforementioned Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles, 2019’s Eastshade begins with a boat crash causing players to surface on an island. This is where the similarities end, as Eastshade’s core gameplay revolves around “painting” the island’s scenery by capturing it with a camera-like function.
The painting gameplay is supplemented by side quests that are given to players by interacting with NPCs. The objectives predominantly consist of simplistic tasks such as fetch questing; this may deter some people from the game, though it is befitting of the Eastshade’s laid-back pacing.
6 A Short Hike
• Release Date: 5 April 2019
• Available Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Macintosh operating systems
A Short Hikesticks out like a sore thumb on this list; as unlike most open-world games, which can take 100+ hours to beat, A Short Hike can be completed in just 1-2 hours. Adam Robinson-Yu’s indie game was well-received by critics, exemplified by its impressive Metascores of 80 and 88, as well as its Seumas McNally Grand Prize win at the Independent Games Festival Awards in 2020.
A Short Hike requires players to find golden feathers, which will grant them extra jumps needed to reach the map’s peak. The game also offers numerous side activities, such as fishing, treasure hunting, and competing in the unique “beachstickball.”
5 The Witness
• Release Date: 26 January 2016
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Nvidia Shield TV, Classic Mac OS, Xbox One
Although The Witnessis suitable for children in the sense that there’s no violence or adult language, it’s worth pointing out that it should only be considered for those who love challenging puzzles; otherwise, the tricky game may be swiftly put down and forgotten about. However, if solving tough puzzles is right up their alley, then The Witness may be the best open-world game for them.
The Witness was directed and designed by Jonathan Blow, who became well-known to the gaming industry with his hit puzzle-platformer Braid in 2008.
4 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Release Date: 3 March 2017
• Available Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild does have some aspects that may be inappropriate for children of a very young age, such as cartoon violence, an intimidating villain, and an often tough difficulty level. However, the game is worth mentioning as it’s one of the most critically acclaimed titles of all time and will keep children occupied for days, weeks, and maybe even months with its enormous open-world that is begging to be explored.
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As well as completing the main quest of toppling Ganon, players can tame horses, cook meals from ingredients that they’re gathered, complete puzzle shrines, and much, much more.
3 Subnautica
• Release Date: 16 December 2014
• Available Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Although Subnautica’s cover art and age rating imply that the game is completely fine for children, it’s worth pointing out straight away that it can become unsettling when players delve deep into the alien world’s ocean. There’s no blood, bad language, or adult themes, though encountering some of the sea monsters can be unpleasant for those that aren’t comfortable with such a thing. However, there are no intentional jump scares, and the creatures don’t look grotesque or scary when simply judging their appearances.
Subnautica also begins with a ship crash, though this time, it’s a spaceship that strands players in the middle of an alien world’s ocean, forcing them to explore the depths for resources.
2 No Man’s Sky
• Release Date: 8 August 2016
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Android, Microsoft Windows
When Hello Games’ sci-fi exploration game No Man’s Skywas first released, it quickly became branded as one of, if not the most disappointing release in recent memory. However, Hello Games has worked hard to bring No Man’s Sky to the place that players were expecting prior to the game’s release.
The game lets players explore and scavenge materials around beautifully designed, artist worlds, with a scientific edge that will be beneficial to young minds.
1 Minecraft
• Release Date: 18 November 2011
• Available Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Xbox 360, Raspberry Pi, Windows Phone, PlayStation 3, Fire OS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, Universal Windows Platform, Wii U, tvOS, Nintendo Switch, New Nintendo 3DS
If a child is considering playing an open-world game, there’s a good chance that they’ve already played or at least considered Minecraft. Mojang’s modern classic is not only one of the best child-friendly games of all time, but also one of the best open-world games ever released.
Minecraft is a sandbox game where the only limitations are the player’s imagination, which shouldn’t be much of an issue for children. The game can be played in Survival Mode, which forces players to build a base to hide from enemies and work hard for resources. There is also Creative Mode, which gives players all items at their disposal with no enemy threat.
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