Open-world games give you the freedom to explore, discover hidden secrets, and approach missions however you like. But sometimes, all that freedom comes with repetitive side quests and a huge map that feels more like a chore than an adventure. Which do you prefer: the freedom of an open world or the carefully crafted experience of a linear game?

I had a similar discussion on my site talking about open world games. I loved Assassin’s Creed as you could go from city to city, but when you look at games like RDR2 and AC: Valhalla, it takes hours to get anyway as the open world is too open with lots of empty spaces and no action.

I think they’re both fun, and they’re both made for different people. The only thing better than the other are games not designed for the masses and instead designed for the niche imo.

I like a good focused linear game that does everything well than a huge open world game that is way more filler.

A great linear game that comes to mind is Uncharted 2. Obviously some open world games are better than others though.

It depends on personal preference. For me, yes—I love exploring and feeling like I’m literally the character. In a linear world, I can’t really feel like I’m the character, but in an open-world game, since you’re in control of the character the entire time, you practically feel like you are that character.

Open world is a lot of fun I just end up missing a lot of stories by never finishing the game.

On Oct 24, 2026, GamingCave said:

Open world is a lot of fun I just end up missing a lot of stories by never finishing the game.

The thing is, if you play it, you have to fully immerse yourself—paying attention to everything you possibly can. Otherwise, you’re better off playing a game with a linear story, or simply accepting that if you play an open-world game, you won’t have a clue what’s going on.