Summary
Some of the bestopen-world gameshave amazing explorationand deep combat mechanics. The rich content in these types of titles is a major draw for gamers. From hidden treasures and secrets to intricate puzzles and riddles, there is much to discover and absorb. However, sometimes, enemy encounters don’t enhance the fun, but actually break the immersion.
In these situations, combat becomes a problem, and players often wish to either power through it or skip it entirely. After all, not every gamer has the muscle memory for Soulsborne or Soulslike games—some fans just prefer games with a relaxing pace, where combat becomes a non-factor. These open-world games fit the bill, allowing players toturn combat offentirely for a more chill gaming experience.
Wildmenderis an easy recommendation for open-world enthusiastswho prefer a colorfully charming ambianceand a deep sense of progression. The game’scombatcan be easily shut down by accessing the combat settings at any time. After that, the whole experience becomes a farming simulator with supernatural seasoning. The plot of the entire game revolves around reviving a barren wasteland into a sprawling oasis.
Wildmendertasks players with gathering seeds and nurturing the plantations until they grow and transform the desert landscape. There is a great variety of methods to tackle this primary objective, and player agency is always encouraged. When combat is turned off in this open-world game, the enemies that spawn don’t ruin enjoyment in the least. It even features a three-player co-op mode, making it even more fun and engaging.
Subnauticaremains one of the most outstanding examples of creativity in seamless open-world game design. It’salso a masterclass in delivering scares and bone-chilling encounters, which is impressive, consideringSubnauticaisn’t even technically a horror or combat-focused game. That said, switching to Creative Mode significantly changes the experience. It alters the gameplay, eliminating the tension and stress for players. The game transforms into a much more enjoyable experience, devoid of combat or danger.
Technically, the terrifying monsters lurking in the depths of the alien ocean are still there, but they can’t really harm the player. Let’s be honest, once players have survived a few Leviathan rams, their scare factor takes a serious hit. At that point, players can freely explore, craft, and build bases without much worry. They’re even free to follow the story and uncoverSubnautica’smysteries at their own pace.
No Man’s Sky’srocky launch is well-documented, as is its impressive comeback, and now it’s one of the most beloved open-world games ever made. The game continues to get support from the devs, and every update brings more value and substantial content to the table. One major addition is Custom Mode, which allows players to turn off combat damage entirely.
With this mode, the threats in the game are effectively removed. The hostile fauna won’t even appear unless it’s from a scripted event, and even that has no consequence for players. With no danger whatsoever, custom modeNo Man’s Skycan become the ultimate playground for gamers who wish to satiate their wanderlust. Since there isn’t any danger,there’s plenty of ‘whimsical stuff’ to do, from taming alien pets and discovering planets,to exploring new flora, and managing orbital stations. It’s all massively fun and stress-free.
Indie developers continue to craft experiences so inventive, they could make even the biggest AAA studios jealous.Tchiais one such open-world game. It allows players to tweak and fine-tune their gameplay experience to their specific tastes,including skipping combat encounters. Yes, that’s technically not turning off the combat entirely, but it might as well be.
Tchiadraws inspiration for its aesthetic and traversal fromBreath of the Wild,as evident in the smooth gliding and sailing features withinthe game. Players can even play melodic tunes on their ukulele at any point during the gameplay, too. The beautiful open world is set in a stunning archipelago, and the soul-jumping mechanic opens up plenty of creative ways to navigate and complete story objectives.
WhileAssassin’s Creedgamesare known for their stealth and combat,Assassin’s Creed Originsintroduced something completely unexpected—Discovery Tour Mode. It’s an interactive mode in the game that removes combat entirely and transforms the open world into an educational historical experience. Players can explore Ancient Egypt freely and directly engage with its surprisingly accurate and beautifully presented insights into the culture, politics, and daily life of the era. It’s not the typicalAssassin’s Creedexperience, but it’s surprisingly immersive and enjoyable in its own right.
Following its success, Ubisoft added similar modes toOdysseyandValhalla, which essentially allow players to explore the Classical Greek era and the Viking era in the same danger-free way. The appeal of the Discovery Tour is the avatars that players can unlock as a reward for playing. All three games' Discovery Tours offer surprisingly accurate facts about the rich history of three distinct eras of human history, and can actually be a great tool for learning about them.
So, this is really a no-brainer choice, but it’s rightfully deserved sinceMinecraftis the ultimate open-world game. Players have a lot of ways to experience it, butMinecraft’sPeaceful Modecompletely eliminates combat.Hostile mobs don’t spawn, and even neutral mobs (like Piglins and Endermen) won’t attack when provoked. With no risk of ambushes or danger, the game becomes the ultimate calming, wholesome space, focused entirely on creativity, exploration, and building.
Everything that makesMinecrafticonic is still on the table. Resource gathering, crafting, building, exploring new zones, and uncovering hidden treasures are all still there—everything is just considerably easier. The hunger mechanic is disabled, which all but removes the pressure to hunt for food, allowing creativity to take the lead. While Creative Mode is always an option, it can feel a bit too easy for those who still want the sense of adventure without the constant stress.
