The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild clicked because it gave players total freedom — open-ended exploration, physics-driven gameplay, creative problem-solving, and a world that rewards curiosity instead of forcing direction.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Release Date: March 3, 2017
Genres: Adventure, RPG
Few games hit the same way as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It is not just an open world — it is a sandbox of curiosity. You climb anything, glide anywhere, experiment with systems, and constantly stumble into moments that feel uniquely yours.
TL;DR — Games like BOTW
Table of Contents
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Elden Ring
- Immortals Fenyx Rising
- Genshin Impact
- Palworld
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
- Sonic Frontiers
- Asterigos: Curse of the Stars
- Dungeons of Hinterberg
- Horizon Zero Dawn & Forbidden West
- Death Stranding
- Ghost of Tsushima
- Okami
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Crimson Desert
- Which Games Feel Closest to Breath of the Wild?
So when looking for games like BOTW, the goal is not just “open world = yes.”
It is about freedom, discovery, traversal, atmosphere, and that quiet sense of adventure. Here are the best games that capture at least part of that magic.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way — Tears of the Kingdom is basically BOTW turned up to 11.
It takes everything that worked before and expands it with wild new systems like building vehicles, manipulating physics, and exploring vertical layers of the world.
What really stands out is how much freedom you get. Problems rarely have one solution. You can brute-force your way through challenges, build something ridiculous, or find a clever workaround that feels completely unintended (but totally works).
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Release Date: May 12, 2023
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure, Puzzle
If you loved BOTW, this is not optional — it is essential.
Why You Might Like It
- Direct evolution of BOTW’s systems
- Even more freedom and creativity
- Massive, layered world to explore
- Endless experimentation possibilities
Elden Ring
If BOTW made you fall in love with exploration, Elden Ring is the darker, more punishing version of that idea. It drops you into a massive world and basically says: “figure it out.”
There are no markers pushing you forward constantly. You explore because you want to, not because the game tells you to. And just like BOTW, you are constantly rewarded for curiosity — whether it is a hidden dungeon, a boss, or something completely unexpected.
Elden Ring
Release Date: February 25, 2022
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Combat is much tougher, though. This is still a FromSoftware game. But the sense of discovery? Very similar.
Why You Might Like It
- True open-ended exploration
- Minimal hand-holding
- Huge, mysterious world
- Constant sense of discovery
Immortals Fenyx Rising
This is probably one of the closest “BOTW-likes” out there. Immortals Fenyx Rising clearly takes inspiration from Zelda — from climbing and gliding to puzzle shrines and stamina-based exploration.
The tone is lighter and more humorous, leaning into Greek mythology with a playful vibe. Combat is more arcade-like, and puzzles are a big focus, often feeling like mini Zelda dungeons.
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Release Date: December 15, 2022
Genres: Puzzle, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
If you want something that feels structurally similar to BOTW but with a different flavor, this is a great pick.
Why You Might Like It
- Strong BOTW-inspired gameplay loop
- Lots of puzzles and exploration
- Bright, colorful world
- Lighthearted tone
Genshin Impact
At first glance, Genshin Impact looks like an anime version of BOTW — and honestly, that is not far off. You explore a large open world, climb, glide, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets at your own pace.
The big difference is the live-service structure and character system. You build a team, swap characters mid-combat, and engage with ongoing updates.
Still, that sense of wandering and discovering things organically is very much there.
Why You Might Like It
- Exploration very similar to BOTW
- Beautiful, vibrant world
- Constant updates and content
- Chill, discovery-focused gameplay
Palworld
This one is a bit chaotic — but in a good way.
Palworld mixes creature collecting, survival mechanics, crafting, and open-world exploration into something surprisingly engaging.
It is not as polished or focused as BOTW, but it shares that “what happens if I try this?” energy. You can explore freely, experiment with systems, and approach problems in different ways.
Palworld
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
It is like BOTW meets survival sandbox — with a slightly unhinged twist.
Why You Might Like It
- Open-ended exploration and experimentation
- Creature collecting with gameplay depth
- Crafting and survival systems
- Lots of emergent gameplay moments
Monster Hunter Wilds
While Monster Hunter Wilds is more structured than BOTW, it still delivers that feeling of being dropped into a living ecosystem where you have to adapt.
Exploration matters, but it is tied closely to hunting massive creatures. Learning environments, tracking monsters, and preparing for fights creates a loop that rewards patience and observation.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
It is less about wandering aimlessly and more about mastering a world over time, but the immersion is strong.
Why You Might Like It
- Living, reactive environments
- Deep gameplay systems
- Massive creatures and epic encounters
- Strong sense of immersion
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim is one of the kings of open-world freedom. You can ignore the main story for dozens of hours and just explore caves, join factions, or get lost in side quests.
Like BOTW, it thrives on letting players create their own journey. You pick a direction and go. Something interesting will happen — guaranteed.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Release Date: October 27, 2016
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
It is more RPG-heavy and less physics-driven than BOTW, but the freedom and sense of discovery are absolutely there.
Why You Might Like It
- Huge open world with total freedom
- Endless side content
- Strong role-playing systems
- Exploration-driven gameplay
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
This one nails one specific BOTW strength: immersion in nature. The world of Pandora is lush, alive, and incredibly detailed.
Traversal plays a big role here — moving through forests, climbing, and using your environment feels natural and fluid. It is less sandbox-driven than BOTW, but it captures that feeling of being part of a living world.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Release Date: December 07, 2023
Genres: Adventure
If you loved just wandering through Hyrule, this hits a similar note.
Why You Might Like It
- Beautiful, immersive world
- Strong focus on nature and exploration
- Fluid traversal
- Atmospheric experience
Sonic Frontiers
This is a surprising one, but it works. Sonic Frontiers drops Sonic into large open zones where you can explore freely, complete challenges, and move at high speed across the landscape.
It is less about survival or systems and more about movement — but that sense of “go wherever you want and see what happens” is there.
Sonic Frontiers
Release Date: November 08, 2022
Genres: Platform, Adventure
Think BOTW, but focused on speed and traversal instead of puzzles.
Why You Might Like It
- Open-ended exploration zones
- Fast, fluid movement
- Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Unique take on open-world design
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars
Asterigos blends action RPG combat with exploration in a semi-open world filled with secrets, shortcuts, and hidden paths.
It is more structured than BOTW, but it still encourages exploration and curiosity. The world design rewards players who pay attention and take their time.
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
It also has a strong mythological vibe, which fits nicely if you liked BOTW’s fantasy setting.
Why You Might Like It
- Exploration-focused world design
- Action RPG combat
- Mythological setting
- Hidden paths and secrets
Dungeons of Hinterberg
This is a more relaxed, stylized take on exploration. Dungeons of Hinterberg mixes dungeon-solving, social elements, and exploration in a cozy but still engaging way.
It leans more into puzzles and atmosphere than combat, giving you that slower, thoughtful pace that BOTW sometimes delivers when you are just exploring and solving shrines.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Release Date: July 18, 2024
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
It is not as massive, but it captures that “take your time and enjoy the journey” feeling.
Why You Might Like It
- Relaxed exploration and pacing
- Puzzle-focused gameplay
- Unique visual style
- Cozy adventure vibe
Horizon Zero Dawn & Forbidden West
The Horizon games combine a beautiful open world with strong storytelling and dynamic combat. You explore, hunt machines, and uncover a layered narrative.
They are more guided than BOTW, but the world still invites exploration, especially when tracking creatures or discovering hidden locations.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Release Date: October 31, 2024
Genres: Adventure
Combat is also very satisfying, especially when using tools creatively — something BOTW fans will appreciate.
Horizon Forbidden West
Release Date: March 21, 2024
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Why You Might Like It
- Stunning open-world environments
- Strategic combat with tools and traps
- Strong story and world-building
- Exploration with purpose
Death Stranding
This is a very different kind of open-world experience, but it taps into something BOTW players often love: the journey itself.
In Death Stranding, traversal is the gameplay. You plan routes, manage terrain, and slowly build connections across the world. It is slower, quieter, and more reflective.
Death Stranding
Release Date: March 30, 2022
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
If you enjoyed the peaceful side of BOTW — just walking, climbing, and existing in the world — this might surprise you.
Why You Might Like It
- Focus on traversal and journey
- Unique, atmospheric world
- Slow, thoughtful gameplay
- Strong sense of isolation
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima blends cinematic storytelling with open-world exploration in a very polished package.
While it is more structured than BOTW, it still encourages exploration through subtle guidance (like the wind system instead of UI markers). The world is beautiful, and moving through it feels natural and immersive.
Ghost of Tsushima
Release Date: May 16, 2024
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
It is one of the best examples of a clean, modern open-world experience.
Why You Might Like It
- Beautiful, immersive world
- Smooth exploration systems
- Strong narrative and presentation
- Satisfying combat
Okami
If you want something that captures the spirit of Zelda more than the structure of BOTW, Okami is perfect.
It blends exploration, puzzles, combat, and a unique art style into a charming, mythological adventure. The brush mechanics add a creative twist to how you interact with the world.
Okami HD
Release Date: 12 December, 2017
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
It is more classic in design, but the vibe is very Zelda-like.
Why You Might Like It
- Classic Zelda-style adventure
- Unique art and mechanics
- Strong mythological theme
- Puzzle and exploration focus
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma 2 gives you a world that feels dangerous, unpredictable, and full of possibility.
You can explore freely, encounter massive creatures, and approach situations in multiple ways. Climbing enemies, improvising in combat, and dealing with dynamic situations creates a strong sense of immersion.
Dragon's Dogma II
Release Date: March 22, 2024
Genres: Role-playing (RPG)
It is less puzzle-focused, but the emergent gameplay is very BOTW-like.
Why You Might Like It
- Open-ended exploration
- Dynamic, emergent combat
- Large, dangerous world
- Freedom in how you play
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
While more structured, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth offers large open zones filled with activities, exploration, and side content.
It combines cinematic storytelling with moments of free exploration, giving you a balance between guided narrative and open-world wandering.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
It is not a pure sandbox like BOTW, but it still scratches that itch of exploring a big, detailed world.
Why You Might Like It
- Large explorable areas
- Strong story and characters
- Mix of open exploration and structure
- High production value
Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert is shaping up to be a massive open-world fantasy experience with dynamic systems, intense combat, and a strong narrative focus.
From what we have seen, it aims to combine freedom, realism, and spectacle in a way that could appeal directly to BOTW fans — especially those who want a more grounded, realistic world.
Crimson Desert
Release Date: March 19, 2026
Genres: Adventure, RPG, Action
It is one to watch if you are looking for the next big open-world adventure.
Why You Might Like It
- Ambitious open-world design
- Mix of exploration and combat
- Strong cinematic elements
- Potential for deep immersion
Which games come closest to Breath of the Wild?
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, what made The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild special was not just its open world, but how it trusted the player. It gave you space to explore, experiment, and create your own stories without constantly pointing you in one direction.
Not every game on this list recreates that exact formula, but each of them captures a piece of it — whether it is freedom, atmosphere, traversal, or that quiet satisfaction of discovering something on your own.
So whether you are looking for another massive world to get lost in, a game that rewards curiosity, or just something that lets you go off the path and see what happens, there is plenty here worth exploring.
Author Recommendations
The list is quite extensive, so choosing the right title might be a bit difficult.
That is why I honestly recommend checking out Ghost of Tsushima first if you want to experience a beautiful open world and a brilliantly executed combat system.
On the other hand, if pure freedom and experimentation are what you miss most after finishing BOTW, then The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be the best choice.