In the early days of the Open-World genre, water often meant “instant death” for the main character. Fortunately, developers now take a very different approach to aquatic environments. In modern AAA titles, water is no longer an invisible wall designed to restrict player movement; instead, it has become a space for diving, using water vehicles, and discovering underwater secrets.
If you are looking for an experience that treats water as part of the adventure rather than an obstacle, this list of the best Open-World games with swimming is for you.
Table of contents
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
In this masterpiece from CD Projekt Red, Geralt is an expert swimmer and diver. Unlike the previous games in the series, The Witcher 3 allows you to travel freely through lakes, rivers, and open seas.
- Key Features: Use boats to travel between the Skellige Isles, dive underwater to find hidden Treasures, and use your Crossbow to hunt aquatic monsters.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to use the Killer Whale potion. It significantly increases Geralt’s Breath duration, allowing you to stay underwater and explore for much longer.
2. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
If you love Ancient Greece and naval adventures, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes swimming and underwater exploration to another level. A large portion of the game’s massive map consists of oceans and islands waiting to be explored.
- Key Features: Command and customize your personal ship, the Adrestia, use smaller boats for quick transportation, and dive freely throughout the ocean.
- Essential Item: Finding the Trident of Poseidon is practically a must. This powerful weapon allows you to breathe underwater indefinitely, removing the need to worry about running out of oxygen.
3. Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West delivers some of the most breathtaking underwater visuals found in any Open-World game. Its aquatic environments feature nearly as much detail as its vast landscapes, making underwater exploration an essential part of the experience.
- Key Features: Use the Diving Mask to breathe underwater indefinitely. Aloy can also override and ride the Waterwing, a flying and aquatic Machine that allows her to move quickly through the water and observe nearby threats.
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4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
In Link’s world, swimming is directly tied to the Stamina system. However, what makes The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom stand out among the best Open-World games with swimming is the incredible level of creative freedom it gives players.
- Key Features: Although your Stamina is limited, the Ultrahand crafting system lets you build custom boats and water vehicles to cross large lakes and rivers. In this game, your creativity is the only real limitation!
5. Grand Theft Auto V
Without a doubt, GTA V set a modern gold standard for swimming and water vehicles in Open-World games. It delivers a complete combination of high-speed driving, underwater exploration, and ocean-based activities.
- Key Features: Enjoy an impressive selection of water vehicles, including Jet Skis, speedboats, and personal Submarines. These vehicles are essential for exploring the ocean, locating hidden collectibles, and discovering submerged Treasures.
Based on what has been shown of GTA VI, players can expect these mechanics to become even more detailed and immersive in the next installment.
Conclusion
Swimming in Open-World games is no longer an annoying technical challenge. Instead, it has become a gateway to exploration and new adventures. Whether you want to search the ocean floor for sunken treasure or cross vast seas by boat, these games deliver unforgettable aquatic experiences.
FAQ
No. Some Open-World games restrict or completely disable swimming because of technical limitations, map design, or gameplay decisions. For example, swimming in Red Dead Redemption 2 depends on the playable character: Arthur Morgan can swim, while John Marston cannot swim effectively.
Horizon Forbidden West is an excellent choice because of its stunning visuals and advanced underwater equipment, including the Diving Mask. It offers a distinctive and enjoyable diving experience without forcing players to constantly manage their oxygen.
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