Summary
The open-world genre of video games is never short of interesting mechanics, such as time manipulation and other features that flesh out the dynamic, open experiences accustomed to the gaming genre. Many popular open-world titles such asRed Dead Redemption 2have rich, in-depth features likegreat hunting mechanicsthat pit players against fictional and nonfiction beasts.
Water traversal comes within this classification, with some of the mostimmersive open-world experiencesfeaturing in-depth water traversal mechanics that put you at the heart of the action as you speed across oceans and rivers. Although the quality of water traversal has varied across different open-world titles, numerous games have excellent water traversal mechanics.
Players can surf on the back of their favoritePocket Monstersthroughout thePokemonfranchise. However, these mechanics were often underwhelming, with limited sprite options and basic movement constrained by old technology. However, everything changed in 2022 with the release ofPokemon Legends: Arceus.Legends Arceusallowed players to ride thePokemonknown as Basculegionacross the various water environments, spanning the game’s Hisui region. The water traversal mechanic involved the ability to catchPokemonwhile on its back, charge, and double jump — a mechanic new toPokemongames.
While future titles such asScarlet and Violetalso introduced in-depth water traversal,Legends Arceustakes the crown for the best water-based traversal inPokemon,placing it as a contender among the best open-world games.
Link’s Ultrahand ability inThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomopened up genre-defining possibilities for creativity never before seen in theLegend of Zeldagames. Using Ultrahand, Link can pick up objects and create machines such as cars, flying objects, and even boats; the game gives players endless options on how to traverse the lands of Hyrule. Water traversal is a key part of this, with Ultrahand giving players utility in exploring the game’s lakes and water-based environments.
Players can construct water-based transportation in all shapes and sizes, from the smallest raft to the largest vessel. Due to thecreative sandboxofTears of the Kingdomalone, it deserves to be on this list — enabling players to build the water traversal device of their dreams.
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagredefined how to explore a vast open-world oceanic environment. Following the journey of a pirate turned Assassin, Edward Kenway,Black Flagintroduced players to a world of piracy, adventure, and a brand-new part ofAssassin’s Creedhistory, set in the golden age of piracy.
A fundamental part ofBlack Flagwas its water traversal mechanics — donning the Jackdaw, Edward’s ship, players explored the vast waters of the West Indies, uncovering shipwrecks, fighting imperial armies, and discovering lost treasure.
Capturing the true nature of what it must feel like to sail the seven seas, the game has extensive ship customization options, allowing players to board other vessels for loot.Black Flagis the ultimatepirate game, with some of the best water traversal mechanics in gaming.
AlthoughSkull and Boneshas often been referred to as a lackluster attempt to recreate the magic of naval traversal inAssassins Creed 4: Black Flag,Skull and Bonesis a competent open-world experience that expands on the template set out byBlack Flagwithextensive customization options, the ability to build your own naval fleet, and assemble a smuggling empire — to become a pirate lord.
Skull and Bones’water traversal mechanics are excellent, with realistic ship combat and all the bells and whistles you can expect from traveling the sea as a pirate. One of the best realistic online RPGs focused exclusively on naval warfare,Skull and Boneshas some of the best water traversal mechanics in open-world games.
Call of the Wild: The Angleris an open-world game with excellent water traversal mechanics. Featuring rich, diverse environments andbeautiful graphicsfit for the latest generation of consoles,The Angleris a breathtaking visual experience that leans on the tropes of previousCall of the Wildtitles to add considerable depth, with players able to travel across its immense open world via water to discover new fishing spots.
The game is a complete fishing experience that offers great water traversal options, such as riding an assorted selection of boats. Players can share the experience with their friends, supporting up to 12-playercooperative playas they scour the vast wilderness by water to catch multiple fish, such as the Largemouth Bass. Players can even control a small bait boat to increase their chances of catching — further adding to the game’s excellent water traversal mechanics.
