Summary
- Experience different time periods through immersive storytelling in open-world games.
- Far Cry Primal offers a unique prehistoric setting with intense survival challenges.
- Historical accuracy blends with myth in Assassin's Creed Odyssey for an engaging experience.
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Video games allow us to explore past versions of the world we wouldn’t experience otherwise. Open-world games, in particular, immerse us in stories from various time periods. Traveling around a historic decade allows you to learn more about the past while enjoying a good story.
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PostsWhile the past has certainly been embellished for the sake of the story, exploring a different time period than your own tends to fascinate gamers. From Ancient Greece to 1980’s Miami, here are some of the best open-world games set in the past.
10 Far Cry Primal
Far Cry Primal
Open-World Action Released February 23, 2016 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content Developer(s) Ubisoft Montreal Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine Dunia 2 Franchise Far Cry Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia How Long To Beat 15 Hours PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Powered by Expand CollapseFar Cry Primal is set in 10,000 BC, making it the oldest setting on the list. As the last survivor of your hunting group, you navigate the world alone as you try and find other members of your clan.
This is the first game in the series to take on the prehistoric age, taking away all of the modern tech from the rest of the series, so you truly immerse yourself in the past as you battle rival tribes and survive perilous encounters.
9 The Saboteur
The Saboteur
Action-Adventure Open-World Released December 8, 2009 ESRB m Developer(s) Pandemic Studios Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine havok, propreitary engine Platform(s) PC, PS3, Xbox 360 How Long To Beat 11 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseThe Saboteur is a neo-noir game considered a hidden game by fans. The open-world thriller is set in France during World War. You follow Irish race car driver Sean Devlin as he joins the resistance to help liberate Paris.
As you liberate the city, areas fade from black and white to color, visually representing the energy and freedom you are giving back to citizens. While it’s an older game, its unique art style stands out from other historic games.
8 Mafia: The Definitive Edition
Mafia: Definitive Edition
Action RPG Adventure Released September 25, 2020 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Sexual Themes, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Intense Violence Developer(s) Hangar 13 Publisher(s) 2K Engine illusion engine, unreal engine 4 Franchise Mafia Steam Deck Compatibility Playable Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One How Long To Beat 11 Hours How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs) 25 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseMafia: The Definitive Edition is an updated version of the original game. Set in the 1930s, the crime drama was initially written off as a GTA knockoff, but it has made a name for itself.
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PostsThe character-driven narrative focuses on Tommy Angelo’s rise, and eventual downfall, in the criminal ranks. A classic mob story like The Godfather, it allows you to act out the experience of being a member of the mafia.
7 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
RPG Released February 13, 2018 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Alcohol Developer(s) Warhorse Studios Publisher(s) Deep Silver Engine cryengine Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch How Long To Beat 42 Hours Metascore 76 Powered by Expand CollapseAn action game set in 15th century Bohemia, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an immersive game focusing on the son of a blacksmith who is out for revenge after surviving a massacre. He attempts to help put the rightful king on the throne.
It is a game grounded in realism, as food can deteriorate and you need to sleep to survive. Historians have praised this game for its accuracy, from the characterizations to the weaponry.
6 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Action Adventure Released October 29, 2002 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence Developer(s) Rockstar Games Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine RenderWare Franchise Grand Theft Auto Platform(s) PS2, Xbox (Original), PC, iOS, Android, macOS How Long To Beat 18 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseSet in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the standout period piece of the GTA franchise. Vibrant colors and retro rock make it clear you are in the middle of the 1980s.
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PostsYou control Tommy Vercetti, a charming, fan favorite protagonist, as he builds up his drug empire. Inspired by media like Scarface and Miami Vice, the iconic game showcases Vice City in all its neon, chaotic glory.
5 Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
RPG Action Released November 10, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) Ubisoft Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine Ubisoft Anvil Cross-Platform Play Assassin's Creed Valhalla supports cross-progression between all platforms! Cross Save yes Franchise Assassin's Creed Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) Stadia, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S How Long To Beat 61 Hours Metascore 84 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs) 144 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseAssassin’s Creed’s entire franchise is built on the concept of historical games. One of the best in the series is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, a viking game set in the 9th century. It follows Eivor Varinsdottir as he or she establishes a new clan.
As you command a Nordic army, you invade and conquer new lands to build a home for your people. Blending historical fantasy and mythology, the story is engaging and immersive.
4 God of War: Ragnarok
God of War Ragnarok
Action Adventure Released November 9, 2022 ESRB M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Santa Monica Studio Publisher(s) Sony Engine Proprietary Engine Cross-Platform Play ps4, ps5 Cross Save Cross-Save in God of War Ragnarok will be available to players who are planning to upload their PS4 save data on their PS5 Franchise God of War Steam Deck Compatibility Verified Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 How Long To Beat 26 Hours Metascore 94 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Powered by Expand CollapseWhile this game has more fantasy elements than others, God of War: Ragnarok is set in ancient Scandinavia. History and Norse myth come together in the sequel as you guide Kratos and his son through the Nine Realms.
As you fight hordes of enemies to claim your destiny, you’ll experience the fascinating world of mythology. The game reimagines traditional Norse folklore, weaving both past and modern interpretations seamlessly.
3 Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima
Action Adventure Released July 17, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity Developer(s) Sucker Punch Publisher(s) Sony Engine Proprietary Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play PC, PS4 & PS5 Cross Save yes Number of Players 2-4 Steam Deck Compatibility Unsupported Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 How Long To Beat 25 Hours Metascore 83 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Powered by Expand CollapseGhost of Tsushima is one of the most accurate fictional portrayals of Feudal Japan so far. While the story is fake, the cultural references are well-researched. Rooted in historical context, the game weaves Japanese history with embellished samurai action to create a rich, engaging story.
The game follows Jin Sakai as he protects a Japanese island from invading Mongol forces. As players get to know Jin, they also get to know the culture as it is represented with respect and beauty.
2 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Action RPG Open-World Released October 15, 2018 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language Developer(s) Ubisoft Quebec Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine anvilnext Franchise Assassin's Creed Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia How Long To Beat 45 Hours File Size Xbox Series 75 GB (November 2023) Metascore 87 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs) 143 Hours Powered by Expand CollapseWhile all of the Assassin’s Creed games are worth exploring, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is the best of the series. Focusing on a Spartan hero during the Peloponnesian War, the game is set in Ancient Greece.
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PostsThe historical elements are intertwined with myth, so you fight creatures such as the Minotaur and Medusa. As you explore the massive game map, you learn more about the time period and how the war shaped the future of that area of the world.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2
Action Adventure Released October 26, 2018 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) Rockstar Games Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine RAGE Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play N/A Cross Save N/A Franchise Red Dead Redemption Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia How Long To Beat 50 Hours Metascore 97 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Powered by Expand CollapseWidely regarded as one of the best open-world games available, Red Dead Redemption 2 completely immerses players in the Old West. Set in 1899, you play as outlaw Arthur Morgan as he travels throughout Western, Midwestern, and Southern United States.
Western fans will not be disappointed by the details included in the game. From chaotic heists to horse chases, you can live out your cowboy fantasies in this open-world game set in the Wild West.
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