Some of the best video game experiences are the ones that sweep us away, into a fantastical story layered with action, heart, and most of all, adventure. Slaying foes, building a civilization, or racing along the Daytona Speedway are all exhilarating in their own way. But nothing quite compares to a Bilbo Baggins-esque journey.
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In the modern age, video games are bigger than ever, allowing you the sensation of traversing a wide-open countryside while encountering notable characters and actionable events along the way. But ultimately, character growth, memorable moments, and a winning narrative are often variables that forge the best journeys in gaming.
8The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Theever-stoic Geralt of Riviais no stranger to questing across the land, fighting terrifying monsters and getting mixed up in the warring politics of local populations. But his journey inThe Witcher 3begins earnestly enough as he searches for his ex-lover Yennefer. Once found, however, he quickly finds that his adoptive daughter, Ciri, is out in the world being pursued by a band of otherworldly wraiths known as the Wild Hunt.
Traveling through Velen, Novigrad, and Skellige, among other locales, in search of Ciri forces Geralt to connect with allies and even continue his monster-slaying work on the side. He must make a living after all. It’s a harrowing journey filled with highs and lows that will ultimately be more memorable than its finale.
7The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Not many games allow you to dart straight for the final boss the moment they begin an adventure. But that is the case inBreath of the Wildif you so choose. Of course, a mightily underpowered Link doesn’t stand a chance against the sinister Ganon eating away at Hyrule Castle. So, most of you understand that they have to go on a quest to amass allies that will aid them in their final showdown with Ganon.
Hyrule is a vast, mysterious place. There are many sights and wonders that Link will encounter along the way. Additionally, the world is populated with many eccentric citizens eager to interact with Link for better or worse. Sure, you can attempt to beat Ganon from the start. But why throw away countless hours of adventure? After all, that’s what it’s all about.
6God Of War (2018)
InGod of War (2018), Kratos is far removed from his homeland of ancient Greece. He’s many years older and wiser and has been left to rear his son all on his own after the passing of his wife, Faye. The first task, however, is to spread her ashes on the tallest mountain peak in all the realms.
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While this seems like a simple objective, it’s fraught with dangers and challenges that this father-son duo must defeat together. We’re given a story about a distant father who must force himself to connect with his son on an emotional level he’s always avoided due to his violent past. The story of these two characters bonding throughout their journey is ultimately the best part of this tale.
5The Last Of Us
Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Usisn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a dark and dreary post-apocalyptic world where most of the population has been overrun by a cordyceps fungal infection that has turned them into horrific monsters. At this stage, if you aren’t familiar with The Last of Us, you’ve likely been living under a rock.
Still, the adventure is a notable one in gaming, as it features the unlikely partnership of a man with a dark history being forced into a partnership with a young teen girl as they fight for survival. The story of Joel and Ellie is iconic, and there’s nothing more resonating than experiencing their joys and heartaches as they grow to care for one another.
John Marston is most assuredly a tortured soul inRed Dead Redemption. Having once been a part of a gang that committed unspeakable acts in the wild West, John is now aiming to protect his family by doing exactly what two federal agents demand: that he hunts down the members of his old gang.
It’s through this journey that we get to knowthe kind of man that John is, of course, depending on player decisions in some cases. But ultimately, his exploits on this journey are unforgettable: especially after the devastating end to his story.
3Death Stranding
If there was only one game in the entire world that is all about the journey,Death Strandingwould be it. The entire narrative follows Sam Porter Bridges as he builds a network across the former United States in a distant, bleak future.
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to do this, he must deliver cargo unscathed that helps replenish supplies within various settlements. He meets a few interesting characters along the way and develops a deep connection with his BB, the infant who helps protect him from the supernatural threats of this world. There’s a lot tolove about Death Stranding, but the journey is top-notch.
2Ghost Of Tsushima
Set during the age of fuedal Japan,Ghost of Tsushimasees you control a lone samurai, Jin Sakai, as he quests to defend his home from the invading Mongol Empire. At first, he is bound by his code of honor and ethics established by the samurai. But while on the road all alone, he begins to shed the groupthink pressure of his former guard and begins to realize that his home is what is most important - no matter how he fights for it.
He begins adapting fighting techniques deemed as dishonorable by the samurai, ones that are more akin to ninjitsu focusing on stealth tactics. It’s a quest of personal discovery for Jin as he wrestles with his own convictions and the kind of man he wants to become.
1Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Really, any of theUnchartedgames could have been included on this list. They’re all rooted in the thrill of adventure and discovery much like the Indiana Jones films that clearly inspired the series. But Uncharted 4 is the climactic finale to Nathan Drake’s journey as the seemingly treasure-hunting adrenaline junkie that he is.
Like any good finale, this game is about Nathan reconnecting with his roots. Of course, one major aspect of that is the emergence of his long-lost brother. Nate Drake’s adventures have always been heavily character-driven, and Uncharted 4 is no exception.
