From Elden Ring to Ghost of Tsushima, video game worlds have always invited players to explore and immerse themselves in them. The beauty of a video game world goes beyond just its graphical fidelity. It’s about the atmosphere, the detail, and the emotions these virtual environments evoke.
Over the years, certain games have set the bar exceptionally high, creating worlds that stay in our memories long after we’ve put down the controller. Let’s look at five of the most beautifully designed video game worlds.
5. Elden Ring
Developed by FromSoftware, Elden Ring introduces players to the Lands Between and its haunting beauty. The game’s art direction perfectly captures the sense of awe and dread, making it one of the most memorable environments in modern gaming. The Lands Between is marked by a looming sense of mystery, with the Erdtree casting its ethereal glow over the sprawling landscapes.
Each area, from the haunting ruins to the lush forests, invites players to explore despite the lurking threats. This balance between beauty and peril makes Elden Ring’s world unforgettable, encouraging players to immerse themselves in its dark yet alluring atmosphere.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a masterclass in fantasy world design. Unlike games that chase hyper-realism, this title embraces a cel-shaded art style that makes the Kingdom of Hyrule feel like a living fairytale. This creative vision transforms the game into a visual masterpiece, where players can lose themselves in a kingdom that feels as timeless as the legends it’s built upon.
What was the most beautiful world in a video game for you?
byu/Crocodile_Banger ingaming
The game’s predecessor Breath of the Wild also featured the same graphical style and features. But the fact that Tears of the Kingdom added exploration of the skies, and of the depths of Hyrule, the game is arguably more beautiful in terms of how much there is to look at.
3. Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West continues the legacy of its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, by offering a world that is as beautiful as it is deadly. The game’s post-apocalyptic world is a stunning blend of natural beauty and futuristic decay, with towering robotic creatures roaming the landscape. The contrast between the vibrant flora and the rusting ruins of humanity creates a visually striking environment.
The attention to detail from the way sunlight filters through the trees to the intricate designs of the robotic creatures is nothing short of stunning. Guerrilla Games has created a world that is both stunning and believable, making it a joy to explore despite the dangers lurking around every corner.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Few games have captured the rugged beauty of the American frontier as effectively as Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2. Released in 2018, the game features a meticulously detailed open world that spans vast prairies, dense forests, and towering mountain ranges.
The realism of the landscapes is enhanced by dynamic weather systems and a day-night cycle, making the world feel alive and ever-changing. What sets Red Dead Redemption 2 apart is its ability to make players feel like they are part of a living, breathing world, where every part of the world could be a painting and every journey a story worth telling.
1. Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Productions’ Ghost of Tsushima, released in 2020, is a stunning homage to Japanese art and cinema, set on the war-torn island of Tsushima during the Mongol invasion. The game’s world is a visual masterpiece, with vibrant colors, meticulously crafted landscapes, and dynamic weather effects that capture the essence of feudal Japan. The attention to detail in the game’s environments is extraordinary.
Ghost of Tsushima is the most beautiful game I have played in 30+ years of existence.
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From the golden fields of pampas grass swaying in the wind to the serene beauty of the island’s temples and shrines. The game’s art direction is heavily inspired by traditional Japanese ink paintings and samurai films, creating a unique and evocative visual style that sets Ghost of Tsushima apart from other open-world games. The beauty of Tsushima Island is not only in its scenery but also in the way it conveys the emotional weight of the story.
These games are proof of the power of video game design to create worlds that are not just visually stunning, but also deeply immersive and emotionally resonant. Video game worlds can be more than just backdrops for us players.
These beautifully designed worlds are a testament to the creativity and vision of their developers. These games remind us that, in the right hands, virtual worlds can be as awe-inspiring as the real one, if not more so.
They say beauty is not just seen but felt. Whether rooted in fantasy, history, or post-apocalyptic futures, these video game worlds definitely make you feel it.
What do you think? Have you been awed by these stunning worlds? Let us know in the comments!
