Open-World Games That Are Exhausting To Finish

Not every game has the capacity to go all out from start to finish with a svelte runtime that never outstays its welcome. Open-world games in particular seem to be causing many players to burn out, perhaps due to oversaturation in the market, excessive busy work, and even bland storylines in some cases, with characters who are just not relatable or likable.

Some of the best open-world games fall victim to such problems for myriad reasons, causing some division and dissension among fans, who engage in hearty debates about their views on their favorite games online. These are great open-world games that can be exhausting to finish, ranked based on just how tiring some players find it to reach the credits.

7

Elden Ring

A Long & Challenging Masterpiece

The deep lore and enthralling story in Elden Ring are captivating when investing time in discovering them, but some find the incredibly intense combat and sheer length of the game difficult to overcome. The Lands Between can seem never-ending even when approaching the endgame, as new and often optional areas continue to open up on the map, waiting to be explored.

Elden Ring is often cited as the most approachable Soulslike game, but combat is still a tough prospect for many newcomers, especially when repeatedly suffering demoralizing defeats against powerful bosses. Though it may be a masterpiece and a worthy winner of Game of the Year awards from multiple outlets, it can feel like a chore to reach the epic conclusion.

6

Octopath Traveler

Eight Interconnected Stories Over A Lengthy Runtime

It may rank among the best 2D open-world games, but Octopath Traveler is a lengthy game with eight different main characters, each with their own narrative arcs. Investing in one or two characters can be a tall order at times, but eight is an easy way to feel fatigued, especially when abruptly transitioning from one to another.

Many find the gameplay loop quite repetitive, with each character undergoing similar experiences as their stories lead to the eventual convergence. Some have similar issues with later games in the series, but it’s the first game that is the longest and arguably least refined. Still, most people agree that the HD-2D visuals are stunning, and the game is enjoyable even with these flaws.

5

Ghost Of Tsushima

Some Eventually Find Gameplay Stale

The issue of exhaustion in Ghost of Tsushima is not so much the story or the beautiful game world, but more to do with things becoming a bit stale. Combat is engaging by all accounts, presenting just the right amount of challenge without being too easy, and it is a delight to try and master, but encounters become too similar after a while, not really shaking things up.

The same can be said of exploration. The eponymous island is full of charm and scenic vistas, but many villages and other landscape characteristics start to follow familiar patterns. Not everyone can stick with it, but the gripping story and intriguing characters may be enough to keep players entertained enough to wrap things up.

4

Shenmue 2

Frequent QTEs Cause Some To Turn The Game Off

Dreamcast classic and middle part of one of the best trilogies in gaming, Shenmue 2 can be tedious for some as it approaches its climax. At over two decades old, the game is quite dated and slow-paced, which can be off-putting for those with modern sensibilities, and the frequent, often unexpected quick-time events are the icing on the cake.

Shenmue 2 does allow players to save anytime, so not much progress is lost when facing inevitable defeat in some of the tricky fights. Even those stubborn enough to see the game to its conclusion are treated to a rather infuriating cliffhanger ending, but at least they no longer must wait eighteen years for the sequel, like players did back in 2001.

3

Yakuza 5

So Much Content In One Game

Much longer than its predecessors, Yakuza 5 is packed with content, from main missions and side quests to minigames and multiple playable characters. Large parts of the game can be a slog to get through, though some players actually find the side quests more fun than the primary story campaign, which is often dull and repetitive.

Released at a time when developers had a habit of padding games with boring filler tasks, even just playing through the main story can take a while. At least players start the game controlling series stalwart Kazuma Kiryu, unlike Yakuza 4, where his story comes later. Many problems people had with Y4 are only amplified in the latter half of Yakuza 5.

2

Far Cry 5

Monotonous Gameplay Loop Causes Some To Give Up

Like its predecessors, Far Cry 5 has a compelling main villain and an intriguing modern-day setting to explore, but it also suffers from many of the issues that players dislike about the Far Cry series in general. Combat can be satisfying and a challenge, but a lack of gameplay variation causes boredom for some players, and hostile encounters can happen during inconvenient moments, to the frustration of many.

In terms of the story, it is a bit disappointing given the subject matter, and many characters are quite forgettable. The silent protagonist can be a problem too, since the Junior Deputy has no discernible personality and is hard for players to relate to.

1

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Massive World Brimming With Content

Assassin’s Creed has come to epitomize the burnout that many people are suffering from with open-world games, thanks to its need to create sprawling maps full of things to do and lengthy campaigns. No game quite matches this feeling like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, an excellent, but exhausting game.

Just one look at any of the maps of England, Norway, and the other explorable areas will leave most feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of map markers, indicating something to do. It takes a while to complete the game anyway, but a certain level of grind is required to collect resources and fill in the skill tree. However, it is still a great game and an absolute must-play for anyone who loves the Assassin’s Creed gameplay loop.