10 Linear Games That Would Make Amazing Open Worlds

While all types of video games have their charms, open worlds carry the unique ability to generate unprecedented immersion.

Without loading screens, an entire world opens up to you, with numerous activities to complete and systems that allow you to exploit each game’s gameplay core fully.

Therefore, while linear, certain titles could become magnificent open worlds, taking advantage of this type of work’s open and exploratory philosophy.

As a result, to fulfill my most hidden (and, it must be said, unlikely) desires, I present this list of ten linear games that would make amazing open worlds.

10

Singularity

Reconstructing History

Singularity is among the most underrated FPS games of all time, both for its magnificent historical retelling and its time-manipulation mechanics.

While replicating its campaign in an open world would be a colossal task, achieving it would provide an unparalleled experience, even if only allowed in specific sections of the map.

Being able to experience the same location in two different timelines and interact with environmental elements while being able to manipulate time opens up endless incredible gameplay opportunities.

It’s one of the wildest and most improbable dreams I can imagine, but if it were to happen, Singularity would be properly appreciated for the wonder it is.

9

Vanquish

Just Cause Style

I’ve always considered Vanquish among the best TPS games in history, as it has the most frenetic and addictive gameplay I’ve ever played in the genre.

Thanks to its gunplay and movement mechanics, the game feels incredibly fast-paced and exciting, and imagining those same sensations in a wide open space, fighting even more titanic bosses, is simply incomparable.

Although the level design would need to be restructured and transcend the mere use of covers, its gameplay’s fundamental pillars would allow for an extremely fun format alongside the proper progression system.

It may sacrifice intensity in the process, but if we get a Vanquish experience that lasts more than four hours, I’m happy.

8

Asura’s Wrath

Fighting with Titanic Gods

Asura’s Wrath’s gameplay is the last reason I would recommend the game, which nevertheless strikes me as one of the seventh generation of consoles’ most special titles.

With its story, cinematics, and mythology, Capcom’s title manages to captivate in ways few major titles can, and all it needs is a gameplay section to reinforce those feelings.

Therefore, the possibility of turning it into an open world and having us battle intergalactic gods the size of entire constellations with a certain degree of freedom would easily make for an unforgettable experience.

The beat-em-up features would need to be considerably improved, and the game’s true ending shouldn’t be released through expansions. If these two conditions are met, a sequel to Asura’s Wrath would be magnificent.

7

The Last of Us 2

Expanding the Seattle Experience

While I don’t think The Last of Us 2 needs a sequel, I do believe an open world would be the series’ natural progression, given what we experienced in the last installment.

There are many theories out there about how a third entry could play out, but it would be interesting to approach it from the gameplay perspective we have the opportunity to experience in Seattle.

With more paths available and the same immersion, the post-apocalyptic experience would feel much more vivid, rather than feeling like we’re walking down a predefined path where we’ll inevitably find the answers to our problems.

I’d prefer that the series doesn’t receive any more games, thus letting Naughty Dog invent new universes. However, if they want to continue with The Last of Us, this would be my preferred horizon.

6

Haste

Run to Infinity

Haste has become one of the most fun indie games of 2025, especially thanks to its addictive running loop.

Regardless, one of the few drawbacks I can attribute to the experience is the separation between each level, which disrupts our run and breaks the flow that could be achieved on a free map without disconnections.

It does have a small space for free running, but its endless mode is the one that makes the most use of its core gameplay. If it could be set up to be completely free and without loading screens, it would be a perfect opportunity to push its boundaries.

Even without that, Haste is a remarkable and highly recommended experience, although it would work perfectly well as an open-world game.

5

Splinter Cell Blacklist

A Solid Foundation For Something Bigger

As one of the best stealth video games ever, Splinter Cell Blacklist is a game that sets a positive precedent for the series.

The game takes us to numerous countries with different approaches to levels that match the environment, creating truly immersive gameplay that would work perfectly in an open world.

Similar to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’s structure, the idea of ​​traveling around the globe on missions without major physical limitations would be incredible, even if they are big maps interconnected by loading screens.

We may never get a sequel, but it can’t be said that the foundation hasn’t been laid for a hypothetical successor to Splinter Cell Blacklist to be wonderful.

4

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Large-Scale Destruction

Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus is an outstanding sequel that truly elevates everything that characterized its predecessor, innovating just enough to be distinguishable.

The levels are more unrestricted, and there’s a greater reward for exploration, which allows us to imagine a possible adaptation to an open-ended formula.

Fighting Nazis for control of entire sectors to rid a region of their terror would be a remarkable experience, especially since MachineGames already has the gunplay, infiltration, and level design completely perfected.

Certainly, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus already has a sequel, but we don’t talk much about it. Instead, we need to return to the original philosophy, only with more freedom to end their tyranny.

3

Lies of P

Krat in Depth

Lies of P makes the list of the last couple of years’ best AA and best Soulslike titles, as it’s a wonderful video game that captures its inspiration’s essence.

Like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, the title features a seamlessly interconnected map, making the world feel organic rather than just another video game.

So, in the same way Soulsborne games benefited from the expansion into an open-world model through Elden Ring, Lies of P could also take advantage of that same growth, allowing us to explore Krat in greater depth.

As one of the best settings in the genre, it would be a prime opportunity to expand on the game’s lore. A linear successor is also fine, but an open-world one would take it to another level.

2

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

More Treasure Hunting

My opinion on the continuity of The Last of Us is similar to that of Uncharted, as I think the franchise is fine as it is, but I understand if they want to continue it.

Consequently, given Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End was the perfect execution of the formula Naughty Dog has been developing since the series’ first game, the only way to move forward is to transcend its great linearity.

Like the Tomb Raider reboot, opting for a more open formula is the only thing that would allow the series to continue moving forward. It would allow us to take on the role of a treasure hunter with greater freedom and emphasis on the process of uncovering clues and finding rewards.

It wouldn’t necessarily have to be with Nathan Drake, as his arc concludes quite well. Instead, resuming the IP with a new character, varied destinations, and revamped investigation mechanics would be the most opportune characteristics for Uncharted‘s resurrection.

1

Thief

A Concept With Indescribable Potential

I know most fans of the series were disappointed with Thief’s last installment, yet I feel it has remarkable potential that could frankly propel the series to a new magnitude.

The game isn’t open-world, but it experiments with more open levels and more naturally connected missions, creating a more immersive experience as a master thief.

Revisiting the series’ cryptic characteristics, using incomplete maps, and paying attention to the environment to uncover our objectives could be appropriate in a city large enough to carry out various heists of all kinds.

Then, return to your hideout, restock, and plan your next mission, in a loop that could lead to countless gameplay possibilities, just as its predecessors did in their time.

It may not be the best game on the list, though Thief has the necessary foundation for the franchise to renew itself and find a place in modern video games. If not, I feel like we’ll never see another entry from the IP again, and that hurts me more than anything.