Ultimate Guide to Early-Access Open-World Games

Article Key Points

Early Access games secure funding and establish a loyal player base for indie developers through allowing consumers to purchase and play a playable version of the game.

The top-notch Early Access open-world games deliver exceptional and almost fully-featured experiences, exemplified by titles like 7 Days to Die and Valheim. These games boast extensive crafting systems, diverse environments, authentic mechanics, and the option to collaborate or compete for supremacy, presenting players with a wide range of gameplay choices and captivating immersive experiences.

Indie developers typically release Early Access games, which not only provide funding for further development but also help build a dedicated player community. With the widespread popularity of open-world games, there is an abundance of Early Access options, and the top contenders deliver distinctive and highly immersive gaming experiences.

6. 7 Days To Die

7 Days to Die

Platform(s) PC, PS4, Xbox OneReleased December 13, 2013Developer(s) The Fun PimpsGenre(s) Survival, HorrorSteam User Rating 88% (October 25, 2023)

7 Days To Die has been in Early Access development since 2013. This genre-defining zombie survival game takes place in a vast post-apocalyptic world known for its relentless challenges. Players are encouraged to not only strive for survival but also have the freedom to dictate their own gameplay experience by teaming up or competing with others.

With an extensive crafting system boasting more than 500 recipes and the freedom to construct structures anywhere, creative players will take pleasure in developing innovative defenses to protect themselves in the game's diverse biomes.

5. Slime Rancher 2

Slime Rancher 2

Platform(s) PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SReleased September 22, 2022Developer(s) Monomi ParkGenre(s) AdventureSteam User Rating 94% (November 2, 2023)

Slime Rancher 2 and its predecessor are incredibly soothing games, allowing players to immerse themselves in the vibrant and gooey world of a distant planet. Assuming the role of Beatrix LeBeau, players will embark on exciting adventures, uncovering ancient enigmas, all while constantly discovering new slimes to bring back home.

Once players have established their own slime ranch, they can nurture, tend to, and even breed their slimes in tranquility. With a multitude of gelatinous organisms to choose from, the game offers an impressive array of options for players to experiment with.

4. Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid

Platform(s) PCReleased November 8, 2013Developer(s) The Indie StoneGenre(s) Survival HorrorSteam User Rating 94% (November 2, 2023)

Project Zomboid is renowned for being one of the most challenging games ever created. Despite its simple graphics and top-down perspective, it boasts incredibly realistic mechanics that set it apart from other open-world games. In this zombie apocalypse, characters must not only tackle hunger by cooking, but also battle against the depression that follows. Additionally, players are advised to stay hidden and minimize noise to avoid drawing the attention of nearby zombies.

One particularly fascinating aspect of Project Zomboid is its online multiplayer mode. Within these never-ending servers, players will frequently come across the remnants of deceased fellow players. With features like power cuts and the looming threat of winter in the vast open world, the attention to detail in this game is truly remarkable and continuously surprises even the most experienced players.

3. Sons Of The Forest

Sons of the Forest

Platform(s) PCReleased February 23, 2023Developer(s) Endnight GamesGenre(s) SurvivalSteam User Rating 84% (October 27, 2023)

Sons of the Forest takes players on a thrilling adventure on a remote and treacherous island in search of a missing billionaire. However, they soon realize that the island is infested with terrifying cannibals, making survival a daunting task. Equipped with basic crafting skills, players must construct defensive bases to ensure their safety in this highly realistic survival game. Despite being in Early Access, Sons of the Forest offers a complete and enhanced gaming experience compared to its predecessor, The Forest.

2. Satisfactory

Satisfactory

Platform(s) PCReleased March 19, 2019Developer(s) Coffee Stain StudiosGenre(s) Simulation, SandboxSteam User Rating 97% (November 2, 2023)

Satisfactory is undoubtedly one of the finest and most distinctive open-world games in the Early Access category. This first-person factory-building game allows players to immerse themselves in a world of their own creation, whether they choose to embark on this adventure alone or alongside friends. Despite the unconventional concept of constructing factories and intricate conveyor belt systems, Satisfactory quickly captivates players within just a few hours of gameplay.

As players continuously expand their factories and engage in occasional combat, they gradually establish dominion over the enigmatic alien planet they inhabit. By implementing complex networks of automated trucks, trains, and conveyor belts, and by following expert strategies designed specifically for Satisfactory, players can attain unbelievably gratifying levels of productivity.

1. Valheim

Valheim

Platform(s) Linux, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SReleased February 2, 2021Developer(s) Iron Gate ABGenre(s) Sandbox, SurvivalSteam User Rating 95% (November 3, 2023)

Valheim, an open-world game that debuted in 2021, has earned the title of the best Early Access game. Its immersive exploration and survival gameplay captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Whether playing alone or with friends, players are immersed in a Norse-inspired world that is procedurally generated. They must start from scratch and gradually uncover the secrets of survival.

To fully enjoy the game, it is recommended to dive in without any prior knowledge. As players venture into increasingly perilous biomes, they will come across new resources and tools that can be combined in unexpected ways. The game's sandbox element shines in its ability to allow players to construct impressive bases and settlements. Over time, Valheim has received numerous updates, both significant and minor. The development team continues to expand and refine the game, adding more biomes before its full release.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the potential of early-access open-world games. These games offer a unique opportunity to be a part of the development process and to help shape the future of the game. I am particularly excited about the potential for these games to offer more immersive and engaging experiences than traditional games.

I believe that early-access open-world games have the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. By allowing players to be a part of the development process, these games can create a more personal and engaging experience. Additionally, the potential for these games to offer more immersive and engaging experiences than traditional games is incredibly exciting. I am looking forward to seeing how these games evolve and to being a part of their journey.