ELEX II, a popular open-world role-playing game from Piranha Bytes and THQ Nordic, offers a massive world to explore with various factions, creatures and storylines. If you love the post-apocalyptic setting, RPG mechanics, and vast exploration of ELEX II but are searching for something new or different to try out, you've come to the right place. We have gathered a list of top-5 alternative games that offer a similar playing experience but with their unique twists. Let's dive into these alternatives and see what they have in store.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Regarded as one of the best open-world RPGs ever made, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an excellent alternative to ELEX II for those who appreciate immersive storytelling set within a richly detailed environment.
Gameplay
The Witcher 3's gameplay is complex yet accessible. Players control Geralt of Rivia, a highly skilled monster hunter (known as a Witcher) who uses both physical weapons and magic in combat. The game allows for extensive customization of Geralt’s skills and equipment to cater to different play styles.
Story & Setting
Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Slavic mythology, the game follows Geralt on his quest across multiple kingdoms filled with human settlements, dense forests, treacherous mountainsides, and ancient ruins. The narrative features nuanced characters, moral choices that impact the storyline significantly and side quests that often match or surpass the main story in terms of quality.
2. Fallout 4
Fallout 4 is another fantastic option for fans of post-apocalyptic settings and extensive world exploration. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, the game offers a compelling blend of RPG mechanics and first-person shooter gameplay.
Gameplay
Fallout 4’s gameplay revolves around exploration, quest completion, resource gathering, and combat. Players can freely explore the vast open world, taking time to discover new locations, meet various characters, and engage in both main story quests and side quests. The game includes an armor system and a crafting system that allows players to create their weapons or modify existing ones.
Story & Setting
Set in a post-nuclear Boston (referred to as "The Commonwealth" in-game), Fallout 4's narrative centers around the protagonist's search for their abducted son. Throughout this journey, players encounter various factions with differing ideologies that they can choose to support or oppose - decisions that significantly influence the game's overall storyline.
3. Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is a unique blend of futuristic sci-fi and primitive tribal themes developed by Guerrilla Games. Its innovative setting makes it an intriguing alternative for ELEX II enthusiasts.
Gameplay
Players control Aloy, a skilled hunter who uses ranged weapons, a spear, and stealth tactics to battle both robotic creatures known as "machines" and human enemies. The game features an open-world environment with diverse terrain types – from dense forests to snowy mountain peaks - ripe for exploration.
Story & Setting
Horizon Zero Dawn takes place in a future Earth where robotic creatures dominate while humans have regressed back into tribal societies. The plot follows Aloy as she tries to uncover her past while learning more about the machines' origins and purpose.
4. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition, developed by BioWare, is an excellent choice for RPG fans who enjoy deep character interactions and complex narratives.
Gameplay
The game features both real-time and tactical combat systems, allowing players to approach battles in various ways. Additionally, it includes a dialogue system where players' choices can significantly influence the story's progression and their relationships with other characters.
Story & Setting
Inquisition takes place in Thedas, a fantasy world filled with diverse nations and cultures. The protagonist is the "Inquisitor," who must navigate political intrigue and lead the fight against a powerful force threatening to tear the world apart.
5. Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey from Ubisoft blends action-adventure gameplay with RPG elements set in a vividly depicted historical setting - making it another worthy alternative for ELEX II enthusiasts.
Gameplay
Odyssey features a third-person perspective where players take on the role of either Alexios or Kassandra, mercenaries embarking on epic quests while navigating the faction warfare of Ancient Greece. The game incorporates stealth, parkour, naval combat, and extensive exploration into its gameplay mechanics.
Story & Setting
Set during the Peloponnesian War in Ancient Greece, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey presents an engaging narrative that revolves around family, power, and mythology. The open-world environment offers stunning landscapes and detailed recreations of ancient cities to explore at your leisure.
Each of these games brings something special to the table while sharing similarities with ELEX II's open-world RPG theme - proving that there are plenty of exciting alternatives out there waiting for you to discover!