by Joe Grantham
Open-world games are always popular, giving players the freedom to explore and do as they please, and although fantasy or sci-fi settings can be great, some players prefer historical backdrops. Period-accurate games can feel more grounded, making deaths and choices hit harder, and some games will even help players learn about history.
Ranging from Ancient China up to the medieval period and then various stages of 20th-century Japan, the following upcoming open-world games all have historical settings, some of which are underrepresented on the current market.
Chronicles: Medieval
A Medieval Sandbox Game With Large Battles
- Historical Setting: Medieval Europe
Chronicles: Medieval is an ambitious medieval sandbox game that plans to enter Early Access in 2026. Players will be able to create their own character before forging their own path in a vast and vibrant world. The main focus seems to be on combat, with players able to lead their own armies into large-scale battles.
Following in the footsteps of arguably the greatest medieval series of all time, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, there seems to be plenty of attention to historical accuracy, with color for clothes and builds being seen in all the current screenshots and footage.
Stranger Than Heaven
A Historical Game From The Creators Of The Yakuza Series
- Historical Setting: 20th Century Japan
From the creators of the Yakuza games, Stranger Than Heaven is an upcoming open-world game set in 20th-century Japan, which players may recognize by its previous development name, Project Century. This working title makes sense when you realize that the game will feature at least three time periods: 1915, 1929, and 1943, all times of turbulence.
While not too much else is known, the trailer shows a vibrant and diverse world ranging from swanky jazz bars to violent market streets where brawls seem to be commonplace. It also seems that the story will follow a mysterious man battling with identity, known as Mako Daito, although there may be different characters for each period.
The Bustling World
A Beautiful Top-Down Open World RPG Set In Ancient China
- Historical Setting: Ancient China
If nothing else, The Bustling World looks set to become one of the most beautiful games ever made thanks to its hand-painted aesthetic, and if it can live up to certain gameplay promises, it could be the next big thing. It is a top-down open-world RPG where players can decide what kind of life they want to live in Ancient China.
For example, players can farm, build, craft, and trade, or they could live a life of crime or war and adventure. The world also appears to be deeply simulated, with each action rippling through it. It is certainly one to keep an eye on.
The Vernyhorn
A Moody & Atmospheric Early Medieval RPG
- Historical Setting: Early Medieval Europe
If players enjoy atmosphere and cinematography in their historical games, The Vernyhorn is an upcoming third-person RPG that hopes to deliver. Seemingly set in early medieval Europe, with on-location scans from across Poland, the game looks terrific, making the most out of Unreal Engine 5.
In terms of gameplay, players should expect classic RPG mechanics inspired by games such as The Witcher, as well as a survival element that will forge stronger ties with the rural environment. As far as the story is considered, little is known, but the main character is apparently a man seeking inner peace in a harsh world.
The Legend Of Khiimori
Explore Medieval Mongolia On Horseback As A Courier
- Historical Setting: 13th Century Mongolia
While the medieval Mongols feature in a few games, such as Ghost of Tsushima, Mongolia itself is rarely depicted. However, it will be the central stage of The Legend of Khiimori, which sees players traverse the vast steppe on horseback as a courier. Horses are naturally a huge aspect of the game, with players able to tame, bond with, and care for horses, which can also be bred to provide new traits.
Out in the wilderness, players will have to navigate, forage, and craft to survive, while hunting with a traditional Mongolian bow from horseback will be a common activity. In terms of the main character's role as a courier, players will sometimes deliver expensive cargo that must be protected. Planning out the safest routes plays a large part in fulfilling these contracts.
Read the full article on GameRant
This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
