Ben Madilynn
Animals in open-world games are always great additions to give any title a feeling of life and prosperity. Even when players can’t interact with them too much, having them around makes exploration more interesting, as some can be dangerous predators that players have to look out for to avoid being attacked.
When interaction is involved, things get even better, as players can domesticate various animals, befriend them, and make them their journey companions throughout the game. For players who love animals, the following titles are ideal to have a good time and practice their Dr. Dolittle skills.
While the entries below do feature helpful critters, they also include more dangerous animals as well, providing a balanced mix between friendly and hostile wildlife.
5
Far Cry 5
Learning When To Aim And When To Tame Is Key
- Boomer (the dog) plays a critical role in helping players throughout the game
- Some animals are friendly, while others pose a significant danger
As opposed to earlier installments of the franchise, Far Cry 5 isn’t set on a remote island or a Himalayan town, but rather in a fictional version of Montana, in the United States of America. The game features all kinds of animals, both friendly and not. One of the most beloved companions in the game is Boomer, a beautiful, loyal dog companion who plays a very important role, as he helps players scout for enemies and retrieve powerful weapons.
The wildlife game mechanics are very accurate, so players will have to tread carefully when exploring the forest areas in Far Cry 5. It’s important to learn when to aim and when to tame, as some animals are friendly, while others will not hesitate to attack players if they feel threatened.
4
Horizon Zero Dawn
There’s More To The World Than Mechanical Creatures
- Most animals in the world are mechanical
- Players can still encounter real animals, but they’re scarce
When players first explore the story behind Horizon Zero Dawn, they will be surprised by the uncomfortable truth behind it. Set in a post-apocalyptic version of Earth, the game explains the rise and fall of technologically-advanced humans who laid the foundations of their own destruction. Now, the world is mostly populated with mechanical animals who roam the open areas, looking for sustenance and waiting for prey.
While there are flesh-and-blood animals in the game as well, they’re not as common to encounter as the mechanical ones. However, the process of studying different machines and learning not only whether they’re dangerous but also how to tame some of them for easier exploration provides an engaging experience for animal lovers.
3
Red Dead Redemption 2
Taming Wild Horses Is A Welcome Challenge In The Wild West
- Arthur can create a strong bond with his horses
- Players can tame wild horses spread across the map
Exploring the Wild West is entertaining enough, but letting players do so with such a complex and likable character as Arthur Morgan is the icing on the cake. Red Dead Redemption 2 has tons of different game mechanics that make the game fun and help it feel fresh throughout the entirety of the story. One of the things animal lovers will love the most about the game is the bond Arthur can create with his horse.
He can brush it, feed it, pet it, and just be nice to it in general. The more Arthur and his horse bond, the more stamina the animal will get, and the more responsive it will be. While one of the first horses Arthur gets is purchased from a stable, it’s also possible to tame wild horses all over the map. However, to do this without getting a kick to the gut, Arthur has to study each horse type and observe his target from a distance to increase the odds of success.
2
Minecraft
Taming Animals, One Pixel At A Time
- Players can interact with various animal species
- Animals are key to farming and survival
Minecraft is extremely popular, and for good reason. The game offers almost endless possibilities for players who want to build, mine resources, and, of course, interact with animals. Players can tame, breed, and raise various animal types that are critical for farming and survival — not to mention companionship — in a vast world where exploring alone isn’t always the best option.
Minecraft truly honors its open world, as it lets players build their environments in any way they want, while managing an ecosystem of their own that lets them and their animals thrive and live in peace.
1
Ghost Of Tsushima
Fox Shrines And Yellow Songbirds Will Show The Way
- Songbirds and foxes lead players to areas of interest
- The game’s beautiful open prairies make for the perfect environment for wildlife
Animals in Ghost of Tsushima play a critical role throughout the story, as not only does Jin Sakai’s horse serve as the main mode of transportation through the huge island of Tsushima, but critters out in the world also point him toward areas of interest. Players who’ve been playing the game for a while know that spotting a fox or a yellow songbird are clear signs to stop and follow them, as they’ll lead to either shrines or other areas of interest.
The wildlife concept works really well in a game like Ghost of Tsushima, which puts a huge emphasis on the beauty of the natural world; there are tons of open field areas and colorful prairies that players can explore, encountering various animal species along the way.
