Summary
They say conflict is the spark of every good narrative, and in the case of open-world games, the conflict between two factions or kingdoms always adds some extra layers to worldbuilding.
This ranking spotlights some of the best open-world games featuring warring kingdoms, taking into consideration plot developments, their importance to the main quest, and the player agency value the existence ofthese factions adds during gameplay.
The story ofThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunttakes players back to the Northern Kingdoms, where a full-scale war against Nilfgaard is taking place. The previous iterations of the franchise (and the books) had this conflict as its core premise.
But it is in the third title of theWitcherseries, with its huge open-world map to explore, where players see the true aspects of this war and the toll it has taken on the common folk. Truly a masterpiece that has aged greatly throughout the years.
Skyrimis a good example of the ‘kingdoms at war’ trope, with two main factions fighting for control of the northern part of Tamriel. On one side, we have the Stormcloaks, which are true Norse, born inthe rough and merciless lands of Skyrim. On the other hand, we have the Imperials who are invading from Cyrodil, and in time are controlled by the Thalmor, evil Elven Wizards from the Summerset Isles.
Amidst the chaos brought back in the form of dragons returning to the current timeline, players will have to choose which faction they support (or not) and help them regain control of the northern province before Alduin sunders the world ablaze.
The fractured Realms Between are the prime example of a huge open-world game with warring kingdoms vying for control of that wretched place. With so many places and secrets to uncover, players might lose track of the main storyline, but it is still about ‘kingdoms at war.’
As players explore this majestic (and sometimes dark) landscape, they will be unraveling a story of gods, demigods, and mortals all struggling to impose their control upon a world falling apart.
Players who enjoy commanding armies, forging alliances, and incredibly dynamic worlds will find inMount & Blade 2: Bannerlordtheir ideal game. Managing their armies' resources, controlling the flow of battle, and leading them to victory is only one of the things players will enjoy in this title.
The political organization of this huge sandbox depends on player agency and it will change as players win battles, gain allies, and make kingdoms fall and rise. This game is idealfor those who love military strategy and roleplay.
Set during the Age of Plunder (aka, the Viking Era) players will be wearing the boots of Eivor, the son of a betrayed jomsviking, as he seeks revenge on the man who orchestrated the downfall of his family.
Alongside his blood brothers and survivors of the attack that ended the life of his parents, Eivor will set off on a journey to conquer the shores of England. As players explore this “new land,” they will be caught in a warring kingdom plot, where political schemes, betrayal, and violence are part of the loot.
As the continent of Thedas is once more riddled by war, a conclave of political and religious forces gathers to face the inevitable war against Tevinter, led by bloodthirsty magisters who want to impose their ruthless reign upon the world.
Then, the skies rip open, and a rift in the Veil draws demons into the world submerging everything into chaos. It will rest on the player’s shoulders to take the mantle of the Inquisitor, gather their forces, organize and command an army of allies to face the Venatori, and whoever is leading them from the shadows.
The story of Henry, a humble smithy’s son who becomes a knight of the old Bohemian kingdom through sheer force of will and courage is both inspiring and fun to play. This game offers a deeply immersive experience of the chivalric age, where honor, courage, and devotion to the kingdom were the maxims of the greatest knights.
While the game is huge and has thousands of things to explore, it is also true that its storyline entails a convoluted political scheme, where an invading kingdom is trying to overtake the local ruling lords. So players will have to carefully maneuver their relationships and form alliances to fight back as they gain reputation and combat skills.
This open-world RPG made by Spiders is all about two kingdoms fighting for the control of a mysterious land. Inspired by the 17th century (age of exploration), the game presents a detailed character customization system that will alter the players' way of solving conflicts, exploring, and maneuvering through the island’s many dangers.
As players form alliances and gain the trust of the natives, the main conflict between the invaders and the natives implodes, revealing the truth about the island’s magical properties, and the fate of every inhabitant who doesn’t respect nature.
