Exploring vast digital landscapes has always been one of the biggest draws of open world games. However, what truly sets some titles apart is not just the size or beauty of the world, but how enjoyable it feels to move through it. Fun traversal mechanics turn ordinary travel into an adventure in itself, transforming simple movement into an engaging gameplay experience. Whether it’s swinging through cityscapes, gliding across mountains, or parkouring over rooftops, the way a game lets you travel can greatly define its overall feel and player enjoyment.
Why Traversal Matters in Open World Games
The Joy of Movement
Traversal mechanics are often overlooked in game design discussions, but they are fundamental in open world games. When developers invest in fluid, responsive, and creative ways to move around the map, players are more likely to stay immersed and enjoy the act of exploration itself. This makes the journey just as memorable as the destination.
Encouraging Exploration
Fun traversal incentivizes players to explore every nook and cranny of the world. Whether it’s the thrill of climbing to a hidden peak or riding a mount through lush valleys, good movement systems enhance player curiosity and engagement. This often leads to the discovery of hidden items, side quests, and environmental storytelling that would otherwise be missed.
Top Open World Games with Fun Traversal
Spider-Man (PS4/PS5)
One of the most acclaimed traversal systems in modern gaming comes from Marvel’s Spider-Man. Swinging through New York City as Spider-Man is exhilarating and incredibly fluid. The developers at Insomniac Games designed a physics-based swinging mechanic that rewards momentum and player control. The transitions between wall-running, diving, and web-zipping feel seamless, making simply getting from point A to B an exciting experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild redefined traversal by giving players the ability to climb nearly any surface and glide across vast landscapes. Coupled with a stamina system, players must strategically plan their movements while still enjoying immense freedom. From shield surfing down snowy mountains to launching into the sky with updrafts, the world of Hyrule becomes a playground for creative travel.
Sunset Overdrive
Traversal in Sunset Overdrive is fast, stylish, and energetic. Players grind on rails, bounce off cars and awnings, and chain movements together in a system that rewards momentum. The game encourages players to stay in motion constantly, combining traversal with combat in a vibrant, chaotic world. It’s a perfect example of how movement mechanics can shape the entire tone of a game.
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey & Valhalla
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has always embraced parkour and vertical movement, but Odyssey and Valhalla pushed this further with large, detailed landscapes to traverse. Players can climb nearly any surface, leap across rooftops, or gallop across valleys on horseback. The movement systems support exploration and help immerse players in rich, historical settings.
Ghost of Tsushima
While traversal in Ghost of Tsushima is more grounded compared to other titles, it’s still incredibly satisfying. Riding across windswept fields, climbing cliffs, and following guiding winds make for a peaceful yet engaging journey. The lack of a traditional minimap is replaced with natural navigation cues, encouraging players to move organically through the world while soaking in the atmosphere.
Just Cause Series
Traversal in the Just Cause games is all about chaos and creativity. With a grappling hook, wingsuit, and parachute at your disposal, you’re free to fly, swing, and crash your way across massive maps. The series rewards players who experiment with combining tools for unique movement. Whether it’s launching yourself off a speeding car or grappling to a helicopter mid-air, it’s all about fun and freedom.
Horizon Forbidden West
Aloy’s movement capabilities have expanded in Horizon Forbidden West, introducing gliders, improved climbing, and mounts that allow both land and water traversal. The diverse terrain ranging from deserts to ruins submerged underwater means that players are constantly adapting and using different traversal tools to progress through the world effectively and enjoyably.
Key Elements of Enjoyable Traversal
Responsive Controls
The core of good traversal lies in how responsive and intuitive the controls feel. Laggy or awkward movement can turn even the most beautiful world into a chore. Games like Spider-Man and Breath of the Wild excel because every movement feels intentional and smooth.
Freedom and Creativity
Open world traversal should offer freedom, allowing players to approach locations in multiple ways. Whether it’s climbing a mountain instead of going around it, or grappling through enemy strongholds instead of fighting, creative movement systems increase player agency and engagement.
Environmental Integration
The environment should support and complement traversal. Buildings, cliffs, trees, and even animals can be used as part of the movement system. For example, in Assassin’s Creed, rooftops and walls are designed to facilitate parkour. In Sunset Overdrive, the entire city is built around bouncing and grinding surfaces.
Momentum and Flow
Good traversal often emphasizes momentum. In Sunset Overdrive, players are rewarded for chaining movements without stopping. Similarly, Spider-Man encourages maintaining speed and height with fluid swinging. This flow state enhances immersion and makes movement feel like a reward rather than a chore.
Upcoming Open World Games with Promising Traversal
Avowed
Obsidian’s upcoming open world RPG, Avowed, promises a blend of magic and physical movement. Early previews hint at diverse environments and the possibility of fast, dynamic exploration using magical abilities. If implemented well, it could join the ranks of top-tier traversal experiences.
Perfect Dark Reboot
Though not fully revealed, the Perfect Dark reboot is said to feature agile movement systems that blend first-person traversal with parkour elements. If the team executes it right, this could bring something fresh to the genre.
Traversal in open world games is more than just a means of getting from one place to another. It shapes the player’s relationship with the world, turning movement into a source of joy, creativity, and engagement. From swinging across skyscrapers to surfing down hills, the best traversal systems create unforgettable moments through how they let players experience space. Games that focus on fun, fluid, and responsive movement leave lasting impressions and often keep players coming back, even long after completing the main story. As open world design continues to evolve, so too will the ways we explore them, and that future looks incredibly exciting.