Beyond the Checklist: The Ubisoft Open-World Games That Get Better As You Play

For a long time, the term “Ubisoft open-world game” was synonymous with a specific design philosophy: a vast map filled with icons, a series of towers to climb to reveal said icons, and a predictable gameplay loop. While this formula has been a source of both success and criticism, it has also led to a common misconception that all of Ubisoft’s open-world titles are the same. However, the truth is far more nuanced. There are a number of Ubisoft games that, while they may start slow and feel like a standard open-world experience, truly get better as you play, revealing a depth and complexity that is not apparent in the first few hours. These games reward a player’s patience and commitment, transforming from a simple checklist into a truly engaging and memorable experience. This shift in perception has been a hot topic on gaming forums, with a rise in searches for “Ubisoft games with great late-game content,” “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla review,” and “Far Cry 5 end game.”

The “slow burn” nature of these titles is often a result of their scale and the way they introduce new mechanics. The first few hours are often a tutorial, a way for the player to get a feel for the controls and the world. But as you progress, the game opens up, providing new challenges, new tools, and a more compelling narrative that makes the initial grind worth it. Here are some of the best examples of Ubisoft open-world games that truly improve the longer you play them.

1. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, with its massive map and its focus on Viking raids and conquest, is a prime example of a game that rewards patience. The early hours can feel a bit sluggish. The combat is simple, the world is a bit overwhelming, and the main story feels like it’s taking its time to get going. However, as you progress through the game’s story, the world begins to feel more alive. The game’s narrative, which is structured as a series of regional arcs, deepens in complexity, and the characters you meet become more compelling. The combat, which feels basic at first, becomes a dynamic and satisfying dance of parries, dodges, and special abilities. The true reward of Valhalla is in the endgame, where you’re not just fighting to complete a story but to truly build a legacy for your clan. The game’s post-launch support, including massive DLCs like Wrath of the Druids and Siege of Paris, only serves to deepen this feeling, providing hundreds of hours of quality late-game content that far surpasses the initial experience.

2. Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 is a game that is often praised for its unique setting, a fictionalized version of rural Montana, and its charismatic villain, Joseph Seed. However, the game’s early hours can feel a bit repetitive, with a clear focus on clearing out enemy outposts and completing simple side missions. The game’s true strength, however, lies in its progression system and the way it opens up the world. As you complete missions and deal damage to the three main lieutenants, the world begins to change. The narrative, which starts as a simple rescue mission, escalates into a full-blown war for the soul of the county. The game’s weapons and perks, which are doled out slowly, make you feel like you are truly becoming a more powerful and capable soldier as you progress. The game’s post-campaign content, including the wacky but fun DLCs like Hours of Darkness and Lost on Mars, provides a perfect way to continue the fun after the credits roll. The game’s endgame is a chaotic, explosive, and truly satisfying experience that is a world away from its more subdued beginning.

3. Star Wars Outlaws

Star Wars Outlaws, while a more recent release, has already proven itself to be a game that gets better as you play. The initial reviews were a bit mixed, with some critics pointing to the game’s slow start and its reliance on a typical Ubisoft open-world formula. However, as players have pushed deeper into the game, a different picture has emerged. The game’s true strength lies in its core narrative and its focus on character progression. The early hours are a tutorial, a way for you to get to know the world and its characters. But as you acquire better gear and new abilities, the game’s combat becomes more fluid and dynamic. The true reward of Outlaws is its story, which is a surprisingly nuanced and character-driven tale that feels like a true Star Wars story. The game’s narrative, which focuses on the journey of a young scoundrel named Kay Vess, becomes more compelling as you progress, and the game’s core mechanics, like the reputation system, become more impactful. The game’s massive map, which feels a bit empty at first, becomes a living, breathing part of the game as you encounter new characters, discover hidden secrets, and take on more challenging side missions. The true value of Star Wars Outlaws is not in its first few hours but in the hundreds of hours you can spend in its beautifully crafted galaxy.

In conclusion, while Ubisoft’s open-world games have a reputation for being repetitive, the truth is that many of them, with a bit of patience, can offer a truly rewarding and unforgettable experience. The games on this list are a testament to that, and they are a clear sign that a game’s value should not be judged by its first few hours alone. For those who are willing to push past the initial learning curve and the “checklist” mentality, there is a world of incredible and deeply satisfying content waiting to be discovered. The best Ubisoft games are not the ones that start with a bang but the ones that build to a crescendo, rewarding you with a truly epic and memorable journey.