Best Wii U Open World Games: Explore Epic Adventures

The Wii U, while not as commercially successful as some of Nintendo's other consoles, boasts a surprisingly robust library of games, including some fantastic open-world experiences. These games allow players to explore vast, immersive worlds filled with adventure, secrets, and captivating stories. If you're looking to dive into some expansive and engaging gameplay on your Wii U, you've come to the right place. Let's explore some of the best open-world games the Wii U has to offer, providing hours of entertainment and unforgettable experiences.

Why Open World Games on the Wii U?

Before we dive into specific titles, let's talk about why open-world games are such a great fit for the Wii U. The Wii U's unique gamepad controller offers some interesting possibilities for enhancing open-world gameplay. Developers could use the gamepad screen for maps, inventory management, or even unique gameplay mechanics that add a new layer of immersion.

Open-world games provide a sense of freedom and exploration that's hard to match. The ability to wander off the beaten path, discover hidden secrets, and interact with a dynamic world is a huge draw for many gamers. The Wii U, despite its limitations, delivers some truly memorable open-world experiences that are well worth checking out. Plus, the console's focus on family-friendly gaming means that many of these open-world adventures are suitable for players of all ages. So, whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the open-world genre, the Wii U has something to offer. Get ready to embark on epic quests, uncover ancient mysteries, and explore vast landscapes – all from the comfort of your couch.

Top Open World Games on Wii U

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the top open-world games you can play on the Wii U, each offering its own unique flavor and style of gameplay.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

It should come as no surprise that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild tops our list. While also available on the Nintendo Switch, Breath of the Wild was originally developed for the Wii U, and it's an absolute masterpiece on either platform. This game completely redefined the Zelda franchise, throwing out many of the series' traditional conventions and embracing a true open-world design. As Link, you awaken after 100 years of slumber to find Hyrule in ruins. Your mission is to defeat Calamity Ganon and restore peace to the land.

The sheer scale of Breath of the Wild is staggering. Hyrule is a vast, sprawling world filled with diverse environments, from lush forests and towering mountains to scorching deserts and frozen tundras. The game encourages exploration at every turn, rewarding players with hidden shrines, challenging enemies, and breathtaking vistas. What makes Breath of the Wild truly special is its sense of freedom. You can climb almost any surface, glide across vast distances with your paraglider, and experiment with different weapons and abilities to overcome obstacles. The game's physics engine is incredibly robust, allowing for emergent gameplay moments that are both surprising and satisfying. Combat is challenging but rewarding, requiring you to think strategically and utilize your environment to your advantage. You'll need to master different weapon types, learn enemy attack patterns, and craft potions and meals to survive. Breath of the Wild is not just a great open-world game; it's a landmark title that has set a new standard for the genre. Its stunning visuals, immersive world, and unparalleled sense of freedom make it an absolute must-play for any Wii U owner. Prepare to lose yourself in Hyrule for hours on end as you uncover its secrets and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

2. Xenoblade Chronicles X

Xenoblade Chronicles X is another amazing open-world title on the Wii U, offering a massive and richly detailed sci-fi world to explore. Developed by Monolith Soft, the same team behind Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles X takes place on the planet Mira, a vast and alien world teeming with strange creatures and breathtaking landscapes.

The story follows the survivors of a human colony ship that crash-lands on Mira after fleeing Earth. As a member of the BLADE organization, your mission is to explore the planet, establish new settlements, and protect humanity from the dangers that lurk around every corner. Xenoblade Chronicles X is known for its incredibly deep and complex gameplay systems. The combat is a real-time action RPG system with a strong emphasis on strategy and customization. You'll need to learn the ins and outs of your character's abilities, manage your resources carefully, and coordinate with your party members to succeed in battle. One of the most unique features of Xenoblade Chronicles X is the ability to pilot Skells, giant mechs that can transform into vehicles. Skells allow you to traverse the vast landscapes of Mira with ease, and they also provide a significant boost in combat. Customizing your Skell with different weapons and armor is a key part of the game, allowing you to tailor it to your playstyle. The world of Mira is truly stunning, with diverse environments ranging from lush jungles and towering mountains to sprawling deserts and alien ruins. Exploring Mira is a rewarding experience in itself, as you'll discover hidden locations, encounter unique creatures, and uncover the planet's rich history. Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive game that will keep you busy for hundreds of hours. Its deep gameplay systems, stunning visuals, and vast open world make it a must-play for any RPG fan on the Wii U.

3. LEGO City Undercover

For a more lighthearted and family-friendly open-world experience, look no further than LEGO City Undercover. This game puts you in the role of Chase McCain, an undercover police officer tasked with bringing down the notorious criminal Rex Fury. Set in the sprawling metropolis of LEGO City, LEGO City Undercover is a hilarious and action-packed adventure that's perfect for players of all ages.

LEGO City Undercover is a true open-world game, allowing you to freely explore the city and complete missions at your own pace. LEGO City is filled with secrets to discover, challenges to overcome, and collectibles to find. The game's story is full of witty humor and clever references to classic cop movies. Chase McCain is a charming and charismatic protagonist, and the supporting cast of characters is equally memorable. One of the unique features of LEGO City Undercover is Chase's ability to use different disguises, each of which grants him unique abilities. For example, the Miner disguise allows him to use dynamite to blast through obstacles, while the Robber disguise allows him to open locked doors. The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. You'll need to use Chase's different disguises to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and defeat enemies. The combat is simple but satisfying, with plenty of LEGO-style slapstick humor. LEGO City Undercover is a delightful open-world game that's perfect for families. Its humorous story, charming characters, and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for any Wii U owner looking for a fun and lighthearted adventure. Get ready to explore LEGO City, solve crimes, and bring Rex Fury to justice!

Other Notable Open World-ish Games on Wii U

While not strictly open-world games in the same vein as Breath of the Wild or Xenoblade Chronicles X, these titles offer large, explorable environments and a sense of freedom that's worth mentioning.

Assassin's Creed III & Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

The Assassin's Creed games on Wii U give you a large area to explore. Assassin's Creed III features a sprawling colonial America, while Black Flag lets you loose on the Caribbean Sea as a pirate. Sailing the open seas, raiding ships, and discovering islands is super fun.

Batman: Arkham City - Armored Edition

While it's more of a Metroidvania than a true open-world game, Batman: Arkham City offers a large, interconnected world to explore. The ability to glide around Arkham City as Batman is incredibly satisfying, and there are plenty of secrets and collectibles to discover. The Wii U version also makes good use of the gamepad, allowing you to manage your gadgets and view the map on the touchscreen.

Final Thoughts: Open Worlds on Wii U

The Wii U may not be the first console that comes to mind when you think of open-world games, but it has a great library of titles that offer vast, explorable worlds and unforgettable adventures. From the epic scale of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the sci-fi landscapes of Xenoblade Chronicles X and the family-friendly fun of LEGO City Undercover, there's an open-world game on the Wii U for everyone. So, dust off your Wii U, grab your gamepad, and get ready to explore some truly amazing worlds. You might be surprised at what you discover!

So there you have it, guys! The best open-world games on the Wii U. Happy gaming!