15 Single Player Games That Feel Like A Long Drive

Many gamers love losing themselves in immersive single-player games. For these experiences, how well you can explore and move around the game world is often the most important part.

Luckily, there are plenty of games that simply let you explore huge, detailed worlds at your own pace. We’ve collected a list of titles we think you’ll love getting lost in, and they’re full of potential for unforgettable gaming experiences!

Let’s dive in.

1. Days Gone

Okay, so this game has a HUGE map, and I love exploring it on my bike. It’s seriously beautiful, but it’s also packed with zombies and desperate people who’ve gone a little crazy. A big part of what I do is just cruise around, making sure I always have a safe ride back to base in case things go south with whatever mission I’m trying to pull off.

If you handle things well, you can escape, though you’ll likely have to leave faster than you arrived. However, these situations can lead to unexpected discoveries as you try to find safety. The game effectively draws players into Deacon’s somber story, keeping them engaged throughout.

2. Pacific Drive

This story immediately grabs your attention and stays with you through a touching finale. A key element is the strong connection you form with both the driver character and the station wagon you use throughout the game. This connection not only enhances the story but also motivates your exploration of the game world.

The game sets you off on a truly unique adventure, encouraging you to explore every corner of its world. We won’t soon forget the strange and unsettling events we experienced in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, particularly those that damaged our vehicle.

3. Death Stranding 1 & 2

Okay, so playing Death Stranding as Sam Porter is all about the journey, seriously. Whether I’m hiking or driving, the world is gorgeous but super dangerous. It’s not just about getting to where I need to go, it’s about everything I find along the way – cool stuff to discover, or obstacles I have to figure out how to deal with. It’s a trek, for sure!

This game offers a truly unique experience, with a constantly changing path full of dangers as you try to find safety. Traveling across America, Mexico, and Australia is filled with both excitement and wonder as you uncover hidden secrets. Both the original Death Stranding and its sequel are memorable and engaging.

4. The Crew 2

While The Crew 2 features a smaller-scale version of America, this actually enhances the feeling of being alone with your car as you travel between different events. Even though the game is designed for playing with friends, its open world allows you to easily explore, cruise around in your preferred vehicle, and enjoy some spontaneous racing.

While learning to fly planes and drive boats was fun, seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was a definite highlight of our road trip.

5. Jalopy

Splat and Lutfi’s road trip was truly memorable and well-crafted. Their vehicle, affectionately nicknamed The Jalopy, felt like a character itself, needing regular maintenance that added to the story and kept the adventure moving forward as they neared their destination.

I was really invested in this story, and honestly, I was a little bummed when it ended – but then they hinted at the possibility of continuing it! That just makes the whole experience even better. It’s a story where the way things unfold is just as important as the ending itself, and that ending was definitely something I won’t forget.

6. Final Fantasy XV

Traveling with Noctis and his friends is a highlight of Final Fantasy XV. The Regalia car and trusty chocobos make getting around fun, and the constant chatter between your companions really brings the world of Eos to life during your journey.

Being able to customize your gear and chocobo adds a personal touch that really enhances the adventure. Plus, whether you’re traveling by land or air, the game makes getting to your destination just as fun as reaching it.

7. Read Dead Redemption 2

Arthur’s story perfectly captures the spirit of hitting the road, with a sense of endless opportunity. It shows a vibrant world that continues even without you, and that feeling is woven into the entire experience. This world feels truly alive, brimming with activity, hidden secrets, and discoveries that will make your time with it unforgettable.

Few things compare to the joy of unexpected conversations and the interesting people you meet while traveling in this game. The realistic details, like caring for your horse and engaging in various activities, make the journey feel truly immersive. For players who enjoy vast, open worlds centered around exploration, this game remains a timeless favorite.

8. Mad Max

Max Rockatansky’s dedication to building the Magnum Opus, and how essential it is to the game’s story, are great reasons why it deserves a spot on our list. But it’s even better how seamlessly the vehicle integrates into the gameplay, especially during combat, truly making it a highlight.

Honestly, the story makes total sense, and I really got into it because tweaking my vehicle always meant making tough choices – it wasn’t just about slapping on the best parts. That actually made me feel way more connected to my ride. And the open world? It’s like it’s designed for you and your vehicle to have these awesome, epic moments – it’s all about finding those opportunities to really shine together.

9. State Of Decay 2

Life in this world is a continuous struggle against ever-changing challenges, bringing people together through shared hardship. Each location, overrun with zombies and demanding you protect your community while defeating a powerful enemy known as the Awakened Heart, offers a unique opportunity to forge your own path and rewrite your story.

The game’s success really depends on the stories of the people you’re building with. Connecting those stories to the gameplay creates a compelling cycle, making every area you clear from zombies feel like a real accomplishment and incredibly rewarding.

10. Snowrunner

I’m really enjoying this game! It’s all about off-roading through tough landscapes, but it’s more than just driving. As you explore, you uncover these amazing stories about the areas you’re in, and you actually get to be a part of rebuilding them – it’s super immersive. You’re constantly looking after your vehicles, and the more you explore a region, the more invested you get in upgrading and improving everything. It’s a really satisfying loop!

This experience immerses you in the environment as you travel, creating a truly captivating journey. You act as a link between the past and present, and your progress shapes that connection with each achievement.

11. Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 offers a strange and chaotic world to explore, but it’s the characters you encounter and the relationships you build that truly make the game special.

Honestly, one of the coolest things about this open-world game is being able to recruit local people who are fighting back against the controlling militia. It really adds something special to the whole experience, I couldn’t get enough of it. Building relationships with these characters not only unlocked more of the story and side quests, but it made me feel like a key part of the resistance. I wasn’t just completing tasks; I was helping them fight back, and it made the journey feel really personal and, ultimately, super memorable.

12. The Long Drive

This game centers around the open road and the joy of continuous travel. It emphasizes freedom, complete immersion, and exploring a large desert landscape, allowing players to truly savor the experience of the journey itself.

This game lets you freely explore a vast, randomly created desert, encouraging spontaneous journeys without a set destination. If you enjoy unpredictable adventures and immersive experiences, this is the game for you.

13. Forza Horizon 5

Mexico was an excellent choice for this latest Horizon game. Driving through its beautiful landscapes was both fun and visually impressive. It was a real pleasure to race powerful cars on roads that took you through varied terrain, changing weather, and exciting new areas.

This game offers a diverse world with exciting places to discover – from active volcanoes and ancient ruins to bustling cities, lush jungles, and beautiful beaches – giving you plenty of reasons to jump in and start exploring.

14. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

GSC Game World’s return to the series offers a deeply engaging experience where you must survive in a harsh environment, manage your needs like hunger and sleep, and navigate tricky relationships with other characters. It’s a compelling cycle of challenges and interactions.

Finding allies will help you explore the mysterious world of The Zone, filled with strange discoveries and challenges. There’s nothing quite like uncovering the unknown, and with the game coming to PlayStation, it’s a perfect time to experience a game with a fascinating development story and an equally captivating journey within its world.

15. Ghost Recon Wildlands

Operation Kingslayer serves as an excellent introduction to a vast and immersive open world. Set in cartel-controlled Bolivia, you’ll experience diverse landscapes and complete missions with incredible freedom. Every area you conquer feels meaningful, and you can even play the entire game solo by disabling your AI teammates.

You can bring up to three friends to play with, which makes this game a great option. If you prefer some company but not a full group, the AI companions are a good compromise. No matter how you play, taking down a cartel has never felt so realistic and fun.

Okay, so those were some of my absolute favorite games where you’re basically on a journey and just making awesome memories as you go. Here’s hoping there are tons more like them coming out soon!

2025-11-10 13:16