3 Open‑World Games You Can Finish Shockingly Fast (#1 Is Beatable in Just 2 Hours)

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Open-world games are known for being lengthy experiences. They usually feature large, immersive worlds packed with side quests, collectibles, and hidden secrets. This reputation is deserved, as many of these games can take upwards of 100 hours to finish. However, not all open-world games require such a huge time commitment. Some developers design smaller worlds or include options that allow players to complete the game more quickly.

Surprisingly, some games demonstrate that a large world doesn’t necessarily mean a long playtime. Three open-world games, in particular, successfully offer players freedom and exploration without requiring a huge time commitment.

3) Far Cry 4 & 5

Ubisoft creates large, open-world games like those in the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry franchises. What many players don’t realize is that it’s possible to finish two of these games without actually *playing* much of them. While the Far Cry series is known for action-packed battles and huge environments, *Far Cry 4* and *Far Cry 5* both have a hidden way to skip most of the gameplay and achieve victory very quickly.

In *Far Cry 4*, there’s a way to unlock the secret ending very quickly. The game starts with a fancy dinner where you meet Pagan Min, the main villain. You’re supposed to escape and start a rebellion to defeat him. But, if you just stay seated at the table and do nothing, something unexpected happens. Pagan Min will take you to scatter your mother’s ashes, and after about 15 minutes, the credits will roll – meaning you’ve technically ‘beaten’ the game!

In *Far Cry 5*, players can experience a surprising shortcut right at the start. The game begins with the player and their team attempting to arrest the cult leader, Joseph Seed. Normally, handcuffing Seed initiates the story and plunges you into the chaos of liberating Hope County. However, a hidden option allows players to simply leave without arresting him, effectively skipping the entire game.

2) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild dramatically changed the direction of the long-running Zelda series. It redefined open-world games by giving players unprecedented freedom – you can climb almost anything, and the game’s realistic physics greatly affect how you explore and fight. Players are free to take on challenges in any order they choose, or simply head straight for the final boss, Ganondorf, if they prefer.

All you need to do to start is finish the initial tutorial area on the Great Plateau. After that, you can skip all the optional quests, dungeons, and items and go directly to Hyrule Castle to fight Ganondorf. While it’s a tough battle, it *is* possible to beat him right away. Skilled players known as speedrunners have perfected this strategy, and the current world record is an amazing 24 minutes and 10 seconds.

What’s really remarkable about this game is how much freedom it gives players. While a typical playthrough can easily take hundreds of hours to explore everything Hyrule has to offer, *Breath of the Wild* uniquely lets you head straight for the final boss if you choose. It’s rare for any game – and especially open-world games – to offer that kind of flexibility.

1) A Short Hike

Unlike some sprawling games, *A Short Hike* takes place in a small, focused world that’s a joy to explore. You can finish the game in under two hours, but it’s packed with personality and hidden treasures. You play as Clair, a bird trying to find cell service on a charming mountain park. As you explore, you’ll meet interesting characters, enjoy activities like fishing and racing, and collect various items.

I absolutely loved playing *A Short Hike*! It’s amazing how quickly you can get through it, even if you’re just a casual gamer, and it never feels like anything’s missing. What really struck me is how much joy is packed into such a small game. Everything feels intentional – every little spot on the mountain has a purpose, and every conversation with the characters feels meaningful. Plus, flying around as Claire is just *so* relaxing and fun! It gives you this incredible freedom to explore the whole mountainside as you work your way to the top.

A Short Hike is a surprisingly affordable game, costing just $7.99-and it’s often on sale for even less, sometimes only $1! It’s amazing how much enjoyable content you get for such a low price. This relaxing, open-world adventure is a real gem that players shouldn’t skip.

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2025-09-18 17:43