5 Best Open-World Games Where The Player Is Hunted

Key Takeaways

• Open-world games that give players a sense of being hunted include
  Far Cry 6
  ,
  Middle-earth: Shadow of War
  , and
  Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
  .
• Many open-world games feature similar police or law enforcement systems, such as
  Red Dead Redemption 2
  ,
  GTA 5
  ,
  Cyberpunk 2077
  , and
  Mafia 3
  .
• Some titles, like
  Star Wars Outlaws
  and
  Red Dead Redemption 2
  , also feature criminal syndicates or gangs that will hunt players under certain conditions.

Many open-world action games empower players to become ultimate predators — capable of single-handedly clearing enemy outposts, neutralizing any target they choose with little resistance, and walking away from the chaos they’ve created. However, some games also implement systems to punish such behavior or make it more challenging, whether through law enforcement, police mechanics or by making the player a target for elite NPC bounty hunters.

Often, even when players are being hunted by mercenaries or law enforcement, this can still be turned into an opportunity to unleash even more chaos — playing with the world’s reactions to reckless behavior or encountering unpredictable events later on when least expected. Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive open-world action games that provide players with a sense of being hunted through their sandbox systems, allowing them to feel not only like powerful bounty hunters but also like constantly pursued prey.

1 Far Cry 6

Playing As A Resistance Member Against A Dictatorship, Expect To Be Hunted

In Far Cry 6, players assume the role of Dani Rojas, a native of Yara who initially just wants to escape the oppressive regime of Antón Castillo. However, as the story progresses, Rojas decides to join the Libertad organization to fight back against the dictatorship. As players aggressively clear enemy outposts to weaken Castillo’s influence across different regions, they can trigger escalations — especially in cities or large settlements — leading to special units or mercenaries being dispatched to hunt them down.

This system isn’t new to the series. In Far Cry 5, players can also provoke relentless bounty hunters and armed forces to pursue them across the map by completing certain story objectives or engaging in too much aggressive action. Fans of the series who enjoy this kind of dynamic, high-stakes gameplay can pick either game depending on their preferred setting.

2 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

A Unique Nemesis System Creates A Personal Sense Of Being Hunted For Revenge

Both Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-Earth: Shadow of War offer dynamic open-world action where the world and its characters respond unpredictably to player actions. As Talion, players wage a guerrilla war against the Orcs of Mordor, systematically eliminating Sauron’s powerful generals to weaken his army. One of the standout features of these games is the patented Nemesis system, which adds a thrilling layer of unpredictability.

Players can trigger various scenarios where once-defeated enemies grow stronger, angrier, and seek revenge later in the game, akin to a dynamic bounty hunting system but driven by personal vendettas. These unscripted, dynamic events can strike when least expected, creating memorable moments that feel deeply personal and directly linked to the player’s past actions.

3 Star Wars Outlaws

Messing With The Empire Or Criminal Syndicates Leads To Bounties On Kay Vess’ Head

Star Wars Outlaws is the latest open-world action game to incorporate dynamic reputation and bounty hunting mechanics that react to players’ actions. As Kay Vess, a young scoundrel, players navigate the dangerous world of four different criminal syndicates, shaping their relationships with each faction. Depending on how players approach these organizations, they can either unlock new opportunities or make things more difficult. A bad reputation with a syndicate will eventually result in kill squads being sent to hunt Kay down across various locations. The only way to escape this danger is to restore favor with the syndicate and improve the relationship.

Players can also attract the attention of the Empire by causing too much trouble at Imperial outposts scattered across different planets. Reaching the sixth wanted level with the Empire triggers elite black Death Troopers to be dispatched. These enemies are nearly impossible to defeat with standard weapons, so players are strongly discouraged from pushing the Empire to this extreme.

4 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Elite Mercenaries Eager To Collect The Bounty On Players’ Heads

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was one of the first Ubisoft open-world titles to experiment with mercenary gameplay and bounty hunting mechanics, drawing inspiration from the Nemesis system. As a Misthios (Greek word for a mercenary), players frequently encounter wanted mercenaries that can be hunted down for substantial rewards. Conversely, if players engage in too much chaos — aggressively clearing enemy fortresses, eliminating regional leaders, or causing trouble in peaceful settlements — they can attract bounties on their heads. This results in elite mercenaries pursuing them across the open world.

This relatively simple system adds an extra layer of engagement to the game, as players must monitor the level of the mercenaries hunting them. Facing enemies of a much higher level can be lethal. Additionally, every elite mercenary has unique combat abilities and drops valuable loot upon defeat, allowing players to strategically hunt particular enemies based on the rewards they offer.

5 Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Morgan Is A Wanted Man, And It’s Reflected Throughout The Story

Set in the Wild West, Red Dead Redemption 2 predictably features one of the best open-world “wanted” mechanics, placing it at the heart of the game’s story. After a botched robbery, Pinkerton agents relentlessly pursue the Van Der Linde gang, including protagonist Arthur Morgan. Throughout key story episodes, players must confront their pursuers directly. Furthermore, various enemy gangs scattered across the game’s world will attack Arthur on sight.

Breaking the law in different regions also attracts the attention of local sheriffs, leading to armed confrontations and subsequent chases. If players don’t pay off their bounties, the price on their heads will continue to rise with each new crime, prompting armed mercenaries to relentlessly pursue them across the open world, constantly interfering with the players’ objectives.