Key Takeaways
- Red Dead Redemption 2 offers picturesque rivers to catch fish and find Legendary Fishes.
- Sons of the Forest integrates rivers for survival, water sources, bases, and fishing.
- Death Stranding incorporates rivers as obstacles requiring bridges to maintain stamina.
Open-world games are often known for their diverse environments, stunning sights, possibilities of exploration, and freedom for players to do whatever they want. One of the common environmental features in many open-world games includes rivers. While some open-world games don’t put a large amount of emphasis on rivers, there are certain open-world games that feature gorgeous rivers that also provide useful benefits for players.
Some rivers may also be important landmarks or starting points for certain missions. Over the years, there have been plenty of open-world games that have put increased focus on the importance of river-based regions, and this list will feature the six best open-world games that successfully manage to incorporate rivers effortlessly to enhance the overall feel of the game.
6 Red Dead Redemption 2
Catch Fish To Help Arthur And The Gang Prosper
Red Dead Redemption 2 features some of the most picturesque rivers that players can lay their eyes upon. The most notable rivers in the game include the Dakota River, the Kamassa River, the San Luis River, the Upper and Lower Montana Rivers, and the Lannahechee River.
These rivers allow Arthur to catch fish to either keep his cores topped up or sell them to make small profits. Additionally, some of the Legendary Fishes in the game can be found dwelling in these rivers. These Legendary Fishes can fetch Arthur bountiful rewards.
5 Sons Of The Forest
Rivers Are Integral For Survival In Site 2
Sons of the Forest follows up on its predecessor by making rivers an important part of the world. They are excellent sources of water that can be used to meet the various needs of the players as they explore Site 2. Rivers are also great spots to set up bases as tools can be created to construct dams that can allow players to preserve water.
Additionally, fishing is a valuable asset to have as it can help players stay healthy on the island. Using the existence of rivers to a player’s advantage and creating opportunities is a great way to stay strong while playing Sons of the Forest.
4 Death Stranding
Tread Carefully To Complete Deliveries
Death Stranding’s world is filled with deadly traps and unfamiliar terrain that players will have to navigate through to complete deliveries. Rivers are one such terrain that can actively hamper a player’s journey if they are not careful.
Almost every area in the game has rivers that require players to preserve their stamina and remain patient in order to cross. The use of bridges is also a good way to cross the many rivers that are seamlessly woven into the world of Death Stranding to provide a realistic experience.
Rivers, Rivers Everywhere
Skyrim truly lets players express their freedom with its massive world, which includes a host of rivers ranging from short to long. The most popular and longest river is the White River, which runs through the majority of Skyrim.
As with most things in Skyrim, there are mods that allow players to traverse these rivers using boats to take in the grandeur of the world. Players are also able to fish in these rivers, similar to most open-world games.
2 Genshin Impact
Welcome to Teyvat, The World of Wonders And Mysteries
Genshin Impact consists of extremely beautiful and pristine rivers in every region. Fontaine, the nation of Hydro, is situated on a massive river system called the “Great Fontaine Lake”, which allows players to explore underwater locations. Other important rivers include the Bishui River in Liyue, the river stretching from Port Ormos to Sumeru City, and the various small rivers in Toyac Springs located in Natlan.
Some of these rivers offer fishing spots which are often used to obtain materials for weapon refinement and purchasing goods from the fishing associations of each region. Players can also use their Waverider to traverse these rivers and take in the surrounding scenery of the world. Certain regional specialties needed for character ascension, such as Nilotpala Lotus, Sango Pearl, Beryl Conch, and Lumitoile can be found near or under the rivers.
1 Far Cry 5
Henbane River Is Sure To Give Players Nightmares
Henbane River is a unique region in Far Cry 5. It is arguably one of the creepiest areas in the entire Far Cry franchise thanks to the unique properties present in the area. The Bliss flowers in this area, used for making the drug of the same name, can disorient players and potentially make them see a phantom version of Faith Seed, the person who oversees the region. It also features haunted houses and unsettling mannequins.
The region has plenty of locations for players to stumble upon and also features a bunch of missions and prepper stashes to embark on. Henbane River is an extremely well-crafted area that definitely catches players off-guard during their first playthrough of Far Cry 5.
