Open World vs. Linear: Which Works Best for Action Games?

1 October 2025

Let’s cut right to the chase: action games are all about adrenaline-pumping moments, heart-racing combat, and experiences that keep us glued to our controllers (or keyboards). But when it comes to how these adventures unfold, one major debate continues to ripple through the gaming world — open world vs. linear.

So, which one really works best for action games? It’s a question that has no “one-size-fits-all” answer, but in this article, we’re unpacking the strengths, weaknesses, and killer appeal of both styles. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of where your preferences lie — or even better, why both styles are worth celebrating in their own right.

What’s the Difference Between Open World and Linear Games?

Alright, let’s start with the basics.

🎮 Linear Games: A Straight Shot to the Finish

Linear games are like a rollercoaster ride. You're strapped in, you're going somewhere specific, and there’s a clear start, middle, and end. Think Uncharted, God of War (2018), or the Call of Duty campaign mode.

- You follow a set path.
- The story unfolds exactly how the developers intended.
- Everything feels tight, curated, and cinematic.

🌍 Open World Games: Go Wherever, Do Whatever

Open world games? They’re more like a choose-your-own-adventure book on steroids. You’re dropped into a huge playground and told: “Figure it out.”

Think Grand Theft Auto V, Assassin’s Creed, or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

- Massive maps.
- Tons of side activities.
- Freedom to roam and progress at your pace.

Both styles bring something different to the table. But how well do they support an action-packed gameplay loop? That’s where things get interesting.

The Case for Linear Action Games

Let’s talk about the power of a well-designed linear experience first.

✂️ Tighter Pacing = More Intensity

Action games thrive on tension. In linear games, developers control every moment — from enemy placement to dramatic cutscenes. They can ramp up the tension, then offer a breath before throwing you back into the chaos.

It’s like watching a well-edited action movie. You're never left wondering what to do or where to go. Every moment feels handcrafted, and smooth pacing keeps the adrenaline flowing.

🎭 Deeper Storytelling

Linear games often deliver more engaging narratives. Why? Because they don’t have to account for a player wandering off to chase side quests or get lost in a forest somewhere.

You’re always exactly where the story wants you to be. Emotions hit harder, character development feels more natural, and cliffhangers actually pay off when you’re not sidetracked for 10 hours trying to find collectible feathers.

⚔️ Combat That Packs a Punch

Because developers know exactly where you’ll be and when, they can fine-tune enemy encounters to keep you on your toes. You might face an ambush in a narrow hall or get forced into a brutal boss fight with limited resources. These moments feel fair, challenging, and cinematic.

The Case for Open World Action Games

Now, let's flip the script and dive into the chaos and beauty of open world action.

🗺️ Total Freedom = More Immersion

There's something magical about carving your own path. Want to ignore the main story and storm a bandit camp? Go for it. Prefer to sneak through missions stealth-style instead of going full Rambo? No problem.

Open worlds immerse players by giving them real agency. You’re not just playing a character — you become them. That freedom to choose your path makes every decision feel weightier.

🕹️ Variety Keeps Things Fresh

In open world action games, every session can feel different. One minute you're in an intense fight, the next you're solving puzzles or exploring a hidden temple.

This sandbox style ensures players don’t burn out. If the main campaign gets too intense, you can go grind, craft, or just ride a horse through scenic landscapes. That variety matters, especially in longer games.

👑 Epic Scale and Longevity

Let’s be honest — when we spend $60 on a game, most of us want the most bang for our buck. Open worlds deliver that in spades.

You’ve got dozens (if not hundreds) of hours of gameplay, collectibles, secrets, bosses, and random encounters. For players who love to get lost in a world, it's the ultimate package.

When Linear Outshines Open World — And Vice Versa

Here’s where it gets juicy. Let’s look at when each format proves it’s the better fit for action games.

✅ Linear Wins When:

- You want a rich, emotional story with no distractions.
- Players need guidance, especially in complex gameplay.
- You’re aiming for short, tight play sessions.
- Set-pieces matter (think epic explosions, timed events, or tricky puzzles).

Best Examples:
- God of War (2018)
- The Last of Us Series
- Titanfall 2 (campaign mode)

✅ Open World Wins When:

- Exploration and discovery are core to the gameplay.
- Customization and player freedom are part of the fun.
- You’re building a living, breathing world.
- You want players to define their own pace and experience.

Best Examples:
- Elden Ring
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Far Cry 5

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds?

Here’s where modern game design starts to blur the lines. Some of the most successful action games of the past few years haven’t picked a side — they’ve mixed open world elements into a mostly linear experience.

Yep, I’m looking at you, God of War: Ragnarok and Tomb Raider (Reboot).

These games offer semi-open hubs where players can explore a bit, discover side content, or just stick to the linear path. It’s like offering you the freedom to get lost… but only a little.

🎯 Why Hybrids Work

- They give a sense of exploration without overwhelming the player.
- Developers still control pacing when it matters most.
- Players can choose how deep they want to dive.

Think of it as a guided tour with optional detours. You can go off-road, but the main path is always clear.

Common Pitfalls of Each Style

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and loot drops. Both styles have their flaws, especially when mishandled.

❌ Linear Pitfalls

- Feels restrictive if not balanced with player agency.
- Replay value can be low once you know all the beats.
- Can be too short if solely story driven.

❌ Open World Pitfalls

- Risk of overwhelming the player with too many objectives.
- Story pacing can suffer when players ignore the main plot.
- Can become bloated with repetitive side content.

We’ve all played that one open world game where every side quest feels like a cheap fetch mission. And we’ve played linear games that felt more like interactive movies than proper gameplay.

So… Which Works Best for Action Games?

Here’s the honest answer — it depends on what kind of action you crave.

- If you're all about tight combat, cinematic moments, and intense storytelling? Linear’s your jam.
- If you like freedom, exploration, and building your own adventure? Open world is calling your name.
- Can’t choose? Go for a hybrid that gives you the best of both.

It doesn’t have to be a war between the two. In fact, understanding your own playstyle might be the key to getting more enjoyment out of the games you dive into.

Final Thoughts: The Real Winner is Choice

At the end of the day, the action genre is big enough for both linear and open world experiences. Some days, we want to ride the rollercoaster. Other times, we want to blaze our own trail with a sword and grappling hook.

Game devs keep pushing limits and experimenting with new designs — and we get the benefit of that evolution. Whether it’s the focused fury of Doom Eternal or the boundless freedom of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, there’s never been a better time to be into action games.

So, don't pick sides. Pick stories. Pick battles. Pick worlds. After all, it’s your controller — your choice.