Vampires are a crucial element of fantasy and folklore alike. It’s no surprise, then, that plenty of open world games feature vampires to some extent. They could be supporting characters, crucial elements of the lore and world-building, or the main focus of their respective game.
Vampires can fit into plenty of aesthetics and settings, from medieval fantasy all the way to the modern day. They may be heartthrobs with a youthful appearance, or pale and winged creatures of the night. This allows plenty of games to utilize the vampire mythos, drawing inspiration from the tenured and historical inclusion of vampires in various forms of media.
Skyrimis a title that most gamers should not need to be introduced to. The critically acclaimed 5th entry in theElder Scrollsseries is known for its deep and rich open world, as well as its incredible fantasy elements.
In the first DLC forSkyrim, Dawnguard, one of these fantasy elements takes center stage. This, of course, is the concept of vampirism and vampire hunters.There are two options in the DLC. Players can join the Dawnguard and take the fight to Lord Harkon and his vampire family. Conversely, players can accept the gift of vampirism from their new companion Serana, and gain the ability to transform into a vampire lord, ultimately helping Serana overthrow her father, Lord Harkon. This transformation comes with new magic, abilities, and a monstrous winged appearance.
The Witcher 3has a sprawling and densely packed open world, filled with all sorts of fantastical creatures and unsettling monstrosities. It should be no surprise, then, thatThe Witcher 3also includes vampires. Most notable among them is the high vampire, Regis, just one of themany types of vampire withinThe Witcher 3.
Interestingly, the vampires inThe Witcher 3do not follow traditional vampire rules. In fact, such rules are considered myths within the lore of the franchise. Typical vampire rules, such as aversion to holy water and garlic or transformation via biting, are simply folklore withinThe Witchercanon.
Baldur’s Gate 3utilizesDungeons and Dragonsloreto present players with unique and interesting fantasy concepts. Its vast and nuanced story allows for these concepts to be tackled in compelling and intriguing ways.
One such example is that of Astarion grappling with his vampiric urges. Throughout his quest line, the player must help Astarion come to terms with the trauma of his past, being turned and enslaved by a master vampire. Ultimately, players can convince him to break the cycle, or to take his master’s power.Baldur’s Gate 3brings a thought-provoking ethical discussion to the concept of vampirism through Astarion’s story, a concept not always done well in vampire stories.
Inspired by titles likeDark SoulsandGodeater,Code Veinoffers a vampire combat experience set in a vast world, with excellent customization options. Whilst lacking the polish of ‘Soulsborne’ games,Code Veinis undeniably a compelling action game, coupling difficult souls-like combat with vampire fantasy.
The game contains plenty of flair within its animations and design, boasting an extensive character creator that allows players to immerse themselves within the setting. Despite technically being vampires, the characters inCode Veinoperate under many scientific principles, allowing for an interesting deviation from the expected formula.
Castlevaniais a long-standing and beloved franchise, offering the most tenured vampire gaming experience. Whilst most games in the series contain level-based gameplay,Lords of Shadow 2includes an open world, something unprecedented for the series.
Released in 2014,Lords of Shadow 2sees players take control of Dracula (Gabriel Belmont) in a modern-day iteration of London. Though many players consider the gameplay average, many more praise the tone and setting. The game offers a unique modern setting for a character usually seen in more medieval locales, coupled with a bombastic and foreboding soundtrack. This givesLords of Shadow 2a distinct and memorable style, both in setting and atmosphere.
V Risingis an open-world survival game that sees players take control of a vampire ina gorgeous gothic environment. Players are placed in a unique position. They are both a vampire set on re-building their empire, as well as a more traditional survival game protagonist, desperately trying to survive.
The game allows players to live out a true vampire fantasy, slowly building up a castle and an army of thralls.V Rising offersan immersive vampire experience too, featuring a day/night cycle that promotes strategizing around the deadly daytime sun. Few games offer the ability to slowly build up vampiric powers and status quite likeV Risingdoes.
Vampyris an interesting title that hasn’t had the recognition of a lot of modern RPG releases. It features the under-utilized setting of early 1900s London, which perfectly matches the tone of the game.
Gamers play as Jonathan Reid, a doctor who recently became a vampire and must balance his thirst for blood with the desire to cure London of the Spanish Flu. The story is set in Whitechapel, an area of London wheremost Dracula storiesplace Dracula’s first kill. The game offers entirely peaceful solutions to every situation, provided the player doesn’t mind making the game harder on themselves due to the lack of new and useful vampire abilities. This presents two distinct ways to play the game: as a monstrous vampire who feasts on the innocent, or as the doctor trying to find a cure.
1Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
The Premier Vampire Experience
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlinesis often considered the best vampire gaming experience. Based on a tabletop RPG of the same name, the game offers a dense and gritty open world to provide players with the perfect environment to live out the vampire fantasy.
Players can pick from multiple clans, all of which come with their own backstories, powers, and dialog options. Each clan offers up multiple avenues of exploration and ultimately multiple endings. The sheer variety of clans offers a plethora of play styles and experiences. For example, players can blend in as many of the clans in the game, operating through manipulation and social disguising. However, picking the Nosferatu clan completely changes how the game is approached, as players can no longer blend in due to their hideous appearance. The distinction between the 13 clans, coupled with the story and setting explains whyVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlineshas such a cult following,even so far removed from its 2004 release date.
