Best Open-World Games To Play As A Gunslinger

The idea of exploring a massive sandbox that is loaded with content is something that fans don’t tire of, even if open-world gaming has taken over the mainstream and continues to dominate the AAA industry. These games usually let players interact with a combat loop of some sort, with most open-world games letting players use firearms to shoot everything in sight and create gigantic explosions that are a joy to witness firsthand.

Some open-world games take this a step further by letting players perfect the art of gunslinging, whipping out their firearms at a moment’s notice, and gunning down enemies in record time. If both the sandbox design and shooting gameplay are perfected to a T, then these open-world games can attract a massive fanbase. Numerous games have already proven this, letting players fulfill their wildest fantasies of being gunslingers who can use their skills with a revolver to punish enemies who think they stand a chance against the skills of the protagonist.

1 Red Dead Redemption 2

Protagonists: Arthur Morgan & John Marston, Gunslingers In The Wild West

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that fans can’t get enough of, with this title selling like gangbusters and showing the improvements Rockstar made on the narrative front. A lot of money was put into the animation department, with Arthur Morgan’s movements feeling weighty to the point where some people found it hard to control this character at times. However, all of this was forgiven once players got into the game’s cinematic shootouts and understood just how much fun it was to mow down opponents with Arthur’s firearms.

The regular shootouts were fun as is, especially when players dual-wielded revolvers and got their hands on some of the game’s powerful rifles and shotguns. Along with this, players could unlock Dead Eye and slow time down to carry out impressive headshots, with this ability improving as they made progress in the story. Even after John takes over the role as the protagonist, shooting down foes behind cover or on horseback never ceases to be entertaining. Of course, any game known for its gunslinging would be incomplete without one-on-one duels, and this is an area in which Red Dead Redemption 2 excels too.

2 Total Overdose

Protagonist: Ramiro, A Gunslinger Working For The DEA

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox
• Release Date: September 16, 2005
• Developer: Deadline Games
• Genre: Third-person shooter

It’s a shame that Max Payne‘s gameplay was never perfected or refined by other titles, especially since the Arkham games revolutionized melee combat and inspired many other titles to integrate this flowing melee combat in their titles. Max Payne should’ve triggered the same revolution for gunfights, but this never came to pass. Still, some games emulated Max Payne‘s combat with varying degrees of success, and one of the best titles to integrate these stylish moves is Total Overdose: A Gunslinger’s Tale in Mexico.

Not only was the moment-to-moment gameplay a joy to experience, but this gameplay was further enhanced with the inclusion of a sandbox that players could explore to find various powerups, minigames, and collectibles. It may not be the best open world that fans can enjoy, but this addition to Total Overdose‘s gameplay goes a long way in helping it form its own identity instead of being labeled as a Max Payne clone. Players can dual-wield numerous weapons and use variants of the classic shoot-dodge to lend an acrobatic flair to combat while also using special abilities after building up a combo multiplier that pays homage to most classic movies with incredible shootout scenes.

3 Westerado: Double Barreled

Protagonist: The Player Character, Seeking Revenge In The Wild West For The Death Of His Family

An indie game that pays homage to spaghetti westerns and the like, Westerado: Double Barreled is a game known for its Wild West setting, amazing pixel art, and a revenge plot that randomizes the culprit every single time. After the player’s ranch is burned down and his parents are killed by a mysterious assailant, they embark on a journey of revenge as the protagonist uncovers clues via missions to figure out the identity of this attacker.

It’s a relatively short game, but the amazing pixel art style, unique combat, and the randomized identity of the villain ensure that players can clock in numerous playthroughs without getting bored. The shooting can be a bit wonky with players having to align their aim weirdly, but players who manage to get a hang of things will enjoy an excellent open-world indie game with some fun gunslinging action and engaging set pieces.

4 Fallout: New Vegas

Protagonist: The Courier, A Package Deliverer Who Gets Embroiled In A Controversy Playing Out In The Mojave

Despite being set in the post-apocalypse, Fallout: New Vegas feels like it’s set in the Wild West at times with the Mojave Wasteland hammering in its inspirations and then some. With some excellent country music and a bunch of eccentric characters scattered across the world, it’s easy to see why fans continue to speak highly about New Vegas as one of the greatest role-playing games ever made. After being left for dead with a bullet to the head, the Courier is brought back to life in Goodsprings and embarks on an epic journey that features many twists and turns.

Depending on the playstyle that fans opt for, they can become quick-draw gunslingers in the Mojave who can use their firearm skills to shoot down any enemy standing in their way. It can take a lot of time and skill point investment, but players will attain an immense sense of satisfaction as they use a simple revolver to kill off a group of deathclaws in the West, cementing the Courier’s reputation as one of the greatest gunslingers in and around New Vegas.

5 Borderlands

Protagonist: Mordecai, One Of The Playable Characters With A Gunslinger Skill Tree

The quintessential looter shooter that kickstarted a series, Borderlands is an excellent game to play with friends. The quirky nature of the world coupled with an immense number of things to accomplish make it a great launching point for a series that would perfect its gameplay loop and character writing with the sequel. There are four protagonists in the game that players can choose to control, with Mordecai being a perfect fit for players who want to play as a gunslinger.

Mordecai has three skill trees that players can develop, with two of them either improving his skill with sniper rifles or making Bloodwing, his pet, more potent in battle. However, players who want to play as a gunslinger in Borderlands‘ semi-open world will love to level up the skill tree named after the same, improving their skill with pistols. Shooting down enemies with his handgun skills is a great way to make the gameplay of Borderlands more action-packed than ever.