15 Best Third-Person Adventure Games Of All Time, Ranked

There are numerous video game genres, but few can match the control in third-person adventure games. Third-person games are played from behind the main character, with the player having the freedom of motion. Third-person adventure games spawned some of the biggest hits.

The third-person adventure genre contains some of the greatest 3D games in history. These games deserve recognition for their point of view. Whether you are a fan of the third-person or first-person, these games are empowering because you, the player, can drive their compelling narrative.

Updated by Jack Pursey on December 30th, 2020: The shift from 2D to 3D gaming in the late 90s saw a rise in third-person adventure games that has continued to grow year on year. Today, the genre is a cornerstone of the gaming industry, with many of the year's most highly anticipated and highly praised games falling into the category. The platforming mascots and point and click head-scratchers that once filled shelves have had to admit defeat to the third-person adventure genre, as it continues to dominate the industry.

Due to the genre's continued success, we've decided to expand this list by a further five entries to give the third-person adventure genre the recognition that it deserves.

15 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a convenient title to start with, as it exemplifies the previous point. The game was released in 2003, right in the midst of gaming's shift from platformers to third-person adventures. Instead of picking a side, Ubisoft decided to combine the two genres, proving that platforming still had a place in the modern world.

Despite the game's success, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time's take on modern platforming didn't exactly take off. This doesn't mean that the game has aged badly though; in fact, it has done the opposite, with its unique blend of genres feeling fresh even today. The iconic series' most critically acclaimed game is getting a long-awaited remake in 2021, which may finally spark a resurgence of AAA platformers.

14 Ōkami

It's always nice to be compared to someone or something that is one of the best in its field, and Ōkami has the honor of being compared to the most critically acclaimed video game series of all time, The Legend of Zelda.

Despite the clear similarities, Ōkami is far from just being a Zelda clone. The game brings many fantastic ideas to the table, namely the beautiful art design, and its wolf protagonist; something that Nintendo would emulate with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

13 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Although the first two Witcher games were praised by critics and fans alike, the series was still relatively unknown. This all changed in 2015 when CD Projekt Red fired themselves and their Witcher series into the limelight with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers one of the best open worlds in the history of gaming, with tons of excellent side quests that supplement the memorable story-driven adventure.

12 Mass Effect 2

From one of gaming's great story-driven adventures to another, Mass Effect 2 significantly improved upon its already excellent predecessor with its expanded combat mechanics and heavier emphasis on relationship building.

Mass Effect 2 is the first game that many point to when discussing the impact of players' choices in a game, as almost every important decision that the player makes in Mass Effect 2 leads to one of gaming's best final missions, the "Suicide Mission".

11 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Considered by many to be not just the best third-person adventure of all time, but the best video game of all time, period. The game sits atop of Metacritic's highest-rated games of all-time list, with an eye-watering 99 Metascore that may never be beaten.

Although the fact that Ocarina of Time was the first 3D Zelda game undoubtedly helped its critical reception, to say that this was the leading factor in its Metascore would be extremely unfair. The adventure game is still fantastic to play today, with some of the most well-designed puzzles and dungeons in the franchise history, along with a simple yet touching coming-of-age story.

10 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Released as a launch title for the Xbox One, some predicted that Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag would have its fair share of bugs. For such an audaciously expansive game, it plays phenomenally. It's one of the best ways to experience Assassin's Creed because of its immersive third-person gameplay.

Standing out from other Assassin's Creed games, this third-person adventure game had a significant improvement in naval combat. It received acclaim from the majority of critics. Simply put, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is gorgeous, and it's one of the most charming third-person adventure games of all time.

9 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

They're calling it a Dark Souls-esque game, but it's so much more on so many levels. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order contains the most exhilarating lightsaber clashes we've seen in Star Wars game thus far. Wielding the Force to combat opponents and achieve objectives has never been so intuitive.

With a protagonist, Cal, who we have grown to admire, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is deserving of its placement on this list. In this Star Wars game, players walk the path of a Jedi, starting as a Padawan. Training is long and tough, but the fate of the galaxy rests on your shoulders.

8 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

When Uncharted 2: Among Thieves released, it was a massive leap in gameplay compared to its predecessor. The wall climbing, action, and story were all significant improvements. Furthermore, the story introduced Chloe, one of the most recognizable female secondary characters today.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was remastered as part of Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is a remaster of the trilogy in 60 frames per second. The collection is the foremost way to experience this game.

7 Rise of the Tomb Raider

Playing as protagonist Lara Croft, players assume the role of an archaeologist who ventures into ancient tombs searching for treasure and rare artifacts. The preservation of tombs is important to Lara Croft, which is what separates her from the bad guys.

Publisher Square Enix's most recent Tomb Raider trilogy is arguably one of the best in gaming history. Rise of the Tomb Raider may be the best in the series for its invigorating action-adventure gameplay and intriguing story. This is one third-person adventure game you can't miss!

6 Grand Theft Auto V

Rockstar Games' behemoth of a sequel in the Grand Theft Auto series is possibly one of the greatest games of all time. In Grand Theft Auto V, players can do heists, own properties, steal and race cars, participate in deathmatches, and more. There is never a shortage of content to keep players engaged in Rockstar's flagship title.

Third-person gameplay in Grand Theft Auto V allows players to see more of the game's beautiful world. With the ability to switch between the third-person and first-person view, this game goes above and beyond.

5 Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

It was a close call, but we have to give Uncharted 4: A Thief's End this placement ahead of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Although Uncharted 2: Among Thieves may have been more impactful when it was released, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End has more robust gameplay combined with a more fascinating story.

It's masterful usage of wall climbing and numerous collectibles give the game tremendous replay value. You can even play Crash Bandicoot—a game within a game! You'll be captivated by the story of this game, making it a must-play.

4 Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption takes place after Red Dead Redemption 2 chronologically but is the first game in the series. Playing as John Marston, players are put into an all too familiar role. It's about a Western cowboy gunslinger who tried to go straight and narrow by making an honest living.

Things change once his wife and kid are kidnapped, and John Marston has to take up arms. Whether you're a bigger fan of the first Red Dead Redemption or the second, both are exceptional third-person games in their own right.

3 Batman: Arkham City

Winner of many GOTY awards, Batman: Arkham City brings players into a twisted world enshrouded in darkness. Batman: Arkham City is, without a doubt, a fine game in the Arkham series because of its gripping story and immersive world.

Players can glide from building to building, giving a feeling of weightlessness while almost freediving. Gliding alone makes this Batman game exceptional. Games like Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Marvel's Spider-Man take a great deal of inspiration from the second Arkham game. It's one gem from the Arkham series that can't be missed.

2 The Last of Us

Video games need more than the bare basics. The Last of Us excels with both an exciting story and unique gameplay. Following Ellie and Joel, this game's story is recognized for being one of the greatest in gaming. Their journey to seek out the Fireflies escalates into a perilous quest with an ongoing zombie attack and rival factions at large. The Last of Us Remastered for PlayStation 4 is the ultimate way to experience this third-person action-adventure game.

1 God of War

Graphically, God of War is impressive, to say the least. It is a technical achievement, making it the most excellent third-person adventure game of all time. Following Kratos (who has been stripped of most of his powers) and his son Atreus, it is a mythological hack and slash game.

Taking after games like Diablo 3, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and Devil May Cry, this latest entry in the franchise is God of War in a whole new light.

NEXT: 10 Open-World Games That Can Be Beaten Surprisingly Fast

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