Although size is not everything when it comes to maps, developers need to offer good content to supplement the size of a map. Otherwise, players feel like they are wondering a large void instead of a fun video game.
Rockstar is among one of the publishers who create games that are massive and filled with good content likeRead Dead Redemption 2. That being said, many forget thatBethesda paved the wayfor large open world RPG titles and in many ways provided the blue print that is still being used by other developers to this day.Skyrimturned out to be one of the more perfect titles Bethesda released when it comes to map size and overall content, so here are the major differences betweenSkyrimandRead Dead Redemption 2(RDR2) when it comes to map size and overall map content.
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RDR2is almost twice the size ofSkyrimwith about 29 square miles of land compared toSkyrim’s14.3 square miles. Some discrepancies should be made however when comparing these games. First off,Skyrimwas released almost ten full years beforeRDR2, which means little when it comes to map size, but it does when comparing the overall quality of the games. Secondly,Skyrimfeels larger than it is compared to other games because of the effort players have to put into moving across the map. Interestingly, this is the same if not more so forRDR2. It takes a little over 2 hours to walk across the Skyrimmap while it takes about two hours to walk acrossone territory in Read Dead Redemption.
Once players have unlocked enough locations, they can essentially fast travel all over the map inSkyrim. Thefast travel system inRDR2is a little more complicated. Once unlocked players can fast travel from their wagon but this isn’t until later in the game. Before this, players must use their horse, a stagecoach, or a train to travel around the vastRDR2map. This applies the same effect theSkyrimmap does to players when they first try the game but to a whole new scale. Not only is the map larger thanSkyrim’sbutRDR2’smap seems to be harder to traverse thanSkyrim’s,making it feel even more realistic when players travel.
ClearlyRDR2is much larger thanSkyrim’smap but is the content there?Skyrimhas a total of 343 locationsto fast travel to whileRDR2only has 12 main cities and towns and 6 major territories. As far as quests go,Skyrimhas a total of 273 quests whileRDR2only has 109.
Technically speaking,Skyrimoffers players almost twice the amount of content in half the amount of space thatRDR2does. This in turn can make some players feel likeSkyrimis bigger than it realistically is compared to some morerealistic feeling games likeRDR2.
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This being said,RDR2is newer, and therefore has not had as manyDLCs asSkyrimand also offers different content to the map like the multiplayer mode inRDR2.RDR2has done extremely well offering players a lot of good content with the size of map it does.While there are times players may feel like they need to seek out quests or may feel a little bored with the vast landscapes, this adds to the realistic feel ofRDR2and is a big part of the game.
Finally, one thingRDR2beatsSkyrimin without question is the quality of graphics in the landscapes. While both games feel vast, offer breath taking views from tall mountains and inspire wonder in those who decide to enjoy their amazing scenery,RDR2was made afterSkyrimand used a different engine. It is no surprise thatRDR2graphicshave better quality when it comes to their realistic scenery. Unfortunately, players will never see a dragon flying out from behind a mountain inRDR2;that players have to go toSkyrimfor.
To summarize,RDR2has a maptwice the size ofSkyrim’sbut does not include as much content.Skyrimis easier to travel around thanRDR2, butRDR2has much better graphics. Players that enjoy true freedom and endless content should playSkyrimwhile those who enjoy realistic gameplay, peak graphics and challenging travel should go forRDR2. However, players need to enjoy both maps before deciding for themselves which one is better for their playing style. With all this information in mind, it would be hard to ever argue thatSkyrim’smap is anywhere close to how largeRDR2’sis.
