The best games set in the desert (part 2)

2 days ago, by Enzo

Vast sand dunes, forgotten cities, devastating storms, and life-saving oases: the desert offers video games settings that are as magnificent as they are hostile. Following an initial selection of relatively well-known games set in desert environments, here is a second list featuring games that are generally less in the spotlight.

Nathan Drake traverses the dunes of the Arabian Peninsula in an adventure that takes him all the way to the legendary Rub’ al-Khali Desert in Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. Amid ancient ruins, sandstorms, and memorable action sequences, this installment offers one of the most striking depictions of the desert in an adventure game.

Inspired by the world of Frank Herbert, Dune: Awakening plunges players into Arrakis, a planet where water is scarce and sandworms pose a constant threat. Between survival, spice harvesting, exploration, and factional rivalries, this open-world game transforms the desert into a formidable adversary in its own right.

For a more laid-back experience, Sable offers a magnificent escape into the dunes, with landscapes bathed in light. You play as a young heroine exploring an arid world on her hoverbike, searching for ruins, encounters, and answers about her identity. In Wildmender, players are tasked with bringing a desert world back to life by growing plants, creating gardens, and reviving ecosystems.

For a change of pace from survival games, BAJA: Edge of Control HD offers off-road racing on dusty tracks and rugged terrain inspired in part by the landscapes of the Baja California Peninsula. Meanwhile, the real-time strategy game Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak transports players to Kharak, a desert planet where multiple factions vie for resources and forgotten technologies.

We end on a high note with Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered, which takes us to Mars. Players join a resistance fighting against an oppressive regime amid dusty landscapes and industrial colonies. The spectacular destruction of buildings and vehicles, along with open-world combat, gives this Red Planet a desert atmosphere that’s particularly conducive to action.

This second selection demonstrates just how well these environments may host a wide selection of experiences, ranging from strategy and survival to adventure and racing. Some games invite us to conquer the dunes, while others challenge us to bring them back to life or uncover their secrets. In any case, one thing is certain: these sandy worlds are always home to an exciting adventure.