How Fast Travel Changed Open World Games

The Evolution of Exploration

Open world games have long been celebrated for their vast, immersive landscapes that invite players to explore every hidden corner. In the early days of the genre, traversing these expansive worlds was a time-consuming endeavor. Players would spend hours on horseback, in vehicles, or simply on foot, slowly making their way from one destination to another. While this approach fostered a deep sense of immersion, it also risked fatigue—especially when backtracking became necessary.

The introduction of fast travel marked a turning point. Suddenly, players could bypass lengthy journeys and instantly teleport to previously discovered locations. This seemingly simple mechanic reshaped the way open world games were designed and experienced.

The Convenience Factor

Fast travel addressed one of the biggest frustrations in open world gaming: repetition. Instead of retracing steps through familiar terrain, players could focus on new quests, discoveries, and challenges. Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt integrated fast travel seamlessly, allowing players to jump between cities, dungeons, and landmarks with ease.

This convenience didn’t just save time—it altered pacing. Players could engage in more dynamic storytelling, hopping between major plot points without getting bogged down by travel. For many, this made open worlds feel more accessible and less daunting.

The Trade-Off: Immersion vs. Efficiency

However, fast travel wasn’t without controversy. Some argued that it diminished the sense of adventure. In games like Red Dead Redemption 2, where the journey itself is part of the experience, skipping travel could mean missing random encounters, environmental storytelling, or breathtaking vistas. Developers began experimenting with compromises—some games limited fast travel to specific points, while others incentivized exploration by rewarding players who traveled manually.

The Future of Fast Travel

As open worlds grow even larger (see Starfield or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla), fast travel remains a crucial tool. Yet, modern games are finding ways to balance convenience with immersion. Dynamic events, evolving landscapes, and deeper interaction systems ensure that even with fast travel, the world feels alive.

Ultimately, fast travel didn’t just change how we move through virtual worlds—it changed how we experience them. Whether embraced or moderated, its impact on open world design is undeniable.