Open world games, while not a genre in and of itself, is a popular concept where players can explore a game freely, completing objectives with fluidity rather than by a more structured approach found in other games. That’s why you’ll want to know all the best PS5 open world games to play on the console.
The PS5 is no stranger to this concept of some of the best open world games to choose from. For our list, we’ve picked titles (some of which can be found in our best games and best PS5 games guide) that are definitely worth playing. There’s a little something for everyone in our list from adventure, to thriller, to the more mythical wonders in life, with each one leaning into gaming genres suitable for players of all kinds. So, what are the best PS5 open world games?
Here are the best PS5 open world games to play:
- Elden Ring
- Horizon Forbidden West
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Dying Light 2
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- No Man’s Sky
- Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
- Diablo 4
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- The Pathless
- Demon’s Souls
- Immortals Fenyx Rising
1. Elden Ring
If you’re a big fan of Soulslikes and you’ve not played Elden Ring yet, where have you been? This punishing open world action RPG will really test your patience, but it’s worth it, trust us.
The map is never ending, the Elden Ring bosses are challenging, and the quests are, what you’d expect from a game of this calibre. Elden Ring is easily one of the best games we’ve had this year and open world fans must try it.
Don’t believe us? Check out our Elden Ring review.
2. Horizon Forbidden West
The sequel to 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West improves on the first game in every way. We get a new story involving Aloy heading west to find out what’s going on with this robotic dinosaur wasteland, and improved mechanics, like climbing.
Fans of the first game will want to snap this experience up as soon as possible because it’s everything we’ve come to know and love from Guerrilla Games and more. You can read more about that in our Horizon Forbidden West review.
3. Cyberpunk 2077
You might be questioning our decision to slap Cyberpunk 2077 here, especially after its disappointing launch, but hear us out.
Since the next-gen upgrade, Cyberpunk has set out to do what it promised all those years ago. With a sparkling futuristic open world that won’t disappoint, a variety of missions and side quests, and captivating characters, there’s never been a better time to jump into Night City.
4. Dying Light 2
Need some brains in your life? Then Dying Light 2 might be the poison you need right now, especially if you’ve read our Dying Light 2 review. This big open world zombie RPG builds upon the original game, but expands it.
The map is much bigger, the questlines are better, and there’s enough content to keep you busy for quite a long time. Plus, with new expansions, Dying Light 2 is the perfect open world PS5 game for those looking for a bit of extra action in their lives.
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a PS5 exclusive that boasts Marvel madness. With a whole host of Spidey games already available to play in the franchise, it’s a welcome addition to Sony’s newest console that has players swinging through New York City like never before. Miles Morales is a whole new Spider-Man with different powers and a contemporary perspective on the Marvel games.
Developer Insomniac continues with Spider greatness with a solid introduction to Miles Morales in this standalone game that offers open world exploration across the Big Apple.
6. No Man’s Sky
Developer Hello Games released this infinitely procedurally generated game in 2016, but thankfully, while every update has been free, so has the PS5 upgrade. Open world almost doesn’t do this game justice given that there’s over 18 quintillion planets in the No Man’s Sky universe to explore and it’s different for everyone.
There’s four pillars to this one; survival, combat, trading, and exploration and all of these are given the space to soar in this incredible expanse of a game.
7. Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
Another PlayStation exclusive comes from Sucker Punch Production with Ghost of Tsushima. In this entry to the best PS5 open world games, players become samurai, Jin Sakari, tasked with protecting Tsushima Island against the Mongol invasion in Japan.
With an open world setting, there’s a lot to do and it’s your path to choose. The Director’s Cut edition is the full PS5 upgrade that offers new additional content as well as utilising the full technical capabilities of the PS5 behemoth.
8. Diablo 4
As an ARPG, Diablo 4 sets itself apart from the rest of the games on this list, though it is indeed vast and allows you to explore the five regions across its map however you like. With more content than some of the other open world games on this list, a huge amount of replayability, and tons of depth, Diablo 4 is a must-play title. It’s also got a hellishly good story to experience on your journey towards the Diablo 4 endgame that will keep you engaged the whole way through.
If you prefer top-down games, Diablo 4 is for you as it’s one of the best top-down RPGs on PS5 and one of the best open-world games to boot. Use our Diablo 4 tier list of best classes if you’re thinking about diving in.
9. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
If Vikings and Norse mythology are a bit of you, then Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a game you should be playing. The twelfth major instalment to the incredibly popular franchise, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla builds upon previous games and ensures it stays true to the AC recipe for greatness.
A fascinating historical setting, slick stealth mechanics, and a ridiculously vast world to explore.
10. The Pathless
Sticking to the mythic theme, we move onto indie game The Pathless from developer, Giant Squid. In The Pathless, players take control of a huntress who is joined by her eagle as they embark on an adventure through vast forests, meadows, and tundras as you hunt for a way to lift a curse on the island which you find yourself.
Praised greatly for its beautiful design, The Pathless is full of choices, puzzles, and combat as player’s navigate their own path through this fabled land.
11. Demon’s Souls
The only entry on this list that’s a remake, Demon’s Souls, launched alongside the console and totally overhauled the 2009 classic PlayStation game with the stunning visuals and performance capabilities only available on the PS5 console.
It’s incredibly complicated stages and path taken through the game makes for a slightly different open world experience given it’s over a decade older than the rest, but the challenge is real and incredibly rewarding.
12. Immortals Fenyx Rising
And finally, another launch title for the PS5 was Immortals Fenyx Rising, previously known as God and Monsters and our third entry from developer, Ubisoft.
You play as Fenyx, from Greek mythology, and similarly to our other entries from Ubisoft with Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, as you complete objectives across the open world, your character grows in strength and ability to defeat higher powers. Praised for its vibrant design, adventurous gameplay, and for actually being quite funny.
Now it’s time for you to get out there and explore as we come to the end of our best PS5 open world games list. As you can see, there’s plenty for you to sink your teeth into and big vast worlds to enjoy. Why not check out the best PS5 RPG games you can play for more immersive worlds to lose yourself in?
