Open-world games have truly found their stride on the PlayStation 5, offering an unparalleled level of immersion and freedom. With the raw power of next-gen hardware, these titles transport players into vast, living, and best open world games PS5 where exploration is not just encouraged, but enriching. From sprawling futuristic cities to mystical ancient lands, the PS5’s capabilities, including lightning-fast load times and stunning graphical fidelity, elevate the open-world experience to new heights. Prepare to dive into a curated selection of titles that promise endless hours of adventure and discovery, catering to every kind of player.
Crafting the Ultimate Open-World Experience on PS5
What truly defines a superb open-world game on the PlayStation 5? It’s a harmonious blend of technical prowess and ingenious design. The powerful SSD ensures virtually instantaneous loading, keeping you immersed without interruption. This is complemented by breathtaking visuals and expansive environments that invite extensive exploration and interaction.
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Whether you crave a gripping narrative to unravel or the sheer joy of sandbox-style freedom, the best titles deliver. Furthermore, the innovative DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add an extra layer of tactile immersion, making every action feel more impactful. These next-gen enhancements truly set the PS5’s open-world offerings apart.
Elden Ring
A Journey into the Lands Between
| Title | Elden Ring |
| Genre | Action RPG, Open World, Fantasy |
| Systems | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Windows) |
| Release Date | February 25, 2022 |
| Available On | Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Retail (physical copies) |
| Where to Play | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| ESRB Rating | Mature 17+ (M) |
| Developer(s) | FromSoftware |
| Publisher(s) | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Engine | FromSoftware’s proprietary engine |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows |
| How Long to Beat | Main story: ~45-60 hours Completionist: ~100+ hours |
Embark on an epic adventure into a sprawling, brutal, and utterly captivating world. Elden Ring, a masterpiece of exploration-focused gameplay, thrusts players into a massive open world filled with challenging foes, hidden secrets, and a sense of unparalleled freedom. Its award-winning design allows you to forge your path, making each discovery feel like a personal triumph.
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With its profound lore crafted by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring weaves a haunting narrative that rewards curiosity and persistence. From haunting catacombs to towering castles, every inch of the Lands Between feels alive with mystery and meaning. Whether you’re battling legendary bosses or simply soaking in the eerie beauty of a forgotten ruin, Elden Ring ensures your journey is as memorable as it is unforgiving.
Horizon Forbidden West
Unveiling a Gorgeous Post-Apocalyptic Frontier
| Title | Horizon Forbidden West |
| Genre | Action role-playing |
| Systems | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| Release Date | February 18, 2022 |
| Available On | PlayStation Store, Retail (PS4 & PS5 physical and digital copies) |
| Where to Play | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| ESRB Rating | Teen |
| Developer(s) | Guerrilla Games |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Engine | Decima Engine |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| How Long to Beat | Main Story: ~30-35 hours Completionist: ~60+ hours |
Step into a breathtaking post-apocalyptic world brimming with stunning landscapes and formidable robotic creatures. Horizon Forbidden West, a genuine PS5 exclusive open-world game, boasts a rich lore and engaging RPG mechanics. It expertly leverages the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, making every draw of the bowstring and clash with a machine feel incredibly tactile and immersive.
With a vast open world that stretches from lush jungles to sunken cities, Horizon Forbidden West offers players a rich sense of discovery at every turn. Side quests are meaningful, characters are well-developed, and the main storyline is emotionally gripping, especially as Aloy dives deeper into the secrets of the Old Ones. Whether you’re hunting rare machines or exploring ancient ruins, the game continually rewards your curiosity.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales / Spider-Man 2
Web-Slinging Through Next-Gen NYC
| Title | Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Spider-Man 2 |
| Genre | Action, Adventure | Action, Adventure |
| Systems | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 |
| Release Date | November 12, 2020 | October 20, 2023 |
| Available On | PS4, PS5 | PS5 |
| Where to Play | PlayStation consoles | PlayStation 5 |
| ESRB Rating | T (Teen) | T (Teen) |
| Developer(s) | Insomniac Games | Insomniac Games |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Engine | Insomniac Engine | Insomniac Engine |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 5 |
| How Long to Beat | Main Story: ~8-10 hours; Completionist: ~15-20 hours | Estimated Main Story: ~15-20 hours; Completionist: ~30+ hours (based on series trends) |
Experience the thrill of soaring through a vibrant New York City in true next-gen style. Both Spider-Man: Miles Morales and the highly anticipated Spider-Man 2 offer incredibly fluid movement and engaging narratives. The power of the PS5 brings stunning ray tracing effects to life, while the SSD ensures lightning-fast travel across the massive urban playground.
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What truly sets these games apart is their emotional depth and character development. Miles brings a fresh, youthful perspective as he balances heroism with personal growth, while Spider-Man 2 dives deeper into Peter Parker’s evolving story alongside exciting new villains. With dynamic combat, rich storytelling, and jaw-dropping visuals, both titles deliver a superhero experience that feels as powerful as it looks.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Raiding and Exploring in the Viking Age
| Title | Assassin’s Creed Valhalla |
| Genre | Action role-playing |
| Systems | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Stadia |
| Release Date | November 10, 2020 |
| Available On | Digital stores, physical retail stores |
| Where to Play | Consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S), PC, Google Stadia |
| ESRB Rating | M (Mature 17+) |
| Developer(s) | Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Quebec, Ubisoft Singapore, Ubisoft Bucharest (among others) |
| Publisher(s) | Ubisoft |
| Engine | AnvilNext 2.0 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Stadia |
| How Long to Beat | ~50-60 hours (Main story + side content) |
Journey to the brutal and beautiful Viking era with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This game features a massive open map waiting to be explored, offering a compelling blend of stealth and brutal combat. The PS5 upgrade significantly enhances its visuals, making the vast landscapes and detailed settlements even more captivating.
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Players step into the boots of Eivor, a fierce Viking raider, as they lead their clan from Norway to England in search of a new home. Along the way, you’ll build settlements, forge alliances, and take part in massive battles. With a rich storyline, deep RPG elements, and engaging side quests, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla delivers an unforgettable open-world experience that’s both immersive and action-packed.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
A Samurai’s Tale in Feudal Japan
| Title | Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Open World |
| Systems | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| Release Date | August 20, 2021 |
| Available On | PlayStation Store, Retail (PS4 & PS5) |
| Where to Play | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 consoles |
| ESRB Rating | M (Mature 17+) |
| Developer(s) | Sucker Punch Productions |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Engine | Proprietary Sucker Punch Engine |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| How Long to Beat | Main Story: ~25-30 hours Completionist: ~50-60 hours |
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of samurai-era Japan with Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut. This title offers stunning visuals and a compelling narrative, further enhanced by DualSense support and immersive 3D audio. For those seeking camaraderie, the Legends mode provides an exciting co-op experience.
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Whether you’re stealthily taking down enemies or charging into battle with a katana in hand, the fluid combat system gives you complete freedom to play your way. With the addition of the Iki Island expansion, you’ll uncover deeper layers of Jin’s story and face new threats that test both skill and spirit.
Cyberpunk 2077 (Next-Gen Patch)
Night City in Ultra Detail
| Title | Cyberpunk 2077 (Next-Gen Patch) |
| Genre | Action RPG, Open World |
| Systems | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X |
| Release Date | Next-Gen Patch released on February 15, 2023 |
| Available On | PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Where to Play | Consoles (Next-gen), PC |
| ESRB Rating | Mature (M) |
| Developer(s) | CD Projekt Red |
| Publisher(s) | CD Projekt |
| Engine | REDengine 4 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X |
| How Long to Beat | Main Story: ~25-30 hours Completionist: ~70-100 hours |
Dive into the sprawling metropolis of Night City with Cyberpunk 2077’s next-gen patch. This vast world is brought to life in ultra-high detail, offering a complex web of branching quests and endless possibilities. The improvements on PS5 are extensive, making it a much more refined and enjoyable experience.
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With faster load times, enhanced ray tracing, and haptic feedback through the DualSense controller, the PS5 version pulls you deeper into the chaos and beauty of Night City. Whether you’re cruising through neon-lit streets or taking on gigs in the Badlands, the immersive upgrades make every moment feel cinematic and alive.
Grand Theft Auto V
Expanded & Enhanced: Classic Open-World Chaos Reimagined
| Title | Grand Theft Auto V |
| Genre | Action-adventure |
| Systems | Single-player, multiplayer (online) |
| Release Date | September 17, 2013 |
| Available On | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| Where to Play | Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), PC |
| ESRB Rating | Mature (M) |
| Developer(s) | Rockstar North |
| Publisher(s) | Rockstar Games |
| Engine | Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE) |
| Platforms | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows (PC) |
| How Long to Beat | ~31 hours (main story), 82+ hours (completionist) |
Relive the classic open-world chaos with Grand Theft Auto V: Expanded & Enhanced. This iconic title greatly benefits from PS5 features, offering improved performance and enhanced visuals. Its endless replayability ensures that the streets of Los Santos continue to provide hours of entertainment.
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Whether you’re diving into the gripping story of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor or jumping into the ever-evolving world of GTA Online, this version makes it all feel fresh again. With faster load times, 4K resolution, and improved textures, every shootout, car chase, and heist feels more immersive and cinematic than ever.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
A Legendary RPG Continues to Enchant
| Title | The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt |
| Genre | Action RPG, Open World |
| Systems | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Release Date | May 19, 2015 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) |
| Available On | Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop |
| Where to Play | PC, Consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch) |
| ESRB Rating | Mature (17+) |
| Developer(s) | CD Projekt Red |
| Publisher(s) | CD Projekt Red |
| Engine | REDengine 3 |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S |
| How Long to Beat | Main Story: ~50 hours Completionist: ~150 hours |
Experience the legendary storytelling depth of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition. This massive world is filled with countless quests, rich lore, and unforgettable characters. The free PS5 upgrade further enhances this beloved RPG, making it an even more visually stunning and immersive adventure.
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With improved load times, ray-traced lighting, and performance mode options on PS5, players can now dive into Geralt’s monster-hunting journey like never before. Whether you’re revisiting old paths or exploring for the first time, this edition delivers the ultimate Witcher experience with all expansions and DLC included.
The best open world games PS5
| Feature/Similarity | Description |
| Vast, Seamless Worlds | All games boast expansive, contiguous environments that minimize loading screens and encourage continuous exploration. |
| Emphasis on Exploration | Players are encouraged to discover hidden areas, secrets, and optional content by venturing off the main path. |
| Non-Linear Progression | While main storylines exist, players have the freedom to tackle side quests, activities, or explore at their own pace, rather than a rigid linear progression. |
| Immersive Visuals | Leveraging PS5 hardware, these games deliver stunning graphics, detailed environments, and high fidelity to enhance immersion. |
| Fast Load Times | The PS5’s SSD enables near-instantaneous loading, maintaining player immersion without disruptive waits. |
| DualSense Integration | Most titles utilize the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for enhanced tactile immersion and responsiveness. |
| RPG Mechanics (Varying) | Elements like character customization, skill trees, gear progression, and player choices that impact the game world are commonly integrated. |
| Player Freedom & Agency | A core design principle is empowering players to make their own decisions, choose their activities, and define their own gameplay experience. |
Honorable Mentions
While our top picks shine brightest, several other titles offer fantastic open-world experiences on the PS5. Watch Dogs: Legion offers unique urban hacking adventures, while Dying Light 2 Stay Human combines thrilling parkour and zombie-survival elements. The Saints Row (2022 Reboot) brings back its signature brand of chaotic fun, and Far Cry 6 delivers its explosive open-world action. Finally, for those who dreamed of attending a magical school, Hogwarts Legacy offers a truly enchanting open-world experience.
Final Thoughts
Your Next Adventure Awaits
The PS5 truly delivers an exceptional array of the best open-world games. Whether you crave the brutal challenges of Elden Ring, the captivating narrative of Horizon Forbidden West, or the sheer joy of web-slinging in Spider-Man, there’s an adventure waiting for you. We encourage you to explore these diverse genres and discover new favorites. What’s your favorite PS5 open-world game? Let us know in the comments below!
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And remember, the beauty of open-world gaming lies in freedom—freedom to explore, create, fight, or get lost in breathtaking virtual worlds. With the power of the PS5, these experiences are more immersive and visually stunning than ever before. So grab your controller and dive in—your next epic journey is just a load screen away.
FAQs: PS5 Open-World Games
1. What defines a “best” open-world game on PS5?
The “best” open-world games on PS5 generally combine expansive, detailed maps with compelling gameplay and a strong sense of player freedom. Key factors include stunning graphics, fast loading times (thanks to the PS5’s SSD), engaging narratives or robust sandbox mechanics, and effective use of the DualSense controller’s unique features for enhanced immersion.
2. Are there many PS5 exclusive open-world games available?
Yes, the PS5 boasts a growing library of open-world titles that are either exclusive to the platform or have been significantly enhanced to take full advantage of its capabilities. Games like Horizon Forbidden West and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 are prime examples, showcasing what the console can do with dedicated development.
3. Which open-world games on PS5 have the most realistic graphics?
Many PS5 open-world games push graphical boundaries to achieve stunning realism. Titles like Horizon Forbidden West are lauded for their breathtaking environmental detail and character models. Cyberpunk 2077, with its next-gen patch, also delivers an incredibly detailed and realistic urban environment, thanks to ray tracing and other visual enhancements.
4. What can I expect from next-gen open-world games on PS5 in terms of map size?
Next-gen open-world games on PS5 often feature incredibly huge maps that are designed to be explored without interruptions. The power of the PS5 allows for seamless transitions and minimal loading screens, making these vast worlds feel even more interconnected and alive. Games like Elden Ring and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are excellent examples of titles that offer massive, playable areas.
5. Besides exploration, what other types of open-world gameplay can I find on PS5?
Beyond pure exploration, PS5 open-world games offer a rich variety of gameplay experiences. Many are action-packed, featuring dynamic combat and intense encounters, such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Dying Light 2 Stay Human. You’ll also find deep PS5 open-world RPGs with intricate skill systems and branching narratives, such as The Witcher 3. Additionally, there are titles with significant PS5 sandbox game elements that emphasize player creativity and emergent gameplay.
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