10. Metro Exodus (PS5)
4A Games' post-apocalyptic adventure Metro Exodus feels like it was meant for PS5, with silky smooth performance, great looking ray-traced graphics, and complete DualSense functionality. While some flaws of the original release do persist — those accents! — there's a lot to like about this game on Sony's current-gen system. Featuring loads of tense story moments and some super atmospheric exploration, this train ride through the Russian wasteland makes for a memorable journey.
9. Judgment (PS5)
It may have launched on PS4 not long before this PS5 port, but Judgment is so good that it deserves every chance at success that it can get. This Yakuza spinoff puts you in the sneakers of Takayuki Yagami, a private detective living in the heart of Kamurocho, a fictional red light district that's always teetering on the edge of chaos. Tangled up in a series of brutal murders, Yagami is forced to dig deep into the city's criminal underbelly, resulting in a truly gripping story. With a brilliant cast of characters, a great combat system, and a map that's stuffed with fun distractions, Judgment is right up there with the absolute best that Yakuza has to offer.
8. Death Stranding Director's Cut (PS5)
Death Stranding Director's Cut takes the truly unique "strand game" adventure and dials things up a notch for PS5. Hideo Kojima and his team created a haunting and strange world with the original game, tasking players with traversing a desolate and dangerous landscape to make deliveries. It shouldn't work, but it does — every step you take can be a risk, and this need to watch your footing is an interesting way to create tension, especially when those nasty BTs show up. Director's Cut enhances the experience with improved graphics and performance, DualSense support, 3D audio, and a range of new content.
7. Hogwarts Legacy (PS5)
Taking place hundreds of years before the events of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Legacy finally lets fans live out their dream of attending the eponymous school. While there's an intriguing story to follow that takes you far beyond the castle itself, this RPG's strengths are all in the smaller things. The school is a joy to explore, as are the surrounding grounds, because of an obsessive attention to detail that really does imbue the open world with magic. Layer on top solid spell-based combat, flying on your broom, and even rearing magical creatures, and the result is a real crowd-pleaser — and definitely the best game in the franchise.
6. Elden Ring (PS5)
Elden Ring’s crowning achievement is taking a relatively niche gameplay loop – refined over the years with Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, et al – and presenting it to the masses. FromSoftware’s open world magnum opus is a staggering achievement: a sandbox bursting at the seams with vulgar secrets, all presented with enough ambiguity to make combing every square inch of its dramatic Lands Between backdrop feel like true discovery. With a complex combat system enabling an eclectic array of gameplay styles, and some of the most devilish encounters in gaming history, this is an unmissable experience – and then some.
Segmented into a selection of sprawling sinister landscapes, celebrated director Hidetaka Miyazaki’s ambitious open world harbours more secrets than you may imagine. Cliff edges hide untouched catacombs, littered with loot and guarded by grotesque enemies, while the friendly characters you encounter gradually make way to sprawling quest lines that will send you all over the open world.
While you will need assistance to discover much of the game’s more obscure content – and we recommend reading through our Elden Ring guide before you embark – a big part of this fantasy favourite’s appeal is simply getting lost in its world. With the bottlenecks of past entries mostly eradicated due to the sheer scale of its sandbox, no two adventures will ever be the same.
In fact, the title’s versatility is one of its defining features. With a dizzying selection of armaments to choose from, ranging spellbinding incantations through to deadly seven-foot swords, the game gives you the freedom to inject your own personality into it. And whether you’re playing in single player alone or in co-op with a companion, you’ll find what feels like a never-ending array of artillery to experiment with and areas to explore.
FromSoftware has never been blessed with technical chops, and while the painterly art direction borders on the sublime, some minor frame hitching and graphical glitches can be a concern. But these are minor blights in a tour-de-force: a culmination of everything the Japanese developer has spent the past decade and a bit working to achieve.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition (PS5)
Seven years later, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still one of the absolute best RPGs around. This updated PS5 version only adds a little bit of new content in the form of costumes and a (actually fantastic) quest inspired by the Netflix series, but the visuals are better than ever thanks to improved assets, textures, lighting, and even a dedicated ray tracing mode. What's more, a number of small gameplay improvements really add up, resulting in the definitive edition of Geralt's generational adventure. If you've got the urge for yet another replay, then it's best done on PS5 with what is the best looking and best playing version of The Witcher 3.
4. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales may be shorter than its immediate predecessor, a spin-off if you like, but it’s lacking none of the character of its older, bigger brother. While Marvel’s Spider-Man did away with origin story clichés, Miles Morales is much more of a coming of age tale, as it sees the eponymous star coming to terms with his new-found powers. This is a deeply personal plot that adds depth to Insomniac Games’ wider Spider-Man universe, and it comes with some smart new gameplay wrinkles that make it a blast to play. Instant loading and sumptuous visuals are merely the frosting on the top of this wintery open world treat, which will leave you lusting after Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
3. Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)
The sequel to Guerrilla Games' breakout hit, Horizon Zero Dawn, is bigger and better than its immediate predecessor in every single way. Horizon Forbidden West may retread familiar territory with its open world RPG adventure, but it improves upon the writing, introducing a worthwhile cast of characters for heroine Aloy to bounce off. New combat and exploration wrinkles, including a grappling hook, intensify the action, while the eponymous Forbidden West is a diverse sandbox, bursting with varied biomes and secrets to discover.
2. Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered (PS5)
Offered as an added incentive as part of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ pricier Ultimate Edition, a somewhat strange delivery mechanism should take nothing away from Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. Insomniac Games invested a huge amount of effort here, rebuilding New York City to take full advantage of the PS5 hardware, without interfering with the critically acclaimed action of the PS4 original. Some vocal fans were frustrated by the changes to protagonist Peter Parker’s face – but with new visual effects like ray tracing, in addition to silky smooth 60 frames-per-second refresh rates, this is the definitive way to experience Sony’s superb superhero sandbox. It even includes all of the original’s inconsequential but enjoyable expansion packs!
1. Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut (PS5)
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut repackages one of the greatest open world games of the PS4 era on the PS5. A breakout hit for first-party developer Sucker Punch, this expanded re-release includes a new idyllic samurai sandbox named Iki Island, and forces protagonist Jin Sakai to face some painful memories. With improved presentation and stunning DualSense support, allowing you to physically feel the clash of steel-on-steel in your fingertips, this is the definitive version of one of PlayStation Studios’ crowning achievements.
It represents an interesting change of direction for the team, which during the PS2 era was best known for its cutesy mascot platformers, Sly Cooper. Moving into the PS3 era, the Seattle studio cut its teeth in the open world arena with inFAMOUS, a superhero series spanning a variety of unique powers, including the unusual Video and Neon abilities of inFAMOUS: Second Son.
There are similarities between all three series, despite the obvious deviations in setting and tone. Ghost of Tsushima, as zen as it can be, has a very aggressive combat system, which sees you cutting through Mongols rapidly and using all manner of samurai gadgetry to make your approach. While it’s not necessarily the game’s strongest asset, you can approach many skirmishes in stealth – or simply challenge your adversaries head-on to a duel.
As a sandbox, there are few surprises in Tsushima and its expanded Iki Island, although the way points of interest are presented is particularly original. Rather than rely on compasses and maps, the developer uses the wind to guide Sakai to key regions of interest, while wildlife like birds and foxes will lead the way to Hot Springs and collectibles.
It all makes for a serene experience during exploration, accentuated by the otherworldly visual style. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut presents a romantic glimpse into historical Japan, but its virtual tourism is arguably unmatched, making it one of the greatest open world adventure games you can currently play on PlayStation – or any console for that matter. A surprisingly robust online suite, named Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, rounds out the package impressively.
That about does it for our list of the best open world games on PS5. What are your thoughts on PS5's top sandboxes? If you're looking at this list and disagree with the order, remember this is entirely determined by you and our community. You can help make this list even better by using the search bar on the first page of this article and rating your favourite open world games. You can also rate games by visiting their respective pages and tapping the star icon. Doing so can make direct changes to the list, so it's worth doing! Oh, and if you think we're missing a game from our PlayStation Game Database, feel free to let us know.
With all that said, let us know what your personal favourite open world PS5 games are in the comments section below.
Comments (43)
Personal Top 5
1, Horizon Forbidden West
2, Elden Ring
3, Ghost of Tsushima
4, Tales of Arise
5, Immortals Fenyx Rising
Also Atelier Ryza 2 deserves a mention
For me it's Spider-Man by a mile. It's the only game that I've fully completed and still play just to travel around the world for 10-15 minutes of relaxation.
I need to play so many of these games! I'm currently playing through AC Valhalla & absolutely love it 😍
I personally think HFW has a great story. Clocked more then 200hr now. At my second run through and still discovering new things. Can’t stop playing. Doctor I have a problem! 🙃 Edit: 200hr in total that is.
Yonder the Cloud Catcher Chronicles: Enhanced Edition PS5
Cartoonish Open world game by indie developer Prideful Sloth with beautiful environments without any violence at all, totally 100% Safe for kids. 🤟
Metro Exodus is a cracking Game.....No Man's Sky good too...but my fav open world game has to be Fallout 4.
I can't see how elden ring is not the number one title on every list. It's virtually flawless in my opinion and the only game to really hook me in years
I've really enjoyed HFW for the most part. Loved the story and it looks amazing. Going for the Plat though and really not liking some of the side contact. Genuinely detest melee pits and hunting grounds.
@BadPlayerOne such a great game and I really like what they did this time around. The platinum was easy too! I still have my fingers crossed for some co-op!
I’m really enjoying Ghostwire: Tokyo as an open world game. Tons of collectibles and exploration. And the variety of side missions is very nice. 26 hours in and not even half way on the spirits collected.
So no gta v? Now there is a ps5 version shouldnt it have made the list? And before anybody says "this is a ps5 list" no mans sky is on there...as much as i think gta v has been milked to death its still the most fun open world enviroment on the ps4/ps5..
I have no idea how Ghost and Spider-Man which are both really great games are ahead of Horizon Forbidden West and and Elden Ring. If anything Ghost and Spider-Man should be 3 and 4 with Horizon at 1 and Elden at 2.
@LazyLombax yeah same here that should have def made the list. It’s open world is so unique and the sidequests stories range from funny and quirky to dark and depressing and are well worth doing
@Pinkman yeah no it’s not flawless no game is. The open world did more harm than good,it’s gets super repetitive halfway through because all you’re doing is fighting,the bosses are some of Froms worst and range from mediocre to outright bad especially the final final boss,tons of repeated bosses and content and it’s janky as heck. Now with all that said it’s still a great game that I throughly enjoyed getting the plat for in 105 hours doing almost everything there is to do and should have been at number 2 on this list right behind Horizon but just like Horizon it’s not flawless.
@BadPlayerOne yeah the story is absolutely great and the main premise is so damn unique for a sci fi story I just love that game to death.
@UltimateOtaku91 almost my same list except Spider-Man is at number 4 and Miles at 5 for me.
A bit unfair towards Elden Ring and Horizon FW, imo, they are rather new and possibly missing some votes (my guess is not all people finished them, they didn't have enough time to enter the gamers "Preference" department, to replace some of the older titles people are still fond of).
It's surprising to see Immortals Fenyx Rising topple AC Valhalla and Skyrim... unexpected.
My top 7 would be:
1. Horizon FW
2. Elden Ring
3. Spider-Man Remastered/Miles Morales
4. Ghost of Tsushima
5. Metro Exodus
6. Far Cry 6
7. AC Valhalla
Days Gone is superb on the PS5, silky smooth and looks amazing.
@StuartMc1 completely agree with this. Looks amazing on PS5, overall a great game as well, super underrated.
Ghost of Tsushima is the only game I did everything the game had to offer. And I still wish I had reason to come back to the game. Most open world games I just do the main quests, a bit of side stuff, and that’s it. Others I don’t even finish (Valhalla).
I respectfully disagree. Both Horizon Forbidden West & Miles Morales should be higher on the list.
I wouldn't have Ghost of Tsushima top, even on PS4 I preferred Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn and Death Stranding, it had a good main quest but its open world left a lot to be desired with its many bandit camps.
So far on PS5 I've finished Miles Morales but it's incredibly short for an open world game so would have its predecessor above it. I'm very early in Horizon but I'm already really enjoying its combat as much as the first and it looks stunning
How the hell is Elden Ring only 5?!? The best open world game bar none.
@BadPlayerOne I clocked in at 180+ hours in one single playthrough. Easily the longest I've spent in a single-player game.
RDR2 is the best that I've played but HFW is a close second.
If it's all about the actual open world you play in then RDR2 and Cyberpunk 2077 are far beyond all the rest, in my opinion.
Haven't played forbidden west yet but if its story isn't as good as the first that would be disappointing , i thought zero dawn story was weak at times , the frozen wilds dlc was a huge step up in story imo.
I'm probably in the minority but i agree with this list. GoT is just the epitome of a good open world game for me and both morales and forbidden west are great.
I don't really get all the 'elden ring should be 1', i've played it and it's a decent game, but people act like it's the best game ever and it's far from it.
It really does nothing new in terms of open world and it even got quite boring at certain points. I had way more fun playing bloodborne and the demon's souls remake, which makes me believe that open world is actually a step down for souls-like games.
My Top 5:
1. Spider-Man Remastered
2. Spider-Man Miles Morales
3. GTA-V
4. Elden Ring
5. Horizon Forbidden West
Havn't completed all these games but still played enough to know about the game.
@ApostateMage but Cyberpunk's open world is barren and unresponsive ☹️
Got is open world done correctly, when witcher3 comes on ps5 it will definitely be in this list
It would be interesting to see a list of the best "open worlds in games" and not the "open world games".
Metro Exodus is NOT an open world game.
I've come to realize, there are a few, if any, truly open-world or sandbox games. Even games like gta v or fable, give you a starting point, and checkpoints in between to progress the story and finally to a conclusion that is predetermined for us. Its linearity, with wide open spaces. Gta v, for example, could you beat the singleplayer game without ever switching characters?
Will there ever be a game, with thousands of possible endings, all achieved through sheer randomness?
Uh, Metro Exodus is NOT an OPEN WORLD GAME!!!!!!!!! It is still level based with open levels!!!!!!! You can't lose any more credibility by claiming a game is an open world game when it is level based!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I started with Cyberpunk 2077 last week but I’m very overwhelmed to the point of almost quitting. The difficult menus, the gameplay, the confusing story… I just don’t know where to look and what to do. Whereas normally I really like to find my own way in (open world) games.
Elden Ring should be number 1 by far. Only RDR2 and BOTW can compete if we go into other consoles territory.
How is Days gone not on this!
I’m glad the honeymoon shine is off hfw and er so push square is back on Ghost of Tsushima as the best! Crucify me, but I have to agree
@Pinkman Elden ring is not better than ghost of Tsushima….. but, I don’t really agree with the assessment of the writer that it’s on the ps5. It’s optimized for the ps5 but it’s a ps4 game(so is most of this list).
I’d be fine if it were in front of hfw, a great game, but a touch overrated
@godofwarj5 my issue with Ghost of Tsushima was the grind at the end. Its my biggest complaint with most open world games, and is to be expected given the size of them. I never felt that grind with Elden Ring.
@Pinkman I felt the opposite. Every souls game feels like a grind whereas after my first ghost play through I checked to see if the platinum was reasonable (I typically just play the game and then debate if I want to trophy hunt after I beat it) … to my surprise, I only had about 15mins of odds and ends to clean up to platinum. I literally adored every second of it.
I’ll stand by my assessment that ghost is overall a better game but Elden ring is actually a ps5 game and should be above ghost on the list and maybe ghost shouldn’t be on this list
This list is automatically disqualified as legitimate; Metro Exodus is a level based game (though a few levels have open world elements). Who is/are the person/people who put this list together?
Can we please move past Skyrim?
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