What are the best PS4 open world games? There are a lot of good sandbox games on the PlayStation 4. The genre may not be universally praised these days, but a great open world game can really pull you into an experience like few other genres can. Typically boasting huge free-roaming environments for you to explore, open world titles roared into the mainstream scene during the last generation, and since then, they've been expanding, growing, and evolving thanks to more powerful hardware.

This list focuses on the open world aspect of each included game: how cohesive the open world is, how enjoyable it is to explore, and how it improves the overall experience. Without further ado, here are the best open world games currently available on PS4. If you want to know what we think are the best PS4 games overall, check out that list through the link.

Best PS4 Open World Games

Below is a list of the best PS4 open world games. These are our favourite PS4 sandbox games, as determined by our editorial team.

25. NieR: Automata

NieR: Automata
NieR: Automata
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: 7th Mar 2017 (USA) / 10th Mar 2017 (UK/EU)

You can’t play NieR Automata without feeling like there’s subtext in every facet of its design, and that expands to its open world, too. Whether it’s the monochromatic space station that serves as 2B and 9S’ base hub or the abandoned theme park that some machines have assumed as their home, the role-playing release’s sandbox plays a huge part in shaping your emotions throughout. This may not be the most elaborate setting on the PS4, but its visual variety and impact on the narrative make it stand out.

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24. Mafia III (PS4)

Mafia III (PS4)
Mafia III (PS4)
Publisher: 2K Games / Developer: Hangar 13
Release Date: 7th Oct 2016 (USA) / 7th Oct 2016 (UK/EU)

Mafia III certainly isn't the most original open world game on this list, but if you can look past the repetitive sandbox missions, there's a lot to like about the tale of Lincoln Clay's vengeance. The atmosphere is rich and the storytelling is fantastic, while the gunplay is super satisfying. What's more, the 1960s era radio is absolutely top notch, really solidifying the title's tone. This is one of those open world games where simply driving around the city is a pleasure.

23. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Publisher: Ubisoft / Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Release Date: 15th Nov 2013 (USA) / 29th Nov 2013 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

Stretching back to the launch of the PS4, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag still offers a unique open world to explore — mainly because most of it is water. Taking to the free roaming seas as the captain of your very own pirate ship, Black Flag encourages you to pillage your way across the Caribbean, soaking its crystal waters with the blood of your enemies. A selection of lovingly crafted port towns are also on the agenda, should you get a bit seasick.

22. Dying Light

Dying Light
Dying Light
Publisher: Warner Bros / Developer: Techland
Release Date: 27th Jan 2015 (USA) / 28th Jan 2015 (UK/EU)

Unforgivably cliched story aside, Dying Light is a great option if you're looking for open world horror. With the city of Harran overrun with zombies, it's up to you and your first-person parkour skills to save the day. The game does a really good job of making its setting seem quite claustrophobic while also allowing for plenty of freedom, and the best part is that you can enjoy the vast majority of the adventure with up to three other players. Surviving together as a group of baseball bat-wielding free runners is fantastic fun.

21. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands
Publisher: Ubisoft / Developer: Ubisoft Paris
Release Date: 7th Mar 2017 (USA) / 7th Mar 2017 (UK/EU)
Available On: PS+ Extra

Ghost Recon: Wildlands is like the mother of all cookie-cutter open world games, packed with map markers and approximately 12 billion things to collect. However, Ubisoft's squad-based shooter really shines when it comes to co-op play with up to three other people. Thanks to its truly gigantic and completely open map, there's always something for you and your buddies to do — even if you're just looking to cause absolute chaos. With the right team at your back, Wildlands can be an absolute blast.