Top 10 Must-Play Open-World Games on PS5
There’s nothing quite like diving headfirst into an open-world game and losing yourself in its immersive universe. These games have a special place in my heart, as they provide a level of freedom and exploration that’s just unmatched in other genres.
The PS5 has truly revolutionized the way we experience these games, with breathtaking visuals, faster load times, and smooth gameplay.
So, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a whirlwind tour of the top 10 best open-world games you can play on your PS5 right now.
Trust me, as a gaming enthusiast who’s spent countless hours exploring these worlds, you don’t want to miss out on these epic adventures!
1. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
Release date: August 20, 2021
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Special features: Upgraded visuals, improved load times, new content (Iki Island)
A Journey Through Feudal Japan
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut transports players to the beautiful, yet dangerous world of feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion. As Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior, you must adapt to new tactics and techniques to defend the island of Tsushima and its people from the ruthless invaders.
The game’s breathtaking landscapes, inspired by Japanese artwork and history, provide a stunning backdrop for your epic journey. With the Director’s Cut, the already impressive visuals have been upgraded, making the world even more immersive and captivating.
Faster Load Times and New Adventures
One of the most significant improvements of the Director’s Cut on PS5 is the drastically reduced load times, allowing players to jump into the action with minimal waiting. This enhancement greatly contributes to the overall gameplay experience, keeping you immersed in the world of Tsushima.
In addition to the visual and performance upgrades, the Director’s Cut also introduces new content in the form of Iki Island. This additional adventure takes Jin to a neighboring island, providing fresh challenges, storylines, and characters to encounter. The expanded content ensures that even players who have completed the original game will find new excitement in this updated edition.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut is a must-play open-world game on PS5, offering a rich, immersive experience that will leave you craving more of Jin’s heroic journey.
2. Horizon Forbidden West
Release date: February 18, 2022
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Gameplay: Post-apocalyptic world, diverse biomes, advanced machines
The Post-Apocalyptic World Awaits
Embark on an unforgettable journey in Horizon Forbidden West, a game that transports players to a post-apocalyptic world brimming with mystery and danger. As Aloy, a skilled hunter and archer, you must navigate through a vast, uncharted frontier filled with diverse biomes, from lush jungles to barren deserts, uncovering the secrets of a fallen civilization.
A Land of Breathtaking Beauty and Deadly Machines
Horizon Forbidden West’s unique setting is home to a wide array of advanced machines – majestic, animal-like creatures that pose a constant threat to Aloy and the remnants of humanity. Mastering various weapons and tactics is crucial to overcoming these mechanical adversaries and uncovering the truth behind their existence.
The game’s stunning visuals and diverse landscapes are sure to leave players in awe, as they traverse the expansive open world and uncover the secrets hidden within. The PS5’s powerful hardware truly brings the world of Horizon Forbidden West to life, immersing players in the game’s rich narrative and breathtaking environments.
3. Grand Theft Auto V: Expanded and Enhanced
Release date: March 15, 2022
Developer: Rockstar Games
Improved features: Better graphics, 4K resolution, faster load times
A Classic Reimagined for the PS5
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is a modern classic, and the Expanded and Enhanced edition on PS5 brings this beloved open-world game to new heights. The updated version offers significant improvements over the original, such as enhanced graphics, 4K resolution, and faster load times, ensuring an unparalleled gaming experience for both newcomers and longtime fans alike.
A Massive World with Endless Possibilities
GTA V takes place in the sprawling, sun-soaked city of Los Santos and its surrounding countryside, a world that provides countless opportunities for mischief, mayhem, and adventure. With three unique protagonists – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – players can switch between characters at will, experiencing their individual stories and taking on a wide variety of missions.
The game’s open-world design allows for an immense amount of freedom, letting players explore Los Santos at their own pace, engaging in activities such as carjacking, heists, and even yoga. The Expanded and Enhanced edition on PS5 ensures that this already vast world looks and plays better than ever before.
Experience the definitive version of GTA V on PS5, and dive headfirst into the thrilling and often hilarious world of Los Santos.
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition
Release date: November 11, 2021
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Special Edition: All DLCs, additional content, mod support
A Timeless Adventure, Now More Immersive Than Ever
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition brings the legendary open-world RPG to the PS5 with numerous enhancements and added content. This edition includes all previously released DLCs, such as Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, as well as additional content and mod support, giving players the most comprehensive and immersive Skyrim experience to date.
Unleash Your Inner Dragonborn
In Skyrim, players assume the role of the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero with the power to absorb the souls of dragons. Embark on an epic quest to save the world from the malevolent dragon Alduin, while exploring the breathtaking and diverse land of Skyrim. This massive open-world game features countless side quests, dungeons, and unique NPCs, ensuring that every playthrough is a new adventure.
The PS5’s powerful hardware allows for stunning visuals, smoother gameplay, and faster load times, making Skyrim’s vast and detailed world even more immersive. With the added mod support, players can further customize their experience, introducing new quests, characters, and gameplay features to the already rich world of Skyrim.
5. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Release date: November 10, 2020
Developer: Ubisoft
Features: Viking era, vast open-world, raiding and settlement mechanics
Embrace Your Viking Destiny
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports players to the tumultuous Viking era, putting them in the shoes of Eivor, a fierce Viking raider. Set in the expansive open-world of ninth-century England and Norway, Valhalla provides a fresh and unique setting for the long-running Assassin’s Creed series.
Conquer New Lands and Build Your Settlement
In Valhalla, players must lead their clan from the harsh shores of Norway to the lush farmlands of England, establishing a new settlement and securing a future for their people. The game introduces new raiding and settlement mechanics, allowing players to pillage monasteries, fortresses, and villages for resources and wealth, while strategically expanding their own settlement.
Players can also engage in brutal, fast-paced combat as they wield powerful Viking weapons and utilize Eivor’s cunning and skill to outmaneuver their enemies. The PS5’s capabilities ensure that Valhalla’s vast open-world is both visually stunning and seamless, providing an immersive experience that truly brings the Viking era to life.
6. Cyberpunk 2077
Release date: December 10, 2020
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Setting: Futuristic Night City, deep character customization, branching storylines
A Dystopian Future Awaits
Cyberpunk 2077 thrusts players into the dark and gritty world of Night City, a sprawling metropolis plagued by crime, corporate greed, and advanced technology. With its highly detailed open-world setting, deep character customization, and branching storylines, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a truly immersive and personalized experience.
Define Your Legacy in Night City
Players take on the role of V, a mercenary seeking to make their mark in this unforgiving world. Cyberpunk 2077 boasts an incredibly deep character customization system, allowing players to shape V’s appearance, background, and abilities to their liking. The choices made throughout the game also have a significant impact on the story, leading to multiple possible endings.
The PS5’s powerful hardware ensures that Night City comes to life in stunning detail, with ray tracing, improved lighting, and faster load times making the game even more immersive. Dive into the seedy underbelly of Night City and carve out your own path in this unforgettable open-world experience.
7. Watch Dogs: Legion
Release date: October 29, 2020
Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
Unique gameplay: Recruit and play as any NPC, London setting, hacking mechanics
Take Back London, One Recruit at a Time
Watch Dogs: Legion offers a truly innovative gameplay experience, set in a near-future London under the control of corrupt corporations and oppressive government forces. What sets Legion apart from other open-world games is its unique “Play as Anyone” feature, allowing players to recruit and control any NPC they encounter, each with their own unique abilities and backstories.
Hack, Infiltrate, and Unite the Resistance
As a member of the resistance group DedSec, players must use their hacking skills and the diverse abilities of their recruited team to take down the corrupt forces that have taken over London. The game’s open-world setting provides countless opportunities for exploration, side missions, and engaging in the city’s vibrant culture.
Thanks to the PS5’s advanced technology, Watch Dogs: Legion benefits from improved graphics, faster load times, and more realistic environmental effects, making the dystopian London setting feel even more alive. With its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline, Watch Dogs: Legion is a must-play title for fans of open-world games.
8. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Release date: November 12, 2020
Developer: Insomniac Games
Features: New protagonist, enhanced swinging mechanics, updated New York City
Swinging into Action with Miles Morales
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales brings a fresh new perspective to the iconic web-slinging superhero, as players take on the role of the titular Miles Morales. Set in an updated New York City, this action-packed adventure game showcases Miles’ unique powers and abilities, including enhanced swinging mechanics and electrifying Venom attacks.
A Tale of Two Spider-Men
The game’s storyline explores the challenges and triumphs of Miles as he steps into the role of Spider-Man, while also juggling his personal life and the responsibilities that come with his newfound powers. Players will experience the emotional journey of Miles as he strives to protect the city he loves, all while living up to the legacy of his mentor, Peter Parker.
The PS5’s capabilities bring the vibrant and bustling New York City to life with improved graphics, ray tracing, and faster load times, making Miles’ swinging and combat feel even more fluid and dynamic. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is an essential open-world game for fans of superheroes and the Spider-Man franchise.
9. Far Cry 6
Release date: October 7, 2021
Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
Setting: Yara, a fictional Caribbean island, fighting against a dictator
Fight for Freedom in the Tropics
Far Cry 6 transports players to the lush and vibrant fictional Caribbean island of Yara, ruled by the ruthless dictator, Antón Castillo. In this open-world first-person shooter, players join the revolution, aiming to topple Castillo’s regime and liberate the people of Yara.
Guerrilla Warfare and Unconventional Tactics
Players will engage in guerrilla warfare, utilizing a vast arsenal of weapons and vehicles to navigate the expansive island, while also employing unconventional tactics like recruiting animal companions and crafting makeshift weapons. Far Cry 6 offers a diverse and chaotic sandbox where creativity and strategy are key to victory.
The PS5’s powerful hardware ensures that the stunning landscapes of Yara are rendered in breathtaking detail, with improved lighting and environmental effects adding to the game’s immersive experience. Far Cry 6 is an action-packed and thrilling addition to the open-world genre, offering players hours of intense gameplay and exploration.
10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition
Release date: TBA
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Complete Edition: Includes all DLCs and expansions, upgraded visuals
A Timeless Adventure with Enhanced Visuals
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition is the definitive version of the award-winning action RPG, developed by CD Projekt Red. This much-anticipated release includes all the DLCs and expansions, such as Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, giving players the full Witcher experience on the PS5.
The Complete Geralt of Rivia Saga
Players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, as they explore a vast and immersive world filled with challenging quests, dynamic combat, and a rich narrative. The PS5’s capabilities breathe new life into The Witcher 3, with upgraded visuals and improved performance, ensuring that this beloved game shines like never before.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition is a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series, offering an unforgettable journey that will captivate players for countless hours.
Summary
In this article, we’ve explored the top 10 best open-world games on the PlayStation 5, showcasing the diversity and depth of the experiences available on this powerful platform. From the samurai epic of Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut to the futuristic dystopia of Cyberpunk 2077, these games offer something for everyone.
While we’ve covered the best open-world games on PS5, there’s another exciting frontier in gaming: virtual reality. If you’re interested in discovering some mind-blowing VR experiences, check out our list of Top 10 PSVR2 Games: Prepare to Be Blown Away by These Incredible VR Experiences.
As you dive into these expansive worlds, remember to take your time and truly immerse yourself in the stories, environments, and gameplay mechanics that make each game unique.
The PS5’s advanced hardware has elevated these open-world experiences to new heights, so grab your controller and get ready to explore the best that this generation has to offer. Happy gaming!
