BEST Open World Games for PS5: 25 Suggestions for 2026

The PS5 is currently in its absolute prime. We are seeing developers finally squeeze every drop of power out of the console, giving us maps that are huge, dense, lived-in, and load almost instantly.

And today, I’m here to list the 25 best open-world games you can play on your PlayStation 5.

I’ve updated my annual list to reflect where we are right now. We’ve had to say goodbye to some older titles that just don’t cut it anymore to make room for the heavy hitters released more recently.

So grab your controller and a drink and check out the 25 best open-world games you can (and should) play on your PlayStation 5 today.

If you want something more specific, you can also check my previous list of the best horseback riding games on the PS5.

1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition

Elden Ring remains the undisputed king. It is the offspring of a brilliant collaboration between FromSoftware and George R.R. Martin, and years after launch, it still refuses to age.

This action RPG drops you into a world that punches you in the face, then dares you to find a secret passage behind a waterfall.

The base game was already massive, but with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion now fully integrated into this edition, the scale is frankly intimidating. You will face formidable foes and intricate mysteries that keep even the most seasoned gamers captivated.

Make sure to check out an updated list of all the Elden Ring soft cap stats for a bit of an advantage in the game.

2. Horizon Forbidden West

Venturing into the awe-inspiring world of Horizon Forbidden West, with its jaw-dropping landscapes and meticulously crafted story, has been an absolute delight and I am sure you will feel the same.

As Aloy, players uncover hidden secrets and face deadly robotic creatures in an unforgettable, post-apocalyptic adventure that will always see you come back asking for more.

The countless hours I’ve spent exploring this stunning, vibrant world have been nothing short of mesmerizing.

3. Grand Theft Auto V

I don’t think that you can have a list of the best open-world games on any platform and not include GTA, even in 2026.

The iconic open-world crime saga has been revitalized for the PS5, and even though now everybody’s looking forward to GTA 6, since it’s still a while until we’ll get a chance to play it, we’ll have to stick to the current-generation game.

Grand Theft Auto V’s sprawling open-world of Los Santos never ceases to amaze, offering endless opportunities for mischief, mayhem, and memorable moments.

It has set the benchmark for open-world gaming, consistently drawing players back for more, so you can never go wrong with it.

4. Ghost of Yōtei

Sucker Punch took us away from Jin Sakai and dropped us into the year 1603 around Mount Yōtei, and the difference is staggering.

You play as Atsu, exploring a region that feels wilder and more untamed than everything you’ve probably seen. The introduction of firearms matches the era perfectly, changing up the combat rhythm without losing that satisfying katana clash we loved.

The wind mechanics guiding you to objectives are back, but the visuals of the snowy peaks and the Hokkaido wilderness are the new gold standard for art direction on PS5.

5. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

We finally got the Assassin’s Creed set in Japan we spent a decade asking for. Assassin’s Creed Shadows dumps the Viking longships of Valhalla for a dual-protagonist system that actually changes how you play the game.

You can smash through enemies as the legendary samurai Yasuke, or stick to the rooftops and shadows as the shinobi Naoe.

The open world is dense, vertical, and reacts to dynamic lighting – shoot out a lantern, and you create your own darkness. I spent hours just messing with the new stealth mechanics in castles. It feels less like a checklist of chores and more like a playground for ninjas.

6. Cyberpunk 2077

Step into the neon-soaked, dystopian world of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077, a truly groundbreaking open-world action RPG that has captured my heart – and one that we’ve all waited so long for that I was afraid it was doomed to fail.

Fortunately, that was not the case and in the game, you get immersive gameplay, branching storylines, and the ability to forge your own destiny as the versatile, street-savvy mercenary V.

With unparalleled character customization, jaw-dropping visuals, and a pulsating soundtrack that perfectly complements the gritty atmosphere, Cyberpunk 2077 is an electrifying experience that will leave you craving more.

Trust me, once you dive into the dark underbelly of Night City, there’s no turning back! Make sure to read my Cyberpunk 2077 guide to start on the right foot.

7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

If you are tired of magic spells and dragons and want an RPG that hits harder than a mace to the helmet, this is it.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the story of Henry of Skalitz, expanding the scope from the first game into a massive, gorgeous recreation of 15th-century Bohemia.

The first-person combat has been refined to be more accessible than the first game but still demands skill, timing, and genuine patience. It is a grounding, immersive experience that makes you feel like you are truly living in the Middle Ages, warts and all.

8. No Rest for the Wicked

From Moon Studios (the geniuses behind Ori), No Rest for the Wicked reinvents the top-down action RPG: it’s a visceral, weighty, physics-driven open world that feels hand-painted.

You explore the Isola Sacra, a world that is vertical and interconnected in ways most isometric games never attempt. You can climb, jump, and swim through a plague-ridden world that is as beautiful as it is depressing.

If you wanted Dark Souls combat with Zelda exploration, this is it.

9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition

While we can already consider this an oldie (or at least a classic), just like GTA 5, it just has to be featured on the list.

The new episode in the highly appreciated tale of Geralt of Rivia challenges you to explore a sprawling, meticulously crafted world full of complex characters, gripping quests, and moral dilemmas – exactly what you would expect from a game in the Witcher series.

10. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Miles Morales was great, but Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the full package. You get both Peter Parker and Miles, and the map has nearly doubled in size with the addition of Queens and Brooklyn.

Swinging through the city is faster than ever thanks to the Web Wings, which let you glide through wind tunnels at breakneck speeds. The addition of the Symbiote suit powers makes combat feel brutally powerful.

Insomniac also practically eliminated fast-travel loading screens – you point to a spot on the map, and you are there instantly. It’s a technical marvel that makes you feel exactly like a superhero.

Also read: Best Family Co-op/Party Games for PS5

11. Where Winds Meet

Where Winds Meet is a Wuxia open-world game set in the Twilight of the Ten Kingdoms era of China, and the freedom of movement here is unmatched.

You are running on water, scaling walls, and using martial arts to interact with everything – and create quite a bit of chaos and fun along the way.

You can choose to be a doctor, a merchant, or a wanderer. The combat is fast and fluid, using a mix of swordplay and Tai Chi that make you feel like the hero of a Kung Fu movie.

12. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 transports players into the expansive and captivating world of the American West, providing an immersive open-world experience that’s rich with detail and brimming with life.

From the snow-capped Grizzlies to the sun-baked plains of New Austin, the game’s diverse landscapes offer breathtaking vistas and thrilling adventures.

Whether it’s horseback riding, hunting, fishing, or engaging with the various inhabitants of the world, each activity helps deepen the player’s connection to Arthur Morgan and the rich tapestry of the game’s world.

The freedom to explore the vast wilderness, bustling towns, and hidden corners of the map encourages players to truly immerse themselves in the captivating world, unraveling its many secrets and stories.

13. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

This is the game that Remake promised it would eventually be. It leaves the claustrophobic streets of Midgar behind and opens up the entire planet. The sense of scale when you first step out into the Grasslands is breathtaking.

You can ride Chocobos across vast plains, explore the Golden Saucer, and seamlessly transition into battles. The chemistry between Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Barret is highlighted by the new synergy attacks.

14. Watch Dogs: Legion

Watch Dogs: Legion is the absolute bomb! This open-world game takes you right into the heart of futuristic London, and it’s so insanely detailed that you can’t help but feel like a tech-savvy rebel ready to take on the world.

I mean, exploring iconic spots like neon-soaked Camden or historic Westminster as a DedSec operative has to be the coolest gaming experience ever.

And that “Play as Anyone” feature? Mind blown!

There’s seriously no end to the epic stuff you can do in Watch Dogs: Legion. You really get invested in the fight against the bad guys, and the fact that you can build a resistance with characters you’ve actually chosen and connected with just makes it all the more personal.

Highly recommended for sure, even though for some reason this game doesn’t get as much love as I think it deserves.

15. SILENT HILL f

I know what you’re thinking – Silent Hill in an open-world list? But Silent Hill f changes the formula a bit and it’s so good that it has to be here.

Set in 1960s Japan, the game features a semi-open world design that encourages exploration of a rural town being consumed by strange, floral horrors.

It isn’t “open” in the GTA sense, but the freedom to navigate the fog-drenched streets and rice paddies at your own pace adds a new layer of dread.

Also read: How to Fix a PS5 Controller That’s No Longer Charging

16. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is not just a game, it’s THE game for many. A way of living.

THE masterpiece and probably one of the few games on this list for which words are futile, like resistance is when you meet the Borg (yes, somehow I managed to mix Star Trek into a description of Skyrim!).

Back to this legendary title, I can’t help but gush about the endless possibilities of Skyrim. Whether you’re a mage, a warrior, a thief, or anything in between, the world is yours to explore.

Every dungeon, every ruin, every hidden corner of the map is packed with secrets, treasures, and challenges.

You could spend hundreds of hours playing this game and still discover something new every time you boot it up.

17. Far Cry 6

hrows you into the heart of the tropical island of Yara, a place that’s bursting with color, danger, and excitement.

As you explore, it’s impossible not to be blown away by the stunning landscapes, from lush jungles to crystal-clear beaches, all while trying to take down the ruthless dictator, Antón Castillo.

I mean, who wouldn’t love to run wild in this paradise and fight for freedom?

Dani Rojas, the game’s protagonist, is a total boss, and you can’t help but root for him as he fights to free Yara from Castillo’s iron grip.

Plus, the game’s arsenal of wild and wacky weapons, like the El Caballero, keeps the action fresh and insanely fun.

No, you won’t be playing this one for its historical accuracy or realism, but it will sure be entertaining!

18. The Division 2

Dive into a post-pandemic Washington, D.C., as an elite Division agent fighting to restore order. This loot-driven shooter features an expansive open world, engaging gameplay mechanics, and dynamic co-op experiences.

And just now, getting toward the end of this list, I realize that I have listed plenty of Ubisoft titles here.

I guarantee – it wasn’t intentional… it’s just that I really enjoy these games and I truly consider them worthy of their spot on this list of the best open world games to play on a PS5.

19. Biomutant

This post-apocalyptic world is literally oozing with vibrant colors, eye-popping visuals, and jaw-dropping landscapes that will have you spending countless hours just wandering around, basking in the beauty of it all.

The PS5’s ray-tracing capabilities and smooth frame rates make this world look more real than ever, pulling you in and never letting go.

In Biomutant, you can go anywhere and do anything you want, with no boundaries or limitations.

The world is your oyster, and you’re free to shape it as you see fit. Whether you choose to be a heroic savior or a chaotic force of destruction, your decisions and actions impact the world around you in meaningful and exciting ways.

The level of customization is out-of-this-world, too, letting you create your own unique character with countless combinations of abilities, mutations, and weapons. It’s like playing a different game every time!

20. No Man’s Sky

This game doesn’t settle for covering a single world – it covers an entire universe instead.

Since the Worlds Part I update (and subsequent patches), the planet generation is unrecognizable from launch. We have floating islands, realistic water physics, and dynamic weather that actually feels dangerous.

Each planet offers unique landscapes and mysteries. The developers, Hello Games, are relentless with updates. If you want to fly a starship from a planet’s surface to a space station with zero loading screens, this is the ultimate open-world experience.

21. Dragon’s Dogma 2

This action-RPG sequel returns to a vast fantasy realm of swords and sorcery, inviting players to explore an expansive open world teeming with monsters and magic.

As the Arisen, you’re joined by AI-controlled Pawns – recruitable partner characters who fight alongside you and even act independently – giving the feel of a party adventure even when playing solo.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 builds on its cult-classic predecessor with improved physics, smarter AI, and Capcom’s RE Engine graphics to deliver a truly immersive fantasy sandbox.

22. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

The Yakuza series goes full JRPG in this open-world adventure that explores the underworlds of both Japan and Hawaii.

Players switch between two protagonists – the goofy, big-hearted Ichiban Kasuga and the legendary ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu – as they embark on a globe-trotting quest amid gang wars and personal drama.

The game features a “live command” turn-based combat system that blends strategic RPG battles with flashy real-time action, along with plenty of side activities and mini-games that give the world its humor and richness​.

We’ve covered the game extensively here on CSG, but I recommend reading the Miss Match Girls Guide.

23. Star Wars Outlaws

Billed as the first true open-world Star Wars game, Outlaws lets you experience the life of a scoundrel during the Original Trilogy era.

You play as Kay Vess – a cunning smuggler with an adorable axolotl-like sidekick named Nix – trying to become one of the galaxy’s most wanted criminals in the period between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

With its blend of blaster combat, stealth, vehicle action, and branching story, Star Wars Outlaws is probably the best open world game set in a galaxy far, far away.

24. Monster Hunter Wilds

This is the evolution Monster Hunter fans were waiting for, as it took the series into a seamless open-world format. The biomes are alive, too: you can watch a predator hunt smaller prey while you hide in the bushes.

Between hunts, you’ll craft gear from your quarry, upgrade your arsenal, and follow an actual narrative-driven campaign – Wilds features one of the series’ most engaging storylines to date, with richly drawn characters and a threat that looms over the realm.

25. Nioh 3

Team Ninja finally listened. After years of level-based missions, Nioh 3 takes their incredible combat system and applies it to a larger, interconnected world.

They’ve managed to keep the intense, stance-based swordplay while giving us the freedom to approach castles and battlefields from multiple angles.

The demonic Yokai are more terrifying than ever, and the loot system remains addictive. If you found Elden Ring too slow and want combat that requires twitch reflexes and perfect Ki pulses, Nioh 3 delivers. Just be prepared to die. A lot.

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You have some amazing recommendations above, but if you have a favorite that’s not listed (or more), let us all know by commenting below.