When it comes to open-world experiences, you won’t find a better place to play than the PlayStation 5. This isn’t because of superior hardware or fancy gimmicks. It’s because the PS5 has access to the best catalog of open-world games around. Sony’s exclusives, when paired with third-party releases, create an unbeatable lineup that can keep you playing for hours, days, weeks, or months to come.

The open world genre is something very special in gaming. It’s something that’s easy to get wrong, but it’s so wonderful when a developer gets it right. Whether you’re chasing after enticing collectibles or taking in environmental storytelling, these games offer something more linear games just can’t. Open world games tickle that sense of exploration and allow you to really live in the world. You’re not viewing a story through a window; you’re creating your own stories as you uncover the secrets of a large and often wild world.

10 Horizon Forbidden West

A Journey West & A Journey Up

Aloy continues her adventures in Horizon Forbidden West, and it’s clear the developers learned a lot from their first outing. Just about everything you’ll see in the sequel improves upon the foundation of the first game. The performances in Forbidden West are absolutely outstanding, and the story unfolds in ways that feel even more nuanced than its predecessor.

The world truly comes alive with settlements and side quests. Every side quest feels like it truly builds upon both the characters and setting. Nothing feels like a toss-away quest for the sake of filling time.

It’s remarkable how quickly players can feel invested in these characters and cultures after interacting with them for a brief amount of time.

The world also feels more alive than in Horizon Zero Dawn. This isn’t just a world filled with machines. We’re keenly aware of the communities and tribes in this setting and how the machines are impacting their lives. It’s remarkable how quickly players can feel invested in these characters and cultures after interacting with them for a brief amount of time.

Forbidden West’s map is large and invites you to see and do as much as possible. There’s never a moment where you don’t know what to do next, because you’re constantly shown just how much you could be doing in this beautiful open world. In fact, the beauty of this world is sometimes shocking. For a game filled with deadly machines, the contrast of breathtaking backdrops makes for even more impactful moments where you feel just how unique the setting of Forbidden West really is. If you’re looking for something in the hard science fiction genre, this is definitely a game you should check out.

The Original Open-World Gold Standard

There was never any question whether or not a dedicated next-gen version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim would make it to consoles. Skyrim is a classic in the open-world genre. I spent hundreds of hours collecting every trophy and earning the platinum. It was one of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had, and I still get the urge to start it all over again with a fresh character.

While the main story is gripping, being Dragonborn sometimes takes a back seat to just wandering through Skyrim’s enormous map. Bethesda excels as dropping a player into a world with the option of going wherever they wish. Sure, you might run into the occasional dragon you can’t handle, but that’s all part of the fun.

In fact, getting lost is even part of the fun. I can’t tell you how many times I wandered in a direction for hours. It wasn’t the most expedient or efficient way to approach the world or the story, but it was the most fun. In the end, these adventures help to make up your personal story. They’re the things you end up telling your friends about, or, well, maybe you just end up writing about them on the internet for strangers. To each their own, right?

8 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

An Endless Vacation With Lovable Characters

Ichiban is back in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. This time, the charming (if somewhat foolish) ex-Yakuza is on a mission to find his long-lost mother in Hawaii. While your journey starts in Japan, you’re quickly swept up in the adventure of a lifetime. Ichiban is the perfect protagonist for this kind of adventure. His kind heart and willingness to try anything allows the player to go where they wish without ever feeling out of place.

The change in scenery is a welcome one, and Hawaii’s expansive map offers an incredible number of things to do and places to see. For newcomers to the series, the change in location could be a welcoming invitation. Much like you, Ichiban is completely new to the world he’s stepping into.

The developers threw everything and the kitchen sink into this game, but it somehow all manages to come together in a beautiful and coherent package.

It’s a new start with new companions (and some old favorites) that allows newcomers to make themselves at home. There’s also something relaxing about the Hawaiian setting. The characters are eager to take part in local events that make it feel like you’re on a virtual vacation. You’re looking at escapism done right.

While the main story offers plenty of humor and drama in equal parts, you’ll likely find yourself sinking a ton of time into the robust offering of side content. There are plenty of odd jobs to take part in, random street battles, collecting Sujimon, and so much more. There’s even an island resort you can help get back on its feet by rebuilding the place while fighting off pirates. The developers threw everything and the kitchen sink into this game, but it somehow all manages to come together in a beautiful and coherent package.

7 Cyberpunk 2077

The Siren Call Of Night City

The hum and thrum of Night City gives way to one of the best open worlds you could ever ask to experience. While Cyberpunk 2077 initially made a splash for the wrong reasons, the release of the 2.0 patch and expansion DLC have completed CD Projekt Red’s redemption arc. There has never been a better time to experience Cyberpunk 2077, especially if you’re playing on your PS5. Cyberpunk 2077 manages to mix glitz and glam with the dark, gritty underbelly of the cyberpunk genre.

CD Projekt Red made a name for themselves by imbuing their games with incredible stories and performances. Cyberpunk 2077 is no exception. Whether you’re following the main mission or veering off the beaten path, you’ll always encounter a story worth remembering.

There has never been a better time to experience Cyberpunk 2077, especially if you’re playing on your PS5.

Keanu Reeves gives an incredible performance as rockerboy Johnny Silverhand and always seems like something of an antagonist while also being V’s ally the whole way through.

Driving around Night City has always been one of my favorite parts of the game. With neon signs overhead, holograms swimming through the air, and traffic zooming around you, it’s easy to get lost driving around aimlessly. I rarely made use of Cyberpunk 2077’s fast travel features because it was always more entertaining to go for a drive. Whether you raced toward your destination or took a casual cruise, you could never tell what kind of action might pop off in the street and pull you into the fray.

6 No Man’s Sky

Countless Planets & Endless Possibilities

If you’re looking to explore an open world, you might find yourself quite taken with No Man’s Sky. This isn’t just one open world — it’s seemingly countless open worlds. The ability to fly anywhere and do just about anything you like is an utterly freeing experience. There are few games that can capture the feel of jumping into a ship and jetting off without limitation.

No Man’s Sky starts you off on a random planet with, likely, some challenging environmental conditions. Early on, you’ll feel the survival roots of the game as you discover how to live in your environment. If you keep going, it won’t be long before you’re heading off to the stars.

This isn’t just one open world — it’s seemingly countless open worlds.

While No Man’s Sky does have a main story for you to discover, it really isn’t the star of the show (though it is compelling in its own way). This space adventure is all about seeking the unknown, finding strange worlds, and pursuing any random interest that pops into your head. I spent many hours collecting my favorite ships, making sure they were outfitted with the very best components, and doing it all over again if I found a new favorite.

If you’re looking for an experience with longevity, I can tell you that I’ve played over one thousand hours of No Man’s Sky. Constant updates and expeditions keep me coming back for more. Expeditions have been one of the biggest reasons to consistently return. These short adventures start the game anew with specific parameters and objectives for you to overcome. These adventures are an invitation to experience one of the best open-world games through a new and exciting lens.

5 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

A Swinging Time In New York City

New York City has never felt more alive than it does in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Insomniac took everything they learned from their first two Spider-Man entries and made Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 better in nearly every way imaginable. The web-swinging is tighter than ever, and the new addition of Web Wings make traversal even more fun. During my time with the game, I never relied on fast travel. Instead, I took every opportunity to swing and glide my way through this amazing, living city.

The world in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 isn’t just big — it’s packed with things to do and see. People on the street will stop you for various activities. Random crimes escalate as you progress in the story, making the world feel more and more dynamic as you play. Whether you’re tracking down collectible Spider-Bots, taking down criminal bases, or stopping to partake in one of the many wholesome side quests, there’s something to do around every corner of this enormous city.

You will spend your time playing as Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who each have their own unique abilities. Whether you’re fretting over an essay as Miles or losing a job as Peter, each character faces their own distinct challenges that keep the story from ever feeling boring. Much like the first entry of the series, villains continue to show up to cause havoc in New York City. The villains in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 are compelling. Kraven’s hunt to find the most challenging opponent feels authentic to the character, while Venom comes together as something of a tragic figure. If you’re looking for a game that hits on pretty much every level, you really can’t go wrong with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Dark Fantasy & Gritty Stories

If you’re looking for an open world game that includes incredible storytelling, look no further than The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Whether you’re playing along the main narrative or picking up a random side quest, this game tells a tale like no other game out there. The Witcher 3 boasts a high fantasy setting with gritty, dark stories. You won’t find the typical spin on good and evil in this game. Instead, CD Projekt Red has chosen to highlight the grayer side of morality. Witchers are regularly put in the undesirable position of making choices based on their personal code instead of objectively good and bad or right and wrong.

Geralt is one of the last remaining Witchers in a world where monsters present themselves as both supernatural entities and the simple evils of the average person. The world itself is enormous, with several distinct zones offering a varied experience for players looking to explore.

Gwent monopolized my time so thoroughly that I may have spent as much time playing The Witcher 3’s card game as I did the main story.

If you love a good soundtrack, you’ll find The Witcher 3’s soaring music thrilling as combat kicks up, or you reach new areas on your journey. This is the quintessential fantasy game for players who love the open-world genre.

While The Witcher 3 may be a little light on the typical mini-games open world games sometimes offer, you will have the opportunity to dive into Gwent. During my own time with the game, I collected every single card and beat every opponent the game had to offer. Gwent monopolized my time so thoroughly that I may have spent as much time playing The Witcher 3’s card game as I did the main story. To this day, I’ve never experienced a mini-game as thoroughly enjoyable as Gwent.

3 Ghost Of Tsushima

A Timeless Tale Of Revenge

The invasion of Tsushima by the Mongols makes for a compelling story hook, but the open world is what will really pull you into Ghost of Tsushima. Whether you’re chasing playful foxes, meditating, or visiting a hot spring, there’s always something to cherish during your time in this captivating setting. After a resounding defeat against Mongol invaders, the Samurai are largely wiped out with the exception of Jin Sakai. Once he recovers, he pursues a path of violence to free his people from the tyranny of the Mongols while also exacting his revenge.

It’s genuinely difficult to think of a setting more beautiful than Tsushima, which makes for a heartbreaking backdrop as the Mongols cruelly conquer the island. While traveling, it is not uncommon to exit a forest and enter a beautiful field of flowers. Whether on foot or on horseback, the scenery is always breathtaking in a way few games have ever managed to achieve.

Tsushima almost seems too beautiful to be real, and the people within this land exhibit their own beauty through kindness and a sense of peace.

Tsushima almost seems too beautiful to be real, and the people within this land exhibit their own beauty through kindness and a sense of peace. The setting reflects the spirit of the people who live there, and each Mongol victory tears at the fabric of the land and culture.

The clashing of blades and different stances make combat a dance you want to partake in over and over again. Jin Sakai is also a compelling character, making difficult decisions as he becomes the legendary Ghost. While his vendetta pulls him away from his traditional sense of honor, his methods do help in saving his people. The question of price is always present, and the game’s final moments hammer this in one last time.

2 Death Stranding

A Post-Apocalyptic Hike Through America

There’s nothing quite like Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding. While many players see this game as something of a walking simulator, that label can be a little reductive. Death Stranding focuses a substantial amount of its attention on traversal, but it’s never as simple as moving from Point A to Point B. With so many people living in isolated shelters due to the titular Death Stranding event, reconnecting humanity turns out to be a monumental task.

Death Stranding may have one of the best soundtracks in video games, and you’ll experience it throughout your travels across a ravaged landscape. The world itself is tactile in a way that open-world games so often aren’t. Every footstep comes with the risk of tripping or falling.

Every movement counts in one of the most haunting, desolate landscapes I’ve experienced within a game.

Every hill, cliff, or mountain presents an obstacle to overcome. You have to arrange an inventory where size and weight distribution are going to impact your balance. The Timefall rain presents danger to you and your packages alike. Stomping through snowy areas can be as challenging as climbing the side of a sheer, wet cliff. Every movement counts in one of the most haunting, desolate landscapes I’ve experienced within a game.

The connectivity within Death Stranding is also something no other game has really captured. While there is no dedicated multiplayer, you will benefit from the actions of fellow Porters. Someone may leave a climbing rope behind in their game, which then makes its way into your game world. As you climb it, you can smash a “like” button to let this distant player know you appreciated their placement of the tool. It offers asynchronous multiplayer with nothing but positivity.

1 Elden Ring

The Greatest Fantasy Epic

The crowned king of our list is, of course, Elden Ring. Few games can match the sense of wonder in Elden Ring’s world. While the overt story of the game may prove a bit slippery at times, the environmental storytelling is always present. Even the items you pick up will give you lore-filled descriptions to help you piece together everything that’s happening within this large, living world. Everything from the beautiful golden sky to the reddened, rotting lake drips with atmosphere.

Each zone within Elden Ring’s open world comes with its own enemies, bosses, geography, and unique personality. You’ll find dungeons peppered throughout the landscape, doors that promise adventure in the unlikeliest of places, and enemies waiting to challenge every skill you’ve picked up thus far.

Everything from the beautiful golden sky to the reddened, rotting lake drips with atmosphere.

The open world formula enriches the FromSoftware experience. While the developer’s other titles could back you into a corner and create a wall of difficulty, Elden Ring allows the player to go off and do something else. They can fill their time and energy with a different challenge until they’re ready to face whatever got in their way before.

Elden Ring’s open world is a masterclass in exploration. Whether taking it on foot or riding on your steed, you will never have to go far before you bump into your next interesting quest, character, mystery, or enemy. It’s a large, dense world with a lot to take in. The pure joy that comes with finding meaningful collectibles and overcoming truly difficult scenarios enriches every moment of the game. I spent well over one hundred hours earning the platinum and still didn’t put the game down after I’d achieved my goal. This isn’t just a game you can sink into — it’s a game that will sink into you.