If there’s one thing the PS5 and PS4 do exceptionally well, it’s delivering vast, immersive open-world experiences. From dark cityscapes haunted by yokai to post-apocalyptic biker rides through zombie-infested woods, PlayStation’s catalogue of open-world games is not only rich in variety but also packed with some of the most creative game design in modern gaming.
Here’s our deep dive into some of the most engaging open-world games currently available on PS5 — curated by the seasoned TrueTrophies team using a mix of hands-on experience, player ratings, and critical reviews.
Forspoken – Flawed but Electrifying
Release: Jan 24, 2023 | Developer: Luminous Productions | PS Plus Extra: Yes
Forspoken might have been panned for its awkward dialogue and tone-deaf writing, but dig beneath that surface and you’ll find an open-world gem. Frey’s magical parkour and spell-slinging abilities turn the sprawling lands of Athia into a playground of kinetic joy. It’s fast, it’s flashy, and it’s surprisingly deep once you change the audio to Japanese and let the gameplay do the talking. A divisive but underrated PS5 exclusive worth revisiting.
Atomic Heart – BioShock Meets the Soviet Era
Release: Feb 21, 2023 | Developer: Mundfish | PS Plus: No
Set in a surreal, alternate-history USSR teeming with rogue robots and eerie science experiments, Atomic Heart is a game where environmental storytelling does the heavy lifting. Its open world isn’t traditionally expansive, but the contained, sandbox-style exploration makes every skirmish and collectible feel earned. While its DLC stumbles, the core experience offers rich lore and bold art direction reminiscent of BioShock at its best.
GhostWire: Tokyo – A Neon-Soaked Supernatural Playground
Release: Mar 25, 2022 | Developer: Tango Gameworks | PS Plus: No
GhostWire: Tokyo gives players an abandoned Tokyo bathed in neon and spiritual folklore. Its atmosphere is intoxicating — a haunting blend of tradition and tech — and its first-person spell combat is a welcome departure from the genre’s norm. While it doesn’t reinvent the open-world formula, the detailed streets and rooftops of Tokyo offer an eerie thrill you won’t soon forget.
Days Gone – The Underrated Biker Epic
Release: Apr 26, 2019 | Developer: Bend Studio | PS Plus Extra: Yes
Once dismissed as another zombie shooter, Days Gone has matured into a cult favorite. It offers a rugged, emotionally charged journey across the forests of Oregon. What makes this open world shine is its unpredictability — you never know when a massive horde of “freakers” might come crashing through your ride. Deacon St. John’s story might be a bit cheesy, but it wears its heart on its sleeve, and the survival mechanics hit a satisfying groove.
Stellar Blade – A Leaner Take on Open World Design
Release: Apr 26, 2024 | Developer: Shift Up | PS Plus: No
Unlike many bloated open-world games, Stellar Blade delivers a segmented world that emphasizes quality over quantity. Each section feels handcrafted, loaded with secrets, collectibles, and stylish combat encounters. Its anime-inspired visuals and nimble gameplay offer a sleek experience that doesn’t overwhelm. If you’ve been burnt out on overly massive maps, this one offers the perfect palate cleanser.
Infinity Nikki – Fashion-Fueled Fantasy
Release: Dec 5, 2024 | Developer: Papergames | Free-to-Play
Who said open worlds need to be grim or intense? Infinity Nikki is an unexpectedly cozy entry, blending fashion, exploration, and magical realism. As stylist Nikki, you traverse a colorful land filled with puzzles, minigames, and collectibles — all tied to creating dazzling outfits. While it has gacha elements, the game rewards exploration generously, making it more than just a stylish time sink.
Honorable Mentions – Classics and Hidden Gems
- Assassin’s Creed Mirage & Valhalla: Ubisoft’s sprawling historical sandboxes continue to impress, with Mirage offering a more focused, stealth-driven return to form.
- Immortals Fenyx Rising: A Breath of the Wild-inspired romp through Greek mythology with snappy combat and cheeky narration.
- Dying Light 2: Parkour and survival horror collide in a game that keeps you on edge — day and night.
- Skyrim Anniversary Edition: Despite being a decade old, Skyrim’s dynamic world and mod support keep it evergreen on PS5.
- GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition: While far from flawless, these classics are foundational to the genre and still offer raw, chaotic fun.
Also Read: My Hero Academia Final Season Gets Release Date and New Visual on Deku’s Birthday
Whether you’re chasing trophies, building outfits, or hunting down mythical beasts, the PS5 offers an open-world experience for every kind of player. These games aren’t just about size — they’re about stories, systems, and spaces that invite you to lose yourself. So fire up your console and prepare to explore.
From stylish sorcery to zombie survival, this is the golden age of PlayStation open-world gaming.
