Welcome, adventurers! The PlayStation 5 has redefined gaming, offering breathtaking graphics, lightning-fast load times, and immersive DualSense feedback. But among the many genres available, few capture the imagination quite like open world games. These sprawling digital playgrounds invite players to explore vast landscapes, uncover hidden secrets, and forge their own paths through epic narratives. From fantastical realms to futuristic cities, the freedom to roam and discover is what makes these experiences truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for the ultimate adventures that let you explore boundless horizons, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve delved deep into the PS5’s library to bring you a definitive ranking of the best open world games available today, ensuring your next gaming journey is nothing short of spectacular.
Unleashing the Potential of Open World Games on PS5
The PS5’s powerful hardware has elevated the open world games genre to new heights. Developers can now craft more detailed environments, support larger player counts, and integrate seamless transitions that were once impossible. This means less waiting and more playing, allowing you to stay immersed in these incredible worlds. The DualSense controller also adds another layer of immersion, letting you feel the rumble of a distant explosion or the tension of a bowstring with unprecedented fidelity. It’s an exciting time to be a fan of expansive open world games.
Our ranking considers several factors: the sheer scale and density of the world, the quality of its side activities and quests, how well it leverages the PS5’s unique features, and the overall impact it has on the player. We’ve meticulously selected seven titles that represent the pinnacle of what open world games have to offer on Sony’s latest console. Prepare to embark on journeys that will test your skills, challenge your intellect, and leave you in awe.
The Definitive Ranking: 7 Ultimate Open World Games Await!
Here are our top picks, counting down to the absolute best open-world experience on the PS5.
#7 Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4 Pro Enhanced / PS5 Compatibility)
While technically a PS4 title, Red Dead Redemption 2 runs beautifully on the PS5, benefiting from increased resolution and stability. It offers an unparalleled depiction of the American Wild West, where every rustle in the bushes and every distant mountain peak tells a story. The sheer detail in its world-building is breathtaking, making it one of the most atmospheric open world games ever created.
Players assume the role of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw navigating a dying era. The game’s open world is massive and filled with dynamic encounters, from hunting legendary animals to stumbling upon stranger missions that often lead to unexpected consequences. Its slow, deliberate pace encourages exploration and appreciation of its stunning vistas. For those who love deep narratives and rich, living worlds, this is an essential experience among open world games. 
#6 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PS5)
Journey to the brutal and beautiful lands of ninth-century Norway and England as Eivor, a Viking raider and clan leader. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla delivers an enormous open world filled with vast territories to conquer, mysteries to solve, and sagas to live out. The PS5 version shines with crisp 4K visuals and a silky-smooth 60 frames per second, making every raid and exploration feel incredibly fluid.
Valhalla excels in offering a breadth of activities, from building your settlement to engaging in epic Viking battles and subtle stealth missions. The world feels alive with its dynamic weather, diverse landscapes, and engaging side stories that often tie into Norse mythology. It’s a fantastic entry for fans of historical open world games, offering hundreds of hours of content. 
#5 Cyberpunk 2077 (PS5)
After a rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has been reborn on the PS5, delivering the futuristic, neon-drenched metropolis of Night City in all its glory. The native PS5 version boasts stunning ray-traced lighting, faster loading, and improved performance that truly brings its dense urban open world games to life. It’s a testament to CD Projekt Red’s dedication to improving the experience for players.
Night City is a character in itself, teeming with life, danger, and countless opportunities for V, a mercenary on a quest for immortality. The game’s deep RPG mechanics, branching narratives, and diverse districts make every playthrough feel unique. From high-stakes heists to gritty street brawls, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a compelling, mature, and visually spectacular take on open world games. 
#4 Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut (PS5)
Transport yourself to feudal Japan with Ghost of Tsushima, a game that masterfully blends historical accuracy with cinematic samurai action. The Director’s Cut on PS5 enhances an already beautiful game with 4K resolution, 60 FPS, improved load times, and haptic feedback that makes every sword clash and horseback ride feel incredibly tactile. It’s an absolute feast for the senses.
The island of Tsushima is a breathtaking open world, encouraging exploration with its guiding winds, vibrant flora, and serene shrines. The narrative follows Jin Sakai’s transformation into the Ghost, offering a poignant story complemented by engaging combat and stealth mechanics. It’s a powerful example of how compelling narrative can intertwine with expansive open world games, earning its place among the best. 
#3 Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)
Aloy’s second grand adventure takes her to the majestic and dangerous Forbidden West, a post-apocalyptic world overrun by awe-inspiring mechanical beasts. Horizon Forbidden West is a visual masterpiece on the PS5, boasting incredible environmental detail, stunning character models, and fluid performance modes. The PS5’s SSD ensures near-instantaneous loading, keeping you immersed in its vast landscapes.
The open world of Forbidden West is even more expansive and diverse than its predecessor, featuring lush jungles, arid deserts, and submerged ruins waiting to be explored. New traversal options, including a glider and underwater exploration, open up incredible possibilities for discovery. Its compelling story, innovative combat against robotic dinosaurs, and vibrant world make it one of the most impressive open world games on the console. 
#2 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PS5)
Swinging through the expanded New York City in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is an unparalleled joy, making it one of the most thrilling open world games available. Insomniac Games leveraged the PS5’s power to deliver an incredibly dense and dynamic city, now featuring Queens and Brooklyn alongside Manhattan, with near-instantaneous fast travel and seamless character switching between Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
The game’s open world is not just a backdrop; it’s a playground for incredible web-slinging traversal, dynamic crime events, and engaging side quests that flesh out its iconic universe. The DualSense haptics enhance every web-swing and combat encounter, while the stunning visuals bring the bustling city to life. It’s a masterclass in superhero open world games, offering an exhilarating experience from start to finish. 
#1 Elden Ring (PS5)
Elden Ring isn’t just an open-world game; it’s a phenomenon. FromSoftware’s magnum opus redefines what open world games can be, offering a truly seamless and awe-inspiring journey through the Lands Between. The PS5 version provides enhanced visuals and performance, allowing the intricate details of its decaying yet beautiful world to shine, making every discovery feel significant.
What sets Elden Ring apart is its unparalleled sense of discovery and player agency. There are no quest markers holding your hand; instead, the world itself guides you, beckoning you towards distant castles, hidden dungeons, and formidable bosses. The freedom to explore, experiment with builds, and tackle challenges in any order makes every playthrough a unique adventure. It combines the challenging combat FromSoftware is known for with an expansive, mysterious, and endlessly rewarding open world, solidifying its place as the definitive king of open world games on PS5. Its critical acclaim and numerous Game of the Year awards speak volumes about its impact on the gaming landscape. 
Choosing Your Next Great Open World Adventure
The PS5 offers an incredible array of open world games, each providing a unique take on freedom and exploration. Whether you prefer the gritty realism of the Wild West, the mythological grandeur of Viking sagas, the futuristic glow of Night City, the serene beauty of feudal Japan, the mechanical wonders of a post-apocalyptic future, the exhilarating swings of a superhero, or the challenging mysteries of a dark fantasy realm, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
These titles not only showcase the power of the PS5 but also represent the pinnacle of what the genre has achieved. They offer hundreds of hours of content, rich narratives, and unparalleled opportunities for discovery. For more insights into PS5 gaming, consider checking out reviews on sites like Metacritic or Digital Foundry for technical deep dives into performance. You might also be interested in exploring other PS5 game lists, such as “Best PS5 RPGs” or “Top PS5 Exclusives” to further expand your gaming library.
So, which of these incredible open world games will you dive into first? Let us know in the comments below, and happy adventuring!