Open World Games are some of our favorites here at Beanstalk: players have the freedom to explore and interact with a virtual world that is not constrained by a set path or linear storyline.
These games usually feature a large, open sandbox environment that allows players to discover new areas, complete missions and objectives, and interact with non-player characters in a non-linear fashion.
Looking for the Best Open Worlds to explore that you can play on the PS5? Read on as we have hand-picked our favorites.
1. Elden Ring
Elden Ring, the latest game from Hidetaka Miyazaki and FromSoftware, is a self-reckoning of how to approach the difficulty-centered, skill-testing gameplay that they popularized with the Souls series.
The game features familiar hallmarks of a traditional Souls game or the Masocore genre, but operates under different names and includes new features such as Runes, Crimson Tears, and Sites of Grace. The plot, while similar to previous Souls games, takes a different path than usual.
The game rewards players for being intrepid, creative, and truly courageous and is a vast and beautiful world with plenty of adventure waiting for players in every direction.
2. Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West is a continuation of what made the first game great, a perfect blend of action-adventure, exploration, and RPG elements. Players will once again control Aloy and take down robotic creatures in a beautifully detailed open world.
The game is a follow-up to Horizon Zero Dawn, which was a game-changer when it was released in 2017. The post-apocalyptic world with the blend of machines and nature was visually stunning.
This new entry in the Horizon franchise features a lot of content, including a new board game-like feature called Machines Strike, and plenty of hidden machines, collectibles, and environmental puzzles to keep players engaged for hours. The environmental puzzles, while not as complex as some other games, still provide a good challenge and require players to think critically and explore their surroundings.
3. Spider-Man Miles Morales
Spiderman: Miles Morales is a game that builds upon the foundation of the first game, Spiderman, which was released in 2018. The game takes place in New York City, and players take on the role of Miles Morales, the new Spiderman. The open world in this game is massive, and players will have the ability to swing through the streets of New York City and explore all the nooks and crannies that the city has to offer.
One of the things that set this game apart from its predecessor is the level of detail in the open world. The city feels alive and bustling with activity, with people and cars filling the streets. The game also features a variety of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique feel and atmosphere. From the gritty streets of Harlem to the bright lights of Times Square, there’s always something new to discover.
The open world also features a variety of different activities for players to engage in, from tackling crimes and rescuing civilians to taking on side missions and completing challenges. These activities not only help to break up the gameplay and keep things fresh, but they also serve as a great way to level up Miles and unlock new abilities.
4. Cyberpunk 2077
Set in a dark and gritty future, the game allows players to take on the role of a cybernetically enhanced “V” as they explore the sprawling metropolis of Night City.
One of the most striking things about Cyberpunk 2077 is its open world. Night City is a bustling and vibrant place, filled with a diverse cast of characters and a wealth of activities to keep players engaged. From street racing and gun fights to hacking and stealth missions, there’s always something to do in Night City.
The level of detail in the game’s open world is truly impressive. The neon-lit streets are teeming with life, with vendors selling their wares and people going about their business. The game’s verticality is also noteworthy, as players can explore the city’s towering skyscrapers and dive into the seedy underbelly of the city’s slums.
One of the most exciting aspects of Cyberpunk 2077 is the level of player choice. Players have the freedom to approach missions and objectives in a variety of ways, whether it be through brute force or stealth. The game’s branching dialogue and moral choices also add an extra layer of depth, allowing players to shape the story and the world around them.
5. No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is a game that has come a long way since its initial release in 2016. The game’s developers, Hello Games, have done an incredible job of building upon the foundation of the game and expanding upon its already vast open world. The game’s universe is made up of procedurally generated planets, each with its own set of unique flora and fauna, as well as its own set of challenges to overcome.
No Man’s Sky is much different compared to other open-world games because of its heavy emphasis on exploration. The game encourages players to venture out into the unknown and discover new worlds, and the sense of discovery is truly unmatched. The game’s vast open world is filled with mysteries and secrets to uncover, making it a perfect game for those who enjoy a good adventure.
6. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a game that immerses players in the brutal and intriguing world of Norse mythology. Set in the 9th century, players take on the role of Eivor, a Viking warrior who leads their clan on a journey to settle in the new land of England. The game’s open world is vast and diverse, featuring everything from snowy mountains to lush forests and bustling cities.
One of the standout features of Valhalla is the game’s combat system, which has been overhauled to make it more visceral and satisfying. Players can now dual-wield weapons, perform brutal executions, and even use their shield as a weapon. The game also introduces a new skill tree system, allowing players to tailor Eivor’s abilities to their play style.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a game that offers a rich and engaging open-world experience, with a unique setting, improved gameplay mechanics, and a compelling story. It’s a game that will keep players hooked for hours on end as they explore the world, engage in epic battles, and uncover the secrets of Norse mythology.
7. The Pathless
The Pathless is an action-adventure game that combines fast-paced combat and exploration in a beautiful, open world. Players take on the role of a skilled Hunter using a variety of weapons and abilities to take down supernatural enemies and uncover the secrets of a mysterious island.
One of the standout features of the game is its vast open world, which is filled with diverse and breathtaking landscapes. From dense forests and towering mountains to sprawling deserts and hidden caves, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. The game also features a unique traversal system, allowing players to soar through the skies on the back of an eagle companion, adding a sense of freedom and exhilaration to the exploration.
8. Watch Dogs Legion
Watch Dogs Legion is an open-world action-adventure game set in a futuristic London, where players can control any NPC they come across in the city. The game offers a vast open-world environment for players to explore, filled with interesting characters, unique locations, and various missions to complete.
One of the main features of Watch Dogs Legion is the ability to control any NPC in the game. Each NPC has its own backstory, personality, and skills, making them unique and adding to the game’s replayability. Players can switch between characters on the fly, allowing them to tackle missions in different ways and experience the story from different perspectives.
9. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
The game’s open world is truly a sight to behold, filled with lush forests, picturesque mountains, and sprawling cities. Players are free to explore the island of Tsushima at their own pace, discovering hidden temples, ancient ruins, and other points of interest. Along the way, players will encounter a diverse cast of characters, from honorable samurai to ruthless bandits, each with their own story to tell.
The open world is not just a pretty backdrop, it is integral to the gameplay. Players must use the natural terrain and cover to their advantage in order to outsmart and outmaneuver the enemy. Whether it’s sneaking through the tall grass or scaling a mountain to gain a strategic vantage point, players will need to think creatively to succeed.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim’s open world has set the standard for open-world games, and it continues to be a benchmark for games that came after it, with many games taking inspiration from its design and mechanics. The game’s popularity has also led to multiple remasters and re-releases, making it accessible to a new generation of players. The game’s legacy is undeniable, and it’s a game that will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come.
11. Subnautic: Below Zero
Subnautica: Below Zero is a unique open-world game that sets itself apart from others by taking place underwater. Players are stranded on an alien ocean world and must survive by exploring the depths, gathering resources, and building bases. Unlike other open-world games that take place on land, Subnautica: Below Zero offers a completely different type of environment to explore, with a focus on underwater exploration and survival.
This game features a variety of biomes to discover, from deep-sea trenches to frozen arctic waters, each with its own set of challenges and dangers. Players must also contend with the threat of hostile sea creatures and the pressure of the deep ocean.
Subnautica: Below Zero’s open world is not only different in terms of its setting, but also in terms of the gameplay mechanics it offers, such as the need to manage your oxygen levels, the use of a diving suit, and the ability to build and upgrade underwater bases. In addition, the game also has a strong emphasis on story and lore which sets it apart from other open-world games. The game is a journey of survival and discovery, and its open world encourages players to explore and uncover the secrets of the planet’s past and present.
12. Immortals Fenyx Rising
The game is set in the Golden Isle, a vast open-world environment filled with various regions and landmarks inspired by Greek mythology. Players will explore a variety of locations, from the lush forests and snowy peaks to the dark underworld, as they uncover the secrets of the island and its inhabitants.
Immortals Fenyx Rising is all about open-world exploration, which allows players to freely explore the Golden Isle and discover new locations and challenges. The game features a variety of activities such as puzzles, combat, and exploration, all of which are designed to challenge players and offer a sense of accomplishment.
13. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact offers a vast open world to explore, with stunning landscapes and diverse environments. The game features an array of characters to play as and a unique elemental combat system. Players can roam the world, solve puzzles, and take on challenging enemies to uncover the mysteries of Teyvat.
The game’s seamless transitions between different regions and the ability to freely explore the map are some of the best features of the open-world aspect of the game. Overall, Genshin Impact offers a truly immersive open-world experience with endless possibilities for exploration and adventure.
14. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt of Rivia, a seasoned monster hunter, embarks on a journey through the open world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to find his missing adopted daughter. Along the way, players will encounter a variety of characters and monsters, as well as make choices that shape the story and world around them. The game offers a vast open world filled with diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Novigrad to the snowy peaks of Skellige.
The combat system is dynamic and challenging, requiring players to make use of a variety of weapons and signs to defeat enemies. The game’s story is rich and well-written, with a mix of political intrigue and personal drama that keeps players engaged throughout the journey.
15. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V features an expansive open-world environment that allows players to explore and interact with the game’s world in a variety of ways. The game is set in the fictional city of Los Santos, which is modeled after real-life Los Angeles, and players can take on various missions and activities, such as robbing banks, stealing cars, and engaging in shootouts with the police.
The game’s open world also allows for a variety of side activities, such as playing golf, and tennis, or going on a shopping spree. With a wide range of cars, weapons, and characters to choose from, GTA V offers a truly immersive open-world experience that immerses players in a vast, living, and breathing world.
