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The 5 Best Open World Games on PS5 (2026)
By Hisan Kidwai | February 22, 2026
Let’s be honest: nothing beats the feeling of loading up a new open-world game on a Friday night, knowing you have the whole weekend ahead of you. It’s the ultimate console experience—a chance to get lost in a world that isn’t yours, live a life you’ve never lived, and forget about the real world for a while.
But here’s the problem: with so many massive worlds to choose from, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. You don’t want to sink twenty hours into a game only to realize it’s not for you.
We’ve been there. That’s why we’ve tested the most popular open-world games on the PS5 to narrow down the ones truly worth your time. Here are our top picks.
5. Cyberpunk 2077
If you remember the launch of Cyberpunk 2077, you know it was… rough. Bugs, glitches, and a lot of disappointed players. But here’s the thing—CD Projekt Red didn’t abandon it. Over the years, they’ve fixed almost every issue, and today, Cyberpunk 2077 is the game it was always meant to be.
Set in the dystopian, neon-soaked sprawl of Night City, you play as V, a mercenary who gets tangled in a high-stakes heist gone wrong. The story is chaotic and gripping, but the real star is the city itself. It’s one of the most detailed, dense open worlds you’ll ever explore.
If you ask me, though, my favorite part is just riding a motorcycle through the rain-soaked streets at night. The neon lights reflecting off the asphalt? Pure atmosphere.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
When CD Projekt Red released the next-gen update for The Witcher 3, it transformed an already great game into something truly legendary. If you haven’t played it yet, this is the perfect time to jump in.
Set in a world inspired by Slavic folklore, you follow Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter. The main story is fantastic, but what makes The Witcher 3 special is its side quests. They don’t feel like filler—they feel like essential chapters in the larger narrative. Each one has its own mini-story, and some will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Oh, and the ending? It’s one of those rare moments in gaming that leaves you staring at the screen, unsure of what to feel. In the best way possible.
3. Ghost of Tsushima
Visually, Ghost of Tsushima is in a league of its own. Sucker Punch didn’t just build an open world—they painted one.
Set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274, you play as Jin Sakai, a samurai who must abandon tradition to protect his homeland. The story is a beautiful balance of emotional depth and thrilling action, but the game’s design is what really stands out.
There’s no mini-map. Instead, the wind guides you to your objectives. It sounds simple, but it makes the world feel organic and immersive. Whether you’re facing enemies head-on in a samurai duel or sneaking through tall grass for a stealth kill, the combat is sharp, deadly, and incredibly satisfying.
2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
If you grew up watching Spider-Man swing through New York on a screen, Insomniac Games has given you the chance to live it. The first Spider-Man was a massive hit, and Spider-Man 2 doesn’t just match it—it builds on everything that worked.
This time, you control both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, each with their own unique powers and storylines. The combat is fast and fluid, the story hits the right emotional beats, and the world feels more alive than ever.
But let’s be real—the swinging is the main event. I’ve spent hours just soaring, diving, and gliding across the city without touching a single mission. Some of my best gaming memories are simply moving through this world. And thanks to Insomniac’s PS5 optimization, it runs like a dream with stunning visuals, high frame rates, and near-instant load times.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
At number one, we have what many consider the greatest game ever made. And honestly? It’s hard to argue with that.
Set in 1899, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw caught between loyalty to his gang and his own conscience. To call it a story about cowboys is a disservice. It’s a meditation on loyalty, morality, and survival in a world that’s changing too fast.
Rockstar built an open world that feels handcrafted in every detail. From misty forests to snow-capped mountains, every vista is worth stopping for. I’ve spent hours fishing in remote creeks, cooking meat over a campfire, and just riding through the wilderness while the sun sets in the distance.
You can interact with nearly every NPC, observe their daily routines, and build relationships with your gang members—a level of depth no other game quite matches. The missions are designed to keep you engaged, never frustrating.
Even though there isn’t a dedicated PS5 version yet, the game runs significantly better on the console with faster loading times and stable frame rates. It’s not just the best open-world game on PS5—it’s one of the best games you can play, period.
Final Thoughts
Open-world games offer something unique: the freedom to explore, the space to breathe, and the chance to lose yourself in a story. Whether you’re in the mood for neon-lit chaos, medieval monster hunting, samurai honor, superhero antics, or cowboy philosophy, there’s a world here waiting for you.
So grab a controller, get comfortable, and pick your next adventure. You’ve got some great ones ahead.
