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Waiting for a new PS5 release? The right open-world game depends on what you want to do in the meantime: roam a cinematic samurai island, follow a story through a science-fiction frontier, test yourself in a dangerous fantasy world, or settle into a slower Western. These five picks offer distinct kinds of exploration rather than one universal “best” choice. They are games to play now; Grand Theft Auto VI is still listed as upcoming, not playable yet.
Which open-world PS5 game suits you?
| Game | Best fit | Pace and exploration | Story and combat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut | Cinematic samurai adventure | Explore a focused island setting, with room for stealth and discovery. | Action-led, with a strong sense of place; includes the Iki Island expansion and Legends online co-op mode. |
| Horizon Forbidden West | Story-led science fiction | Travel through distant lands and encounter new tribes and machines. | Story and exploration meet battles against machines. |
| Elden Ring | Challenging fantasy discovery | Self-directed exploration, where investigating the world is part of the appeal. | Combat is demanding; the experience favors discovery over a conventional cinematic route. |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Immersive Western atmosphere | A slower, more detailed world for players who want to take their time. | Its appeal is immersion and a realistic-feeling pace. |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Quest-focused fantasy RPG | Roam between story threads, side stories, and monster contracts. | Choices and quests are central to the experience. |
These are preference-based comparisons, not measured rankings. Push Square’s January 20, 2026 guide uses the query “What are the best open world games on PS5?”; this shortlist answers it by matching each game to a different mood and play style (Push Square’s PS5 open-world guide).
Best for cinematic samurai action: Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
Choose this if you want a focused setting, cinematic action, exploration, and stealth rather than a science-fiction or high-fantasy world. PlayStation describes Ghost of Tsushima as an open-world action adventure and lists the Director’s Cut for PS5 and PS4. The edition includes the Iki Island expansion; Legends adds an online co-op mode (PlayStation’s Ghost of Tsushima page).
PlayStation’s page also offers a Blu-ray purchase option for the PS5 Director’s Cut. That confirms a physical format exists, but not its current price, retailer stock, or availability in every region. Check the listing and edition before buying.
#1 Best Overall
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- Play as Wolverine and Ravage enemies with explosive brutality and unleash razor-sharp adamantium claws to deploy fast, fluid attacks and overcome impossible odds
- An Original, Emotionally Charged Story. Beneath Wolverine’s gruff exterior and violent temperament is a man fighting for a cause greater than himself
- A Global, Adrenaline-Fueled Journey where you slice into enemies across detailed locales such as the frosted Canadian Wilderness, the narrow streets of Tokyo, and the high and low districts of the island nation of Madripoor
Best for a story-led science-fiction world: Horizon Forbidden West
Pick Horizon Forbidden West if you want a far-future setting built around exploration, new tribes, and encounters with machines. PlayStation lists a PS5 version and describes Aloy’s journey through distant lands. The game was released on February 18, 2022; PlayStation’s page also lists PS4 and PC versions (PlayStation’s Horizon Forbidden West page).
Its combination of a central story, exploration, and machine battles makes it a natural fit if you want an open world with a clear narrative pull, rather than a game centered on unguided discovery.
Rank #2
- This product contains a download code inside the box — no disc is included. Customer shipments will begin arriving November 12 for pre-load; game is playable starting November 19. Code can only be used by users holding an account for PlayStation registered to the US or Canada.
- Pre-order to receive the Vintage Vice City Pack.
- Grand Theft Auto VI is a single-player experience.
Best for challenging, self-directed discovery: Elden Ring
Choose Elden Ring if you want fantasy exploration that feels dangerous and rewards curiosity. It is the pick here for players who would rather investigate what lies beyond the next landmark than follow a conventional cinematic route. That is a recommendation about fit, not a claim that every player will find its approach or challenge enjoyable.
TechRadar includes Elden Ring among its PS5 game recommendations, while PS5.news includes it in a 2026 open-world PS5 list (TechRadar’s PS5 games guide; PS5.news’s 2026 open-world list). Confirm the current PS5 edition and listing in your region before purchasing.
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- Day 1 Edition includes the Base Game Disc, Steelbook, and World Map.
- Make The Story Your Own - Experience and shape the plot the way you want. Embark on the quest to save your family, or swear revenge on your sire and destroy everyone standing in your way. Discover ancient secrets lurking in the valley. Rush in head first or risk taking time to prepare. Go alone or search for friends and forge unlikely alliances.
- Day And Night - Experience two different gameplay loops, offering distinct abilities to choose from, mysteries to uncover, and varying ways to achieve your goals. Experiment with different approaches and discover how the world reacts to your actions.
- Every Action Matters - Every action - and inaction - shapes the world around you. Your family’s days are numbered, and every time you take on a quest, time moves forward, compelling you closer to the end. Choose carefully whom to help and whom to leave behind. You will not have time for everyone. The world waits for no one. And neither does the villain.
Best for a slower Western: Red Dead Redemption 2
If you want to inhabit a detailed Western world rather than rush through a faster action adventure, Red Dead Redemption 2 is the slow-burn choice. PS5.news describes it as a slower and more realistic option in its May 18, 2026 recommendations. That makes it a strong mood match for players who value atmosphere and immersion.
The available sources here do not establish a specific PS5 edition or current purchase listing. Check the product page carefully for platform compatibility and edition details before buying.
Rank #4
- Only at Amazon Limited Edition Content - The Rogue Infiltrator Character Pack includes cosmetics for Kay and Nix.
- Discover a galaxy of opportunity. Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
- Experience an original scoundrel story. Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
- Embark on high-stakes missions. Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
- Jump into the pilot seat. Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
Best for quests and consequential choices: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Pick The Witcher 3 if you want a fantasy RPG driven by quests: monster contracts, side stories, and decisions with consequences are highlighted in PS5.news’s 2026 recommendations. It suits players who want to spend their time following story threads as well as exploring.
Edition and upgrade details can affect what you are buying. Verify the current PS5 listing and the edition’s contents in your region before purchase; the cited recommendations do not settle those details.
Best Value
- Embark on an epic voyage, find your own destiny in this epic space adventure
- Includes 6 years of updates
- An entire universe to explore on the go in the palm of your hands
- For the first time ever, PlayStation 5 physical edition as well as Nintendo Switch (physical & digital)
Is GTA VI playable on PS5 yet?
No. The PlayStation Blog’s July 14, 2026 roundup lists Grand Theft Auto VI as an upcoming PS5 game with a release date of November 19, 2026 (PlayStation Blog’s 2026 release roundup). That date is the one stated in that dated article, not a guarantee that the schedule has not changed. Check current official announcements closer to release. Until it launches, the games above are options to play now rather than substitutes you must finish first.
How to make the choice
- Want cinematic action in a focused setting? Start with Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut.
- Want a clear story in a science-fiction frontier? Choose Horizon Forbidden West.
- Want a tougher world that invites wandering? Try Elden Ring.
- Want slower immersion and atmosphere? Consider Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Want quests, monster contracts, and story choices? Go with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
For physical-versus-digital shopping, the cited official information specifically confirms a Blu-ray option for Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PS5. For the other games, verify the current PS5 edition and format directly with the seller or publisher; availability, pricing, and stock can vary.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
