The open-world genre has been around for quite some time. It’s probably the only genre that can give that full immersion and simulation we all crave in video games these days. So it is the perfect time to showcase the most amazing open-world games specifically for the Playstation 4. The console is considered by many to be the greatest console ever made due to its performance and a massive library of games.
The list focuses on various aspects of the open-world genre including the characters, the visual and artistic direction, variety of quests, and the overall gameplay and feel. Buckle up gamers and let’s begin!
15. Batman Arkham Knight
I Am Vengeance. I Am The Night. I Am Batman!
Batman Arkham Knight Trailer
Arkham Knight is the fourth and final game in the critically acclaimed Batman Arkham series. Unlike previous games in the series, the game is set in an open world, where the player, as Batman, can freely explore the city of Gotham.
You can fly around the city with your cape experiencing the dark beauty of Gotham or use the super awesome Batmobile to rip through the unforgiving streets. The game’s fighting has been massively improved using the ‘FreeFlow’ system which Batman can use to smoothly switch his movements while engaged in combat. The game also features many side missions which are based around many fan favourite villains including the Riddler, Azrael, Penguin, and many more. If you’re a completionist why not challenge yourself to solve all of the 243 Riddler challenges and see how that works out?
Batman Arkham Knight is a great way to enjoy the dark immersion of Gotham city and is a fitting way to end the beloved series on a high note. You have to play this one honestly.
14. Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain
You've only got two options. Heaven, or Hell.
Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain Trailer
Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain is the final Metal Gear game made under the vision of the great Hideo Kojima. While the game is not set in a single open-world area, it has a main base and many small areas which the player can explore freely while or after completing the missions.
The game has a variety of customization and gameplay mechanics which have been improved from previous installments. You can choose to go for a stealth approach or go full-on guns blazing and leave no one behind style. There are more than 150 side activities and missions throughout the game so you’ll never feel bored. Each of them has its own unique objectives which give the player freedom to choose their playthrough style.
The game has been really well received by fans and critics alike and is probably the most enjoyable in the series. A small reminder, while you’re playing the game you might bump into Kojima himself so try not to kill him, please? He’s just awesome.
13. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Kill well… and often.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
People are still waiting for Elder Scrolls VI but that doesn’t mean the Elder Scrolls V wasn’t good. It means they played the hell out of that game. Can you blame them?
When Skyrim was released in 2011 it lived up to the hype. Sure it has its bugs here and there, but it didn’t take away the fun and immersion this game offered. The main story, especially the lore, is really really fascinating and enjoyable. The combat, although a bit janky, is still good nonetheless. With the mod support in the PS4, fans have been going wild with performance and graphics mod which makes Skyrim truly look great on the console.
This is a must-play for RPG lovers as you can do basically anything in this game. I mean come on you’re the Dragonborn!
12. Fallout 4
War. War Never Changes
Fallout 4 Trailer
Fallout 4 was released in 2015 and had been very well received by fans and critics alike.
The game has a diverse environment set in post-apocalyptic Boston in the aftermath of nuclear war. The wasteland setting blended perfectly with the great gunplay and customization options. What really stands out is of course the open world. From the dangerous streets of Downtown Boston to the spooky outskirts of the Commonwealth, you’ll never feel the lack of anything except maybe ammo. A lot of work has been put on the story and the side quests especially. You’ll get the chance to join multiple factions and may have to choose which ones to eliminate. Building your bases and settlements is a priority throughout the game and it will directly affect your exploration. There are also hidden mysteries and countless easter eggs to discover in this game. Some even haven’t been discovered yet so now might be your chance!
All in all Fallout 4 is a fantastic game. The mod support of the community makes it even more amazing to play and certainly gives an immersion feel to it. So start playing and remember War. War never changes.
11. Death Stranding
If You're Not Scared Of Death, How Can You Value live?
Death Stranding Trailer
Death Stranding is the first game released by Hideo Kojima’s own studio. It had been in development for years and has sort of developed a following due to its unique blend of openness and immersion.
The game lets you take control of Sam Porter Bridges, played by the one and only Norman Reedus, who works mainly as a courier. Events unfold and he is on a mission to connect every part of post-apocalyptic America in a brutal open world filled with darkness and uncertainty. While the game does have a line of repetitive quests, the immersion is what makes it stand out from other games. You have to manage your weight throughout your journey, you have to sleep and you even have to urinate! There are vehicles you can use but it’s more fun to roam the unknown land here. The gameplay and the enemy AI are weird to get used to at first but after it gets extremely easy. And the graphics? Let’s say it feels like playing a crisp high definition movie when playing on a PS4.
If you want an open-world game with a load of uniqueness and different formula, this is it.
10.Days Gone
Fear no one as you ride through the Valley of Death.
Days Gone Trailer
In terms of open-world zombie games, the PS4 exclusive, Days Gone has set a standard in world-building and immersion. While the critics left mixed reviews, the fans loved it and it is a must-play if you own a PS4.
The game, although it has RPG elements, is strictly an action game set in a beautiful open world. Killing zombies has never been this much more than in Days Gone. And what makes it more awesome is you have a bike you can upgrade and can use to roam around the world. The zombie AI is pretty amazing honestly, their behavior varies during certain times of the day. While not being a horror game, the atmosphere certainly gives that vibe during the night with an empty soundtrack silently playing in the background. And hordes. Oh my god, the hordes.
Hundreds of zombies running at you together and you only have a shotgun and your bike. Doesn’t get better than this right?
9.Infamous Second Son
Be in Control
Infamous Second Son Trailer
Infamous Second Son was one of the first exclusive titles to be released for the PS4. It’s the spin-off sequel to Infamous 2 made by Insomniac Games and it certainly packs a punch.
Set in Seattle, you take on the role of Delsin Rowe as you venture through the beautiful city landscape. This game is a prime example of amazing gameplay and performance. Flying and jumping around with your superpowers never felt better. Blasting things with your bare hands just felt so good. Graphically for a game released in 2014, it still holds up even today and you’ll never see a drop in performance. The combat has a smooth flow to it. Personally, it’s just fun and awesome.
This game is a must-play if you want to sit back, relax and have some mindless fun and with assurance, you’ll never get tired,
8. GTA V
Surviving Is Winning! Everything Else Is Bulls***!
GTA V Trailer
I mean come on. An open-world game list without a GTA?
Grand Theft Auto V has everything you wanted to do. Great characters. Great story. And a whole lotta everything. Ever wanted to go for a swim after rampaging an entire city? Yes, you can do that. Ever wanted to jump from a skyscraper with a bicycle and then open your parachute in mid-air while destroying a police chopper just for fun? Of course! Have a feeling of just living like a normal citizen living a normal life? Well yeah, you can do that but honestly, why would you?
If you haven’t played this, well there’s not much to say. Play it!
7. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Order, Chaos… If Either Triumphs Alone the World Dies
Assassin's Creed Odyssey Trailer
Odyssey differs from the other games in the beloved Assassin’s Creed franchise as it is the first game to incorporate RPG elements into Ubisoft’s open-world gameplay and storytelling.
The story is set in Ancient Greece, where you play as any one of two Spartan Siblings, Kassandra and Alexios respectively. The huge Greek world the game is set in is visually pleasing, to say the least. From a big city like Athens to a small, isolated island, this game has it all. The story is of the old good vs evil but much more exciting.
Exploration has basically no limits in this vast Greek world. Whether you want to travel by land or sea or have a pleasant view of the Greek countryside from your pet eagle’s perspective, there is no limit. You can search for treasures, hunt rare animals, and simply enjoy the stunning view. And if you crave more content, play the expansions and see for yourself!
6. God of War
Don’t be Sorry. Be better.
God of War Trailer
Now you might be surprised to see God of War in this list but the latest released in 2018 is set in a beautiful open world where there is much to be explored.
You play as Kratos, and along with your son, Atreus, you set on a journey to spread your late wife’s ashes on the highest peak. Seems pretty straightforward right? Well, it is but in order to do that you have to face trolls, dragons, and other hideous monsters. Also, you have to fight a demigod. Pretty breathtaking I know. But even with all these things to do, you can’t ignore the open environment it is set in. The game has different Norse Realms to explore freely and each one has its own enemies and bosses. You think that’s tough? Search for the Valkyries and you’ll want no more of this.
This PS4 exclusive has a legendary status due to its iconic story and flawless gameplay. Play it and you’ll not regret anything.
5. Marvel’s Spiderman
With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility
Marvel's Spiderman Trailer
It never gets old with Spiderman. This PS4 exclusive by Insomniac Games racked up a few game of the year awards when it got released and honestly, it deserves it.
As usual you play as Peter Parker aka Spiderman in the crowded but beautiful city of New York. You not only get to play as Peter, but also as Mary Jane Watson, Peter’s on-again off-again girlfriend and even Miles Morales, so you’re in for a treat. The story written for this game has depth and the characters feel well developed to give you a truly amazing experience. Many were skeptical how the web swinging gameplay would be implemented by Insomniac but after it was released all doubts were gone. The gameplay is fantastic, the swinging feels awesome and New York never looked. There are loads of side quests to do while you roleplay as your favorite era Spiderman while wearing their suit.
This is honestly one of the best games out there which lets you have loads of fun. The fan favorite suits added in the game made it even more well received. I mean who didn’t have the fantasy of swinging around New York as Tobey Maguire’s Spiderman? Well if you did, this game is for you.
4. Horizon Zero Dawn
There’s so much more to discover before the world ends
Horizon Zero Dawn Trailer
Horizon Zero Dawn was a revolutionary title in terms of uniqueness in open world games. The blend of primitive post apocalyptic America with robots and technologies might sound bizarre, but it's exactly the opposite of it.
You play as Aloy, a strong female protagonist destined to find the mysteries that surround her existence and of the world. While the technology present in the game is very advanced the use of bows and arrows are much more consistent with the gameplay. You can roam the vivid landscape and enjoy its amazing wonders. Tame robots as you survive through this despicable land where anything or anyone is suspicious.
The use of robot technology as a forefront to the storyline just works perfectly. You might hear this and feel awkward, but play this awesome exclusive title and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
3. Ghost of Tsushima
The Strength We Need Is All Around Us.
Ghost of Tsushima Trailer
When Sucker Punch Productions announced this game, it is safe to day everyone, I mean everyone, was hyped. And deservedly, it lived up to it.
Ghost of Tsushima is set in the titular island of Tsushima during feudal Japan at the time of the Mongol Invasion. You are Jin Sakai, a samurai who has to leave his honor behind to take on the mantle of the Ghost and defeat the invading Mongol forces. While there have been games set in the Japanese region, no notable one was in an open world environment. The beauty of the island of Tsushima was just vivid, in short. The art style and color palette of the game was sensational simply. The combat felt real and amazing, the enemy AI was wonderful and you actually felt connected to Jin’s struggle in the story. The mythical side quests and armor hunts were just awesome to play in.
There is no excuse to not play this fantastic and authentic Japanese game. Literally.
2. The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt
Evil is Evil
The Witcher 3 Trailer
An open world video game list without this game is blasphemy, to say the least. The third game of the Witcher trilogy by CD PROJEKT RED is a masterpiece, both in terms of visual and storytelling.
You take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher who searches for his long-lost adopted daughter and protégé, Ciri, who herself is being chased by the demonic Wild Hunt. You’ll travel all across this fantasy world where you will meet all kinds of people in your journey. Search for hidden treasures, fight bloodthirsty monsters and craft your own arsenal of weapons and spells. This game will keep you engaged forever. The monster hunting quests, the treasure hunts and numerous diverse side quests will fulfill the mind of the explorer in you.. The fantasy and magical elements of the world makes it much more immersive for the player to get into. If you think the main story is amazing, the expansions ‘Hearts of Stone’ and ‘Blood and Wine’ will surely satisfy your storytelling needs. The combat system is very refined and challenging but once you get used to it is pure fun. But if you find it easy, why not crank up the difficulty and see what it’s like?
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
Vengeance is an idiot’s game.
Red Dead Redemption 2 Trailer
Was there even a doubt this western epic wouldn’t top the list? Nothing, I repeat nothing, captures the amazing and dynamic open world immersion that Red Dead Redemption 2 put out.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is the prequel to the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption and is the third game of the Red Dead series. You take on the role of Arthur Morgan during the early days of the Van Der Linde gang as you are on the run from the law. You explore the vast but dangerous American Frontier. Meet gunslingers like yourself and challenge them to a showdown, steal valuable treasures, get immersed in the lively towns and cities Rockstar Games have so perfectly crafted and filled with details. Nothing gets better than this. Roaming around the silent wilderness filled with its own secret is an experience of its own. The main story touches you on every level as you connect with all the different kinds of characters throughout.
There really isn’t much to say why you shouldn’t play this awesome game by Rockstar. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you can rewind over and over and over again. It’s the perfect game in a sense.
So, there you have it folks! These awesome games can keep you occupied for countless hours and will never let you get bored and on top of all that you will definitely have fun. Enjoy!
