In June 2022, Sony introduced a revamped version of its PlayStation Plus service, meticulously structured into three distinct tiers. This contemporary offering grants subscribers access to an expansive library of games, showcasing cherished titles from PlayStation’s illustrious history, including beloved PS1 and PSP classics. Not only does PS Plus pay homage to the brand’s rich legacy, but it also spans a diverse array of genres—ranging from horror and platformers to RPGs and strategy. Additionally, the catalog boasts an impressive collection of open-world games, a category particularly loved by gaming enthusiasts.
Regardless of whether players are in search of exclusive PlayStation titles or renowned third-party masterpieces, the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers are well-equipped to meet their gaming desires. Navigating through such a vast array of choices can often prove overwhelming, particularly within the realm of open-world games. This genre is profoundly represented in the PS Plus lineup, featuring an array of experiences, from first-person shooters to survival and role-playing games. In this article, we will delve into the finest open-world PS Plus games currently available.
It is worth noting that while every title discussed belongs to the PS Plus Premium tier, not all are included in the Extra tier. Furthermore, the selection of games highlighted is not primarily ranked by quality; rather, new arrivals will take precedence.
Updated January 13, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As we turn to PS Plus Essential’s January 2025 offerings, one particularly divisive open-world title stands out, deserving attention for its current availability.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (PS Plus Essential January 2025)
In the January 2025 PS Plus Essential lineup, the reaction to Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has been mixed. This game has stirred up significant discussion, primarily due to its live-service model, repetitive mission structure, and its ties to the Batman Arkham franchise. Is the criticism warranted? That remains up for debate. The title has faced numerous challenges impacting its initial appeal, leading to a lack of longevity shortly after its release. While it may not rank among the greatest open-world or superhero games, it offers enough redeeming qualities to warrant consideration during this PS Plus season.
The storyline unfolds in a world where Brainiac has taken control of most heroes, leaving Amanda Waller with little recourse but to recruit DC’s most ineffective characters—Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark—to form the Suicide Squad and eliminate the Justice League. Should they fail, their lives hang in the balance. While the narrative is largely unremarkable, it benefits from amusing character interactions and high-quality cutscenes. Despite its drawbacks, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League showcases visually striking graphics and offers an expansive open-world experience, with Metropolis serving as a sandbox for players to engage in chaotic combat.
Another addition to the PS Plus Essential January 2025 lineup is Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered, which, although mission-based, still offers an open-world experience.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
CD Projekt Red’s Genre-Evolving Open-World RPG
Among the monumental releases in open-world gaming history, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out since it redefined what a role-playing game could encompass. Launched in 2015, it introduced players to a sprawling, meticulously crafted dark fantasy universe, rich with narrative depth and character development that far surpassed typical quest designs. Instead of mundane objectives, players encounter engaging side quests full of emotional resonance and intricate storytelling.
While this game might not excite those already familiar with the acclaimed open-world RPG, its presence on PS Plus is noteworthy, especially with the PS5 version featuring enhancements and quality-of-life improvements. Consequently, those who experienced only the PS4 version may find value in revisiting this masterpiece in its updated form. For any newcomers, now is undoubtedly the perfect opportunity to dive into this iconic game.
2. Ghost Of Tsushima: Director’s Cut
A Stunning Recreation Of Japanese History
As one of the last major titles released for the PS4, Ghost of Tsushima transports players to 13th-century Japan amid the Mongol invasion. Following a failed battle, protagonist Jin Sakai embarks on a quest to rally allies against a formidable foe.
The breathtaking open-world design of Tsushima Island—available on both PS4 and PS5—invites exploration, rich with vibrant landscapes and diverse locales. The Director’s Cut also introduces the captivating Iki Island, providing players a chance to engage in exhilarating samurai battles and compelling side quests enriched by memorable NPC interactions.
3. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – Special Edition
Bethesda’s Timeless RPG That Is Endlessly Replayable
Since its release in 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has become a cultural phenomenon, with its Special Edition representing the ultimate console experience. This version enhances the game’s visual fidelity and introduces mod support, which has played a vital role in extending its lifespan.
Skyrim’s open-world environment is a model of excellence, encouraging players to explore and discover its riches. Although the main storyline is decent, the game thrives on its immersive locations, character customizations, and engaging storytelling, ensuring that it remains highly regarded even years later.
Additionally, PS Plus Premium includes The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, while The Elder Scrolls Online can be found on PS Plus Extra.
4. Grand Theft Auto 5
The Eternal Open-World Game
Rockstar Games has established a consistent rhythm regarding PS Plus releases, often cycling through titles without much variation. For instance, following the departure of Red Dead Redemption 2 in November 2024, Grand Theft Auto 5 arrived—a transition that felt underwhelming due to this being a re-release of a game that had already exited the service in June 2024.
Despite the repetitive release cycle, the quality of these games speaks for itself. GTA 5 continues to captivate audiences, more than ten years after its initial launch, having received various iterations that utilize modern advancements. While the single-player campaign may not be the most replayable, the vibrant open world of Los Santos offers endless opportunities for players, whether solo or part of a team in GTA Online.
5. Fallout 4
More Action Than RPG, But Still An Impressive Open-World Game
For players eager to traverse a post-apocalyptic landscape, Fallout 4 on PS Plus offers expansive exploration, boasting a map even larger than that of Skyrim. This iconic installment invites adventurers to uncover secrets, complete side missions, and experience action-heavy gameplay.
The Fallout series consistently delivers thrilling open-world escapades, and Fallout 4 is no exception. Players should prepare for an extended journey to uncover everything the game has to offer, especially when considering its numerous DLC expansions.
P.S. Fallout 76 is part of the PS Plus Extra offerings, while Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are available on PS Plus Premium.
6. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
Live The Pirate Life
The PS Plus Extra lineup features a variety of Assassin’s Creed titles, enabling players to explore countless historical contexts within the franchise. Selecting a favorite installment can depend on personal preferences, whether players prefer the ambiance of Syndicate’s UK or the allure of Ancient Egypt in Origins. Although the latter serves as a great entry point, it is wise not to overlook Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, which shines when viewed on its own merits.
Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Piracy, Black Flag invites players to explore an intricately designed map populated with vibrant cities and adventures at sea. The campaign swiftly thrusts players behind the wheel of a ship, promoting exploration and discovery. Notably, this title distinguishes itself from others in the franchise by focusing on the sheer pleasure of living the pirate life.
Other open-world Assassin’s Creed games accessible through PS Plus Extra include:
- Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection
- Assassin’s Creed 3: Remastered
- Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered
- Assassin’s Creed Unity
- Assassin’s Creed Freedom Cry
- Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
- Assassin’s Creed Origins
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
7. Batman: Arkham Knight
Gotham At Its Best
PS Plus has a rich selection of offerings for Batman enthusiasts, including the complete Arkham trilogy alongside Arkham Origins and the often-criticized Gotham Knights. While the latter presents some redeeming qualities, it pales in comparison to the resounding success of Arkham Knight, released in 2015. Despite initial controversies surrounding performance issues on PC and its heavy reliance on the Batmobile, the game still garnered praise for its immersion and gameplay.
Today, Arkham Knight remains a remarkable feat that showcases what may be the most visually stunning iteration of Gotham City in gaming to date. Nearly a decade later, its open-world continues to inspire players with its intricately designed architecture and stylistic aesthetics, despite some players still feeling divided on the inclusion of the Batmobile in gameplay.
It’s worth noting that Arkham Asylum and Arkham City are also available on PS Plus Premium, albeit in their Return to Arkham PS4 versions, which, while enjoyable, lack the refinement of newer titles.
8. Saints Row 2
More Than Just A GTA Clone
The PS Plus library includes three titles from the Saints Row series: Saints Row 2, Saints Row 4, and Gat Out of Hell. Despite adherence to enhancing the open-world experience, each game diverges significantly in tone. While Saints Row 4 and its spin-off, Gat Out of Hell, embrace an over-the-top superhero aesthetic, the more grounded Saints Row 2 stretches boundaries while maintaining a semblance of reality.
In Saints Row 2, players assume the role of a protagonist determined to reclaim the Saints gang from rival factions. With a narrative accompanied by a well-constructed open-world environment, the game captures the essence of a classic crime saga enriched by humor and memorable characters.
9. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Great Setting, Along With Even Better Movement And Combat
Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man remains an iconic title within superhero gaming, though its spot on PS Plus Extra has long since been vacated. However, the spin-off Miles Morales offers a compelling alternative, maintaining the high-quality standards set by its predecessor.
Although intertwined with elements from Spider-Man, Miles Morales unfolds as a stand-alone narrative that highlights Miles as he embraces his heroic identity. The game delivers an engaging experience in under ten hours, making it an excellent option for PS Plus subscribers.
10. Like 3
Fun Blend Of Shooting, Platforming, & Driving
By 2004, Naughty Dog’s Jak & Daxter series had evolved from its platforming roots into a more action-centric format. The introduction of open-ended exploration in Jak 2 was fully realized in its sequel, Jak 3, emphasizing free-roaming elements in diverse city settings and wasteland landscapes.
Even though it may seem less structured compared to its contemporaries, Jak 3 remains a thrilling action-adventure experience on the PS2. While its open world may not boast the intricacy of larger titles, it retains a fun gameplay loop that invites players to immerse themselves in the experience.
11. Death Stranding
A Lonely Open-World Game About Creating Connections
In the realm of gaming, Hideo Kojima’s releases create a stir, and Death Stranding is certainly no exception. Set in a post-apocalyptic version of the United States, players take on the role of Sam, a courier tasked with delivering packages and reconnecting a fragmented society.
The essence of Death Stranding lies in the journey itself. As players traverse a desolate landscape, they must navigate challenges and plan their routes meticulously, making the gameplay contemplative and rewarding once understood.
12. Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Turn A City Into Your Playground
The zombie apocalypse motif remains engaging in gaming, and Dying Light 2 represents one of the standout titles in this genre. Although it may not induce fear, it excels in delivering dynamic gameplay within a vibrant open-world setting. Players navigate the city of Villedor, filled with infected threats and hostile survivors, utilizing parkour mechanics to traverse the environment.
While the map may not feel entirely immersive, it is artfully designed to inspire exploration. A day-night cycle introduces additional challenges, as nighttime brings new dangers in the form of zombie hordes that can swiftly overwhelm players who are unprepared.
13. Prey
Perfect Blend Of Horror And Exploration
In the interactive horror landscape, Prey positions players as Morgan Yu, who finds himself navigating the eerie confines of a space station overrun by extraterrestrial forces. This title artfully combines survival horror, stealth elements, and exploration mechanics, empowering players to exercise their agency.
While the environment does not rival the size of other open-world titles, Talos 1 is meticulously crafted to host a wealth of secrets and challenges. The game’s atmospheric design and encouragement of player-driven exploration ensure it delivers a captivating experience.
14. Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
So Much Content
Having been live for over four years, The Division 2 has made a mark as one of the predominant live-service games available. Set amidst a post-apocalyptic Washington D.C., players navigate a richly detailed world inhabited by numerous factions and reclaimed by nature.
The game is praised for its balance of multiplayer and solo-focused content, offering engaging experiences for all types of players. Those who prefer to solo through the campaign will find depth within its storyline, while the multiplayer elements enhance its replayability.
Additionally, the original Tom Clancy’s The Division can also be found in the PS Plus Extra catalog.
15. Infamous: Second Son
Awesome Gameplay, Decent World, And An OK Story
Among the various entries available in the Infamous series on PS Plus Premium, Second Son stands out, even if it sometimes goes unrecognized due to its earlier release in the PS4’s lifecycle. Despite its age, it remains visually impressive, showcasing a faithfully recreated Seattle.
As players assume the role of Delsin Rowe and unlock diverse powers, gameplay evolves into an engaging experience. Furthermore, this title is relatively concise compared to many in the genre, making it an excellent alternative for players looking for a shorter open-world adventure.
Infamous: First Light is accessible through PS Plus Extra, while other series entries such as Infamous, Infamous 2, and Festival of Blood are included in the Premium tier.
16. Days Gone
Days Gone faced a lukewarm reception upon release, overshadowed by other big-name PS4 exclusives, leading it to dissolve somewhat into the background of gaming conversations. Although definitely not maligned, it did struggle to carve out a unique identity in a saturated genre, and its launch marred by technical difficulties didn’t help its cause. Some players also found its protagonist, Deacon St. John, difficult to connect with initially.
However, players willing to invest time into the narrative will discover a gritty open-world experience characterized by intricate detail and organic randomness. While the story may not initially enthrall, it unfolds into a captivating exploration of survival, populated by not just undead threats but living opponents, creating a dynamic environment.
17. Space Engineers
Creative Survival Sandbox In Space
Space Engineers redefines the boundaries of sandbox gaming, allowing players the freedom to construct their own spaceships, space stations, and more within vast sci-fi environments. Emphasizing creative exploration, players must gather resources and ingenuity to thrive in this vast universe.
The game’s learning curve may present challenges initially, as the mechanics can feel overwhelming; however, completing tutorials assists newcomers in acclimating to the game’s unique structure. Players can engage in both single-player and multiplayer modes, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
18. Untitled Goose Game
Silly Fun
Untitled Goose Game straddles the line of being an open-world title by presenting players with a semi-restricted sandbox where chaos can ensue. As a mischievous goose, players roam through a quaint English village, tasked with performing various antics to irritate the villagers.
Despite its simplicity, the game is charming and humorous, effectively drawing players into its whimsical premise. Each area has objectives but also invites exploration and plenty of opportunities to unleash mayhem, making it an ideal palate cleanser amidst lengthier gaming experiences.
19. Lego City Undercover
Great GTA-Style Game For Both Kids And Adults
Although Lego is often associated with licensed titles, Lego City Undercover shines as a standalone project that captures the essence of open-world fun. Often described as Lego’s rendition of GTA, the game offers a vibrant city filled with engaging storylines, collectibles, and light-hearted humor.
Through a diversified array of districts, players can discover unique side quests and enjoyable gameplay, all woven around a narrative reminiscent of an action-adventure classic. This makes Lego City Undercover one of the most delightful options for fans of all ages seeking an entertaining open-world experience.
Additionally, here are the other Lego games featured on PS Plus Extra and Premium:
- Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (Premium Only)
- Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
- Lego DC Villains
- Lego Harry Potter Collection (Premium Only)
- Lego The Hobbit
- Lego The Incredibles
- Lego Jurassic World
- Lego Marvel’s Avengers
- Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2
- Lego Ninjago Movie Videogame
- Lego Worlds
- The Lego Movie 2 Videogame
20. Far Cry Primal
The Far Cry Formula Tweaked For A Prehistoric Setting
PS Plus Extra features multiple entries from the Far Cry franchise, including the well-received Far Cry 6. For those new to the series, this fifth installment offers engaging gameplay, while Far Cry Primal presents a unique shift into a prehistoric setting. Released in 2016, it stands out for its fresh perspective, employing a more primitive combat style compared to contemporary installments.
While less of a survival title than traditional entries, Far Cry Primal blends action-adventure mechanics with environmental challenges, creating a distinct and enjoyable experience that resonates well into recent gaming trends. Here’s a selection of other Far Cry games available on PS Plus Extra:
- Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon: Classic Edition
- Far Cry 3: Classic Edition
- Far Cry 4
- Far Cry 5
- Far Cry New Dawn
- Far Cry 6
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