12 Best Open World Games On PS Plus

Key Takeaways

Open-world games offer a range of gameplay experiences, from action-packed to story-driven, all focused on immersive worlds.
Games like Days Gone offer intense survival mechanics and high tension moments, keeping players on their toes.
Titles like Ghost of Tsushima showcase well-rounded and cohesive experiences, delivering impactful stories and gameplay.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must confess that each of these open-world masterpieces has left me utterly captivated and awestruck. But if I were to pick one game that truly resonates with my soul and leaves me yearning for more, it would undoubtedly be the enchanting Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut.

Few genres are as densely packed with side quests and explorable areas as open-world games.

Many popular open-world games range from fast-paced action adventures to those focused on narrative. However, what ties them together is their commitment to creating a unified, vast universe that can captivate players for countless hours.

Despite the significant time investment required for these games, many subscribers of services like PlayStation Plus often find themselves questioning which among the numerous open-world games are really worth exploring.

In case you find yourself indecisive while revisiting your extensive collection of games, let us present some highly recommended open-world titles that are accessible via PlayStation Plus and, in our opinion at TopMob, are definitely worth spending your time on.

Every game listed here can be found in the PlayStation Plus Extra library, or it has previously been offered as a free game to all subscribers.

12 Days Gone

PlayStations Original Zombie Killing Epic

As a huge fan, let me tell you this: While conventional open-world games may offer nerve-wracking scenes, none compare to the heart-pounding tension you’ll find in the undead-infested landscape of Days Gone. Trust me, every corner could be your last!

In “Days Gone”, what stands out is the challenging survival gameplay. The post-apocalyptic landscape isn’t just filled with zombie hordes, or ‘freakers’, but also requires you to thoughtfully manage fuel for your motorbike during your travels.

As you venture forth, it’s crucial to stay alert because, in the blink of an eye, you might find yourself under unexpected attack by scores of vicious monsters known as Freakers. Since they outnumber you and there’s no fuel for escape, outrunning them isn’t an option.

For some people, including myself, the narrative in Days Gone might not have been particularly strong. However, it’s challenging not to get engrossed in the game given the frequent close calls with freakers while navigating a dilapidated dirt road on a motorbike.

11 Fallout 76

Appalachia Has Definetly Gotten Better Over Time

After a challenging and protracted development process for Fallout 76, we’re thrilled to announce that following numerous updates, this game is now worth exploring. If you’re a PlayStation Plus member, it’s an excellent opportunity to dive in and test the waters.

Despite my initial reservations about many contemporary live-service models in video games, the approach taken with Fallout 76 has enabled it to continuously evolve and expand in terms of both quality and content.

The game has done a complete replacement with fully fledged NPCs to interact with, and additional expeditions like The Pitt have vastly expanded the in-game content.

The upgraded edition of Fallout 76, praised for its superior environmental design, character development, and world creation, is now widely regarded as an acceptable game by Bethesda. It’s also a good suggestion to try, particularly if you play it with a couple of friends.

For PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers, you can access games like Fallout 3, 4, and New Vegas. However, only one Fallout game – specifically, the one under the Extra plan – is included in that specific subscription tier.

10 Dredge

A Lovecraftian Indie Masterpiece

It’s always one of our top priorities to give some recognition to the exciting indie games that make their way onto platforms like PlayStation Plus, and it’s difficult to find another open-world indie that deserves recognition quite like Dredge.

At first glance, Dredge seems like a peaceful fishing game. But upon closer inspection, you’ll discover the terrifying creatures lurking in the depths of the sea that create the mysterious challenges.

Just as numerous independent game enthusiasts find themselves captivated by Dredge, a dedicated fanbase spends considerable effort in deciphering hidden mysteries and unwinding after challenging puzzle-solving sessions with a leisurely, rewarding fishing mini-game.

Regardless of whether you’re an avid indie game enthusiast or not, Dredge is the kind of game that we suggest to any gamer seeking a fun, enjoyable experience.

9 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

A Long But Worthwhile Journey

Trust me, we have all been there before: interested in a brand new open-world title but utterly terrified by the hundred-plus hours of playtime. While we at TopMob don’t have a way to give you a hyperbolic time chamber to play The Witcher 3, maybe its availability on PlayStation Plus is enough to get you started.

Over nearly a decade, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out among the greatest RPGs due to its skillful blending of an exceptional primary narrative with some of the most impactful side missions the genre has seen.

In many open-world games and role-playing scenarios, Geralt of Rivia stands out as an exceptional leading character. His complex moral dilemmas and thrilling monster-fighting sequences consistently deliver unforgettable experiences whenever you embark on a new adventure with him.

Now that the next-generation update for the PS5 is out, there’s no better moment to give The Witcher 3 a spin, even if you don’t manage to complete it.

8 Watch Dogs 2

Pick Up Your Phone And Get Hacking

I believe Watch Dogs 2 to be one of the best open worlds that Ubisoft has ever made. While the Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed titles are still worthy of your time, when it came down to picking a single offering on PlayStation Plus, Watch Dogs 2 was the standout.

In my opinion, as a resident of California, Watch Dogs 2 does an impressive job portraying both the positive and negative aspects of life in our state, particularly modern-day San Francisco.

Remarks about the powerful figures in Silicon Valley, ordinary peace activists, and most certainly, the band of rebellious punks from the underground, are crafted with a blend of authenticity and humor that lets us relax, forget about thinking too hard, and simply target the villains.

In terms of hacking mechanics, Watch Dogs 2 significantly enhances common action sequences such as car chases, shootouts, and stealth missions found in games like GTA. Instead of making the player feel like an invincible gun enthusiast, it empowers them with a digital toolkit, making them seem unstoppable with a ‘Flipper Zero’ at their disposal.

7 Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor

The One Game To Rule Them All

Fans of The Lord of the Rings are no strangers to experiencing both exhilarating peaks and dismal valleys when it comes to video game adaptations. Fortunately, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor stands out as one of the exceptional ones among them all.

In a timeframe following The Hobbit’s events but preceding the main Lord of the Rings narrative, your primary focus seems perfectly fitting: slaughter as many Orcs as you can. Moreover, it creates a captivating gameplay experience with engaging combat and an intriguingly woven storyline.

Beginning with the groundbreaking “Nemesis” system that shapes the story based on your victories and defeats, Shadow of Mordor stands out as more than just a remarkable open-world game; it’s also one of the most inventive ones on this list.

6 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

A JRPG As Weird As It Is Wonderful

Many people find it hard to resist the appeal of Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs). Although several open-world JRPGs could make this list, Yakuza: Like A Dragon stands out due to its unique genre-bending fame. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking something fresh and different.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about how Yakuza: Like A Dragon marked a significant shift in the Yakuza universe. For one, it introduced turn-based combat mechanics for the first time, which was a refreshing change. Moreover, its self-contained narrative makes it an excellent starting point for those new to the Yakuza series, allowing them to dive right in without feeling overwhelmed by prior lore.

The greatest advice we have for new players is just to get lost in the twists and turns the game throws at you, and with a world brimming with side activities and quests, it’s seriously hard not to get sidetracked in Yakuza.

“Yakuza: Like A Dragon stands out, though it might seem like just another installment in the Yakuza series at first glance. The plot maintains a balance between being overly dramatic and playfully humorous, making it an intriguing choice among open-world games available on PS Plus.”

In August 2022, this game was offered for free as part of PlayStation Plus, and additionally, Yakuza Judgment can be found in their Extra catalog.

5 The Outer Worlds

Sure Starfield Was Good, But This Is Even Better

Of all the recently released open-world role-playing games set in outer space, The Outer Worlds stands out as one of the best.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but be drawn in by the enchanting allure of games developed by Obsidian Entertainment. They have an uncanny knack for crafting narratives reminiscent of masterpieces like Fallout: New Vegas, where my choices and actions are not just allowed, but elevated to the pinnacle of gameplay experience.

Despite the absence of a sprawling, 100-hour procedurally generated campaign, the straightforward role-playing aspects, engaging companion characters, and robust combat in The Outer Worlds make it an exciting game that’s definitely worth giving a try.

4 Shadow Of The Colossus

Team Ico’s PS2 Masterpiece Still Holds Up Today

Shadow of the Colossus stands out as one of those timeless, cult-favorite games that’s difficult not to admire.

In much the same way that a siren’s song draws you from the sea, the atmosphere in this game enchants and ultimately upends your assumptions. As such, Shadow of the Colossus is equally profound thematically as it is visually stunning.

The blend of tranquil open-world exploration and intensely thrilling boss battles akin to Zelda Dungeons results in a compact yet immersive gaming journey.

On this list, “Shadow of the Colossus” stands out as a game we strongly recommend experiencing at least once in a lifetime. This captivating adventure is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your gaming journey with PlayStation Plus.

3 Red Dead Redemption 2

Fulfilling Everyone’s Cowboy Simulation Fantasy

In a nutshell, Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts an exceptionally intricate open-world setting – one that includes a genuine day-night cycle, where each Non-Player Character (NPC) follows their unique daily schedule, and abundant wildlife to discover, numbering in the hundreds. Additionally, this game is adorned with minute, lifelike details that only a select few gamers take note of.

As a gamer, let me tell you, this game offers one of the most heart-wrenching and skillfully crafted narratives I’ve experienced from Rockstar Games. We follow Arthur Morgan and his Van der Linde gang, living through an epic saga that paints a poignant picture of the twilight of the old west cowboy era.

Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a wealth of activities, from its narrative thread to its expansive world filled with hidden mysteries and intricate systems. This game could easily keep any player engrossed for multiple days.

2 Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

Who Said CRPG’s Are A Dying Breed?

Among the most remarkable narrative-driven open worlds that have been created, Disco Elysium truly stands out as top-tier. It infuses the intelligence and allure from games like Planescape: Torment, but gives it a fresh, contemporary touch. The result is a detective mystery filled with unexpected twists at every turn.

As I immerse myself in this gripping narrative, I find myself stepping into the boots of an amnesiac detective, stumbling through life as if under the influence. Each new revelation feels like a fresh discovery, not just for the character I control, but for me as well. The game’s heart lies in its dialogue, and I can’t help but marvel at the exceptional writing, intricate dialogue trees, and top-notch voice acting that make this one of, if not the finest examples of storytelling in a video game.

Absolutely! While Disco Elysium shares the open-world genre with other games in the list, it offers a unique take by structuring its openness around empowering players to complete tasks at their convenience and make choices that significantly impact the storyline, based on their decisions moving forward.

Disco Elysium is a game we highly endorse. Not just because it offers an exceptional open-world experience, but also because it ranks among the finest narrative-focused games ever produced.

1 Ghost Of Tsushima: Directors Cut

The Feudal Japanese Samurai

Among the games listed here, none offer such a consistently strong overall package as Ghost of Tsushima does from start to finish. Whether it’s the story, the world to explore, or the combat and RPG aspects, this game truly excels in all areas.

In essence, “Ghost of Tsushima” is not just a typical Ubisoft-style open world game; it has been significantly enhanced in every aspect. Every detail, such as the streamlined user interface and the fluid fighting and stealth mechanics, seems perfectly crafted to match the game’s immersive atmosphere.

In a heartfelt nod to epic samurai films, I found myself immersed in a tale that mirrored their rhythm and essence. The narrative was brimming with poignant scenes of sorrow, salvation, and retribution.

“Ghost of Tsushima” stands out as a skillfully crafted, harmonious work that knows its identity and executes every element flawlessly. We believe it tops our list because few games match the all-around excellence found in “Ghost of Tsushima“.

2024-08-27 16:10