The Ultimate Open-World PlayStation Plus Games of 2023

Sony launched its new PlayStation Plus service in North America in June 2022, offering subscribers access to hundreds of games from PlayStation's history through its three-tiered system. PS Plus pays homage to the brand's legacy while also providing a diverse selection of genres, including horror, platformers, RPGs, strategy, and open-world games. The Extra and Premium tiers cater to players seeking PlayStation exclusives or third-party titles, resulting in an extensive game library that may overwhelm some players. To help narrow down the options, we've compiled a list of the best open-world PS Plus games.

While every upcoming game is on PS Plus Premium, some titles are not part of the Extra tier.

Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West has recently been added to PS Plus Extra, a year after its debut. This is a significant addition for the platform and could indicate how Sony plans to incorporate first-party titles into their subscription service. However, it's important to note that this is just one example and shouldn't be taken as a definite pattern for the future.

The sequel from Guerrilla Games expands on the original game, with Aloy exploring areas that were once part of Utah, Nevada, and California. Horizon Forbidden West retains the successful elements of Horizon Zero Dawn, while also improving upon certain aspects. The game's open-world is filled with intriguing side content and micro stories, creating a more vibrant and immersive experience. Additionally, the combat system provides thrilling encounters with both human and robotic enemies, with the latter being a standout feature in the campaign.

Horizon Zero Dawn is also on PS Plus Extra.

Tchia

Tchia, an indie open-world game, made a rare debut on PS Plus Extra, offering an opportunity to a pre-existing user base. Playing as the titular character, players explore a stunning island dominated by an unpopular god. To save her father, who has been abducted, Tchia uses a unique power that enables her to possess animals or objects. Despite being developed by a relatively small team, Tchia is an impressive accomplishment that rivals most big-budget games in the genre. Although the game is shorter than other open-world games, it can be considered a positive attribute. Tchia emphasizes exploration more than combat and employs Tchia's power to enhance the experience.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim – Special Edition

In November 2022, PS Plus offered a stellar line-up that included Kingdom Hearts and one of the most iconic open-world RPGs of all time - Skyrim. Released in 2011, Skyrim was an instant success and has continued to captivate gamers for over a decade. The Special Edition is the ultimate way to enjoy Bethesda's masterpiece on consoles, featuring improved visuals and mod support, which has greatly contributed to the RPG's longevity.

Skyrim's world is a masterpiece of exploration and discovery, offering vast and immersive locations alongside unparalleled customization options and expertly crafted characters. Despite the passage of time, the game remains a landmark achievement, and its inclusion in PS Plus Extra only serves to enhance the value of the service. Additionally, fans of The Elder Scrolls can also enjoy Oblivion on PS Plus Premium and The Elder Scrolls Online on PS Plus Extra.

Final Fantasy 15 Royal Edition

With the release of Final Fantasy 15, Square Enix brought the beloved Final Fantasy series into the Open World genre. While previous installments like Final Fantasy 7 had allowed players to traverse an overworld via an Airship, it was only a taste of "open world" gameplay. Final Fantasy 15 marks the first time that the series has entered a state of true freedom, offering players a vast and immersive open world filled with enemies, items, towns, and secrets to discover.

The Final Fantasy title featuring four protagonists embarking on a captivating journey across a vast and diverse land is a masterpiece. The game incorporates the beloved hybrid-style ATB and Action combat system, adding to its uniqueness and appeal.

Fallout 4

Fallout 4, Bethesda's latest single-player game, is available on PS Plus for players who want to journey through the wastelands. With a map even larger than Skyrim's, players have numerous areas to explore, side quests to complete, and secrets to uncover. Those seeking an FPS-style RPG with a plethora of areas to conquer will undoubtedly fall in love with this iconic release. The franchise has a strong track record of providing players with exceptional open-world adventures, and Fallout 4 is no exception. Players can anticipate spending a considerable amount of time playing this game if they aspire to "see and do everything possible," not to mention the additional content provided by DLC add-ons.

Fallout 76 is also on PS Plus Extra, while Fallout 3 and New Vegas are on PS Plus Premium.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

Assassin's Creed fans will find a wealth of games to enjoy with the PS Plus Extra subscription, including recent releases like Odyssey. With half a year's worth of PS Plus projects to explore, subscribers can delve into a variety of historical settings. Choosing a favorite will depend on personal preferences, with options ranging from Syndicate's UK vibe to Origins' Ancient Egypt. For those seeking a starting point, Origins makes for a great choice, as it serves as a soft reboot and is considered one of the franchise's strongest entries.

That said, Black Flag is not to be overlooked, as it stands out on its own merit. Set during the golden age of piracy in the West Indies, the game boasts a diverse map with three central cities and plenty of hidden treasures to uncover. Players are quickly thrust onto a ship and encouraged to explore the open waters to their heart's content. As a pirate game first and foremost, Black Flag sets itself apart from other Assassin's Creed sequels and offers a unique experience.

PS Plus Extra features a range of open-world Assassin's Creed games, including the Ezio Collection, Assassin's Creed 3: Remastered, Rogue Remastered, Unity, Freedom Cry, Syndicate, Origins, and Odyssey.

Ghost Of Tsushima: Director's Cut

Ghost of Tsushima, the final main console release for the PS4 from Sony, takes players on a journey back to the 13th century in Japan. The game centers around the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island and the story of Jin Sakai, who survived the initial attack and sets out to find allies to help him fight back against the invaders.

Tsushima Island, featured in Ghost of Tsushima on both PS4 and PS5, boasts a stunningly beautiful open-world. From its lush landscapes to its diverse terrain, the island is a feast for the eyes. The expansion Director's Cut also includes Iki Island, which is equally breathtaking. Here, players can expect to engage in thrilling samurai battles and complete engaging side quests featuring unforgettable NPCs.

Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0, the standout title from Sega's August PS Plus line-up, offers a gripping storyline that serves as a perfect introduction to the Yakuza universe. As a prequel, players can delve into the early days of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima's journey in the Yakuza with a perfect balance of heart-pumping action, emotional depth, and a touch of absurdity. The game's small yet intricately designed maps in Kamurochō and Sotenbori are packed with side activities that provide a welcome distraction from the main storyline.

Yakuza Kiwami, Kiwami 2, and Yakuza: The Song of Life are also part of PS Plus Extra.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces a refreshing spin to the franchise with a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, who possesses a distinct personality compared to his predecessor, Kiryu. Drawing inspiration from classic game heroes in Dragon Quest, Ichiban is a likable character, and the same can be said for the other main characters. The game also features a turn-based combat system that pays homage to Ichiban's favorite game, although it may not be flawless, it is still an impressive first attempt at this style of gameplay. What's more, the game takes place in a new location, Yokohama's Isezaki Ijincho, which offers a small yet densely-packed open-world filled with quests, mini-games, and stores.

Saints Row 2

The Saints Row franchise offers three games on PS Plus, namely Saints Row 2, Saints Row 4, and Gat Out of Hell. Although all the games belong to the same series, each of them possesses unique gameplay mechanics. Saints Row 4 and its spin-off, Gat Out of Hell, are known for their exaggerated gameplay style that is far from the reality. These games have a similar gameplay experience as Crackdown, where players embody superhero-like characters with abilities that render the traditional components of an open-world game such as vehicles and weapons useless. However, if players are aware of what they are in for, Saints Row 4 is a fun experience.

On the flip side, Saints Row 2 takes a more grounded approach, albeit with a touch of satire and humor. The game is set in Stillwater, where the main objective is to reassemble the Saints gang and push out rival groups that have taken control of the city. Although not as zany as subsequent installments, the open-world title still provides players with ample opportunities to wreak havoc on the streets. What sets it apart, however, is a compelling narrative and a cast of memorable characters.

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales

While Spider-Man has been hailed as the greatest game featuring the Wall-Crawler, Miles Morales offers an equally high standard of quality. Although it is a spin-off, the game's self-contained story allows it to be enjoyed as a standalone experience. As with its predecessor, the game does an exceptional job of recreating New York City and presents an open-world that is a joy to explore thanks to Miles Morales' satisfying movement. While the game may be on the shorter side compared to others in its genre, it can still be completed in under 10 hours, making it a perfect addition to any PS Plus collection.

The Forgotten City

The genesis of The Forgotten City is a fascinating one, as it began as a mod for Skyrim, a game that is still highly regarded within the gaming community. This served as an excellent foundation for the stand-alone adventure that was released in 2021. The game's plot involves time travel, with players finding themselves transported to ancient Rome, where they must solve a mysterious case involving people turning into gold statues. The game utilizes a unique time-loop mechanic that allows players to relive the same day as they attempt to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic city.

The map of The Forgotten City, although not huge, is meticulously crafted, teeming with life, and ripe for exploration. NPCs roam the streets, offering up optional quests that are both well-written and contribute to the game's world-building. Unlike most open-world PS Plus games, The Forgotten City can be completed within a day or a weekend, making it a rare short experience in the genre. After playing this game, one can't help but wonder if more open-world games should follow suit.

Just Cause 4: Reloaded

Just Cause 4 was included in PS Plus Extra on January 17, 2023, but it received a mixed response. The game provides mindless entertainment as the protagonist, a super spy, spends hours blowing up an island to free its inhabitants from the evil Black Hand. The gameplay is enjoyable, but lacks depth compared to the previous entries in the franchise, which may disappoint fans of the series. However, for those who enjoy setting the world ablaze, Just Cause 4 remains one of the better open-world games on PS Plus, with the impressive and vast Solis island providing a beautiful backdrop.

Jak 3

In 2004, Naughty Dog's Jak & Daxter franchise underwent significant changes. Although the games still focused on platforming, Jak 2 and 3 introduced more action and replaced the original game's relatively linear levels with larger, more open areas. Jak 3 went even further, emphasizing its free-roaming element and encouraging players to explore its expansive cities and wasteland to the fullest extent.

Compared to its predecessors, Jak 3 may appear to lack focus and coherence, yet it still manages to stand out as one of the top action-adventure games on the PS2. While its open-world may not be as expansive or diverse as that of other high-profile contemporaries like Grand Theft Auto 3, Jak 3's core gameplay is strong enough to maintain interest throughout the relatively short campaign.

Days Gone

Days Gone faced a lukewarm reception due to its initial release in an underwhelming state and the audience's weariness towards the zombie genre. Nonetheless, the game's vast open-world in the post-apocalyptic setting of Oregon provides an engaging experience while traversing through its roads. The highlight of the game is its customizable bike, which evolves into a formidable machine as the campaign progresses. Additionally, the zombie hordes add an element of danger to the game, keeping the player on edge throughout their journey.

Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds is a captivating open-world game that revolves around a unique time loop mechanism. The player is faced with a catastrophic explosion of the sun every 20 minutes, leading them to restart on their home planet. As a skilled astronaut, the player can utilize their spacecraft to explore other planets and gather clues to unravel the mystery behind this phenomenon.

Outer Wilds presents a captivating gaming experience by making its story the central puzzle. As the main character travels through the game, they collect fragments of information that gradually piece together a complete picture of the game's narrative. This ambitious and unique approach makes for an incredibly gripping ride that is highly recommended for those with a PS Plus Premium and Extra subscription.

Death Stranding

The unique flair of a Hideo Kojima project is always guaranteed, and the peculiar unveiling and initial trailers of Death Stranding confirmed this fact. Taking place in a post-apocalyptic rendition of America, gamers take on the role of Sam, entrusted with the task of transporting packages and setting up communication hubs throughout the country.

Death Stranding emphasizes the journey rather than the destination, with Sam meticulously mapping out his routes and meticulously plotting each step of the way. Desolate landscapes dominate the landscape, and once acclimatized to its tempo, gameplay can be a tranquil and reflective experience.

Tom Clancy's The Division 2

The Division 2, which became a part of the Extra tier in November 2022 along with Ghost Recon Breakpoint and Rainbow Six Siege, has been in the market for over three years now. Despite encountering some challenges along the way, it has established itself as one of the leading live-services games available today.

Ubisoft's latest title, set in Washington D.C., depicts a post-apocalyptic alternate reality where warring factions and nature-covered landmarks dominate the landscape. The game boasts a realistic presentation, although the sequel offers a slightly more vibrant color palette than its predecessor. With a plethora of multiplayer-focused content, including PvP and an extensive endgame, The Division 2 satisfies both solo and multiplayer gamers alike. PS Plus Extra also features Tom Clancy's The Division.

Shadow Of The Colossus (2018)

When it comes to delivering exceptional remakes, Bluepoint Games is a name that comes to mind. One of their latest projects, the 2018 rendition of Shadow of the Colossus, is a true delight for fans of the PS2 classic by Team Ico. This remake manages to stay true to the original's core elements while simultaneously improving the overall visuals and controls, resulting in a modernized experience that is both faithful and captivating.

The world of Shadow of the Colossus is a desolate and hauntingly beautiful place. With the task of slaying 16 roaming colossi to save the life of one girl, players are thrust into an epic adventure. Despite the relatively small size of the map, the game manages to create a grand and expansive feeling that adds to the overall experience.

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is a LEGO game that is perfect for both children and adults. It offers an open-world experience that immerses players in a charming and detailed Gotham filled with references to the iconic hero's legacy. The game's campaign is relatively short but enjoyable and features a wide range of DC heroes and villains. However, the game's biggest attraction is its free-roam feature, which encourages players to explore every corner of the world and discover all that it has to offer.

Extra-only subscribers can check out Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, which trades one big open-world for smaller hub areas.

Far Cry 3: Classic Edition

Far Cry 3, Blood Dragon, and Far Cry 4 are all available to PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers. These three Ubisoft titles are highly acclaimed open-world projects that offer a thrilling experience for first-person shooter enthusiasts. While all three games are exceptional, Far Cry 3 stands out as the most significant and influential release in the franchise. Its impact on subsequent mainline entries is undeniable, as they all attempt to recapture the magic of Far Cry 3's success.

Set on a tropical island plagued by violence, the protagonist encounters the enigmatic and lethal Vaas. Unlike recent Ubisoft releases, Far Cry 3's open-world is more manageable in size, yet still impressively vast.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, Far Cry 4, Far Cry 5, Far Cry Primal, and Far Cry: New Dawn are all on PS Plus Extra.

Unturned

Unturned incorporates elements from Minecraft and adds a zombie twist. Upon entering a map, players are thrown into a world where they must navigate their way through survival by managing resources and strategically planning their actions to avoid danger. With the addition of a base-building mechanic, Unturned offers an entertaining experience for a few hours of gameplay. While not the most visually stunning or groundbreaking open-world game on PS Plus, Unturned has its own appeal.

Watch Dogs 2

The Watch Dogs franchise offers three distinct entries, each with its own unique tone, setting, and pacing. Whether it's the original game's vengeful storyline, the sequel's vibrant location, or Legion's innovative recruitment system, there's something for everyone in this series. At its core, Watch Dogs is all about the power of hacking and the ability to wreak havoc without detection. However, players also have the option to take a more direct and explosive approach if the situation calls for it.

San Francisco in Watch Dogs 2 boasts an open-world that surpasses the other two games in the series. It is vibrant, dynamic, and full of character, setting itself apart from its predecessor and successor. Ubisoft has once again created a vast map, but unlike some of the more recent Assassin's Creed titles, it remains manageable and easy to navigate.

Crysis Remastered

The original Crysis gained notoriety for its demanding hardware requirements, but its stunning visuals have stood the test of time, as evidenced by the remastered version. Equipped with powerful Nanosuits, players assume the role of Raptor Team as they embark on a mission to locate missing archaeologists on the lush Lingshan Islands.

While set in a jungle environment, Crysis' open-world gameplay may not be groundbreaking, but it offers an enjoyable power fantasy experience. Despite its size not measuring up to more recent open-world titles, Crysis Remastered's map size strikes a balance that doesn't overstay its welcome. As a result, it's a satisfying FPS option that won't require a lengthy time commitment.

Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor

For fans of The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War are two games that will not disappoint. Both titles boast a combat system reminiscent of the Batman Arkham series, and their gameplay is nothing short of exceptional. Players take on the role of Talion, traversing vast maps filled with orcs and Uruks while completing quests along the way. While the campaigns are somewhat linear, players can also enjoy some side content.

Shadow of Mordor is an ideal starting point for newcomers and is arguably more enjoyable than its counterpart. While the map is divided into areas and not as open as Skyrim, each section is still fairly large and can be explored freely. The Nemesis System is also a standout feature, as it adapts to the player's actions and creates a sense of a constantly evolving world.

The Long Dark

In The Long Dark, players are thrust into a frozen wasteland in a post-apocalyptic world. The game offers a story mode, Wintermute, which serves as a tutorial for survival basics, but the true test lies in the Survival mode. Here, players must endure the harsh elements and fend off dangerous wildlife to survive. The game's true appeal lies in its ability to create a constant sense of tension, with death always looming. Despite its difficulty, players can customize their experience with various difficulty settings. Ultimately, The Long Dark shines when it allows players to carve their own path to survival.

Gravity Rush 2

Gravity Rush 2, the often overlooked sequel to the popular game Gravity Rush, offers players a much larger world to explore. The game takes players on a thrilling adventure through multiple universes, with the majority of the action taking place in Jirga Para Lhao and Hekseville.

The expansive open-world of Gravity Rush 2 is a sight to behold, offering a stunning array of diverse landscapes that never feel too daunting to explore. Building upon the innovative gravity mechanics of the original game, the sequel's traversal system allows players to experience the world from a wholly unique perspective, adding an extra layer of immersion and excitement to the overall experience. And for those who want to revisit the original adventure, Gravity Rush Remastered is now available on PS Plus Premium.

Conan Exiles

Despite its mixed reception upon launch, Conan Exiles by Funcom has managed to maintain an impressive shelf life and is still going strong even after five years. The game is set in the Conan the Barbarian universe and places players as exiled warriors in a harsh and unforgiving realm. While the opening few hours of the game may seem like a typical survival game, Conan Exiles offers a broad range of mechanics and gameplay options that make it stand out from its peers.

Base-building and crafting are integral components of Conan Exiles, with the former heavily tied to PvP. However, for those who prefer co-op or PvE gameplay, there are servers available that don't allow PvP. Additionally, the Exiled Lands is a vast and well-designed open-world with a diverse selection of biomes that has only expanded over time thanks to Funcom's efforts. The game also functions admirably as an action RPG, boasting a primary questline that provides direction for the initial hours of play.

Stranded Deep

Stranded Deep is a must-play open-world game for survival enthusiasts on PS Plus. The game takes you on a thrilling adventure in the Pacific Ocean and challenges you to survive in a harsh environment. Thanks to the procedurally generated terrain, each playthrough is different and offers a unique experience.

The game follows the survival genre's conventions, where players must keep an eye on their health, construct shelters, forage for food, and fend off dangerous wildlife. However, what sets Stranded Deep apart is its immersive environment, brought to life by the talented team at Beam Team.

Immortals Fenyx Rising

Ubisoft has become a major player in the open-world gaming market, with its popular franchises such as Assassin's Creed and Far Cry. While these games follow a similar formula, with each installment making some adjustments, they are generally well-received. However, fans of Ubisoft's biggest titles may overlook Immortals Fenyx Rising, an open-world game added to PS Plus Extra in March 2023, assuming it too follows the same pattern.

Immortals Fenyx Rising stands out from Ubisoft's other projects, with its own distinct identity that draws inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game features an impressive hack and slash combat system that seamlessly blends melee and ranged options, along with a variety of optional puzzles and side quests that never feel overwhelming. Overall, Immortals Fenyx Rising is a delightful addition to Ubisoft's impressive catalog.

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

The remastered version of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, originally released during the PS3 era, breathed new life into the game and made it more accessible to players. Although its story may not be groundbreaking for fans of the fantasy RPG genre, the game's world is a breath of fresh air with its colorful and vibrant setting. Despite its age, Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning's gameplay is still enjoyable, featuring a fast-paced and explosive combat system with elements of hack and slash titles.

Prey

Prey is a sci-fi game that takes place on a space station where players take on the role of Morgan Yu. As players explore the Talos 1, which has been taken over by aliens, they must navigate through horror, stealth, and Metroidvania gameplay. Unlike other games, Prey doesn't hold players' hands, allowing them to take on the environment at their own risk.

Talos 1 is not as big of a location as some other open-world games, but it serves as a detailed and immersive sandbox filled with secrets to uncover and challenges to take on.

Infamous: Second Son

Infamous: Second Son is a gem that often goes unnoticed due to its early release during the PS4's lifecycle. Even with its launch just a year after the console's debut, it remains one of the most visually stunning games on the system, with its depiction of Seattle being particularly impressive. As players progress through the game as Delsin Rowe, the experience becomes even more remarkable, with new powers and ways to interact with the world making for a unique and rewarding experience. Despite being an open-world game, Second Son is relatively short, making it a refreshing alternative to the longer titles like RDR2 and Horizon Zero Dawn.

Infamous: First Light is also on PS Plus Extra, while Infamous, Infamous 2, and Infamous: Festival of Blood are on PS Plus Premium.

Batman: Arkham City

Arkham City breathed new life into the superhero genre with its Arkham trilogy. Building on the success of Arkham Asylum, the game takes players to a massive prison that serves as a section of Gotham City. Despite its linear storyline, which can be completed in just 15 hours, Arkham City offers a wealth of other activities to keep players engaged. From Riddler challenges to quests involving famous DC villains like Deadshot, there is always something to distract Batman. The game's success is a testament to the importance of a well-designed map over sheer size in open-world games.

Batman: Arkham Knight is on PS Plus Extra. Arkham Asylum is also part of the Premium tier, but that is not an open-world game like its sequels.