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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If you want an open-world game to start on PS5 now, choose by the kind of journey you want: Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut for cinematic samurai action, Horizon Forbidden West for science-fiction exploration and machine battles, Elden Ring for demanding, self-directed discovery, Red Dead Redemption 2 for a slower Western world, or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for quests and consequential choices. These are preference-led picks, not an objective ranking. A title that is still upcoming cannot fill the gap until it releases.
Which open-world PS5 game should you choose?
| Game | Best fit | What the world feels like | Combat and pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut | Cinematic samurai action with exploration and stealth | A focused historical setting built around discovering the island of Tsushima | Action-led; offers stealth as another way to approach encounters |
| Horizon Forbidden West | A story-led science-fiction adventure | A far-future world of distant lands, new tribes, and machines | Machine battles are central to its action |
| Elden Ring | Players who want challenging fantasy exploration | Dangerous discoveries reward investigating away from a conventional cinematic route | Choose it for a demanding challenge rather than a gentle, guided journey |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Immersion in a detailed Western setting | A slower, more realistic-feeling world, as characterized by PS5.news | Better suited to a measured pace than a constant rush from one set piece to the next |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | A quest- and story-focused fantasy RPG | Monster contracts, side stories, and choices with consequences shape the journey | Prioritizes role-playing and narrative choices alongside combat |
The comparisons are selection guidance, not measured rankings. For an editorial overview of open-world games on PS5, see Push Square’s guide; its page was published January 20, 2026.
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Pick a world and mood that suit you
For a focused samurai adventure: Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
Choose this if you want an open-world action adventure with a clear historical identity, exploration, stealth, and cinematic samurai combat. PlayStation describes it as an open-world action adventure and lists the Director’s Cut for PS5 and PS4. That edition includes the Iki Island expansion and the Legends online co-op mode. PlayStation’s page also offers a Blu-ray purchase option for PS5; that confirms a format option, not current price or retailer stock. See PlayStation’s Ghost of Tsushima page.
For far-future exploration: Horizon Forbidden West
Pick Horizon Forbidden West if a science-fiction setting, story, and battles with machines sound more appealing than a historical or medieval world. PlayStation describes an adventure across distant lands with new tribes and machines, and lists the game for PS5, PS4, and PC. It released on February 18, 2022. Check PlayStation’s Horizon Forbidden West page for its official platform and game details.
#1 Best Overall
- Marvel’s Wolverine is a new action-packed adventure from Insomniac Games
- 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
For dangerous, self-directed discovery: Elden Ring
Choose Elden Ring if you want fantasy exploration that asks you to investigate a threatening world and accept a tougher challenge. This is a fit judgment rather than a measured difficulty ranking. TechRadar includes it among its PS5 game recommendations, while PS5.news recommends it in its open-world selection. Those editorial recommendations support its place on a shortlist; they do not establish current physical editions or purchase availability. TechRadar’s PS5 games guide and PS5.news’s open-world recommendations provide the editorial context.
For a slower Western world: Red Dead Redemption 2
If immersion and a measured pace matter more to you than a tightly guided cinematic route, consider Red Dead Redemption 2. PS5.news characterizes it as a slower and more realistic option. The cited editorial recommendation does not establish a specific PS5 edition or current purchase listing, so check the exact platform compatibility and edition on the store or retailer where you plan to buy it.
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.
For fantasy quests and choices: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 suits players who want a story-focused fantasy RPG with monster contracts, side stories, and consequential decisions. These qualities are highlighted in PS5.news’s 2026 recommendations. Confirm the PS5 edition and any upgrade details with the current storefront before purchasing; the recommendation source does not settle those changing product details.
How to choose while you wait for another release
- Want a strong sense of place? Start with Tsushima for samurai-era exploration, the Forbidden West for far-future science fiction, or Red Dead Redemption 2 for a Western setting.
- Prefer a more challenging, less conventionally guided journey? Consider Elden Ring.
- Want side stories and narrative choices? The Witcher 3 is the quest-led pick; Horizon Forbidden West is the story-led science-fiction alternative.
- Care about physical format? PlayStation confirms a Blu-ray purchase option for Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PS5. For other games, verify the current PS5 listing and edition with the retailer or storefront.
The most useful question is not which game is universally best, but which world and pace you want to spend time in. The recommendations above focus on different moods and styles rather than claiming a single winner.
Rank #3
- 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.
Is GTA VI available to play on PS5 yet?
No—not as of October 7, 2026. PlayStation Blog listed Grand Theft Auto VI as an upcoming PS5 open-world game with a November 19, 2026 release date in a roundup published July 14, 2026. Treat that date as subject to change and check the PlayStation Blog roundup or an official current listing for updates. Until the game is released, choose one of the available alternatives above rather than treating an upcoming title as playable now.
Quick Recap
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)
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.
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