Best Open-World Games on PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium
The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog is a treasure trove of digital adventures, but its sheer size can be daunting. With hundreds of titles available on the Extra and Premium tiers, picking your next game can feel like a quest in itself. For players looking to get the most value and sink dozens, if not hundreds, of hours into a single experience, the open-world genre is the ultimate destination.
These games offer vast, explorable worlds, deep narratives, and a sense of freedom that is second to none. They invite you to get lost, discover secrets, and create your own stories. We’ve journeyed through the extensive PS Plus library to bring you the definitive list of the best open-world games you can download and play right now.
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut
Step into the sandals of Jin Sakai, one of the last surviving samurai on Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. Ghost of Tsushima is more than just a game; it's a breathtakingly beautiful interactive epic. Its open world is a stunning recreation of feudal Japan, where golden forests, windswept fields, and serene shrines paint a landscape you'll want to explore without a map.
The game brilliantly guides you not with intrusive waypoints, but with the "Guiding Wind," a mechanic that pushes you in the right direction while encouraging natural discovery. Whether you're engaging in tense, cinematic samurai standoffs or embracing the stealthy tactics of the "Ghost," the world of Tsushima is your playground. The Director's Cut included with PlayStation Plus also features the Iki Island expansion, adding another gorgeous region and compelling story to this masterpiece.
Horizon Forbidden West
Aloy's journey continues in this spectacular sequel that expands upon everything that made the original great. Set in a far-future, post-apocalyptic vision of the Western United States, Horizon Forbidden West presents one of the most visually impressive open worlds ever created. From the sun-drenched ruins of San Francisco to the lush, treacherous jungles, every biome is teeming with life and deadly robotic creatures.
The world is not just for show; it's a core part of the gameplay. You'll climb towering mountains, dive into deep underwater caverns, and use the environment to your advantage when hunting the massive, awe-inspiring machines that roam the land. With a rich story, deep character progression, and refined combat, Forbidden West is a flagship Sony title and a must-play for any open-world enthusiast.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
While its map of New York City is more compact than some of the sprawling worlds on this list, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales delivers an unparalleled sense of movement and joy. Swinging through a snow-covered Manhattan as Miles discovers his new powers is pure video game bliss. The city is dense with activities, from stopping petty crimes and finding collectibles to completing heartfelt side missions that flesh out Miles's Harlem neighborhood.
The game's true magic lies in its traversal. Every web-swing, zip, and aerial trick feels fluid and intuitive, turning the simple act of getting from point A to point B into the best part of the experience. It’s a tightly-paced, emotionally resonant story set in a vibrant urban playground.
Death Stranding Director's Cut
From legendary creator Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding is an open-world experience unlike any other. You are Sam Porter Bridges, a courier tasked with reconnecting a fractured, isolated America in a hauntingly beautiful, post-apocalyptic future. The world itself is your primary antagonist. Treacherous terrain, harsh weather, and ghostly apparitions will challenge your every step.
Instead of focusing on combat, the core gameplay loop revolves around traversal, planning routes, and managing your cargo. It’s a meditative and often intense journey about connection, community, and perseverance. The Director's Cut on PS Plus adds new delivery tools, combat abilities, and story missions, making it the definitive version of this wholly unique and unforgettable adventure.
Days Gone
If you're looking for a grittier, more dangerous open world, look no further than Days Gone. Set in the breathtaking but unforgiving wilderness of the Pacific Northwest after a global pandemic, you play as Deacon St. John, a former outlaw biker trying to survive. The world is filled with hostile survivors and ravenous infected known as "Freakers."
What sets Days Gone apart is its dynamic world and the terrifying Freaker Hordes. These are not just small groups of enemies; they are massive, swarming entities numbering in the hundreds that move and react as a single organism. Defeating a horde requires careful planning, traps, and a full arsenal. Between the engaging narrative, the satisfaction of upgrading your drifter bike, and the constant tension of survival, Days Gone is an underrated gem in the genre.
More Incredible Worlds to Explore
The options don't stop there. The PlayStation Plus catalog is constantly evolving, but it consistently features a wide array of other fantastic open-world titles worth your time.
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Live the life of a Viking warrior and lead your clan from Norway to the shores of England in this massive historical RPG.
- Fallout 4: Emerge from Vault 111 into the post-nuclear wasteland of Boston. Scavenge, build, and fight for survival in this classic RPG from Bethesda Game Studios.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition: A legendary game that needs no introduction. Explore the vast, frozen land of Skyrim, battle dragons, and shape your own destiny in this timeless fantasy epic.
- Lego City Undercover: A perfect choice for families and players of all ages. This charming and hilarious game puts you in the shoes of an undercover cop in a sprawling Lego city, offering a lighthearted take on the open-world formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium?
A: Both tiers give you access to the Game Catalog, which includes all the games mentioned above. The Premium tier adds the Classics Catalog (PS1, PS2, PSP games), cloud streaming for PS3 and other catalog games, and game trials for new releases.
Q: Do these games stay on PlayStation Plus forever?
A: Not always. While many Sony first-party titles have a long-term presence, other third-party games are rotated in and out of the service over time. If a game is scheduled to leave the catalog, there is usually an announcement in advance.
Q: Are these the full versions of the games?
A: Yes, all games available to download from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog are the full, complete versions. In many cases, like with Ghost of Tsushima and Death Stranding, they are the definitive "Director's Cut" or "Complete Edition" versions that include all previously released DLC.