Note: This article was updated in May of 2019.
From massive fantasy worlds to more familiar locations, open world titles continue to be a much-beloved video game genre. When it comes to the PlayStation 4, there are no shortages of open world video game titles to pick up and play.
In our list, we have compiled some of our favorite open world video game titles that you can pick up and play today for the Sony PlayStation 4. With that said, we’ll continue to monitor this list and update it when new open world video games release into the market.
Likewise, we want to know what you think of our picks. Did we miss out on a video game title that should be included in a future update? Let us know by leaving a comment down below.
Without further ado, here are our picks for the best open world video game titles on the PlayStation 4.
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#31 Dynasty Warriors 9
- Developer: Omega Force
- Publisher: Koei Tecmo
PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo
Dynasty Warriors is a well known video game series and the latest installment launched earlier this year. While the narrative of the series stays mainly the same, the developers have tweaked a few different gameplay mechanics among other notable attributes.
The biggest change that came to the Dynasty Warriors 9 installment is the open world aspect. This is the first Dynasty Warriors title to include an open world, allowing players to freely roam the world and battle against the opposing force.
This is a large map for player to explore and as such, additional side quests will be available to take on. Likewise, outside of battling, players can gather extra loot, hunt wild animals or even purchase hideouts scattered throughout the land.
#30 Conan Exiles
- Developer: Funcom
- Publisher: Funcom
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Conan Exiles is a title that’s been available since 2017, but it has since received its full release. This is an open world survival game set within the world of Conan the Barbarian, but the story won’t follow Conan, instead, players will create their own protagonist.
From the start of the game, players will find that their character is sentenced to death by crucifixion under the beating sun. As you lay waiting for death, Conan comes by and rescues your character leaving players to navigate the harsh and unforgiving world.
Now labeled as an outcast, players will have to roam the wasteland where the weak are killed. You’ll find that in order to stay alive, you’ll need to gather resources, craft goods and dominate fights in a world filled with enemies.
#29 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Developer: Deep Silver
- Publisher: Deep Silver
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a more accurate period piece role-playing game. Set in 1403 within the Kingdom of Bohemia, the old king has passed leaving his heir to struggle in maintaining order within the lands. Players take on the role of a blacksmith’s son who is out for vengeance when his family is slaughtered during an attack. As mentioned, developers Warhorse Studios has taken great care in presenting a game that would show an accurate depiction of the period with various armor, clothing, combat techniques, and real-world castles.
#28 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands will be the tenth installment in the Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon franchise. This time around, the game is set in Bolivia, where the rising power of drug cartels has become a concern to the United States Government.
To deal with this concern, the Government has sent in an elite special operations unit called “the Ghosts” to destroy the cartels. Unlike previous installments within the franchise, players will be set in an open world environment to explore and execute their given tasks.
#27 Just Cause 3
- Developer: Avalanche Studios
- Publisher: Square Enix
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Just Cause 3 is the third game in the long-running Just Cause series. Offering a vast, open world setting on a fictional Mediterranean island known as Medici, series protagonist Rico Rodriguez returns, this time to oust a dictator named General Di Ravello from power. The game’s map size is a bit similar to that of Just Cause 2, offering 400 square miles of content.
#26 Dying Light
- Developer: Techland
- Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo
Dying Light was created under Techland, who was also the developers behind Dead Island and as such, there are some clear similarities between the two. However, between the two video game titles, Dying Light certainly carries a more mature tone and bleak world.
The video game follows an agent named Kyle Crane who is tasked with infiltrating a quarantine zone city of Harran which has become infested with a virus turning civilians into ruthless zombies. Interestingly enough, there’s a twist on the day and night cycle in Dying Light. During the day, the zombies are more lethargic and easier to deal with, though once the sun set’s they become more aggressive and harder to escape.
Developers have also tossed in some parkour elements within the game allowing players to easily traverse the city and its obstacles when fleeing the undead hordes. Combat as well has been changed from the melee focus from what we seen within Dead Island to gunplay, giving players an action-adventure experience.
#25 L.A. Noire Remastered
- Developer: Team Bondi
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo
LA Noire takes the gamers into the 1940’s as they step into the role of a detective, solving homicides. Set in Los Angeles, players will raise through the division ranks in the LAPD as they investigate crime scenes, explore clues throughout the city, locate suspects and interrogate them for answers.
The city may not be as lively or filled as Rockstar’s latest release, Grand Theft Auto V, but it proves to still be an entertaining journey filled with action, drama and exploration.
#24 Infamous: Second Son
- Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
inFamous: Second Son is a game that deserves to be on this list for its faithful recreation of the city of Seattle. This is a thriving city with developers clearly taking note of the fine details to replicate the real world location.
Likewise, if you haven’t played the previous installments in the inFamous franchise then you’ll still be alright. This title takes place several years after the end of inFamous 2 with a new protagonist.
#23 Tom Clancy’s The Division
- Developer: Massive Entertainment
- Publisher: Ubisoft
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Ubisoft’s The Division takes place in the United States after a smallpox pandemic causes the government and its cities to collapse. Now only chaos remains where one force may be the last line of defense when it comes to bringing back the stability and peace throughout the nation. This last line of defense is called the Division, a classified stay-behind force with self-supported tactical agents.
Taking place in New York City, players traverse the city as they team up with other Division agents to clear out the infected and protect the innocent, however, throughout the game, the Division agents find themselves in a worldwide conspiracy leading them to a group responsible for unleashing the deadly virus.
#22 Middle-earth: Shadow of War
- Developer: Monolith Productions
- Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Following after the events of Shadow of Mordor, Middle-earth: Shadow of War will continue to follow our main protagonist Talion as he forged a new Ring of Power. However, conflict may arise between Talion and his infused spirit of elf lord Celebrimbor when it comes to their end goals.
Outside of the narrative, most of the gameplay mechanics you’ve become acquainted with in the first installment will likely make a return as you take down orcs and travel across the lands completing quests.
#21 Final Fantasy XV
- Developer: Square Enix Business Division 2
- Publisher: Square Enix
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Final Fantasy XV is an action role-playing video game and the fifteenth main installment to the Final Fantasy franchise. Overall the story of Final Fantasy XV will center between two empires that have declared war, Lucis and Nifheim, though after Nifheim successfully captures the kingdom’s crystal of Lucis, a group of friend’s sets out to regain it. Players take control of Noctis, prince of Lucis, who teams up with his fellow friends in a grand journey against a massive empire force. The game is also set in an open world environment with available quests and collectibles to gather.
#20 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Remastered
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo
Skyrim is the fifth game in Bethesda’s ever popular series of role-playing games. Like its predecessors, Skyrim takes place in an open environment which is full of exploration, wonder and a whole slew of quests. You can easily spend countless hours within this fantasy world and we’d honestly be surprised to find a gamer who has yet to experience this journey. If you have yet to do so, pick up The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and begin to weave your own tale.
#19 Days Gone
- Developer: SIE Bend Studio
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Days Gone may have flown under the radar for some gamers. Developed exclusively on the PlayStation 4, the game follows after the events of an apocalypse disease that released into the world. Essentially this is a zombie survival horror game where players take the role of a biker named Deacon St. John. There’s a good portion of this game that deals with managing resources and keeping items in stock as you embark on your journey around the world facing zombies and other hostile threats.
However, outside of zombies or known as Freakers in this game, players are embarking on a number of campaign quests. This is a big world where players can traverse and explore. There’s a wide selection of quests both main campaigns to side missions which definitely makes the game lengthy.
#18 Assassin’s Creed: Origins
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Assassin’s Creed: Origins is the latest installment within the Assassin’s Creed series. Players are taken to the end of the Ptolemaic period in Egypt as they witness the origins of the long driven conflict between the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order. Being an Assassin’s Creed game, you can expect a heavy emphasis on stealth with Origins being more opened world to explore during your game progression.
#17 Far Cry 5
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
The fifth main title within the franchise, Far Cry 5, takes place within the United States of America in a fictional Montana place known as Hope County.
Within the narrative, Far Cry 5 pins players against Joseph Seed, a leader of a cult who has forced his way into controlling Hope County. As more innocent civilians become trapped and forced into submission under Joseph Seed’s rule, only a handful of resistance stands between Seed and his reign.
Just as before, players can expect the title to deliver as a first-person shooter in an open world environment which can be explored either on foot or through vehicles. However, the campaign can be experienced both as singleplayer experience or through cooperative multiplayer.
Likewise, Far Cry 5 will include a map editor where players will be able to build maps with objectives to complete for when gamers finish the main campaign.
#16 Watch dogs 2
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
After the success Ubisoft had with their new IP Watch Dogs, a sequel was released back in 2016. This time around, players are taken to the San Francisco Bay Area to explore and cause havoc by hacking various terminals connecting to city functions or personal smartphones. Much of the same gameplay mechanics are present, though the developers did make a few overhauls such as driving.
#15 Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
- Developer: Sega
- Publisher: Sega
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
For those familiar with the Yakuza series, the seventh main installment of the series, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, will pick back up the narrative storyline players have been following over the years. Just like previous installments to the franchise, gamers can expect a brawler fighting title with a slightly open world environment to explore.
As players go through the game, they can level up and unlock useful skills to use against other Yakuza thugs. As for the narrative, players will step into the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu once again who is on a mission to learn what has happened to Haruka after being locked away for three years.
#14 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Developers: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Assassin’s Creed latest installment is known as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The video game is set in 431 BCE where players will have the choice of being a mercenary that fights for Athens and the Delian League or the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. Either way, players will be a descendant of Spartan King Leonidas I during the Peloponnesian War.
Much like the previous Assassin’s Creed installments, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey will feature a modern day protagonist as well. Ubisoft will be reintroducing players to Layla Hassan who was present during Assassin’s Creed Origins.
Developers over at Ubisoft seems to also be working more on an RPG progressive system in this upcoming title which ranges from dialogue choices to a skill tree that can help in aspects such as stealth and combat. Likewise we will see dialogue options which can alter the story narrative and gameplay.
#13 Yakuza Kiwami 2
- Developer: Sega
- Publisher: Sega
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
If you enjoy the Yakuza series then you may have picked up Yakuza Kiwami. The game was a remake of the original Yakuza title and this year we’re going to be receiving yet another remake. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the remake of 2006 release, Yakuza 2.
Much like other Yakuza installments within the franchise, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is an open world action-adventure title where players take the role of Kazuma Kiryu. Without spoiling the original narrative, Kiryu is a former Yakuza member but he soon finds himself back into another fight and investigation when Yukio Terada, the clan’s Fifth Chairman is murdered.
Outside of the visual upgrades, the upcoming remake also includes a new storyline that unveils the history of Majima leaving the Tojo Clan.
For those of you who have played Yakuza games in the past then you know that the game will be open world. It’s not an massive open world experience, but you can explore the city and take on various quests or battle the occasional street gang. Likewise players will be able to make upgrades and unlocks skills for different aspects to Kiryu such as agility or special attacks.
#12 Saints Row 4
- Developer: Volition
- Publisher: Deep Silver
PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo
Saints Row 4 is the open-world genre taken to its most logical conclusion. However, much like the previous installments to the Saints Row franchise, the video game encourages over-the-top moments and wacky storylines.
Within the game, players will have to face an alien invasion shortly after becoming the President of the United States of America. Outside of the usual artillery weapons at your disposal, developers Volition added in supernatural powers.
#11 Spider-Man
- Developer: Insomniac Games
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Spider-Man is an video game title under developers Insomniac Games who are previously known for their Ratchet & Clank and Resistance video game franchises. Their latest upcoming title will breathe some new life into the Spider-Man story as this video game title will not be linked to any past comic books or cinematic movies.
Furthermore, we’re not going through some origin story of Spider-Man. Instead, the video game will be focused around Peter Parker, eight years after he has established the role of being the famed hero. From what we know so far, this is an open-world title where the narrative will follow Peter Parker graduating college while keeping up as protector of New York City.
The video game will also give players the ability to go through the narrative as not only Spider-Man but as the civilian Peter Parker character as well. According to the trailers released, Spider-Man’s main antagonist will be Mister Negative, who turns out to be Martin Li, one of New York’s prominent philanthropist and owner of the F.E.A.S.T. shelters that Aunt May works at.
#10 Fallout 4
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
If you’re a fan of the Fallout franchise then it’s likely you’ve already picked up the latest release. However, if you’re completely new to the series, Fallout 4 still marks as a great first entry. Set during the events of a nuclear war, players manage to escape into a vault, only to awaken hundreds of years into the future. What’s left of your world is nothing more than decay and outsiders trying to make it by in this new world.
Each installment to the Fallout franchise manages to bring out an incredible wasteland to explore and Fallout 4 is no exception to that trend. You’ll come across old ruins, new structures, and a fleshed out cast of characters to meet along your journey.
#9 Nier: Automata
- Developer: PlatinumGames
- Publisher: Square Enix
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
If you’ve been following this video game then you’ll know that this is a sequel to the 2010 video game release known as Nier, a spin-off title from the Drakengard series.
Overall, the story is set within a proxy war between machines developed by alien invaders and the last surviving members of humanity.
If you’re not persuaded on picking up Nier: Automata or not then take a look at our Before You Buy series. In the video posted above, we go over the video game and ultimately tell you if it’s a worth purchase.
#8 Horizon Zero Dawn
- Developer: Guerrilla Games
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Horizon Zero Dawn is the first IP developed by Guerrilla Games since their release of Killzone in 2004. This is an action role-playing video game title that is set a thousand years into the future.
Mankind has mysteriously fallen, with cities only a shell of a once thriving society. Now only small tribal groups remain where giant mechanical beasts roam the world freely in charge. The plot revolves around a female hunter named Aloy who sets out on a journey to explore the open world, meet with other tribes, and potentially learn of the reason mankind fell to being with.
#7 Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Developer: BioWare Edmonton
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
The third major installment to the Dragon Age franchise, Dragon Age: Inquisition is an action role-playing video game where players take on the role of an Inquisitor who is on a grand journey to deal with the civil unrest in the continent of Thedas.
While developers have set the game to be on the same continent of the past two installments, exploration for Dragon Age: Inquisition is rather massive in comparison. For instance, it’s been noted that the game features a map that is already five times larger than the setting of the first installment of the series. With all that said, you’ll want to set aside some time to really dive into the video game.
#6 Monster Hunter: World
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Even if you’ve never played any other game in the series, Monster Hunter: World wants to bring you into the fold with a variety of awesome changes that turn this grind-happy, cooperative RPG into something much more palatable for western audiences.
The world has expanded considerably, and you’re free to jump in and explore all you want — but there’s still a whole lot you probably won’t know going in.
#5 Shadow of the Colossus
- Developer: SCE JAPAN
- Publisher: SCEE
Shadow of the Colossus is an iconic title, one of which that originally released back in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. Overall, players take on the role of a young man named Wander who has entered into a forbidden land. Your overall goal in the video game is rather straightforward, players must track down and fight these massive creatures known as Colossi in order to restore the life of a girl named Mono.
The video game as mentioned was introduced and released for the PlayStation 2, however, it was later re-released with enhanced graphics in 2011 for the PlayStation 3. During Sony’s E3 2017 press conference, we were once again taken back to the classic title as Sony unveiled their intentions to remake the video game for the PlayStation 4 console which you can pick up today.
#4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Publisher: CD Projekt
PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo
Fans of western RPGs will no doubt have played at least one of the Witcher games. With its deep rich narrative journeys and fleshed out worlds, the trilogy has wrapped up with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. As expected the third installment not only saw a massive overhaul in terms of graphics but provided gamers with a much more lively world filled with quests and exploration.
While still taking the role of Geralt of Rivia, players will find that that they must deal with the invasion of the Norther Kingdom along with the growing threat of the Wild Hunt. Outside of just a massive world to explore, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt delivers campaigns and quests to keep you busy for hours on end.
#3 Metal Gear Solid V: Phantom Pain
- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Taking place after the events of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, players can enjoy the last installment of the beloved franchise in which was directed under Hideo Kojima. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain follows Snake as he goes through a new mission that takes him to a Soviet-occupied Afghanistan territory.
During the journey, Snake seeks his revenge on those who destroyed his forces during the ending of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, however, to do so, he will have to explore and chart the lands. For fans of the franchise, this latest installment is seen to be a bit different in terms of the gameplay with this time around, developers have allowed players a little more freedom when it comes to completing objectives rather than following a specific set of orders.
#2 Red Dead Redemption 2
- Developer: Rockstar Studios
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Platforms: PS4, XBO
- Release: October 26, 2018
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Rockstar Games has crafted up a number of incredible pieces of work. Their beloved long-running series Grand Theft Auto, the single IP release of Bully, and of course their old western series, Red Dead Redemption just to name a few. Red Dead Redemption has a massive following and gamers all over the world have been waiting for a new installment.
Within Red Dead Redemption 2 players take the role of Arthur Morgan who finds himself on the run from the law with his fellow members of the Van der Linde gang. Outside of being another western adventure full of gun battles and forming your protagonist as a law abiding citizen or morally corrupt outlaw, the game also sets players on a massive open world. This open world environment will also feature a variety of landscapes, wildlife and interesting characters.
#1 Grand Theft Auto V
- Developer: Rockstar North
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
PC | Xbox | PlayStation
Grand Theft Auto V is by and large one of the biggest open world titles ever developed and it really fleshes out the city of Los Santos. Players take control of three protagonists this time around with narratives dealing with old kept secrets and new beginnings. Outside of the cast of characters featured within the main campaign, Los Santos acts as the setting for the online component known as Grand Theft Auto Online.
Online, gamers can face against each other in a wide variety of game modes, join together and complete missions or even decide to wreak havoc while fleeing the police. Years after its initial release, Grand Theft Auto V continues to be a popular video game to play.
