PSBlog Feed: 13 must-play open-world games available with PlayStation Plus Game Catalog

[Commander Fury]

Becoming an agent of chaos or just enjoying the freedom of an entirely different space is all part of the open-world appeal, and the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog* is bursting with options. But we’re here to help. Check out 13 must-play open-world to get you started on your journey, including Star Wars Outlaws available starting today.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 2020 | Game Catalog

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Who wouldn’t want to carve their own Viking legend? Transporting the Assassin’s Creed series into the late 800s AD was a sharp move by Ubisoft, offering a compelling tale where your highly customizable protagonist Eivor engages in thrilling raids, detailed settlement expansion, and dual wielding combat.

It’s a smart evolution that maintains the importance of stealth while mixing things up with novel elements, such as faking death to evade enemies or using a raven to not just scout but also distract enemies. You can even engage in a bit of flyting – that’s Viking rap battles, in modern parlance.

Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020 / 2022 | Game Catalog 

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When we refer to the term “cyberpunk” there are only a handful of examples in media which are as far reaching as Mike Pondsmith’s tabletop role-playing game – the starting point for CD Projekt Red’s slick dystopian title.

True to its roots, Cyberpunk 2077 features the ability to tweak attributes such as Cool and Technical Ability to reflect your character’s build, letting you focus on hacking, assassination aptitude, and proficiency in specific weapon types. And while you’re roaming the futuristic and richly populated Night City streets, there’s plenty of colourful cybernetic characters to engage with, including everybody’s favourite digital rocker terrorist Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut | 2019 / 2021 | Game Catalog

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When it comes to open-world adventures featuring famous faces, few games do it better than Kojima Productions’ unforgettable Death Stranding. Featuring performances from the likes of Mads Mikkelsen and Lea Seydoux, taking Norman Reedus’ Sam Bridges across a devastated United States to deliver cargo and reconnect society is a refreshingly unique experience.

Few games have you managing inventory encumberment as intensely as this does, with each potentially fragile item you choose to carry across the challenging environments affects Sam’s speed and balance. Sure, you can also fight otherworldly creatures and bandits, but Death Stranding’s commitment to a strong social message and unpredictable gameplay elements has earned it many a deserved thumbs up. 

Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut | 2020 / 2021 | Game Catalog 

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There aren’t too many open worlds set in feudal Japan, but Sucker Punch’s samurai epic stakes its claim with satisfying sword combat that cuts through an involving story of revenge and honor. Stealth and deception can be just as powerful a weapon as a blade, in what many have deemed the closest thing we’ve had to an interactive samurai movie.

Fallout 4 | 2015 / 2024 | Game Catalog

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A sci-fi classic which has likely influenced a few of the games in this list, Fallout 4’s reputation has remained rock solid since its original PS4 debut. The power of cause and effect is prominent in Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic wasteland, as your actions can alter your character’s biology, local settlements, and even entire factions. But don’t worry, you can get a companion to help out with tasks and combat. Just as long as you keep them happy.

Far Cry 6 | 2021 | Game Catalog 

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The revolution really was televised in Ubisoft’s freedom fighting first-person shooter. As Dani Rojas, you use weapons ranging from conventional guns to quirkier means of destruction via the inventive Resolver weapons, including a deadly CD launcher. Supremo backpacks offer additional abilities and buffs, and vehicles from hovercrafts and tanks to even a wingsuit can be deployed. Oh, and watch out for the wildlife. Seriously. 

Grand Theft Auto V | 2014 / 2022 | Game Catalog

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Rockstar Games’ unforgettable open-world adventure still stands as one of the genre’s defining experiences. In Grand Theft Auto V, a young street hustler, a retired bank robber, and a terrifying psychopath find themselves entangled with some of the most frightening and deranged elements of the criminal underworld, the U.S. government, and the entertainment industry, they must pull off a series of dangerous heists to survive in a ruthless city in which they can trust nobody, least of all each other.

Hogwarts Legacy | 2023 | Game Catalog

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If you’ve ever wanted to create magical mayhem in the Wizarding World, then look no further. Set long before the events of the Harry Potter books, Avalanche and Warner Bros. throw you into the perils of magic school, full of dark wizards, mythical creatures, and buried secrets. It’s one of the few open world adventures where you can learn spells, brew potions, and grow plants which can be used for crafting, or attacking enemies.  

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered | 2017 / 2024 | Game Catalog

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Guerrilla’s first steps into an open world resulted in an instant classic, thanks to strong writing, powerful performances, and the novel concept of robotic dinosaurs. Horizon Zero Dawn’s exploration of a decidedly different dystopia where nature has reclaimed the Earth, crafts a game where its versatile protagonist Aloy is able to sneak, scale, swing, and snipe her way through a dangerous and mysterious world. You won’t be just relying on natural resources, either – high-tech gadgets and machine hacking are all essential to your progress, too.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth | 2024 | Game Catalog

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Turn-based role-playing game styled battles and larger-than-life conflicts are big parts of this instalment of the fan favorite Like a Dragon and Yakuza series, but don’t get it twisted – Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has a sense of humor that keeps its story fresh, seeping into the many side experiences to distract you from its exploration and adventuring. Darts, karaoke, food delivery missions, and even arcade games like Virtua Fighter are all yours to enjoy on your travels through Yokohama and Honolulu City.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 | 2023 | Game Catalog

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Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 raises the stakes for Peter Parker and Miles Morales as they face a new symbiote threat led by a monstrous Venom. Swing across an expanded Marvel’s New York with faster traversal and new Web Wings, switching between both Spider-Men as their stories unfold. In combat, Peter’s symbiote powers and Miles’ bio-electric abilities take center stage against a lineup of iconic villains, including Kraven the Hunter and the Lizard.

Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018 | Game Catalog

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Set in America, 1899, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde Gang are outlaws on the run. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation massing on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across the rugged heartland of America in order to survive. Red Dead Redemption 2 possesses a level of detail very few games can rival, making it one of the densest and widely realized open worlds available.

Star Wars Outlaws | 2024 | Game Catalog 

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The galaxy far, far away lends itself perfectly to an open-world adventure, and Ubisoft’s space western captures the look, feel and sheer sense of style that we love Star Wars for. Cantinas full of scum and villainy, space combat, speeders, alien gangs, sarcastic droids, and more are all part of the quest to escape a brutal crime syndicate.

This is just a small selection of open world games available with PlayStation Plus, with so many more out there beyond this list. What other recommendations do you want to add? Sound off below and let us know. 

*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog is available with Extra and Premium/Deluxe memberships. Lineups may differ by region. Please check the PlayStation Store.

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