I’ll be honest—I’ve wasted way too much money on overhyped open-world games that promised “endless exploration” but delivered empty maps with copy-paste objectives. If you own a PS5, you’ve probably felt that disappointment too.
The good news? 2024-2025 brought us some genuinely incredible open-world experiences. With PS5 Pro now available, these massive worlds run smoother and look sharper than ever, thanks to PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) technology.
This guide covers only games I can actually recommend right now in February 2026—no upcoming releases, no speculation. Just the titles worth your time and money. I’ve tested each on both standard PS5 and PS5 Pro, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
Let’s cut through the marketing and find your next adventure.
Table of Contents
The 10 Games Actually Worth Playing
1. Ghost of Yōtei (Released October 2025)
Sucker Punch trades Tsushima Island for the snowy regions around Mount Yōtei in Hokkaido, Japan.
Why it’s exceptional: You play as Atsu, a female protagonist in 1603 Japan—300 years after Jin Sakai’s story. Hokkaido brings dramatic variety: snow-covered peaks, steaming hot springs, birch forests, and Ainu settlements that feel culturally distinct.
Combat gets new tools like kusarigama (chain-sickle weapons) and expanded ghost tactics. Winter weather genuinely affects gameplay—deep snow slows you down, frozen lakes become crossable paths, and blizzards reduce visibility to almost nothing.
The upgraded photo mode includes seasonal filters and a “Memory” feature letting you revisit locations at different times and weather conditions—perfect for screenshot hunters.
On PS5 Pro, it hits native 4K/60fps with ray-traced reflections in ice and water that look stunning.
The downside: If you’re tired of samurai games after playing AC Shadows or just want something completely different, this might feel too familiar in theme despite excellent execution.
Best for: Fans of melee combat perfection and gorgeous Japanese landscapes.
2. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (DLC Released June 2024)
FromSoftware’s massive expansion adds the Land of Shadow—a completely new realm accessed through Mohg’s cocoon.
Why it’s brilliant: Shadow of the Erdtree isn’t just DLC—it’s 30-40 hours of new content with over 10 major bosses. The Land of Shadow features layered vertical exploration: underground ruins, towering fortresses, ethereal highlands.
New weapon types like light greatswords and throwing weapons give you fresh combat options. Miquella’s story reveals lore that reframes the entire base game narrative.
The core philosophy remains: see something interesting? You can go there. And you’ll be rewarded for curiosity.
The downside: Still brutally difficult. If the base game frustrated you, the DLC won’t change your mind. Also requires defeating Mohg and Radahn from the base game to access.
Best for: Players who love earning their victories through skill and patience.
3. Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Released March 2025)
Ubisoft finally tackles feudal Japan with dual protagonists: Naoe (female shinobi) and Yasuke (historical African samurai).
Why it works: Switching between stealth-focused Naoe and combat-heavy Yasuke means every mission offers multiple approaches. Naoe’s parkour through paper walls and rooftop gardens feels fluid, while Yasuke’s brute force creates completely different energy.
Late 16th-century Japan looks incredible. Seasonal changes matter—winter’s frozen rivers become paths, autumn leaves provide stealth cover. Monsoons and snowstorms actually impact visibility and NPC routines.
The downside: It’s still a Ubisoft open-world game with familiar mission structures. If you’ve suffered through AC fatigue before, the Japanese setting might not be enough to pull you back in.
Best for: Stealth fans and anyone who’s wanted AC to finally visit Japan.
4. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach (Released 2025)
Kojima’s sequel doubles down on unique traversal while adding underwater exploration and new vehicles.
Why it’s special: The strand system (asynchronous multiplayer where players build infrastructure together) now lets communities construct entire cities, not just roads. Underwater sections add a completely new dimension to navigation and combat.
New regions of post-apocalyptic America include coastal zones, desert badlands, and flooded cities. Different Beach types affect gameplay in ways that reveal more about the game’s reality-bending metaphysics.
On PS5 Pro with PSSR, it achieves near-photorealistic visuals at 60fps with particle effects that border on magical.
The downside: If you found the first game boring, this won’t convert you. It’s still about planning routes, balancing cargo, and making deliveries. The pacing is deliberately slow.
Best for: Players who want something genuinely different and don’t mind methodical gameplay.
[Image suggestion: Sam Porter Bridges navigating underwater ruins with futuristic equipment]
5. Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores (Complete Edition)
Aloy’s adventure expands to post-apocalyptic Los Angeles with the Burning Shores DLC included.
Why it’s stunning: Burning Shores adds LA as a partially submerged volcanic region. The flying Waterwing machine becomes rideable, transforming exploration. Combined with the base game, you get 70+ hours across wildly diverse environments: underwater kelp forests, desert ruins, snowy mountains, tropical jungles.
Machine combat stays addictive—targeting weak points, exploiting elemental vulnerabilities, using stealth or aggression based on your mood.
PS5 Pro’s 4K/40fps balanced mode feels incredibly smooth with enhanced foliage that makes forests look almost real.
The downside: The story can feel preachy at times, and some side quests fall into formulaic patterns despite gorgeous presentation.
Best for: Anyone who wants to hunt robot dinosaurs in beautiful environments.
6. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (Enhanced 2024)
CD Projekt Red’s redemption arc concludes with Phantom Liberty and continuous updates.
Why it finally delivers: Night City is gaming’s most detailed urban environment. The 2.0 update fixed combat, driving, and police systems. Phantom Liberty’s Dogtown district adds spy thriller narratives that rival the main story.
Each district has personality: Corporate Plaza’s glass towers, Pacifica’s gang-controlled beaches, Japantown’s neon alleys. The city feels genuinely alive with reactive news, radio stations, and NPCs that remember you.
PS5 Pro maintains 60fps with ray-traced global illumination—those rain-soaked neon reflections look phenomenal.
The downside: Despite fixes, bugs still pop up occasionally. And if you’re sensitive to mature content (graphic violence, nudity, heavy themes), this earns its M rating.
Best for: Sci-fi fans who want mature storytelling in a reactive world.
[Image suggestion: V overlooking Night City’s neon skyline at night with rain effects]
7. Dragon Age: The Veilguard (Released October 2024)
BioWare returns to Thedas with ancient elven gods threatening reality itself.
Why it’s compelling: You explore northern Thedas—Tevinter, Antiva, Arlathan Forest—leading specialists against apocalyptic threats. BioWare’s trademark companion relationships shine with romances, rivalries, and personal arcs that react to your choices.
Combat blends action with tactical pause options. The character creator is incredibly detailed. Multiple endings based on your decisions ensure genuine replayability across 50+ hours.
The downside: The action-heavy combat disappointed some traditional Dragon Age fans who preferred tactical depth. And BioWare’s previous stumbles (Anthem, Andromeda) make trusting them again a calculated risk.
Best for: RPG fans who prioritize character-driven narratives.
8. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (Released December 2023, Expanded 2024-2025)
Massive Entertainment’s Pandora features floating mountains, bioluminescent forests, and multiple DLC expansions.
Why it’s breathtaking: The Western Frontier showcases visual artistry that feels genuinely alien. Flying on ikran (banshees) across Hallelujah Mountains delivers pure exhilaration. DLC added new Na’vi clans with distinct cultures.
You play a Na’vi reconnecting with heritage while fighting RDA occupation—a straightforward story that lets the world be the star.
PS5 Pro’s PSSR makes bioluminescent night scenes look incredible even in dense jungle areas.
The downside: The story is predictable and the gameplay loop can become repetitive. It’s beautiful but not particularly deep.
Best for: Anyone wanting visual spectacle over narrative complexity.
9. Hogwarts Legacy (Released February 2023, Enhanced 2024-2025)
Explore 1890s Hogwarts and the Scottish Highlands in the wizarding world.
Why it remains magical: Hogwarts Castle as an explorable space is phenomenal—secrets in every corridor, moving staircases, hidden passages. The Highlands offer dungeons, hamlets, and magical creature dens.
Attending classes, brewing potions, taming beasts, and uncovering ancient magic creates genuine immersion. The complete edition includes all updates and exclusive PS5 content.
The downside: The main story doesn’t quite reach the heights the setting deserves, and some open-world activities feel like busy work.
Best for: Harry Potter fans who’ve dreamed of attending Hogwarts.
10. Spider-Man 2 (Released October 2023)
Swing through expanded New York City as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
Why it’s spectacular: Queens and Brooklyn join Manhattan. Web-swinging with haptic feedback makes every web anchor point tangible. Fast travel is literally instant—under 2 seconds anywhere.
You switch between Spider-Men mid-mission, each with unique abilities. Peter’s symbiote suit adds aggressive options while exploring darker psychological themes.
Venom as the primary antagonist anchors a story balancing superhero spectacle with personal drama.
The downside: Shorter than other entries here (20-25 hours), and some side content feels repetitive despite excellent core gameplay.
Best for: Anyone who’s wanted to be Spider-Man.
Quick Decision Guide
Want samurai combat in snow? → Ghost of Yōtei
Love brutal challenges? → Elden Ring
Need flexible stealth/combat? → Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Want something truly unique? → Death Stranding 2
Like hunting robot dinosaurs? → Horizon Forbidden West
Crave cyberpunk cities? → Cyberpunk 2077
Prefer character-driven RPGs? → Dragon Age
Just want beautiful visuals? → Avatar
Dream of magic school? → Hogwarts Legacy
Pure superhero fun? → Spider-Man 2
PS5 vs PS5 Pro: Does It Matter?
Where Pro Makes a Real Difference:
- Ghost of Yōtei: Native 4K/60fps vs 1440p/60fps (noticeably sharper)
- Cyberpunk 2077: Stable 60fps with ray tracing vs frequent drops
- Horizon: 4K/40fps balanced mode unavailable on base PS5
- Avatar: PSSR clarity in dense foliage makes exploration easier
Where Base PS5 is Fine: Spider-Man 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Dragon Age all run beautifully without Pro.
Bottom line: Pro is worth it if you play these games constantly and want the absolute best visuals. Otherwise, base PS5 delivers great experiences.
What Actually Helps You Enjoy These Games More
Start with performance mode: Smooth 60fps matters more than you think for combat and movement. Switch to quality mode when you’re just exploring slowly.
Use activity cards: Jump directly to quests when you boot up after a break. Saves so much time.
Finish the story before cleaning the map: Trying to 100% before completing the narrative kills your momentum every time.
Mess with accessibility settings: Enhanced audio cues and custom controls improve things even if you don’t have disabilities.
Balance two games at once: Play one combat-heavy, one chill. Prevents burnout from similar formulas.
What’s Coming Later This Year
Grand Theft Auto VI (Late 2026 – November expected): Vice City with dual protagonists, AI-driven NPCs, in-game social media. The most anticipated game in years.
Marvel’s Wolverine (Late 2026): Insomniac’s M-rated Madripoor adventure with brutal combat.
Fable (Late 2026): Playground’s fantasy reboot where your choices change your appearance and the world.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
What’s the best one overall? Ghost of Yōtei for polish and visuals, Elden Ring for challenge and exploration.
Best graphics on PS5 Pro? Avatar for alien beauty, Horizon for realistic environments.
Is Pro worth buying? If you play open-world games primarily and want peak visuals, yes. Casually? No.
Shortest game here? Spider-Man 2, Ghost of Yōtei, AC Shadows—all 20-35 hours.
Best for beginners? Spider-Man 2 or Hogwarts Legacy—forgiving and fun.
Need PlayStation Plus? Not for single-player. Death Stranding 2 benefits from it but doesn’t require it.
Performance or quality mode? Performance for combat games. Quality for slow exploration. PS5 Pro often offers both.
Age ratings? Cyberpunk is M (17+). Elden Ring, Ghost of Yōtei, AC Shadows are T (13+). Spider-Man, Hogwarts, Avatar work for most ages.
Final Recommendations
Pick Ghost of Yōtei if you want immediate satisfaction with polished combat and PSSR-enhanced visuals you can finish in 25-30 hours.
Pick Elden Ring if you want the most rewarding challenge in gaming and don’t mind investing 80+ hours.
Pick Assassin’s Creed Shadows for flexible dual-protagonist gameplay in beautiful historical Japan.
Pick Spider-Man 2 for pure joy and the most accessible experience here.
Choose one. Commit fully. You’ll understand why this generation finally delivered on open-world promises.
Which world will you explore first?