The PS5 launched in 2020, making 2025 its sixth year of operation, and Sony's modern console has plenty of games to play both exclusively and non-exclusively across all genres. Hardcore action fans have games like Star Blade and Ghost of Yoteiwhile RPG fans have Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. These are all good examples of open world.
Big triple-A games like these examples are great, but one of the nicest things about the PS5 and this current generation is the wealth free games there are still quality titles, incl open world genre. These are not mobile games that ask for money every two seconds. Sure, they all have microtransactions, but they feel less intrusive and the games themselves feel real, high-quality open-world experiences, despite the lack of a price tag.
Genshin Impact
Anime Zelda
Genshin Impact is one of the biggest free-to-play games on the planet that has broken through and become very popular on every platform it has come across. It was a free equivalent The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in many ways, complete with a colorful anime style. Players choose their twin at the start before venturing into an ever-expanding world.
Players can then explore a huge world full of action-packed battles and unlock new characters throughout the story and through draws using in-game and paid currency. Players can climb surfaces and slide while exploring, just like in Breath of the Wildand miHoYo hasn't stopped updating the game with new content since 2020. There's more than enough free content to keep players busy for weeks or months without worrying about sinking money. Genshin Impact.
Fate 2
Shoot To Thrill
Fate 2 it started out as a paid experience, but then Bungie decided to turn it into a platform. In order to keep up with the expansions, players have to pay to see everything, but there is enough in the base game for free that players can decide whether or not they want to see more after giving it the expanded look. There are also ways for PS5 players to unlock more content for free with PS+. In addition to models, players can choose a class at the start and customize their character.
They'll go on missions on hub worlds like The Tower, and then go on to new planets and moons. Missions are more linear events, but there are ways to freely roam these planets alone or with friends online. These planetary environments are smaller than other open world games, but so what Fate 2 what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in stellar gameplay. Between different powers and sci-fi weapons, the shooting in this game is unmatched.
Infinity Nikki
Dress To Chill
Infinity Nikki is a casual game for anyone who wants to play an open world game just to explore it. Players will command the titular Nikki on her quest to unlock new fashionable clothes as she explores Miraland on an isekai adventure. New clothes can unlock new abilities, from attack modes to the ability to glide.
There is combat, but it's a very small part of the game and nothing too challenging ever comes up. It's a cute game that's all about spreading good cheer. Whether it's hundreds of hours of content is up to the players. Infinity Nikki it's at least worth a try, even if it doesn't look appealing to someone who isn't into fashion or non-combat games.
Stormy waves
Adding Pokemon to the mix
Stormy waves looks and plays very similar Genshin Impact between the anime visuals, the action combat, and the ability to glide. Additionally, there are tons of unlockable characters with varying degrees of ability. But there is one mechanism that sets it apart: it's also a monster-catching game. Players can grab enemies and turn them into Echoes, essentially turning them into usable abilities in battle, along with stat-boosting gear.
It's almost like the Materia system Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthlike every character in Stormy waves it has its own unique characteristics and abilities, but they can be upgraded in battle with Echoes to allow players to shape them however they want. Also, switching between characters in battle creates a combo chain that takes full advantage of the character system more than other action RPGs.
DC Universe Online
DC stands for decades of content
DC Universe Online has been going strong since 2011 and getting better every year. Players can create their character complete with stats and abilities based on iconic DC heroes. They can also be villains, which is a fun way down for fans of villains like the Joker or Lex Luthor.
Either way, combat takes place in typical MMO fashion, with players able to use various powers and abilities that run on cooldowns. The fight isn't as exciting as that one Batman: Arkham games, but the variety of skills and how players use them will give them a greater sense of ownership because it's their hero or villain. The open world areas are more segmented, e.g Fate 2but DC fans will be happy to be able to explore places like Metropolis, Gotham City, Atlantis and more.
Final Fantasy 14
Free to run
DC Universe Online is a fully free-to-play MMO with microtransactions Final Fantasy 14 is a good example of a free-to-start experience like Fate 2. On PS5, there is a trial version that allows players to play the base game and the first two expansions for free, with some limitations. Some chat options are locked, limits on Gil, and characters stop leveling at level 70, but otherwise players are free to move around as long as they want. They can then take their character to the full game and unlock other expansions if they choose, for cash and a subscription fee.
If they have friends who are already playing the game then it will make the trial easier for new players as they can join the group. Calling it a trial, players might think it's just a glorified demo, but it's a great free-to-play game with a surprisingly expansive world and story to explore. It's one of the best Final Fantasy games to date, from the world building to the job system to the easy-to-learn combat.
