2026 has been a solid year so far open world games on PS5. From massive successes like Crimson desert to smaller scale titles such as Ys 10: Current Nordicsthere are plenty of games across genres to scratch that open world itch for gamers. There's also a solid catalog of open-world titles coming out sometime later this year, including Grand Theft Auto 6 and Dawnwalker blood.
However, since these major games are still a long way off, what games can you play in the meantime? Well, at least there are some interesting open world games coming up. Whether you're looking to lose yourself in a 100-hour RPG or simply find a new horizon to venture into, the upcoming slate offers the perfect mix of established franchises and ambitious new IPs.
10 Most Anticipated Open World Games Officially Coming in 2026, Ranked
2026 will be packed with massive open-world games, and these upcoming titles will be among the biggest releases of any genre this year.
LEGO Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight
Nice set of friends and bat family members
You're headed to PlayStation May 222026, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a narrative action adventure game that follows Bruce Wayne's journey to becoming Batman. Beginning as a young Bruce Wayne, players will train with the League of Shadows, gain allies and confront Batman's greatest enemies across the iconic city of Gotham.
in many ways LEGO Batman It seems to be taking pages from Arkham Batman titles as well as draws from the past LEGO video games. Although it's been a while since we've seen a new Batman-centric Batman Arkham title, LEGO Batman a third-person action game is extremely reminiscent of them Arkham gameplay, especially in combat, and the combination of action and puzzle solving is also similar.
The 25 Best Batman Games of All Time, Ranked
DC's Dark Knight has starred in many, many games over the decades, but a few Batman adventures have been far more memorable than others.
That said, there are some suggested differences. LEGO Batman is supposed to have seven playable characters – Batman, Jim Gordon, Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, Catwoman and Talia al Ghul – which is far fewer than your typical LEGO video game but more than Arkham titles ever allowed. There's also local multiplayer, so you can get a friend or family member involved in crime fighting.
Each character will have their own unique skills and gadgets, making playing as each feel different. It was also revealed that players will be able to customize the Batcave to display different vehicles and suits, giving the abode a more personalized touch. Overall, it looks like a feature-rich and fun spin Arkham and LEGO old patterns.
Outbound
Embark on a journey to build a new life
If you're looking for a quieter adventure, Outbound is a cozy open-world exploration title where players try to build their dream home on wheels. Set in a utopian near-future, players start with an empty camper van and embark on a road trip across different biomes, upgrading their mobile abode along the way. Just like a real road trip, this one is better with friends as the game supports four player co-op.
Along the way, players will be able to upgrade and customize their vehicles, grow crops, and practice sustainable living. There is also a crafting mechanic that allows players to gather resources, craft tools, and build infrastructure such as bridges. If you prefer to keep things moving, there are also plenty of landmarks to find and even pets to adopt.
Great emphasis is placed on player freedom Outboundwith players unencumbered by society's woes. Travel where you want, how you want. Of course, there will be some problems along the way that you will have to deal with, such as fallen trees, car problems, and building repairs. If you're after a more casual leisure experience, you won't have to wait long Outbound coming to PlayStation 5 April 23, 2026.
Wandering Sword
Use your Qi and master your weapon to find peace
Originally released on Steam for Microsoft Windows on September 15, 2023, Wandering Sword will premiere on PlayStation 5 May 5, 2026. This Wuxia-inspired open-world RPG follows a young swordsman named Yuwen Yi who gets caught up in a feud between the Tianlong Gang and the Xuanhuo Cult and is left to die.
Yi is then rescued and brought under the care of Jiang, a martial artist who teaches Yi how to control his Qi. However, soon after the rescue, the village he took refuge in is attacked and Yi must forge ahead to become a martial arts master and eliminate the evil besieging Jianghu.
HD-2D isometric pixel art brings the visuals of this classic hero's journey to life, bringing to life the world and environments you'll traverse through the story. As for his fight, Wandering Sword uses an ATB-style system that takes place on a square grid-based battlefield. It's quite an interesting mix of active and tactical styles that will keep you on your toes. Yi can also specialize in different types of weapons, allowing for some nice customization and freedom in how players approach developing their weaponry.
With many different characters to meet and places to go, Wandering Sword is a great experience through and through. The PlayStation 5 version even includes all previous DLC games. If you like turn-based RPGs, Wuxia games, or just think the game looks cool, definitely check it out.
Drag your weapons to fill the grid
Start
Drag your weapons to fill the grid
Easy to medium hard
Echoes Of Aincrad
This world hides both peace and mystery
Arrival further July 9, 2026, Echoes of Aincrad uses the setting made famous by anime Sword Art Online allowing players to create their own path through this fictional world. Unlike others Sword Art Online The game has a fully customizable protagonist and allows players to choose equipment, skills, abilities and even which partners they want to build synergy with.
Its third-person combat is significantly more methodical and punishing than the button-mashing styles of others Sword Art Online games of the past. The game allows for accurate parrying and players must manage their stamina as well as their health to survive fights. With so many playstyles and stats to consider, there's sure to be a wide variety of solutions to the challenges these timed battles present.
But don't mistake this more thoughtful style for blandness. Echoes of Aincrad it's still flashy in all the right ways, with weapons and spells that look spectacular in battle. The setting is similarly stunning, with vistas of lush forests and moonlit plains and bustling cities. These gorgeous visuals don't go to waste either: players can explore the outdoors as well as dark dungeons and caves to find treasure.
Overall, Echoes of Aincrad is shaping up to be an excellent take on the open world SAO an environment full of exploration and solid RPG mechanics. Hopefully, it will be able to differentiate itself from the current catalog Sword Art Online RPG and provide a rewarding journey for all players, regardless of familiarity with the IP.
Gothic 1 remake
Escape from the valley below
The release is scheduled for June 5, 2026, Gothic 1 remake reimagines the 2001 cult classic that defined the European RPG subgenre. This remake returns players to the Valley of Mines on the island of Khorinis, a vast prison camp enclosed in a magical dome where the kingdom's prisoners are forced to mine ore for the king's war effort.
You step into the shoes of a nameless new prisoner who has been thrown into this ruthless ecosystem. After a few short introductory scenes, you then choose which camp of the prison you belong to: Old Camp, New Camp, or Swamp Camp. These camps change which side quests are available to you and also affect how your prisoner evolves.
Gothic Remake Reveals Scary New Gameplay
THQ Nordic releases a new gameplay trailer for Alkimia Interactive's upcoming fantasy RPG remake, Gothic, and it's full of giant spiders.
The most distinctive feature of the original Gothic was its NPC reactivity and interactivity. At first the NPCs will treat you badly as you are nothing more than a nuisance to them, but later on they may fear and avoid you depending on your story and skills. Each NPC has its own daily mode and can be interacted with in one way or another. Everything we've seen so far suggests that the remake aims to continue this, with NPCs being the main driver of what makes the penal colonies so interesting.
It should be noted that Gothic 1 remake takes place in a dark, violent and outwardly misogynistic setting, and that the developers have no plans to change that fact for the remake, although the female characters will be more developed than in the original game. While the remake touches on and deals with some brutal circumstances, it doesn't aim to promote them; instead, Gothic it shows us a world where these issues are left to fend for themselves and how that shapes the people in it.
Are there any Action RPGs left that aren't Soulslikes?
Look for action RPGs that offer fresh and familiar gameplay, breaking away from the soulslike trend that now dominates the genre.