As the PlayStation 5 ushers in a new era of gaming, it's essential to reflect on the remarkable open-world games that graced the Sony console over the years. Each year of the PlayStation 4's existence brought forth extraordinary titles that not only showcased the console's prowess but also left a lasting impression on gamers, even as attention shifted to the PS5.
Originally slated to cease production in 2021, the PS4 endured due to PS5 shortages, allowing players to enjoy a plethora of exceptional open-world adventures. Let's delve into the standout open-world games that defined each year of the PS4 era.
11 2013 - Grand Theft Auto 5
Metascore: 97
The PlayStation 4's journey began with a bang as Rockstar delivered the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto 5. This immersive title allowed players to navigate the lives of three protagonists in the sprawling and visually stunning world of Los Santos.
Additionally, the multiplayer mode, Grand Theft Auto Online, continued to enthrall players with its ongoing updates and fresh content, ensuring endless hours of enjoyment.
10 2014 - Infamous: Second Son
Metascore: 80
Infamous: Second Son, a PlayStation exclusive, marked a significant entry in the series with its vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay. Sucker Punch's creation showcased the PS4's capabilities, setting a high standard for exclusives on the console.
While a new Infamous title is yet to materialize, Sucker Punch's subsequent release, Ghost of Tsushima, continued the studio's legacy of crafting exceptional gaming experiences.
9 2015 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Metascore: 92
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt captivated players with its rich storytelling and expansive world. The PS4 version of this beloved franchise elevated the gaming experience with enhanced graphics and a wealth of additional content through expansions and DLCs.
Players embarked on a thrilling journey as Geralt of Rivia, exploring the vast and detailed landscapes of the Continent, further demonstrating the PS4's capabilities.
8 2016 - Watch Dogs 2
Metascore: 82
Watch Dogs 2 expanded on its predecessor's innovative hacking mechanics, offering players a larger, more dynamic open world to explore in the vibrant setting of the San Francisco Bay Area. The game's vast map and engaging storyline kept players immersed in its technologically advanced universe.
With diverse environments and intriguing missions, Watch Dogs 2 provided an enthralling experience that showcased the PS4's capabilities.
7 2017 - Horizon: Zero Dawn
Metascore: 89
Horizon: Zero Dawn marked a departure from traditional first-person shooters for Guerrilla Games, offering players an expansive open-world RPG experience. Players navigated a visually stunning world filled with robotic foes and engaging quests, pushing the boundaries of what the PS4 could deliver.
The game's immersive gameplay and captivating storyline solidified its status as a standout title in the PS4's library.
6 2018 - Red Dead Redemption 2
Metascore: 97
Red Dead Redemption 2, a highly anticipated title, astounded players with its breathtaking visuals and immersive gameplay. Rockstar Games crafted a vast open world set in the Wild West, inviting players to embark on an unforgettable journey across diverse landscapes.
The game's attention to detail and captivating narrative made it a defining experience on the PS4, showcasing the console's capabilities.
5 2019 - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Metascore: 90
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offered players a challenging yet rewarding open-world adventure set in a captivating feudal Japan-inspired landscape. FromSoftware's expertise in creating immersive worlds and engaging gameplay shone through in this critically acclaimed title.
The game's unique setting and demanding gameplay mechanics provided a fresh and exhilarating experience for players, further enriching the PS4's diverse gaming library.
4 2020 - Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Metascore: 85
In 2020, Insomniac Games delivered Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, a thrilling addition to the Spider-Man universe. Players swung through the bustling streets of New York City, engaging in epic battles and heart-pounding missions, all while experiencing the power of the PS4.
The game's engaging narrative and fluid gameplay mechanics showcased the PS4's capabilities, offering players a remarkable open-world superhero experience.
3 2021 - Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Metascore: 89
Despite plans to halt PS4 production in 2021, developers continued to release outstanding titles like Disco Elysium: The Final Cut. This open-world RPG, known for its intriguing narrative and unique art style, provided players with a memorable and immersive gaming experience.
Exploring a richly detailed world and engaging in captivating mysteries, players were drawn into the immersive universe of Disco Elysium, underscoring the PS4's enduring appeal.
2 2022 - Horizon: Forbidden West
Metascore: 88
Horizon: Forbidden West expanded on the success of its predecessor, offering players a vast and visually stunning open-world experience. Guerilla Games once again captured players' imaginations with a richly detailed world teeming with new challenges and adventures.
The game's expansive map and engaging storyline showcased the PS4's capabilities, delivering a compelling and immersive experience for players as they journeyed through the forbidden lands.
1 2023 - Hogwarts Legacy
Metascore: 84
In 2023, amidst a wave of remasters, Hogwarts Legacy emerged as a standout open-world fantasy title on the PS4. Players were transported to the magical world of Hogwarts, where they could embark on enchanting quests, solve intricate puzzles, and immerse themselves in a captivating narrative.
The game's freedom to explore the enchanting landscapes and engage in magical adventures offered players an unforgettable journey into the wizarding world, embodying the essence of open-world exploration on the PS4.