Sandbox video games have enraptured gamers for decades thanks to their enticing blend of freedom, creativity, and exploration. As the name suggests, sandboxes are virtual playgrounds that allow players to shape their gaming experience through open-ended gameplay and emergent interactions.
The creative freedom of sandbox games makes them one of the most beloved genres. (Source: Unsplash)
The genre has exploded in popularity recently, with sandbox titles accounting for 15 of the top 20 best-selling games in 2022. Much of this growth is fueled by major advances in gaming hardware enabling more expansive and detailed sandbox environments than ever before.
| Year | Global Sandbox Game Revenue | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $9.17 billion | +13.3% |
| 2019 | $9.88 billion | +7.8% |
| 2020 | $11.6 billion | +17.5% |
| 2021 | $13.2 billion | +13.9% |
Sandbox games have seen massive popularity and revenue growth recently. (Source: Statista)
And one platform taking sandbox gaming to unprecedented new heights is the PlayStation 5 (PS5). With cutting-edge features like 4K graphics, ray tracing, ultra-high speed SSDs, and advanced immersive controllers – PS5 allows developers to construct breathtaking living worlds for you to explore.
To experience the absolute pinnacle of sandbox gaming, here are 7 must-play open world masterpieces on PlayStation 5:
1. Minecraft
Genre: Adventure
Game Mode: Single/Multiplayer
Developer: Mojang Studios
Released: November 18, 2011
The creative building phenomena Minecraft needs no introduction as one of the best-selling video games ever with over 200 million copies sold globally across all platforms. Its simplicity of gathering resources and crafting structures paired with the endless possibilities have captivated gamers and kept them playing for over a decade.
While blocky in its visuals by modern standards, Minecraft enjoys significant performance gains on next-gen consoles. PS5 plays Minecraft at up to 1080p resolution and smooth 60 FPS – enabling faster building and exploration compared to PS4‘s 720p and unstable 30 FPS. Load times when booting up or teleporting worlds are also nearly instant thanks to the blistering fast custom SSD.
For both new players and veterans, Minecraft on PS5 is the definitive sandbox experience that feels better than ever thanks to the power under the hood. Unlimited creativity with precision control!
2. Cities: Skylines
Genre: City-Building Simulation
Game Mode: Single Player
Developer: Colossal Order
Released: August 15, 2017
One glance at the staggering player-built metropolises in Cities: Skylines makes it obvious why the city construction simulator is considered one of the greatest of all time. Since its launch, Skylines has moved over 6 million copies and scored a "Very Positive" 97% user rating on Steam thanks to the sheer depth of customization offered.
On PS5, Cities: Skylines enjoys 4K resolution, enhanced draw distances up to 4x greater than PS4, faster load times, and stable 60 FPS gameplay. Combined, next-gen power allows growing intricate, sprawling cities while admiring them in splendid detail and fluidity. After the platinum-selling computer version, this PS5 edition proves city simulation belongs on consoles too!
3. Grand Theft Auto 5
Genre: Action-Adventure
Game Mode: Single/Multiplayer
Developer: Rockstar Games
Released: September 17, 2013
Even nearly 10 years from its debut, GTA 5 continues to dominate sales charts thanks to the benchmark open world mayhem the legendary franchise perfected. And in March 2022, GTA 5 Expanded & Enhanced brought Los Santos to unprecedented life on PlayStation 5.
This remaster flaunts the sheer horsepower of PS5 with native 4K visuals at up to 60 FPS, ray tracing reflections, 3D spatial audio, instant loading, and advanced DualSense haptic feedback. Sporting a 96 rating on Metacritic, playing GTA 5 on PS5 is about the closest gamers can get to hijacking Los Angeles itself.
With the re-release garnering over 5 million copies sold already, clearly Grand Theft Auto still rules next-gen sandboxes!
4. No Man‘s Sky
Genre: Action-Adventure, Survival
Game Mode: Single/Multiplayer
Developer: Hello Games
Released: August 9, 2016
Procedurally generating over 18 quintillion unique planets, No Man‘s Sky presents a entire universe for space explorers on PS5. Journey through infinite star systems discovering bizarre alien lifeforms and gathering resources to craft bases and upgrade ships.
Beyond infinite scope, PS5 enhancements dramatically accelerate the interstellar voyage with 4K HDR visuals at 60 FPS. Significantly faster warp jumps and planetary terrain rendering let you survey more worlds and vistas in record time. All complemented by 3D audio bringing alien soundscapes to life. No Man‘s Sky offers an unrivaled infinite cosmos sim to traverse.
And with continual massive FREE updates, No Man‘s Sky provides an ever-expanding new universe waiting to be charted by PlayStation‘s space cadets!
5. Riders Republic
Genre: Extreme Sports
Game Mode: Single/Multiplayer
Developer: Ubisoft Annecy
Released: October 28, 2021
Extreme sports collide for intense high-octane competition in Riders Republic – Ubisoft‘s over-the-top open world playground tailor-made for PS5. Snowboard down mountains, dirtbike through forests, wingsuit over canyons or pedal across woodlands all freely streamed without transitions.
Built for new-gen, Riders Republic flaunts up to 50 simultaneous racers rendered smoothly at 60 FPS and crystal clear 4K. Physis realistic on PS5, feel jumps and crashes through innovative haptic vibration. With dynamic seasons, crack-of-dawn lighting and blazing sunsets – this next-gen sports sandbox immerses thrill-seekers directly into outdoor adrenaline nirvana!
6. Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla
Genre: Action RPG
Game Mode: Single Player
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Released: November 10, 2020
As the second best-selling entry in Ubisoft‘s stealth sandbox franchise, Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla transports PlayStation warriors directly into 9th century Viking conquests of England. Lead legendary Norse raider Eivor commanding their growing clan in massive battles while stealthily assassinating targets in stunning historically-accurate open world recreation of Medieval Britain.
Tailored for new-gen, Valhalla on PS5 renders crisp 4K resolution paired with buttery 60 FPS fluidity during both visceral raids and tranquil exploration across snow-capped domains. With a custom SSD eliminating loading screens completely, this Viking epic plays like a movie. A true next-gen showpiece demonstrating the possibilities of present gaming hardware unleashed on realizing immersive historical sandbox action!
7. Cyberpunk 2077
Genre: Action RPG
Game Mode: Single Player
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Released: December 10, 2020
Despite a controversial launch plagued with last-gen performance issues, Cyberpunk 2077 remains one of the most visually jaw-dropping and dense open world games when played natively on new consoles like PlayStation 5. Making full use of current hardware, Night City comes alive like never before with Ray Tracing reflections, 4K clarity, crowd density doubled over PS4, and rock solid 60 FPS.
While the dystopian future setting and RPG mechanics were always intriguing, they were often marred by bugs and sluggishness on old platforms. But Cyberpunk truly shines on PS5 as the definitive way to experience the sublime ambiance and stories of this unforgettable sci-fi metropolis as CD Projekt intended!
Sandbox games have clearly hit their stride in recent years as both gaming technology and developer creativity enable more expansive and interactive worlds than ever envisioned. Open international markets and mainstream popularity have also allowed the genre to become extremely profitable.
And releases on PlayStation 5 over the past two years demonstrate sandboxes at the cutting edge pushing immersion to the limits. Jaw dropping fidelity through 4K and ray tracing built on the foundations of ultra fast SSDs and powerful custom processors realize living, breathing environments. High frame rates dish out unprecedented fluidity honed to precision through innovative haptic controllers. All coalescing into experiential masterpieces transporting gamers directly inside breathtaking domains simulated better than any past interactive entertainment.
While these current hallmarks of PS5 sandbox gaming seem tremendously advanced already, expect future innovation to shatter even today‘s benchmarks for virtual world building. With Sony and third-party studios dedicating immense resources into expanding beloved sandbox IP while incubating groundbreaking new open world concepts – the days ahead promise exponentially increasing splendor!
