Post-apocalyptic survival game Days Gone came out to mixed reviews, but its fans fervently vouch for its quality. After releasing to PlayStation Plus subscribers for free, the game is making its way into the homes of many new players. Reviews pointed out technical issues, but the PS5 upgrade fixes all of these while also updating the graphics and performance.
With the new coat of paint, Days Gone looks like it could have been built from the ground up for the PS5. When you are done going through this game, play any of the other open-world games like Days Gone for some similar flavors. For the most part, they are connected by survival mechanics.
Updated January 10, 2022 by Jason Wojnar: Days Gone continues to stay in people's minds because of the interesting story surrounding its development, the drama after its release, and its increasing popularity thanks to positive word of mouth.
Most recently, a news story broke out where the director claimed the game sold over eight million copies, a similar number to Ghost of Tsushima. This number is not actually reflective of its sales and is instead an estimate of its overall player count. If you are one of those eight million who laments that a sequel will never be, read this list for some other recommendations for open-world games in post-apocalyptic settings.
15 Metro Exodus
To be clear, Metro Exodus is not explicitly an open-world game. It is divided into levels and the story runs along a linear path. Each area you visit is rather large and offers many opportunities for exploration. It rides the line between open-world and linear FPS.
The atmospheric survival game continues to become more popular with each entry and fans are excited for what Ukrainian developer 4A Games has in store for us next.
14 Biomutant
This open-world action game was in development for a long time and faced numerous delays before finally hitting shelves. Reviews were mostly lukewarm, with many complaints being lobbied at jank and the UI while admitting the ideas and setting were original and compelling.
All the same, there is a lot to enjoy for fans of open-world games. Biomutant also comes with an especially robust character creator, ensuring your protagonist is unique.
13 Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden
Mutant Year Zero is not set in one open map. Instead, the action is divided into different zones you can freely explore separately. You control characters in real-time while traveling about and the combat switches to a turn-based setup akin to XCOM or Wasteland 3.
Despite these influences, don't expect the game to run quite as long. Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden should take between 13 and 20 hours to beat, which might be a plus to some.
12 Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
It's hard to remember due to the stunning visuals but Breath of the Wild takes place in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Hyrule is in shambles after Calamity Ganon basically wins. The only thing holding the monstrosity back from completely ruling Hyrule is Zelda's magic.
The world is beautiful, but already on the brink of total ruin and the gameplay reflects this as well. Most towns are small, and many of the resources you use are scrounged from the wild. The numerous systems make Breath of the Wild one of the most immersive and varied open-world games on the market. We cannot wait until the sequel, currently slated for a 2022 release, comes out.
11 State Of Decay 2
Like Days Gone, State of Decay sees you surviving in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Unlike the PS4 game, you can play State of Decay 2 cooperatively with up to three other people. Survival is the name of game here, as you and your friends collect goods and resources to build a formidable base.
The series is exclusive to Microsoft platforms, so this is a solid alternative for anyone who is interested in zombie games and doesn't have a PS4 or PS5.
10 Fallout
Whether you are playing the original Interplay Entertainment isometric RPGs or the first-person adventures from Bethesda, it's difficult to go wrong with Fallout.
The older games put a greater emphasis on decision-making, while the newer titles feel more like dungeon crawlers and are more action-focused. Regardless of which one you choose, you are in for a good time. The games are also challenging if you want them to be. For multiplayer action in the franchise, dive into Fallout 76.
9 Far Cry: New Dawn
Far Cry likes to release a related spin-off in between mainline entries. Far Cry 3 had Blood Dragon, Far Cry 4 had Primal, and Far Cry 5 was followed by Far Cry: New Dawn.
The game follows up on the ending of Far Cry 5 where nuclear armageddon befalls the United States. While it is weird to have an ending where the villain was right, it is cool to go through the Far Cry 5 map as a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Far Cry 6 was not quite a revolution on the formula some expected, but it will still satisfy fans' appetites for open-world FPS action.
8 Mad Max
Avalanche Studios is known for crafting bombastically entertaining open-world titles like Just Cause. They also brought this expertise to the Mad Max franchise to make an original game following the character.
The action is different than Just Cause, focusing more on car chases than flying through the environment in a wingsuit or with a grappling hook. This action would come in handy for Rage 2 a few years later.
7 Dead Island
Techland impressed gamers with Dead Island in 2011. It is a little bit like Borderlands but with zombies. To be fair, it is not entirely post-apocalyptic, but it is the end of the world as far as the residents and visitors to the island are concerned.
Playing alone is fun, but the experience is significantly better if you can go through it with at least one friend. Going from using melee weapons to mainly utilizing firearms is a rewarding progression.
6 Horizon Zero Dawn
Considering Days Gone's status as a PlayStation exclusive, it is only right we mention another post-apocalyptic open-world game for the console. Fortunately, PC players can also get in on the fun here.
Guerrilla Games was known for Killzone before crafting Horizon Zero Dawn, but the studio's new franchise is considered one of the finest exclusives for the PS4. With a sequel on the way for a February 18th release, the Horizon series is likely to be a Sony mainstay for years to come.
5 DayZ
Other games on this list with survival elements are still relatively forgiving. DayZ does not hold your hand in any way. You will spend a long time learning the ropes and mastering the mechanics. This dedication to realism is sometimes to the game's detriment, but those looking for a gritty survival experience will appreciate DayZ.
Unfortunately, various technical issues also bog down the experience. The game was also released on PS4 and Xbox One after its PC launch, which was already in early access for about five years.
4 Wasteland 3
Unlike other games on this list, Wasteland 3 is a more traditional, hardcore RPG. However, being prepared for the arduous journey when leaving town is an integral part of the gameplay. In addition to intense combat, player choice also significantly impacts the narrative.
Various quests have numerous outcomes which can change the game world. The game can also be played cooperatively — a rarity for such an involved, narrative-driven RPG. The numerous difficulty modes mean even casual players can get in on the action.
3 Rage 2
The first Rage is a more linear experience, though it does have open-world elements. Rage 2 is a full-on open-world game with plenty of extra content to engage with off the beaten path.
Unfortunately, many complaints decried uncompelling side quests. Still, the game is a solid time if you just do the main quest. The shooting is tight and the vehicular combat is a nice respite from the first-person gameplay.
2 Dying Light
Another zombie game from Techland, Dying Light features a larger game world and a heavier emphasis on movement. You can zoom through the environment while running away from the undead.
There is also a day and night cycle where significantly more threatening enemies come out once the sun comes down. With this in mind, you have to consider the time it takes to get back to safety. A sequel, Dying Light 2, has been stuck in development limbo for what seems like years. Fortunately, it is finally seeing release on February 4th, 2022.
1 Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima's first game post-Metal Gear Solid has you traveling from place to place delivering packages in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi wasteland. It is difficult to persuade someone of the game's intrigue by just describing it, but playing reveals the satisfaction of traversing the barren wasteland.
Additionally, players can help each other out by leaving ladders and other objects in the environment for others to use. The narrative is also exactly what you'd expect from the man behind Metal Gear Solid. PS5 owners can experience the game in an enhanced state thanks to the Director's Cut release, which comes with new content in addition to visual and performance upgrades.