Sandbox games have remained enduringly popular over the years for good reason. Their open-ended nature allows for creativity, exploration and just plain fun away from linearly structured gameplay. Whether crafting your own world or causing chaos in a city, sandbox fans have found these virtual playgrounds hugely appealing.
With the power of the PlayStation 5, these sandbox experiences have been taken to new levels. Let‘s dive into the 7 very best examples on Sony‘s latest console.
1. Best Adventure Game: Minecraft
Released originally in 2009, Minecraft has gone on to become one of the most beloved sandbox games ever created. Its simplistic blocky graphics belie one of the most creative open worlds imaginable, where players can let their imagination run wild. Despite no set goals, the sense of freedom and experimentation possible makes it hugely rewarding.
On PS5 through backwards compatibility, Minecraft benefits from faster loading times to get you exploring quicker. Visuals are sharper at 1080p resolution, with a smooth 60fps frame rate bringing the world to life. While PS5 enhancements are minor, the magic of Minecraft remains captivating. This is a sandbox classic no PS5 gamer should miss.
Genre: Adventure, Sandbox
Developer: Mojang Studios
2. Best Simulation Game: Cities Skylines
For those who enjoy sandbox games focused on creation and management, Cities Skylines is a brilliant city builder. You are tasked with planning urban layouts, managing public services, controlling the budget and responding to your growing population’s demands. It captures the challenge of maintaining harmony between residents, businesses and facilities.
On a technical level, visuals have been upgraded with support for native 4K on PS5. Loading times when moving between city areas are instant thanks to the SSD storage. The addictive settlement building loop that has seen Cities Skylines rack up acclaim over the years is perfectly suited for PS5. Designing your dream sprawling metropolis has never been so seamless.
Genre: City Builder, Simulation
Developer: Colossal Order
3. Best Action Game: Grand Theft Auto V
Rockstar’s 2013 open world crime epic Grand Theft Auto V has been Enhanced specifically to take advantage of PS5 power. The sandbox city of Los Santos and its seedy underworld looks more visually breathtaking than ever at 4K 60fps. Extremely fast loading means getting into high-octane escapades faster while haptic feedback through the DualSense controller adds physical impact.
With countless vehicles and weapons to cause chaos with, GTA Online’s multiplayer component benefits massively too on PS5. Participating in races and deathmatches with a huge lobby of simultaneous players has never been smoother. For both single player story and online mayhem, GTA V’s Enhanced Edition shows why this controversial blockbuster warrants its acclaim.
Genre: Action, Crime
Developer: Rockstar North
4. Best Survival Game: No Man‘s Sky
The very essence of No Man’s Sky as a sandbox experience revolves around exploration. Set loose in a procedurally generated universe with over 18 quintillion planets waiting to be discovered, this infinite space adventure will consume hours. Survival mechanics add greater challenge as resources must be collected to upgrade equipment for hostile terrain. Stunning alien vistas and diverse creatures populate the planets too, creating incentive to keep pushing onwards into the great unknown.
PS5 optimisations provide native 4K visuals with HDR for incredible lighting effects. Performance is rock solid 60fps for super smooth traversal of landscapes by land, sea and air. With vast scale and plenty of customisation options, No Man’s Sky offers perhaps the ultimate interstellar sandbox on PS5.
Genre: Survival, Exploration
Developer: Hello Games
5. Best Single Player Game: Subnautica: Below Zero
A standalone narrative follow-up to survival hit Subnautica, Below Zero retains the same compelling formula of underwater exploration. Awakening on an icy alien ocean planet after a crash landing, you must uncover its secrets and use gathered resources to construct bases and vehicles for traversing the depths. Spectacular sights and a rich ecosystem of aquatic life make for an absorbing adventure. The world feels dynamic and full of mystery to uncover through side missions and scanning for lore.
PS5 enhancements like 4K resolution or 60fps Performance Mode make gliding through sunlit reefs or gloomy cave systems smooth while accentuating the exceptional art design. Loading times when moving between biomes are near instant too. For fans of Subnautica or newcomers to survival games, Below Zero is utterly engrossing.
Genre: Survival, Adventure
Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Buy Subnautica: Below Zero on Amazon
6. Best Racing Game: Riders Republic
For extreme sports fans, Ubisoft’s massively multiplayer Riders Republic sandboxes biking, skiing, snowboarding, wingsuit flying and rocket wingsuiting all within vast recreations of iconic US National Parks. Its chaotic competitive open world multiplayer races support up to 64 players simultaneously battling to the finish line. You can seamlessly swap between activities at any time to experience gorgeous vistas however you want. Customisation means tailoring rider style to stand out from the pack.
PS5 enhancements mainly come through rock solid 60fps gameplay for silky smooth tricks, jumps and maneuvers. Draw distances are excellent for appreciating awesome environments. Vibrant lighting and particle effects really accentuate the visual spectacle as you barrell downhill or soar off ramps. Riders Republic captures the adrenaline-filled freedom sandbox games do so well. This is multiplayer madness at its best on PS5.
Genre: Extreme Sports, Racing
Developer: Ubisoft Annecy
7. Best Strategy Game: Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 adapts the hardcore grand strategy gameplay the series is famed for into its most accessible entry yet – making PS5 the perfect home for aspiring medieval rulers. Guiding a dynasty across generations, you expand territory through politics, war, marriages and intrigue. Its web of interpersonal systems and AI characters brings tremendous unpredictability. One wrong move can undo everything as scheming vassals look to capitalize. Alternatively, loyalty through gifts or friendly actions is key to stability. This balancing act forms utterly compulsive gameplay loops ripe for experimentation thanks to the sandbox format.
What PS5 introduces is a redesigned interface optimized for controllers to simplify nation management alongside tutorials guiding newcomers. With coveted strategy depth still preserved yet streamlined, Crusader Kings 3 is a revelation for the genre on console. Importing your rulers as custom empires in the limitless sandbox adds tremendous replay value. This amazingly complex web of systems deserves to be experienced by any PS5 owner seeking their next obsession.
Genre: Strategy, Simulation
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Buy Crusader Kings 3 on Amazon
Playing Games on a PlayStation 5
Gaming on a PS5 represents a major leap over previous PlayStation consoles. The combination of an extremely fast solid state drive, powerful GPU unleashing 4K graphics with ray tracing and a beautifully ergonomic DualSense controller make it feel truly next generation.
Visually, details and draw distances in open worlds are vastly improved while advanced effects like global illumination create far more realistic lighting. Haptics and adaptive triggers on the controller also add immersive physical feedback for actions like firing a bow or driving over rough terrain. This draws you deeper into the experience.
These enhancements significantly benefit sandbox games, bringing their worlds to vivid life and removing frustrating limitations. Near instant fast travelling or loading eliminates interruptions to the fun while rock solid 60fps gameplay ensures super smooth freedom to explore massive spaces.
The PS5 has raised the bar substantially for sandbox games. Whether long-term fans of the genre or newcomers, these handpicked highlights demonstrate perfectly why PlayStation 5 is built for open-ended virtual freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PS5 games are there?
Currently there are 524 games available exclusively built for PS5. Many more PS4 titles are playable through backwards compatibility enhancements too.
How much storage can PS5 hold?
The 825GB internal SSD allows storing around 10-15 average sized PS5 games depending on compression. You can delete then reinstall games later if you reach the limit or expand with external USB drives.
Can you use PS5 without the internet?
Yes absolutely. Any games downloaded to your PS5 or installed from physical discs can be played offline without requiring internet access. Some features like multiplayer may be limited however.
What internet speed does a PS5 need?
For optimal online play, a PS5 requires a minimum of 50-100 Mbps broadband speed without disruption through walls or distance. This ensures low latency and lag-free gaming.
How much data does a PS5 use per hour?
Data consumption depends significantly on the game, number of players and type of internet activity. Playing 1080p online multiplayer titles uses around 300MB per hour typically. Less intensive online play can be as low as 100MB hourly or fewer. Downloads and 4K streams use much more.
