10 Games To Play While Waiting For Grand Theft Auto 6
Summary
- Delays can be frustrating, but it ensures a polished game launch.
- Explore open-world games like Sleeping Dogs and Red Dead Redemption 2 while waiting for GTA 6.
Just as it felt excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6 was reaching a fever pitch, just as people were more desperate than ever for some morsel of information about the game, that word that all gamers dread struck. Delayed.
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Posts 1As frustrating as it might be to wait longer for a hotly anticipated title, it's almost always for the best. Not only does it mean the game is more likely to launch in a polished and complete state, but it also gives you time to work through that ever-growing backlog or try something new. Here are the best titles to play while waiting for GTA 6.
10 The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
This One Will Take A While
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Like Follow FollowedThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Action RPG Open-World Adventure Systems 19 8.5/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 86% Released April 22, 2025 ESRB Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Violence Developer(s) Virtuos, Bethesda Publisher(s) Bethesda Engine Unreal Engine 5WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONThe remaster of Oblivion has been well-received, allowing gamers to revisit some of their fondest memories and create entirely new ones. The extra wait for GTA 6 is the perfect time, and you'll need a lot of time to dive into Oblivion.
This is the sort of open-world fantasy adventure that Bethesda is known for, with quests and secrets galore. There's so much to do here, you might not even need another game to tide you over while you wait.
9 Sleeping Dogs
Don't Let This One Lie
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Open-World Action Systems 10.0/10 Released August 14, 2012 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs Developer(s) United Front Games Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine HavokWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIf you're looking for something like Grand Theft Auto, but not exactly the same, you can't go wrong with Sleeping Dogs. This crime drama set in Hong Kong ticks the city-based open-world box with a flavour you won't find in the GTA games.
It also does a few things differently. You play as an undercover cop, rather than a career criminal, and the game sports fantastic martial arts and parkour systems to make the game feel like something special in a crowded genre.
8 Bully
Canis Canim Edit
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Sandbox Systems Released October 17, 2006 ESRB T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) Rockstar Vancouver Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine RenderWare, Gamebryo Multiplayer Local Multiplayer, Local Co-OpWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALBully was a controversial game when it launched in 2006, but almost 20 years later, people appreciate that it was a masterpiece. If you want to scratch that Rockstar itch with something unique, Bully is the way to go.
Set in a boarding school, the game has you playing as a troubled youth looking to upend the social structure of the school by bullying the bullies. It might show its age in a few places here and there, but it holds up remarkably well and is a must-play for any Rockstar fan.
7 L.A. Noire
Don't Doubt This One
LA Noire
Action Adventure Systems Released May 17, 2011 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence Developer(s) Team Bondi Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine havokWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIf solving crimes is more your thing than causing them, then L.A. Noire is a detective game simmering with mystery and tension. The most remarkable thing about L.A. Noire, aside from how good it is, is that it never spawned a sequel.
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PostsAside from spawning endless memes, L.A. Noire is an engaging game that will have you holding onto your hat as you drive to your next case. It has flaws, as every game does, but it is absolutely worth the price of admission.
6 Cyberpunk 2077
It's Preem Now
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Like Follow FollowedCyberpunk 2077
RPG Action Systems 10.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 76/100 Critics Rec: 64% Released December 10, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) CD Projekt Red Publisher(s) CD Projekt Red Engine REDengine 4WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALSome people haven't been able to get past their first impression of Cyberpunk 2077, which is understandable. It had one of the worst launches in video game history, but don't let that stop you. Developer CD Projekt Red has turned it all around.
Hefty patches and an utterly fantastic expansion have transformed Cyberpunk 2077 into a must-play masterpiece. Chrome up, grab your closest chooms, and cruise through Night City to make a name for yourself. It'll be nova.
5 Yakuza 0
The Perfect Prequel
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Like Follow FollowedYakuza 0
Action Adventure Beat 'Em Up Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 86/100 Critics Rec: 95% Released January 24, 2017 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol Developer(s) Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Publisher(s) Sega Engine Dragon Engine Franchise YakuzaWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALYakuza 0 is the perfect entry point to the series, and there's no better time to dive in. Every game is superb in its own right, but the epic story they weave together is one for the ages. Do yourself a favour and step into the shoes of the young Kiryu.
Rather than a sprawling city, the Yakuza games typically place you in a smaller and more densely packed city district. At first that might seem restrictive, but if you give it a chance your eyes will be opened to the beauty of detail.
4 Watch Dogs 2
Leader Of The Pack
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Open-World Action Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 82% Released November 15, 2016 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs Developer(s) Ubisoft Montreal Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine havok Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONWatch Dogs 2 isn't the latest entry in the series, but it is still the best. The first game, in fairness, is better than many remember. Legion, on the other hand, was an interesting experiment, but ultimately failed to deliver on the promising premise.
The second game stands above the others. It has everything you might want from a GTA game, with the addition of hacking and 3D-printed weapons. It never takes itself too seriously, and doesn't overstay its welcome either.
3 Mafia: Definitive Edition
Old School
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Action RPG Adventure Systems 3.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 78/100 Critics Rec: 81% Released September 25, 2020 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Sexual Themes, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Intense Violence Developer(s) Hangar 13 Publisher(s) 2K Engine illusion engine, unreal engine 4WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONWhich Mafia game you decide to play is up to you, but if you've never touched the series before, then the Definitive Edition of the first game is the obvious choice. It's a love letter to the crime family genre, one you have to experience for yourself.
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Posts 2Pinstripe suits, classic cars and family intrigue are all waiting for you. It's perfect for scratching that GTA itch, while feeling different enough, you'll still be more than ready for GTA6 when it rolls around.
2 Red Dead Redemption 2
Saddle Up
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Like Follow FollowedRed Dead Redemption 2
Action Adventure Systems 5.0/5 10.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 95/100 Critics Rec: 94% Released October 26, 2018 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) Rockstar Games Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine RAGEWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALRed Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece, one you should play if you haven't. If you've already played it then there's no better time for a full replay. The game is simply that good. Put on your cowboy boots and step back into the world of Arthur Morgan.
Swapping cars for horses and machine guns for revolvers, this game is often jokingly referred to as a cowboy simulator rather than GTA in the old west. The beauty is that it manages to be both, and it manages it spectacularly.
1 Grand Theft Auto 5
Obvious But Right
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Open-World Action Systems 8.5/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 92/100 Critics Rec: 92% Released September 17, 2013 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) Rockstar North Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine Rockstar Advanced Game EngineWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONIt might seem redundant to say you should play Grand Theft Auto 5 while waiting for the sequel, but think about it. Not online, not just cruising around the city causing mayhem. When was the last time you played the story of Grand Theft Auto 5?
If it was recently, move down the list to Grant Theft Auto 4, San Andreas, or Vice City. If you haven't actually played the single-player experience through since first getting the game, however, then treat yourself to that experience again. You won't regret it.
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