Summary

  • GTA 6 is one of the most anticipated games with a projected late 2025 release date, leaving fans eager for similar experiences.
  • Several open-world titles offer comparable gameplay elements, from criminal underworld stories to expansive cityscapes.
  • This curated list highlights the best alternatives that capture the essence of what makes the GTA series special.

The wait for GTA 6 continues to test the patience of gamers worldwide. With Rockstar’s next installment in their groundbreaking franchise scheduled for late 2025, fans are searching for alternatives to fill the void. Fortunately, the gaming landscape offers plenty of open-world adventures that capture elements of what makes GTA special. From sprawling urban environments to criminal underworld narratives, here are the top games to satisfy your GTA cravings until the next installment arrives.

Cyberpunk 2077

CD Projekt Red’s futuristic RPG has come a long way since its turbulent launch. Following numerous patches and the excellent Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 now stands as a benchmark for modern open-world games. Night City offers unprecedented verticality and densely populated streets filled with detailed NPCs. Beyond its impressive world, the game delivers a thrilling narrative, stellar combat mechanics, and some of the best real-time character animations in gaming history. For urban exploration and criminal underworld storytelling similar to GTA, Cyberpunk 2077 is a must-play experience.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Another Rockstar masterpiece, Red Dead Redemption 2 is essentially the studio firing on all cylinders. While the Western setting differs from GTA’s modern cities, the game offers a stunning open world that serves as the backdrop for one of gaming’s greatest stories. Arthur Morgan stands as Rockstar’s finest protagonist to date, supported by an ensemble cast delivering masterful performances throughout the 50-60 hour narrative. When not engaged in the main story, you can roleplay as a farmer, gamble your earnings away, or explore countless side activities. If you want to experience Rockstar’s storytelling prowess and open-world design philosophy, RDR2 is the perfect game to play while waiting for GTA 6.

Sleeping Dogs

This cult classic from 2012 applies the GTA formula to the densely packed streets and bustling markets of Hong Kong. Playing as Wei Shen, an undercover cop with mob connections, you become immersed in a gripping tale of conflicting loyalties. The combat system is a notable highlight, focusing on martial arts rather than gunplay, allowing you to deliver devastating combos before performing brutal environmental takedowns. Despite being over a decade old, Sleeping Dogs has aged remarkably well and frequently goes on sale at bargain prices, making it an essential purchase for any GTA fan.

Saints Row: The Third Remastered

While early Saints Row entries aimed to be serious GTA competitors, the third installment embraced absurdity and created its own distinct identity. The game opens with the Saints robbing a bank to promote their own movie, followed by an incredible parachuting sequence set to Kanye West’s “Power.” This level of over-the-top action defines the experience, which only gets more outlandish as you progress. For those who enjoy GTA’s chaotic side more than its serious narrative elements, Saints Row: The Third Remastered delivers non-stop entertainment with updated visuals for modern systems.

Watch Dogs 2

Ubisoft’s open-world title offers a scathing satire of Silicon Valley that feels remarkably relevant years after its release. Set in San Francisco, the game puts hacking at the center of the experience, allowing you to manipulate street cameras, drain bank accounts, and wreak havoc on the city’s infrastructure. While the combat emphasizes stealth and movement, there are plenty of weapons if you prefer direct confrontation. Watch Dogs 2’s quirky characters and humorous social commentary on technology companies and AI make it a perfect alternative for those who appreciate GTA’s satirical elements.

Mafia: Definitive Edition

This faithful remake of the 2002 classic delivers a cinematic crime story worthy of comparison to Scorsese mob films. While more linear than typical GTA games, Mafia excels in its meticulously crafted cutscenes and sharp dialogue, telling an engrossing tale of brotherhood, honor, and betrayal. Once you complete the story, a free roam mode opens up, allowing you to explore Hangar 13’s gorgeous recreation of Prohibition-era Chicago (called Lost Haven in-game). For those who value narrative above all else, Mafia: Definitive Edition provides one of gaming’s most compelling crime stories.

Conclusion

While no game can fully replicate the GTA experience, these titles offer comparable thrills that will help make the wait for GTA 6 more bearable. Whether you prefer futuristic settings, historical periods, or modern-day cities, there’s something on this list to satisfy your open-world crime adventure cravings until Rockstar’s next masterpiece arrives.