GTA VI is one of the most anticipated games of all time. Made with a budget of around 2 billion, it is the most expensive video game ever made. However, its release date is still on the horizon, and fans are expecting it to release on fall 2025. Therefore, if you are getting impatient and if you need alternatives to scratch that open-world itch, we have compiled a list of games that will give you a similar experience.
Just Cause Series
For those who enjoy the sheer mayhem and over-the-top action of GTA, the Just Cause series is a must-play. These games let you explore vast open worlds filled with destruction, vehicles, and insane stunts. Whether you’re using a grappling hook to surf on cars, flying through the air with a wingsuit, or blowing up enemy bases with a rocket launcher, Just Cause offers unparalleled freedom in a massive sandbox environment. The physics-based gameplay makes it incredibly fun to experiment with different ways to cause destruction. Just Cause 3 and Just Cause 4 are particularly great entries in the series, offering improved mechanics and breathtaking landscapes.
L.A. Noire
Developed by Rockstar Games, L.A. Noire takes a more investigative approach to open-world crime. Set in 1940s Los Angeles, you play as a detective solving cases, interrogating suspects, and uncovering corruption. The game uses motion capture technology to bring characters to life, making interrogations a core gameplay mechanic. While it lacks the high-speed chases and shootouts of GTA, L.A. Noire offers an immersive world, engaging storytelling, and a unique detective gameplay experience that makes you feel like a part of classic film noir.
Mafia Series
If you love the crime drama and story-driven elements of GTA, the Mafia series is perfect for you. Mafia: Definitive Edition provides a rich, narrative-driven experience set in the 1930s, complete with classic cars, old-school shootouts, and a gripping storyline. Mafia II follows up with a tale of post-war America, focusing on a young man’s rise in the underworld. Mafia III shifts to the 1960s, delivering a revenge-driven story set in a racially divided city. Unlike GTA, which leans into satire and humor, Mafia games are more serious and cinematic, making them feel like interactive gangster movies.
Cyberpunk 2077
If you’re looking for a futuristic twist on the open-world crime genre, Cyberpunk 2077 is worth checking out. This game takes you to a futuristic city, and with deep RPG mechanics, and a vast world to explore, this game provides the same sense of freedom and player choice as GTA. The only difference is that you are locked with a first-person perspective. You take on the role of V, a mercenary navigating the dangerous underworld of Night City. The game features branching storylines, high-tech weaponry, and countless side activities to keep you engaged. While its launch was rocky, numerous updates have improved the experience significantly, making it a solid choice for you, if you are into open-world adventures.
Watch Dogs 2
For a modern, tech-driven take on open-world crime, Watch Dogs 2 is an excellent pick. Unlike GTA’s focus on traditional crime, this game revolves around hacking, stealth, and manipulating the world around you. Set in a beautifully recreated San Francisco, Watch Dogs 2 delivers exciting missions, engaging characters, and plenty of mayhem. The game’s protagonist, Marcus Holloway, is part of a hacker group aiming to take down a corrupt surveillance system, making for a fresh and exciting take on the genre. The ability to control cars, security cameras, and even entire buildings remotely adds a unique tactical element that sets it apart from GTA.
Why Are These Games Worth Playing?
For most GTA fans, nothing might truly replace the thrill of a new GTA release. But still, rather than putting all their expectations on a game that might get delayed again, fans can explore any of these games as they have their charm on the open-world crime genre.
Each of these titles captures different aspects of what makes GTA so beloved, whether it’s the massive open worlds, engaging stories, or thrilling action. So, if you are one of those getting impatient for GTA VI, these games will keep you entertained and immersed in dynamic, crime-filled adventures. Happy gaming!
