12 Games Like GTA You Can’t Miss While Waiting for GTA 6 [2025 Edition]

The gaming world keeps evolving rapidly. Grand Theft Auto 3 revolutionized open-world gaming in 2001, and many developers picked up on this success. Players can now enjoy the massive 2,000-square-kilometer playground of Just Cause 3 or roam through Watch Dogs 2’s hack-friendly streets of San Francisco. The options seem endless.

Our team has handpicked 12 amazing alternatives that capture GTA’s unique magic. These games pack everything from criminal adventures to so big open worlds and gripping stories. The long wait for GTA 6 just got more bearable with these fantastic options at your disposal.

Red Dead Redemption 2

_{Image Source: Rockstar Games}

Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games’ masterpiece, shows us what an open-world game should be. This epic tale follows Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang through the Wild West’s final days in 1899 America.

RDR2 Gameplay Features

The game’s mechanics show incredible attention to detail. Your weapons need regular maintenance because guns can rust and jam from weather conditions. The character customization system lets you style your character exactly how you want – you can trim specific parts of facial hair and use pomade for different hairstyles.

The game’s standout features are:

• A complete honor system that changes kill-cam animations
• Five levels of Dead Eye shooting mechanics
• Advanced horse bonding mechanics where you can style your horse’s mane
• A system that tracks how well you maintain your weapons in real-time

RDR2 Open World Experience

The game world is huge, with thick forests, sprawling plains, mountains, and small cities. The world works like a real ecosystem – predators hunt their prey, eagles catch fish, and dead animals decay naturally over time.

Your actions shape how the world responds to you. NPCs react differently based on how Arthur looks, whether he’s muddy or clean. The game’s detail shines through its weather effects – snow melts on your clothes, mud cakes and falls off, and blood dries just like it would in real life.

RDR2 Pricing and Platforms

You can buy the game in different ways. The standard edition costs $59.99 and comes with both Story Mode and Red Dead Online, though you can often find it on sale for $19.79. You can play it on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The Ultimate Edition costs $99.99 and gives you extra story content and online features.

Saints Row (2022)

_{Image Source: Deep Silver}

Saints Row (2022) follows games like GTA but brings a fresh approach to the criminal empire genre. Players explore the vibrant city of Santo Ileso in this reboot that combines classic open-world action with rich customization options.

Saints Row Features

Santo Ileso’s nine unique districts set the stage for a distinctive blend of action and storytelling. Players can build their criminal empire through businesses of all types, from food truck operations to toxic waste disposal. The game’s combat system shines with its rich arsenal that lets players customize every aspect of their weapons’ appearance.

Players get precise control while driving through the sprawling cityscape and can steal and modify any vehicle they find. The game also features uninterrupted co-op gameplay where friends can drop in and out without disrupting the action.

Saints Row Customization Options

The customization system stands out as one of the game’s best features. Players can change almost every aspect of their character’s appearance to create truly unique protagonists. The system has:

• Detailed character creation with voice selection and gender-neutral options
• Rich vehicle modifications at Jim Rob’s Garage
• Weapon customization with material adjustments and model swaps
• Criminal venture placement in city districts

Saints Row Cost and Availability

The game is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC through Epic Games Store and Steam. The standard edition gives you the complete Santo Ileso experience and three major story expansions. Players can get additional cosmetic packs and special items after launch to improve their gameplay experience.

Santo Ileso’s world offers a vibrant alternative to traditional crime games where players have complete freedom to create their criminal empire. Saints Row brings a fresh perspective to the open-world crime genre with its rich customization options and varied gameplay mechanics.

Watch Dogs: Legion

_{Image Source: Ubisoft}

Watch Dogs: Legion brings a fresh take on open-world action games with its groundbreaking play-as-anyone system. This tech-driven adventure takes place in a near-future London and completely changes how we experience open-world gameplay.

Legion’s Hacking Mechanics

The game takes hacking beyond simple button presses. Players can now:

• Control armed drones and deploy spider-bots
• Take over surveillance systems and security networks
• Perform mass hacks on multiple targets
• Use augmented reality cloaking technology

We focused on social engineering that lets players hack into people’s lives instead of just their devices. This system makes hacking a powerful tool to control both technology and human behavior.

Legion’s Open World London

The game’s London spreads across eight unique boroughs: Westminster, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Camden, Islington, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets. Each neighborhood captures its real-life counterpart’s spirit and creates a living, breathing city.

The detailed urban landscape lets players move freely through parkour or underground fast-travel systems. Your actions shape the environment directly, while NPCs follow their own schedules and build relationships that affect who you can recruit.

Legion’s Price and Platforms

Watch Dogs: Legion runs on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and Stadia. Players can choose from several editions:

The Standard Edition costs $59.99, and the Deluxe Edition at $69.99 comes with extra digital content and the London Dissident Pack. The Ultimate Edition at $119.99 gives you the season pass and exclusive content.

Ubisoft+ subscribers can access the complete game experience and 60+ other titles for $17.99 per month.

Cyberpunk 2077

_{Image Source: www.cyberpunk.net}

CD Projekt Red’s ambitious title brings a fresh view to open-world gaming with its cyberpunk setting. Night City shows us what futuristic urban design looks like and takes sandbox gameplay to new heights.

Cyberpunk’s Night City Features

Six distinct districts make up Night City, with the corporate-dominated City Center at its heart. The city blends different cultures seamlessly – from busy immigrant bazaars in Watson to fancy entertainment spots in Westbrook. Massive 100-floor megastructures reach into the sky and give the city an incredible sense of scale.

Players’ actions shape the city’s environment. A smart population system makes NPCs behave differently based on their district. Each area has its own unique feel – you’ll find sharp-dressed executives in City Center and street art covering every wall in Santo Domingo.

Cyberpunk’s RPG Elements

Players can choose from three main playstyles on their trip through Night City:

• Netrunner: Become skilled at hacking and digital warfare
• Engineer: Excel with machinery and tech
• Solo: Master combat skills

Five core attributes drive character growth: Body, Reflexes, Technical Ability, Intelligence, and Cool. Players who prefer a peaceful approach can complete missions without killing anyone, thanks to non-lethal weapons and cyberware options.

Cyberpunk’s Current Price

The standard edition costs $59.99, but you can often find it on sale for $26.88. PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players can all enjoy the game. The game has got great feedback, with 84% of 716,692 Steam users recommending it.

Sleeping Dogs

_{Image Source: Square Enix store}

United Front Games created a martial arts masterpiece that brings authentic Hong Kong action to the open-world genre. Players take on the role of undercover officer Wei Shen who infiltrates the Sun On Yee Triad organization. The story masterfully blends police work with criminal activities.

Sleeping Dogs Combat System

The game’s combat mechanics take inspiration from the Batman: Arkham series. We focused more on melee encounters than gunplay. The fighting system has:

• Counter-based combat with dedicated strike buttons
• Environmental takedowns for instant eliminations
• Face meter system that rewards varied combat styles
• Upgradeable martial arts moves and abilities

Players can unlock new abilities that make combat more intense. The game also has a resilient system for disarming opponents and using improvised weapons.

Sleeping Dogs Hong Kong Setting

The game recreates Hong Kong with amazing detail. The city feels alive through authentic elements. You’ll hear everything from the ClickClickClickClick of crosswalk signals to conversations in Cantonese. Players can explore iconic spots like Aberdeen Promenade and the floating Jumbo Kingdom Restaurant. The game compresses the city’s geography to about 7% of actual Hong Kong.

The environment captures Hong Kong’s districts’ essence and ended up creating a smaller but dense version of the city. Famous landmarks appear in modified forms but keep their cultural significance – from the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator to the Legislative Council Building.

Sleeping Dogs Cost

The Definitive Edition has all 24 previously released DLC extensions and costs $19.99. Players can find the game at big discounts, with prices as low as $2.99 on different platforms. The complete package has extra content like the Year of the Snake episode and the horror-themed Nightmare in North Point expansion.

Just Cause 3

_{Image Source: Square Enix}

Just Cause 3 redefines the limits of destructive freedom and gives players a vast playground for creative chaos. This action-packed title takes place in the Mediterranean paradise of Medici where unrestricted mayhem and explosive entertainment take center stage.

Just Cause Chaos Mechanics

The game’s standout feature is its advanced tethering system that starts with two grapple points and lets players upgrade to six. Players have access to an impressive arsenal of destruction tools:

• Infinite supply of triggered explosives (3-5 active at once)
• Retractable tethers for pulling objects together
• Auto-aim grenades during mid-flight combat
• Volumetric terrain destruction capabilities

The chaos system works as a scoring mechanism and tracks the player’s destructive achievements throughout Medici. Unlike its predecessor, chaos points now only affect leaderboard positions.

Just Cause World Size

The game boasts an impressive map of 1,000 square kilometers that makes other open-world titles look small. Medici’s mountainous terrain creates dramatic elevation changes, and players need more than 15 minutes to cross its longest axis. Underground caves and densely packed locations fill the landscape and provide more exploration opportunities than earlier games in the series.

Just Cause Pricing

Players can choose between different editions of Just Cause 3 at competitive prices. The standard edition costs $19.99, while the XXL Edition is available for $29.99. A special promotion reduces the XXL Edition’s price to $4.19 until January 30, 2025. The game runs on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Players can enjoy complete vertical freedom through skydiving, BASE jumping, and free diving.

Mafia: Definitive Edition

_{Image Source: 2K Games}

Hangar 13’s remake of the classic Mafia adds a cinematic touch to open-world gaming. This complete rebuild builds on the original game’s gripping story and adds modern gameplay features.

Mafia’s Story Elements

The story begins in 1938 with Tommy Angelo’s confession to Detective Norman. Tommy wants protection from the Salieri crime family for his family. His journey starts during the Great Depression as a struggling cab driver. His life takes a dramatic turn after he helps two mobsters escape an ambush. The narrative covers eight years and shows Tommy’s climb up the Salieri organization’s ranks. He also develops a romantic connection with Sarah, whose father runs the family’s bar.

Mafia’s 1930s Setting

Lost Heaven draws inspiration from 1930s Chicago and borrows elements from San Francisco to create this crime saga’s backdrop. The developers worked hard to capture authentic post-World War I America. They paid close attention to the era’s architecture and visual style. The city’s districts showcase the culture between the wars and create an engaging world full of period-accurate vehicles and buildings to discover.

Mafia’s Purchase Options

Players can choose from several buying options:

• Standard Edition at $39.99 with the complete remake
• Mafia: Trilogy bundle at $59.99 that includes Mafia II and III Definitive Editions
• Xbox Game Pass subscription access

The remake runs on the Mafia III engine and brings better visuals and modern gameplay mechanics to this classic story. Despite its open-world setting, the game stays true to its linear, story-driven roots. It delivers a cinematic experience that captures the spirit of classic mob films.

L.A. Noire

_{Image Source: Rockstar Games}

Team Bondi’s detective thriller brings a fresh take on open-world gaming. Players step into the role of LAPD detective Cole Phelps in the raw atmosphere of post-war Los Angeles.

L.A. Noire Investigation System

The game’s groundbreaking MotionScan technology captures every subtle detail of actors’ facial performances. This system powers the innovative interrogation mechanics where players watch suspects’ expressions to spot lies. Players choose from three responses during questioning: Truth, Doubt, and Lie. Each choice needs careful observation and solid evidence to succeed.

The game features 236 distinct questions throughout its cases. “Doubt” works best for 44.92% of responses, while “Lie” fits 31.36%, and “Truth” suits 23.73%. These interrogations pack more tension than action sequences and create a genuine detective experience without cluttering the screen with extra elements.

L.A. Noire’s Period Setting

January 1947 Los Angeles comes alive in stunning detail across 8 square miles. Players experience Hollywood’s Golden Age boom mixed with growing corruption and crime. The city becomes more than just a backdrop – it shapes the story’s character.

Social changes ripple through the city as World War II veterans struggle to fit back into civilian life. The developers stayed true to the era. They stripped out modern references and kept the dialog, clothes, and buildings authentic to the time.

L.A. Noire Price

Players can get the complete edition with all downloadable content for $19.99. The game runs on several platforms:

• PlayStation 4
• Xbox One
• Nintendo Switch
• PC

The remastered version boasts better graphics and extra cases like “Nicholson Electroplating” and “Reefer Madness”. Sales often drop the price to $4.83, making this exceptional detective game more affordable.

Yakuza 0

_{Image Source: SEGA Insights Lab}

SEGA’s action-adventure masterpiece takes players to the vibrant neon streets of 1980s Japan. The game unfolds during the economic boom and tells a gripping story of crime and ambition through two iconic characters.

Yakuza Combat Features

The game shines with its versatile fighting system. Players can switch between three different combat styles on the fly, and each character has their own unique moves. Kazuma Kiryu excels at Brawler, Rush, and Beast styles that focus on raw power and street fighting. The fights get more intense when players grab objects from their surroundings – anything from bicycles to sign posts can create devastating combos.

Money is key to upgrading combat moves. The basic moves start at ¥50,000](https://www.trueachievements.com/game/Yakuza-0/walkthrough/5), while the advanced ones can cost up to ¥2 billion. One unique aspect of the game is its non-lethal approach – characters survive their fights even after intense battles.

Yakuza Mini-games

1988’s Japan comes alive with entertainment options. Classic SEGA arcade games like Space Harrier and Out Run are ready to play. The game packs 27 different mini-games including:

• Business ventures from real estate to cabaret clubs
• Classic activities like fishing and karaoke
• Sports challenges at bowling alleys and batting cages

Yakuza Cost and Platforms

The game runs on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and PC with the same price tag across platforms. New consoles can run it perfectly while keeping all the original features intact. Players can jump into this rich story through various subscription services, which gives newcomers plenty of ways to start their journey.

Payday 3

_{Image Source: Starbreeze}

Starbreeze Studios’ heist simulator pioneers cooperative gaming through methodical planning and tactical execution. This spiritual successor to games like GTA’s heist missions puts strategic teamwork ahead of solo play.

Payday Heist Mechanics

Players gain complete control through various tactical approaches in the game. Each heist presents multiple paths to success:

• Stealth infiltration with minimal casualties
• Aggressive assault with heavy firepower
• Hybrid approach mixing both styles
• Hostage management for tactical advantage

The game supports eight distinct heists at launch, and difficulty levels range from Normal to Overkill. Higher difficulties add more security measures that affect mission complexity and potential rewards.

Payday Multiplayer Features

Payday 3’s core experience revolves around cooperative missions that support up to four players. A recent update with quickplay functionality ended up making the matchmaking process smoother. Players can join ongoing heists based on their preferred difficulty levels, which creates a seamless entry into gameplay sessions.

Teams can now stay together after completing missions thanks to improved party mechanics. This enhancement promotes stronger team dynamics and longer cooperative sessions. Players across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms can connect through cross-platform multiplayer support.

Payday Price Point

The standard edition costs USD 39.99 and maintains a competitive market position. Previous entries in the franchise followed similar pricing, with Payday: The Heist at USD 20.00 and Payday 2 at USD 30.00.

Players can choose from multiple editions, including the Syntax Error Bundle for USD 17.99. Future DLC will be 33% cheaper, making extra content more available. Xbox Game Pass offers an affordable entry point for new players.

Crime Boss: Rockay City

_{Image Source: Sumo Digital}

Crime Boss: Rockay City brings the essence of 90s crime films to life in a bustling Florida metropolis. This first-person shooter features a remarkable cast of stars.

Crime Boss Features

Beyond its tutorial, the game delivers three distinct modes that focus on strategic heist planning. Players must guide their way through stealth missions where detection leads to police confrontations and fierce gunfights. A quick-play option called Crime Time lets players tackle timed challenges across a detailed map.

Urban Legends mode tells six unique stories, though players start with just one available storyline. Each completed legend naturally opens up the next story. These missions come with bonus objectives that reward players who try different tactical approaches.

Crime Boss Multiplayer

Up to four players can team up in cooperative missions. The game’s matchmaking system is robust with several options:

• Mission type and lobby status filters
• Instant action through quick-play matchmaking
• Private lobbies for team coordination

Team communication is vital during missions. Players need to work together to spot cameras and identify threats. Successful teams stay together after completing their objectives.

Crime Boss Pricing

Steam users can get Crime Boss: Rockay City for USD 19.99. The full package comes with these expansions:

• Tactical Weapon Pack DLC
• Heavy Hitters Pack DLC
• Dragon’s Gold Cup expansion
• Cagnali’s Order expansion

Players need 86GB of storage space. The game supports ultrawide displays and lets Steam users play with Epic platform friends through cross-play. Special events often bring 20% discounts, adding extra value for players.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

_{Image Source: www.sega.co.jp}

SEGA’s latest series entry improves open-world action with its innovative Live Command RPG Battle system. The ambitious title launched on January 26, 2024, bringing together two franchise stars: Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu.

Dragon Combat System

This game brings a fresh take on turn-based combat with deep tactical elements. Players move their characters within specific ranges during battles to position them for maximum effect. The combat system features:

• Proximity-based combo attacks with allies
• Environmental weapon integration
• Area-of-effect abilities for group damage
• Perfect Attack system for stronger strikes

Players can choose from nearly twenty different roles in the job system that expand combat options through unique abilities and character builds. Each job comes with its own fighting style that creates different tactical approaches for various situations.

Dragon’s Open World

The series breaks new ground by expanding beyond Japan to Hawaii for the first time. This massive world is bigger and more detailed than previous entries. A well-designed mini-map system and plenty of taxi-based fast-travel points help players move around quickly.

Players will find tons of activities, from food delivery to landmark restoration. Sujimon stands out as a new feature that puts a creative spin on monster collection and training, adding more depth to the gameplay.

Dragon’s Current Price

The game costs USD 69.99 across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Store promotions can cut the price by up to 55% off the standard edition. The complete package gives great value for money with its extensive content and features that match its premium market position.

Comparison Table

The wait for GTA 6 might feel tough, but you can try these twelve amazing games that stand up to Rockstar’s masterpiece. Each game brings something special to the table. Red Dead Redemption 2 amazes with its stunning detail. Watch Dogs: Legion lets you play as anyone you see. Cyberpunk 2077 drops you into a mind-blowing future world.

These games take you to different places and times. You can roam the streets of Lost Heaven in the 1930s with Mafia: Definitive Edition or soak up the sun in modern-day Hawaii in Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The games range from $19.99 to $69.99, so there’s something available for every budget.

Each developer takes their own approach to open-world design. Just Cause 3 lets you blow stuff up across its massive 1,000-square-kilometer playground. L.A. Noire puts you in a detective’s shoes as you solve cases in 1947 Los Angeles.

Saints Row’s crazy action or Sleeping Dogs’ kung-fu fights will keep you entertained until GTA 6 arrives. These games pack countless hours of fun with their unique mechanics, gripping stories, and huge worlds ready to explore.