8 Best Games Like GTA 5 You Can’t Miss

Grand Theft Auto 6 has been a hot topic of discussion, with lots of leaks and rumors circulating online. According to the rumors, the game will feature two main characters, a male named Jason and a female named Lucia, who will team up for various criminal adventures and heists. Excitingly, the GTA 6 map is said to be a combination of the Vice City, San Andreas, and Liberty City, which has fans buzzing with anticipation. While the speculated release date is set for sometime in 2024, delays wouldn’t come as a surprise. While you eagerly await GTA 6, here’s a list of 8 all-time great games like GTA 5 that you can enjoy in the meantime.

Best Games Like GTA 5

It’s no easy task finding GTA like games, given how high Rockstar Games has set the bar with each release. Grand theft auto games, especially GTA 5 and GTA online, have achieved immense success, remaining highly popular even a decade after their initial release. But fear not, there are still fantastic crime-filled action games out there, along with some of the best open-world experiences. Below, we’ve listed the 8 best games like GTA 5 to help make the wait for GTA 6 a bit more bearable.

ALSO READ: GTA 6 Release Date 2023: Is GTA 6 coming out this year?

Yakuza 0

If you’re a fan of GTA’s cinematic crime stories with a mix of comedy, you might be surprised by the Yakuza series, which offers a similar experience but set in Japan.  There are seven main Yakuza games, along with spin-offs and a soft reboot called Like A Dragon. For newcomers, Yakuza 0 is the ideal starting point.

It’s a prequel set in the late 80s that introduces the main characters and offers one of the best experiences in the series. Plus, with the entire series available on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series there’s no better time to dive into this legendary franchise.

Sleeping Dogs

Back in 2012, there was a 3rd person action-adventure game called Sleeping Dogs. In Sleeping Dogs, you could switch between playing as a cop and a thug while exploring the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, China. This game had a lot of the elements you’d find in GTA games, like a dynamic wanted system and a structured mission system.

If you’re into third-person games with great hand-to-hand combat, Sleeping Dogs is a solid choice. While it’s been around for a decade, the gameplay still holds up well, though the graphics are starting to look a bit dated.

Red Dead Redemption 2

This title is arguably Rockstar Games’ greatest achievement, demonstrating the studio’s remarkable progress since its beginning. Over the last two decades, they’ve perfected their ability to create captivating open world games and tell compelling stories. Red Dead Redemption 2 stands as the pinnacle of Rockstar’s achievements, excelling in both its intricate plot and stunning graphics.

In the game, players step into the shoes of Arthur Morgan and his gang as they struggle to survive in a world governed by its own rules. If you haven’t played RDR 2 yet, you’re missing out on some top-quality gaming.

Mafia Trilogy

Although it might feel like a bit of a cheat to include the Mafia Trilogy on this list because it consists of three games, if your favorite aspect of Grand Theft Auto is getting involved in criminal activities, then the Mafia Trilogy is worth considering. With the remastered versions of the original two Mafia games, you get a stunning collection of games, each with its own unique story.

The first game is set in the 1930s, the second in the 50s/60s, and the most recent one follows Lincoln Clay as he returns from Vietnam and joins the mob. What makes them stand out are their immersive depictions of the cities they’re based in and their ability to capture the essence of the time period they represent.

LA Noire

If you’re on the hunt for games like GTA 5, you’ll probably enjoy LA Noire. It’s an open-world detective game set in the late 1940s, where you play as Cole Phelps, a new cop making his way up the ranks after returning from the war. While it’s quite different from Grand Theft Auto in many ways, it does share common ground in terms of its open-world design and its focus on crime. Plus, it’s published by Rockstar, making it a must-try for avid gamers.

Saints Row

Saints Row used to be a good alternative to GTA 5, but since it’s now more than a decade old, it might be time to consider something fresher. In 2022, Volition released a reboot of the Saints Row series, and it has generated mixed opinions. Similar to GTA V, it involves crime, albeit in an over-the-top way. While the 2022 Saints Row reboot may not have fulfilled the expectations of long-time fans, it still shares many similarities with GTA, providing a somewhat familiar experience.

Cyberpunk 2077

At first, Cyberpunk 2077 faced a lot of criticism and was seen as a major letdown in video game history. But things took a turn for the better with several updates that fixed bugs and improved the game’s story and features.

Thanks to the recent Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.0 and the ‘Phantom Liberty’ expansion, the game transformed from being just ‘good’ to something truly amazing, as intended by its developer CD Projekt Red. While the update 2.0 allowed players to explore certain parts of Night City, the Phantom Liberty expansion takes it to the next level by unlocking a subdistricts, Dogtown. This elevates the game to the quality you’d expect from a top-tier AAA title.

RELATED: Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0: From Disaster to Excellent Game

Watch Dogs 2

The first Watch Dogs game had a pretty grim storyline with Aiden Pearce seeking revenge, which could become quite unbearable. However, Ubisoft learned from the criticism and made significant changes for the sequel. Watch Dogs 2 aligns more closely with the tone and sentiments found in modern Grand Theft Auto titles.

It uses its setting as a platform for sharp satire, somewhat like the ‘Life Invader’ mission in Grand Theft Auto 5 but expanded into an entire game. While Rockstar’s take on Silicon Valley satire might be a bit stronger, Watch Dogs 2 still delivers plenty of laughs.

Conclusion: Games Like GTA 5

So, that wraps up our list of the top 8 games like GTA 5. We’ve focused on titles that closely resemble GTA 5 and provide an excellent open-world gameplay experience. While these games may have different dynamics compared to GTA 5, you’re sure to enjoy their gameplay.

Hey there, don’t hold back! Share your favorite GTA like games in the comments below! We’re absolutely eager to hear your recommendations.