24 Best Games Like GTA

Open-world games like GTA are highly addictive and enjoyable to play. If you’ve played every game in the GTA series and exhausted all of the content they offer, you might be on the lookout for similar games to play.

The GTA series is a fan favorite for a reason. With its open worlds, vast selection of cars, and chaotic freedom, it’s no wonder people keep coming back. However, with the sixth installment still a long way off, driving around San Andreas for the hundredth time can start to feel monotonous.

Fortunately, there are many other games out there that offer similar experiences. I’ve compiled a list of 9 PC games to check out if you love the GTA series. Please note that the games on this list are not in any particular order.

Saints Row – The Third Remastered

If you’re looking for an open-world crime game, Saints Row is hard to beat. With the third game being remastered in 2020, there’s no better time to jump in and embrace the weirdness. The game is just as zany and outrageous as before, but now with improved graphics and lighting.

As the leader of the Third Street Saints gang, you have an entire city to explore, giving you the same freedom to drive, shoot, and cause chaos that GTA fans love. There’s even an insurance fraud mode that encourages you to cause havoc and rack up cash in ragdoll mode. It’s a feature that would have been nice to have in GTA before getting a wasted screen.

Additionally, you can customize your characters and vehicles to look as cool and badass as possible, which makes it even more fun to live out your wildest dreams, even if it means being flung into the air.

Just Cause 4

Just Cause 4 is a game that revels in chaos, and it achieves this by giving players an incredible amount of freedom. You have access to a wingsuit, a grappling hook, and the ability to surf on cars as a massive tornado lifts them into the air. If you were amused by the ragdoll physics in GTA 5, then you’ll be blown away by what you can do in The Republic of Medici.

To be clear, Just Cause 4 doesn’t have the same storytelling or mechanical polish as Rockstar’s signature franchise, but it excels in its sky-high approach to creating massive-scale carnage. The game’s focus on giving players unprecedented levels of freedom is what sets it apart, allowing you to choreograph insane stunts and explosions on a massive scale.

Mafia – Definitive Edition

If you’re looking to commit a serious crime, joining the mob is one way to go big. While the GTA series has allowed us to pull off some major heists, there’s something about the 1930s setting and narrative that makes being part of the mafia feel especially thrilling.

The game’s missions are more linear, taking you from one task to the next, but the pace is steady and engaging. If you’re in the mood for some Depression-era fun, you can switch on the free ride mode and cruise around the city in one of the many beautiful classic cars.

You’ll even be able to listen to 1930s music and get into the swing of things, or whatever the kids were calling it back then. Be warned, however, that you may encounter speed limit warnings, but like in GTA, stopping is always optional.

L.A. Noire

Despite its age, L.A. Noire remains Rockstar’s most definitive investigative game to date. The game’s focus on mystery and puzzle-solving sets it apart from other open-world games on this list, although there are still moments of open-world exploration.

In L.A. Noire, you play as Cole Phelps, a war veteran turned cop who climbs the ranks to become a detective. Known for his ability to solve high-profile cases, Cole’s story is full of ups and downs that make the game intriguing. To solve cases, you must gather clues, interview witnesses, and find the truth.

L.A. Noire’s MotionScan technology, which captures the exact facial expressions of actors and implements them in the game engine, was advanced for its time. However, it was expensive to use and is now considered unnecessary by many developers.

Although some of the environments and textures may have aged a bit, L.A. Noire is still worth experiencing for its excellent voice acting, writing, and accurate recreation of late 1940s Los Angeles.

Yakuza 0

While the missions in GTA are undoubtedly entertaining, Yakuza 0 offers a chance to fully immerse yourself in a vibrant and living world that’s just as enjoyable. The creators of Yakuza 0 understand the importance of crafting a believable and engaging environment. In addition to boss fights and street brawls, there’s a wealth of detail and content to explore throughout Tokyo.

You’re free to explore the open world at your own pace, and for players who love to spend time in-game, there are plenty of weird and wonderful side activities to discover. You’ll likely find yourself spending far more time on these activities than you’d care to admit.

While you can’t drive in Yakuza 0, there’s a bright side to this. If you were speeding around in a car, you might miss some of the best beef noodle spots in the game. So, for fans of GTA who know that main missions can be overrated, turning off the ignition and taking in the sights and sounds on foot is highly recommended.

Saints Row 4

While any game from the Saints Row series would be a fitting addition to this list, Saints Row 4 holds a special place in my heart. This open-world action-adventure game fully embraces its goofiness and outlandishness, from letting you become the President of the United States to fighting off an alien invasion.

While having all the tools at your disposal in the beginning is fun, it eventually becomes monotonous as the game fails to provide any real challenge.

If you’re looking to have a good time shooting, smashing, and blasting things and people, then Saints Row 4 won’t disappoint. Just don’t expect the serious tone of GTA games. If you can appreciate the game’s over-the-top humor and action, then you’ll love what Saints Row 4 brings to the table.

Red Dead Redemption 2

One of the most well-known aspects of GTA is the ability to run up to any car, yank the driver out, and speed off into the distance. However, doing the same thing in the Wild West is just as exciting.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, you can tame wild horses, but it’s much simpler to hop onto a conveniently tied-up horse and ride off into the sunset, ready for your next adventure.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is another excellent open world game where your mode of transportation is a means of exploration. However, instead of a radio with numerous stations, you’re treated to the peaceful sounds of a galloping horse. Plus, unlike cars, horses won’t betray you when faced with unexpected dangers like crocodiles. If your horse spots a crocodile, it will panic, and you may fall off.

While the city in GTA is entertaining, there’s nothing quite like the breathtaking views that Red Dead Redemption 2 has to offer. The game features vibrant towns with bright lights and even a tram system to explore.

Fallout 3

Fallout 3 has gained a massive following for its expansive open-world environment set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Bethesda’s RPG puts players in control of an inhabitant of an underground shelter in a world ravaged by nuclear devastation.

In addition to its open-world gameplay, Fallout 3 shares similarities with GTA 5 when it comes to excellent writing and characters. Both games feature secrets and dialogues that add humor and enjoyment to the overall experience. Fallout 3 and GTA 5 are also ambitious but successful projects that have a large modding community, allowing for extensive customization and outrageous game outcomes.

Watch Dogs – Legion

Just because Grand Theft Auto hasn’t returned to London since 1999, it doesn’t mean that the UK capital isn’t worth exploring. Watch Dogs Legion’s expansive open-world is a delight for its location, ensuring that you always have a view of Big Ben or iconic red double-decker buses.

While you can recruit anyone to your cause, there’s a strong story to follow at your own pace. The unique ability to play as any character mixes up the traditional formula, making Legion feel less constrained than other open-world games.

With each citizen in London having their own perks and abilities, you could spend hours wandering the streets until you find your favorite main character. And don’t worry, just like in Watch Dogs 2, the ability to hack cars and use them to your advantage never gets old.

Mafia 3

Every Grand Theft Auto game involves some interaction with the Mafia, making 2K’s Mafia series an excellent choice for open-world enthusiasts who enjoy organized crime.

These games are more realistic than the GTA series, but they still reflect elements from titles like San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto 4. The most recent release from Hangar 13, Mafia 3, is more reminiscent of Rockstar’s style, with a focus on side activities and a storyline about a war veteran trying to escape his traumatic past (reminiscent of Niko Bellic from GTA 4).

However, the game’s well-crafted and slow-burning narrative draws inspiration from classic films like The Godfather and Goodfellas, and it’s so well-written that you might forget you’re playing a video game instead of watching a Scorsese film.

Forza Horizon 4

If what you love about Grand Theft Auto isn’t the hustle and bustle of city life, but the feeling of the open road beneath your tires, Forza Horizon 4 might be the perfect game for you.

While you can participate in time trials, stunts, and other car-based activities, the game allows you to hit the road and drive just for the sake of it. You don’t need a destination in mind – just see where the road takes you in the beautiful British Isles.

Whether you choose to go off-road or take in the sights, Forza Horizon 4 always surprises you with an endless sense of adventure that changes with the seasons. It’s a game that offers a thrilling sense of limitless potential, just like Grand Theft Auto, but in a different setting.

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Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077, despite its initial backlash due to unfulfilled promises and performance issues on last-gen consoles, remains one of the best games in the vein of GTA.

This first-person open-world RPG takes place in Night City, where you play as V, a mercenary outlaw who becomes entangled with an iconic rockstar terrorist named Johnny Silverhand, whose consciousness is implanted in V’s head.

While the story is decent, the real draw of Cyberpunk 2077 lies in its extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to your liking. Rather than the usual warrior, cleric, mage archetypes, the game puts its own “cyberpunk” spin on different playstyles.

If you can overlook the hype and unfulfilled promises, Cyberpunk 2077 is a great game with a wealth of customization options and a unique take on the open-world RPG genre.

Sleeping Dogs – Definitive Edition

While a remaster may be due soon, Sleeping Dogs remains a quiet classic in the open-world genre, with its unique setting of bustling Hong Kong. Walking around the city on foot is a delight, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant city and wishing you could reach through the screen to grab one of the infamous pork buns.

The story of detective Wei Shen is ridiculous fun, but just like GTA, it’s the endless missions that make Sleeping Dogs such a compelling sandbox game. The variety of vehicles available in Hong Kong never gets old, and replaying the game only emphasizes the need for a sixth installment.

The good news is that the definitive edition includes both DLC packs, giving players plenty of content to keep them occupied.

Mad Max

While the Mad Max video game is loosely related to the blockbuster movie franchise, it remains an undiscovered gem. Despite being overlooked upon its release in 2015, the game proved to be a pleasant surprise, exceeding expectations set by its trailers which suggested it was just another generic movie-to-game adaptation.

Mad Max borrows gameplay elements from popular franchises such as Batman, but it still manages to establish its own identity in the open-world action genre.

The game’s melee combat is punchy, robust, and reactive, making for an enjoyable experience when facing off against deformed psychos. If you’ve played the Batman series before, you’ll find Mad Max’s combat mechanics familiar.

In addition to melee combat, Max is also equipped with a sawn-off Antique 20-gauge for those moments when things get a little rough. This weapon can blow heads off gruesomely, a feature that Batman probably wouldn’t endorse.

LEGO City Undercover

You might be surprised to see a LEGO game on a list of games like Grand Theft Auto, but when it comes to the pure joy of living in a bustling city, LEGO games are worth considering.

LEGO City Undercover follows tough cop Chase McCain as he journeys into the underworld of the city, which is packed with LEGO studs and run by the nefarious Rex Fury.

As you’d expect from a LEGO game, there’s plenty of destruction and rebuilding, but this is essentially Grand Theft Auto 5 for all ages, as Chase pursues criminals across the vibrant city.

As usual, TT Games’ humor is perfect for both children and adults, making LEGO City Undercover a GTA-adjacent experience that doesn’t require shutting the door or putting on headphones.

The Witcher 3

The Witcher 3 is a top-tier medieval open-world RPG that shares similarities with GTA 5’s vast, explorable open-world and compelling storyline. Drawing inspiration from Slavic mythology, the game follows Geralt of Rivia on his quest to find his daughter, with various exciting missions and opportunities to explore underground ruins and engage in legendary battles.

Although The Witcher 3 emphasizes medieval swordplay over GTA 5’s more contemporary gun-based combat, players will find ample entertainment with its plethora of activities that offer hours of gameplay.

Far Cry 5

If you’re looking to step away from the city and explore more rural settings like in GTA, Far Cry 5 is a perfect game to scratch that criminal madness itch.

In the game, you can even have a bear as a companion named Cheeseburger, using him to take down your foes as you take over bandit camps with guns blazing.

Far Cry 5 is a blockbuster-style sandbox experience with a unique, drug-addled heart. The game’s satisfying blend of endless distractions allows you to ignore the story quests and instead search for perk points in the forest or take a swim with some furry friends.

Whether you’re teaming up with trigger-happy helicopter pilots or just hunting animals to pass the time, Far Cry 5 is another perfect world of escapism without quite the same darkness as GTA.

Payday 2

If you are a fan of Grand Theft Auto 4’s ‘Three Leaf Clover’ mission or Grand Theft Auto 5’s heists, you should definitely check out Payday 2. This multiplayer co-op game from Overkill Software allows players to participate in a series of high-stakes break-ins and robberies.

Just like in GTA, the robberies require strategic planning and execution to succeed. Players must carefully plan their heist, gather intel and carry out the plan with precision. Payday 2 also features online co-operative squad-play, which is similar to the multiplayer heists introduced to Grand Theft Auto Online.

However, unlike GTA, Payday 2 has much shorter loading times, allowing players to jump right into the action.

Metal Gear Solid 5 – Phantom Pain

Despite its rushed and unsatisfying conclusion, Phantom Pain remains one of the top sandbox stealth action-adventure games of the last console generation (PS4 and Xbox One) and on PCs, despite the developer’s conflict with the publisher Konami.

If you’re not a hardcore fan of the series, it’s better not to delve too deeply into its intricate storylines, which even seasoned players find challenging to comprehend. Kojima, the mastermind behind the franchise, has a talent for creating cinematic, story-heavy blockbusters, which can sometimes detract from the otherwise smooth gameplay.

While the cutscenes are well-produced, I found them a little intrusive, particularly when they played back-to-back.

Despite its flaws, the game’s meticulously crafted stealth-oriented gameplay makes up for it. While you can go in guns blazing, taking a stealthy approach is more entertaining and imaginative. With an array of gadgets at your disposal, it’s tempting to experiment and satisfy your curiosity.

Set the enemy on fire, sneak behind them using a cardboard box, or simply distract them by tossing a rock nearby; the game is yours to approach as you see fit.

Infamous – Second Son

Infamous: Second Son is a PS4 exclusive game that offers an engaging and immersive storyline, keeping fans at the edge of their seats with fantastic open-world elements.

The protagonist, Delshin Rowe, is a graffiti artist who gains unique powers by using elements in the environment, such as concrete and neon. The game centers around Delshin’s efforts to oppose the local force of D.U.P., which attempts to imprison individuals with supernatural abilities like himself.

In contrast to GTA 5’s realistic gun-centric gameplay, Infamous: Second Son places more emphasis on magical elements and superpowers.

Despite this difference, console owners will still appreciate Infamous: Second Son’s open-world gameplay, which allows players to destroy D.U.P. encampments and gather materials to upgrade their powers.

Overall, Infamous: Second Son is an excellent option for console owners seeking a game that is similar to GTA 5, yet offers a unique twist with its magical and supernatural elements.

The Simpsons Hit & Run

This entry on the list is considerably older than most, and an animated sitcom might not seem like the most obvious choice for a GTA-style video game.

However, Radical Entertainment defied expectations with the cult classic hit from 2003, The Simpsons: Hit & Run. While Homer and his crew can’t commit the same level of atrocities as characters like Niko or Trevor, players can still wreak havoc across Springfield by punching and kicking to their heart’s content.

The game cleverly incorporates references to the serialized namesake throughout the entire campaign, making it just as enjoyable for Simpsons fans as it is for Grand Theft Auto veterans.

It’s widely regarded as one of the best Simpsons games ever made, and if you have the chance to play it and haven’t already, you should fix that as soon as possible.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Over the past few years, Assassin’s Creed games have increasingly focused on open-world gameplay, making them an excellent choice for fans of GTA 5.

The world of Assassin’s Creed Origins is three times larger than that of Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, with a diverse landscape filled with pyramids and dungeons to explore, ensuring there is plenty to do to keep players engaged.

Assassin’s Creed Origins also features a compelling story that deviates from the series’ original assassin-focused theme. With a degree of historical accuracy, the game follows the journey of Bayek and Aya, who collaborate with Cleopatra to become the first assassins.

Although Origins doesn’t incorporate the modern themes of GTA 5, the graphics and combat are equally impressive and are sure to keep fans entertained.

Nier – Automata

Nier: Automata is a fantastic game with multiple protagonists, offering a fresh take on open-world gameplay through its futuristic, robot-focused setting.

The game follows the story of 2B, an android created to fight against the machines that have invaded earth as a member of the Resistance. What sets Nier: Automata apart is its iconic soundtrack that fans are sure to enjoy.

While Nier: Automata’s technology-focused setting differs from that of GTA 5, the game shares some fantastic similarities. Nier: Automata’s vast open world is full of engaging side-quests, materials to gather for weapon and equipment upgrades, and machines to defeat, making it an exciting game to explore.

The Saboteur

The Saboteur is an excellent game that combines the open-world feature with a World War II setting, taking place in German-occupied France.

The game’s compelling story features multiple realistic historical elements, following the protagonist, an Irish cab driver named Sean Devlin, who joins the resistance after the German soldiers kill his best friend.

The Saboteur provides a unique open-world experience, complete with engaging side-quests that can keep gamers entertained for hours. With a vast and meticulously detailed open world, players can steal cars, wreak havoc, and evade the law, just like in GTA 5, making it an exciting game to explore.