10 Games Like GTA: Top Picks for 2025
If you’re looking for games like GTA, you’re here for the thrill, crime-fuelled chaos, open-world freedom, and high-octane action. Maybe you love the criminal underworld narratives, the sandbox-style exploration, or the emergent gameplay where you dictate the chaos. This list is for the die-hard GTA fans, the open-world lovers, and the players craving some more action-packed games that may or may not have crime and drama.
What can I say? GTA’s impact is unmatched, and playing it will leave you craving for more and for something similar. Let me give you my top ten ranking of GTA-like games. I’ve corrupted my innocence earlier on by sneaking to play GTA: Vice City as a kid, have relentlessly tried my luck at landing a stolen motorbike perfectly, have gotten too excited when I discovered and used cheat codes, and have gleefully rampaged as Trevor in GTA V.
The Grand Theft Auto series casts a huge shadow and is a Titan franchise that is still loved and played by many. So while we all wait for GTA 6 to be released, stay right here to discover other titles that deliver on GTA’s legacy while owning their uniqueness. I’ll also be including links to cheap game deals for my impatient readers who want to play the game right away.
Our Top Picks for Games Like GTA
These games capture GTA’s essence. They give you criminal ambition and the freedom to cause chaos or carve your empire. Check out our top five contenders:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) – The Wild West version of GTA but with a deeper plot and better world-building.
- Watch Dogs 2 (2016) – GTA but with much more hacking.
- Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) – GTA but cyberpunk dystopia.
- Mafia II (2010) – A GTA-like game but with Godfather vibes.
- Sleeping Dogs (2012) – GTA meets Hong Kong action movies.
There are more amazing games like Grand Theft Auto on this list, so read until the end and keep your eyes peeled for your next gem and obsession.
10 Best Games Like GTA for Thrill-Seekers
What exactly makes a GTA-like game good? There are a few things I looked at to make this ranking. Here are the mains:
- Crime & Player Agency: Games that let you shape your empire/world and let you make meaningful choices
- Open-World Freedom & Exploration: Game worlds that are reactive, let you roam freely and let you experiment freely
- Replayability & Player-Driven Chaos: Games that encourage creative mayhem and different playstyles
- Gameplay Mechanics: Unique mechanics that elevate the overall experience
Let’s dive into the list.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2 [Best Open-World Crime Drama]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS4, Xbox, PC |
| Release Date | 2018 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
If you’re looking for stunning open-world games like GTA but with a gritty Western twist, Red Dead Redemption 2 is unbeatable. Rockstar Games took the open-world freedom of Grand Theft Auto and injected it into a vast, living Wild West. The game’s packed with crime and deep storytelling (lots of guns and cowboys too). You step into the boots of Arthur Morgan. He’s fantastically morally-grey and also an outlaw.
Unlike other games, this one forces you to play smart. You’ll need to juggle relationships, choices, and consequences that ripple through the world.Anyways, what makes it truly fun is the level of immersion. The significant difference from GTA is how realistic and slow-burning the entire story is. One minute, you’re robbing a train. Next, you’re riding through misty mountains.
A drawback would be that the game’s slow start might not be for everyone. But this baby still sold a colossal 61 million copies globally. Let the numbers speak for themselves.
What makes the game shine:
- An impressive and gigantic open-world game with some next-level realism
- Fun and dynamic crime mechanics and heists in gameplay
- Deep storytelling that hits you in the feels with multiple endings
Get Red Dead Redemption 2 now >
2. Watch Dogs 2 [Best Open-World Hacker Sandbox]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS4, Xbox, PC |
| Release Date | 2016 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
This GTA clone involves hacking, tech warfare, and a rebellious hacker group. Watch Dogs 2 basically takes the chaos you find in the Grand Theft Auto series and swaps it out for some high-tech action. You play as a young hacker living in San Francisco: Marcus Holloway (I expect a hacker to be named like this). Your mission is to take on corrupt corporations with style, so you’re quite the vigilante and not a full-fledged corrupted criminal.
Instead of guns, you’ll be dealing with surveillance cameras, drones, and more. The city is your playground. This great game feels alive. It has an insanely detailed world, unpredictable NPCs, and endless ways to mess with the system. Want to frame someone for a crime? Hack traffic lights and cause a city-wide pileup? It’s all possible. The Watch Dogs series stands out because it lets you play your way.
It’s also one of the most fun co-op games you could try with friends. And if I have to mention a downside, it’s that the driving physics feels inferior to that of GTA. But hey, this game still sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
What makes the game shine:
- Hacking-focused play in an impressive open-world game
- Great plot with anti-establishment themes
- Dynamic and fun co-op plus multiplayer mayhem
3. Cyberpunk 2077 [Best Futuristic Open-World Mayhem]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS5, Xbox, PC |
| Release Date | 2020 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
If you could imagine GTA V in a cyberpunk dystopia but with similar gameplay then you’ve just grasped what Cyberpunk 2077 is. This entry’s a GTA-esque game with hacking, cyber-enhancements, transhumanism, and neon-crime. You get to play as V (V for Vendetta?). You’re a badass mercenary in Night City. It’s a futuristic cesspool filled with high-stakes crimes, corporations, and gangs.
The world is insane. So many neon lights, crazy NPC interactions, and tons to explore. The fun never stops, especially with cars, weapons, and character customization giving it infinite replayability. This isn’t an exaggeration, Cyberpunk 2077 is probably one of the greatest FPS games out there. But, I’m not going to lie. The launch was so rough for this game.
It was so hyped up that when it was released and ridden with bugs, many fans and players were pissed off and disappointed. But of course, major updates have fixed most issues. It’s highly rated after patches.
What makes the game shine:
- Beautiful first-person open world
- Huge branching story
- Some of the best car and gunplay in the genre
Grab a cheap copy of Cyberpunk 2077 now >
4. Mafia II: Definitive Edition [Best Story-Driven Crime Game]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS4, Xbox, PC |
| Release Date | 2010 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
Mafia II is like GTA but with 1950s mob drama. It throws you into the crime-ridden metropolis of Empire Bay. A city dripping with vintage style and vibes. You get to play Vito Scaletta (these names are naming). He’s a WWII vet who somehow ends up entangled with the Mafia. The story’s pretty engaging, as it shows you the rise and fall of a man caught in crime.
The GTA series focuses on chaotic fun, but Mafia II is more cinematic. It’s got a tighter plot that emphasizes heavy moral choices. Instead of a sandbox, it offers more of a deep narrative experience like most good story games do. If you want a more mature alternative, this entry’s been praised for great storytelling and is a hard-hitting crime epic.
What makes the game shine:
- Immersive crime story
- Cinematic cutscenes and deep character development
- Authentic world-building
Get Mafia II: Definitive Edition instantly >
5. Sleeping Dogs [Best Martial Arts Open-World Game]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS4, Xbox, PC |
| Release Date | 2012 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
If the GTA games had more detailed and elevated hand-to-hand combat then they would be a great RPG game like Sleeping Dogs. You follow Wei Shen. He’s an undercover cop infiltrating Hong Kong’s brutal triad underworld. The game delivers crime, street fights, car chases, and high-stakes betrayals (just like the GTA franchise). But unlike most GTA-like games, this one focuses on brutal martial arts combat. So, if you want to brawl, YOU CAN.
Overall, the open world is pretty dynamic. It’s got street markets, neon-lit alleys, police chases, and more. The story keeps you hooked and it’s a great RPG alternative to GTA. The downside? The side missions are repetitive. Even so, the game’s unique combat keeps it an underrated winner.
What makes the game shine:
- Brutal hand-to-hand combat system
- Cool Hong Kong open-world setting
- Deep undercover cop story
Get the best deals on Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition today >
6. Saints Row 2 [Best Over-the-Top GTA Clone]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS3, Xbox 360, PC |
| Release Date | 2008 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
If you want a GTA clone that dials up the chaos, Saints Row 2 is an absolute must-play. Unlike its grittier predecessor, this exceptional TPS game in the Saints Row series leans into its wild side while still offering a solid story and a deep open world filled with fun. You’re free to build your own criminal empire, engage in absurd side quests, and play in a sandbox that encourages destruction.
What makes Saints Row 2 a great game is the sheer style. Customizable characters, ridiculous weapons, and games offer a level of player freedom even GTA didn’t at the time. The chronological order of the series shifts after this, leaning more into parody, but this remains the perfect balance of chaotic fun and engaging crime drama. A downside is that the game has dated graphics and clunky controls. Still, it’s a fun game to play and sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
What makes the game shine:
- Massive customization options for characters and vehicles
- Hilarious and over-the-top criminal mayhem
- Strong mix of humor and crime drama
7. Saints Row: The Third [Best Over-the-Top Action Game]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Switch |
| Release Date | 2011 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
When people talk about games like the GTA series, Saints Row: The Third always comes up. This is where the Saints Row series went full parody. You witness over-the-top action with absurd humor, wild stunts, and some of the most ridiculous weapons ever. It still carries the GTA series crime theme, but it’s a satirical twist on the genre.
You can parachute into gunfights, beat people up with oversized weapons, or just cruise the city in decked-out cars. It lacks the grounded crime realism of GTA, but if you’re in the mood for pure chaos, nothing beats it. A potential drawback might be that the humor won’t gel with all players. Still, this great game is a fan-favorite with a ‘Very Positive’ rating on Steam and a great score of 84 on Metacritic.
What makes the games shine:
- Funny and absurd world antics
- Fun co-op crime game
- Tons of customization and player freedom
Get the best deals on Saints Row: The Third now >
8. Yakuza: Like A Dragon [Best Turn-Based Crime RPG]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC |
| Release Date | 2020 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
This fantastic Yakuza game is another GTA clone that’s noteworthy and a must-play. Enter another world filled with crime, chaos, and intense RPG combat. This great game swaps real-time action for turn-based battle, which makes the game unique in this list of Grand Theft Auto-style games. You’ve still got cards, missions, and an open-world game packed with side activities.
The Yakuza series always had deep storytelling, but this one turns the genre on its head. It mixes crime drama with RPG mechanics. A downside? Turn-based combat isn’t for everyone. Still, it’s got an ‘Overwhelmingly Positive’ (94%) rating on Steam.
What makes the game shine:
- A bold reinvention of the crime genre
- One of the most engaging RPG stories
- Massive open-world game
Get Yakuza: Like A Dragon instantly >
9. Just Cause 3 [Best High-Octane Open-World Chaos]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS4, Xbox, PC |
| Release Date | 2015 |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | No |
If Vice City was about stylish crime, Just Cause 3 is about pure destruction. This impressive single-player game takes the Grand Theft Auto series formula but dials up the chaos (which I didn’t think was possible). You play as Rico Rodriguez, a one-man army bringing down a dictatorship. Grappling hooks, explosions, and ridiculous stunts? Check. Unlike most GTA-style games, this is all about action.
The franchise is known for insane freedom, letting you play with the game’s physics. Want to attach a car to a jet and see what happens? Go for it. The world is massive, the story is serviceable, and the style is pure Hollywood blockbuster. A downside is that the story feels like an afterthought. Even so, the game won Best Action Game at the 2015 Game Critics Awards.
What makes the game shine:
- A huge open world filled with possibilities
- One of the best traversal mechanics in ANY game
- Perfect for fans of extreme chaos and action
10. Yakuza 4 [Best Character-Driven Crime Drama]
| Platforms ⭐ | PS3, PS4, Xbox, PC |
| Release Date | 2010 (JP), 2011 (WW) |
| Open-World Exploration | Yes |
| Crime & Urban Chaos Theme | Yes |
Move over, top GTA games, as the Yakuza titles are in their own lane. Yakuza 4 is definitely one of the most underrated crime games out there. It offers you an incredible open-world crime drama with a gripping and well-developed plot. Plus, you’ve got fun beat-em-up combat. Unlike GTA, which centers mostly on massive city chaos, the Yakuza series tends to craft intricate stories in a smaller and richly detailed city.
Expect rich characters and more open-world interactions. If you play games for story-driven crime experiences, this is one of the best. Downside? It’s a smaller open-world compared to GTA, but it still maintains a score of 85 on Metacritic and is well-loved by its community.
What makes the game shine:
- Deep crime drama and 4 playable characters
- Fun and engaging combat
- Packed with mini games, side activities, and hidden details
Buy Yakuza 4 Remastered here >
FAQs
Which is the most similar game to GTA?
Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s also made by Rockstar games. It lets you dive into an open world filled with deep crime-driven themes. Plus, you have full player agency just like in Grand Theft Auto, but it’s set in a Western setting.
What game is like GTA but with superpowers?
Saints Row IV. You play as the U.S. President with superpowers. You can have fun running at max speed and leaping over buildings.
Which is better, Cyberpunk or GTA 5?
It depends. Cyberpunk 2077 gives you RPG depth and futuristic chaos, while GTA 5 has unmatched open-world freedom and crime-centered themes. Both are great in their own ways.
Was GTA inspired by Saints Row?
No, simply because GTA launched first in 1997. Saints Row was released in 2006 as a parody. Saints Row has slowly evolved to become more over-the-top than the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
