Must-Play Games to Tide You Over Until GTA VI Arrives
The wait for Grand Theft Auto VI, now slated for November 19, 2026, feels endless for fans craving its promised sun-soaked streets of Vice City and next-level chaos. But fear not—there’s a slew of open-world games that capture the spirit of GTA’s crime-fueled adventures, sprawling worlds, and rebellious energy. From gritty mob dramas to over-the-top destruction fests, here are 10 stellar titles to keep you entertained until GTA VI drops, plus a few upcoming releases to watch for in 2026.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar’s masterpiece swaps GTA’s urban sprawl for a breathtaking 1899 American frontier. As outlaw Arthur Morgan, you’ll rob, ride, and roam a world so immersive it rivals GTA V. With heists, hunting, and poker, it’s the closest you’ll get to GTA’s DNA in cowboy form.
Why It’s Great: Cinematic storytelling, stunning visuals, and endless side activities.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC.
2. Cyberpunk 2077
After years of polish, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers a neon-charged Night City that echoes GTA’s open-world freedom. Play as a mercenary navigating a futuristic underworld, with driving, shooting, and hacking galore. The Phantom Liberty DLC adds even more depth.
Why It’s Great: Vibrant city, branching storylines, and GTA-like chaos with a sci-fi twist.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2 (June 2025).
3. Sleeping Dogs
This underrated gem casts you as an undercover cop in a bustling Hong Kong, blending GTA’s crime sandbox with martial arts and parkour. Its B-movie vibe and unique setting make it a standout.
Why It’s Great: Slick melee combat, a gripping story, and a fresh Asian backdrop.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC.
4. Saints Row 2
The ultimate GTA clone, Saints Row 2 dials up the absurdity while keeping the open-world crime formula. Run a gang in Stilwater, customize your character, and dive into wild missions that lean into pure fun.
Why It’s Great: Hilarious tone, deep customization, and chaotic gameplay.
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, PC.
5. Yakuza 0
Step into 1980s Japan as young yakuza Kiryu and Majima in this GTA-inspired crime drama. Its compact but lively world bursts with quirky activities like karaoke, arcade games, and wrestling, alongside a gripping mob story.
Why It’s Great: Rich narrative, absurd minigames, and vibrant city districts.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC.
6. Watch Dogs 2
Set in a colorful San Francisco, Watch Dogs 2 mixes GTA’s driving and shooting with hacker flair. Its satirical take on tech culture feels like GTA’s social commentary, and you can choose stealth or all-out chaos.
Why It’s Great: Creative hacking, a lively world, and flexible playstyles.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC.
7. Payday 2
If GTA V’s heists are your jam, Payday 2 is all about pulling off elaborate robberies with friends. This co-op shooter offers deep progression and constant updates, perfect for crime enthusiasts.
Why It’s Great: Team-based heists, replayable missions, and rewarding skill trees.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch.
8. Grand Theft Auto V
Why not revisit the king? GTA V’s single-player story with Michael, Franklin, and Trevor remains a banger, and GTA Online keeps evolving with nightclubs, submarines, and roleplay servers. Mods can refresh the experience too.
Why It’s Great: Cinematic campaign, endless online content, and familiar Los Santos vibes.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC.
9. Mafia: Definitive Edition
This 2020 remake of the 2002 classic delivers a 1930s mob tale in the fictional city of Lost Heaven. As Tommy Angelo, rise through the ranks in a story-driven, GTA-like world with authentic period detail.
Why It’s Great: Compelling narrative, grounded gameplay, and retro crime aesthetic.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC.
10. Just Cause 4
For those who love GTA’s destructive side, Just Cause 4 cranks it to 11 with a grappling hook, wingsuit, and explosive sandbox. It’s light on story but heavy on mayhem in a massive open world.
Why It’s Great: Insane stunts, creative destruction, and pure chaos.
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC.
Bonus: Upcoming Games to Play Before GTA VI
If you burn through these, keep an eye on 2026 releases to bridge the gap:
- Mafia: The Old Country (Summer 2026): A 1900s Sicily mob story with a tight narrative.
- Crimson Desert (2026): A fantasy open-world epic for a genre twist.
- 007 First Light (2026): James Bond’s origin story with GTA-style action and stealth.
These games deliver the open-world thrills, crime drama, or sheer chaos that GTA fans crave, each with a unique spin to keep things fresh. Whether you’re robbing banks, ruling the yakuza, or wingsuiting through explosions, there’s plenty here to make the wait for GTA VI fly by. Got a specific vibe you’re after? Let us know, and we’ll point you to the perfect game!
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