Games to Play While Waiting for GTA 6

If you’re waiting for GTA 6, the best games to play are open-world action titles that scratch the same itch for exploration, crime, and mayhem. This article lists the strongest alternatives across different platforms and budgets, so you can find something to fill the gap until Rockstar’s next release.

Why GTA 6 Is Taking So Long

Grand Theft Auto V came out in 2013, and its online mode, GTA Online, has been continuously updated since then. Rockstar Games officially announced GTA 6 in February 2022, confirming it was in development, but no release date has been set. The long gap is partly because Rockstar has been focused on Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) and the ongoing success of GTA Online, which still generates billions in revenue. The company also has a reputation for polishing games heavily before release, and GTA 6 is expected to be a massive technical leap, so development takes time.

What Makes a Good GTA Substitute

Not every open-world game will satisfy a GTA craving. The core GTA formula includes:

• A large, detailed city or region to explore freely
• Driving and shooting mechanics that feel responsive and fun
• A story with memorable characters and missions
• Optional side activities, from races to property buying
• A sense of humor or satire about modern life

Games that hit most of these points will feel closest to GTA. Pure racing games or pure shooters might have one element, but they lack the blend of driving, shooting, and exploration that makes GTA unique.

Top Open-World Crime Games

These are the most direct GTA alternatives, all available on current consoles and PC:

• Sleeping Dogs (2012) – Set in Hong Kong, this game focuses on melee combat and driving, with a story about an undercover cop. It’s older but still holds up.
• Saints Row: The Third (2011) and Saints Row IV (2013) – These are more over-the-top and silly than GTA, but they offer the same open-world crime sandbox with plenty of weapons and vehicles.
• Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020) – A remake of the 2002 classic, set in 1930s Lost Heaven. It’s more story-driven and less sandboxy, but the driving and shooting are solid.
• Watch Dogs 2 (2016) – Set in San Francisco, this game adds hacking to the formula. You can control traffic lights, distract enemies, and hack into almost anything, which creates a different kind of chaos.
• Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) – After major updates, this is now a polished open-world RPG set in Night City. It has driving, shooting, and a huge city to explore, though it’s more RPG than GTA.

Games That Capture the GTA Vibe Without the Crime

If you want the exploration and driving but don’t need the crime, these are great:

• Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) – Made by Rockstar, this is the closest to GTA in terms of polish and world detail, but set in the Wild West. It has a slower pace but an incredible story.
• Forza Horizon 5 (2021) – A racing game set in an open-world Mexico. It has no crime, but the driving feels great and the map is huge and full of things to do.
• The Crew Motorfest (2023) – Another open-world racing game, set in a scaled-down Hawaii. It has a more arcade feel and a large map.
• Just Cause 4 (2018) – This is pure chaos: you can grapple, wingsuit, and blow up almost anything. It’s less about story and more about destruction, but it’s fun.

How to Choose the Right One for You

The best choice depends on what you value most:

• Story and characters: Red Dead Redemption 2, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Cyberpunk 2077
• Driving mechanics: Forza Horizon 5, The Crew Motorfest, Watch Dogs 2
• Combat and shooting: Cyberpunk 2077, Saints Row IV, Just Cause 4
• Exploration and world detail: Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Watch Dogs 2
• Pure fun and mayhem: Saints Row IV, Just Cause 4, Sleeping Dogs

If you want the closest overall experience to GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2 is the safest bet because it’s made by the same studio and shares the same design philosophy. If you want something more modern and sci-fi, Cyberpunk 2077 is a good pick. If you want pure driving fun, Forza Horizon 5 is unbeatable.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

One common issue is that some games might feel dated. Sleeping Dogs and Saints Row: The Third are over a decade old, so the graphics and physics are not up to modern standards. If that bothers you, go for newer titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Watch Dogs 2.

Another issue is that some games have a different tone. If you expect GTA’s satire, you might be disappointed by Mafia’s serious story or Forza’s lack of story. Read reviews or watch gameplay videos before buying to see if the tone matches what you want.

Also, note that some games are more demanding on your PC or console. Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are heavy, so make sure your hardware can run them smoothly. Check the system requirements before purchasing.

Cost and Availability

Prices vary widely, but many of these games are often on sale. Older titles like Sleeping Dogs and Saints Row: The Third can be found for under $10 during sales. Newer ones like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5 are usually $30-$60, but they also go on sale frequently. You can also subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, which often include some of these games, so you can try them without buying individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a release date for GTA 6?

No, Rockstar has not announced a release date. The only official info is that the game is in development. Some reports suggest a 2024 or 2025 release, but nothing is confirmed.

Will GTA 6 be on PC at launch?

Historically, GTA V came to PC about two years after console release. It’s likely GTA 6 will follow a similar pattern, but Rockstar hasn’t said anything. If you’re a PC player, you might have to wait longer.

Are these games similar to GTA Online?

GTA Online is a multiplayer experience, so no single-player game fully replicates it. If you want multiplayer open-world action, you could try Red Dead Online (which is also from Rockstar) or Watch Dogs: Legion’s online mode, but they are not as active as GTA Online.

Can I play these on a low-end PC?

Older games like Sleeping Dogs and Saints Row: The Third are quite light and can run on most laptops. Newer games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Forza Horizon 5 need a decent graphics card. Check the minimum requirements on Steam or the official store page.

Are there any free alternatives?

There are free-to-play games like GTA Online itself (if you own GTA V) or Fortnite, which has a creative mode. Also, some older GTA games like GTA: San Andreas are sometimes given away for free on PC storefronts, but not on a regular basis.

What about indie games that feel like GTA?

There are a few indie titles, like Retro City Rampage or Shakedown: Hawaii, which are 2D parodies of GTA. They are fun but very different in scope. If you want a 3D experience, you’re better off with the mainstream titles listed above.

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