Can’t Wait for GTA 6? Check Out These 20 Similar Games to Play in the…

BROKE PROTOCOL (2024)

Urban sandbox fans looking for a gritty, low-poly alternative to Grand Theft Auto should not overlook Broke Protocol. This multiplayer open-world title offers an evolving crime simulation experience where every player contributes to the ecosystem of the city. With full character customization, police vs. criminal dynamics, and a mod-friendly design, the game builds on emergent gameplay and community engagement. While its visuals lean toward minimalist voxel-style graphics, its gameplay systems are impressively deep, with jobs ranging from law enforcement to underground crime. The servers can host up to 255 players, encouraging wild and unpredictable social interaction. For fans of online chaos and freedom of choice, Broke Protocol provides an indie twist on the GTA formula. Its regular updates and Steam Workshop support help keep the world fresh and dynamic. | © Cylinder Studios

Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020)

A masterfully rebuilt version of a classic crime saga, Mafia: Definitive Edition retells the story of Tommy Angelo, a cab driver who gets swept into the Salieri crime family during the Prohibition era. This complete remake doesn’t just slap a new coat of paint over the original; it reimagines the entire 1930s open world with cinematic flair and emotional storytelling. With dramatic voice acting and a period-authentic setting, it offers a more narrative-driven experience than GTA, ideal for players craving a deep, character-focused crime drama. The missions are tight and purposeful, with gunfights and chases that serve the plot rather than open-ended mayhem. The attention to historical detail elevates the immersion, creating a living city that’s atmospheric and authentic. For those who want a gangster experience wrapped in a prestige TV aesthetic, this is a must-play. | © Hangar 13

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

Set against the backdrop of a fading American frontier, Red Dead Redemption 2 is more than a western – it's a sprawling, emotional epic that captures the slow decline of the outlaw way of life. Rockstar’s attention to environmental storytelling and character depth is unparalleled, making every encounter, every mission, and every sunset feel meaningful. While the pacing is more deliberate than GTA, the open world is even richer in detail, offering horseback chases, shootouts, and moral dilemmas that shape your version of Arthur Morgan. The Honor system allows for a more nuanced take on choices, adding depth to your interactions across the game's massive wilderness. From hunting and fishing to robbing trains or simply playing cards at camp, there’s always something to do, with a strong emotional current guiding it all. This isn’t just a game – it’s a cinematic journey through the dying days of the Wild West. | © Rockstar Games

Yakuza 0 (2017)

In the neon-lit streets of Kamurocho, Yakuza 0 offers an experience unlike any other crime-themed open-world game. Blending melodrama, absurd humor, and brutal hand-to-hand combat, this prequel sets the stage for the entire Yakuza saga. Players alternate between two protagonists – Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima – as they navigate a criminal underworld filled with betrayal, honor, and over-the-top action. What sets Yakuza 0 apart is its unique balance between a serious crime story and hundreds of side activities that range from karaoke to running a hostess club. Unlike GTA’s chaotic sandbox, the game focuses more on densely packed city environments rich with side quests and quirky characters. Its dynamic fighting system and storytelling make it a standout title for anyone wanting deep character arcs alongside unpredictable, often hilarious moments. | © SEGA

Watch Dogs 2 (2016)

Watch Dogs 2 takes the hacking and surveillance theme of its predecessor and injects it with color, attitude, and a more lighthearted tone. Set in a vibrant recreation of the San Francisco Bay Area, the game follows Marcus Holloway, a young and talented hacker with DedSec, as he takes on corrupt corporations and invasive surveillance systems. The game places a strong emphasis on player freedom – missions can be completed through stealth, combat, or creative hacking. The ability to control drones, cars, and infrastructure adds layers of strategy rarely seen in open-world titles. Social satire and tech culture commentary are woven throughout, making the experience feel both relevant and engaging. It’s the ideal pick for GTA fans looking for a modern spin on open-world gameplay with a rebellious twist. | © Ubisoft

Just Cause 3 (2015)

Explosive action meets open-world chaos in Just Cause 3, a game that thrives on giving players absurd levels of freedom. Set on the fictional Mediterranean island of Medici, players step into the boots of Rico Rodriguez, a one-man army with a grappling hook, wingsuit, and an endless supply of explosives. While GTA games are known for their narrative and satire, Just Cause 3 leans fully into high-octane spectacle – blowing up military bases, hijacking jets mid-air, and tethering enemies to explosive barrels is all part of the fun. The physics-driven gameplay allows for creative destruction and unorthodox combat, encouraging experimentation rather than structure. This is the perfect title for those who value unfiltered chaos, breathtaking stunts, and nonstop adrenaline over grounded realism. | © Avalanche Studios

Lego City Undercover (2013)

Family-friendly and humor-packed, Lego City Undercover surprises many with just how closely it mirrors the open-world structure of GTA – minus the violence and crime. You play as Chase McCain, an undercover cop navigating the vibrant, brick-built city of LEGO City. The game offers vehicle hijacking, foot chases, disguises, and platforming challenges, all wrapped in a colorful aesthetic that’s perfect for all ages. Its witty dialogue, references to pop culture, and cinematic parody make it genuinely entertaining for adults as well as kids. With a fully explorable city, side missions, collectibles, and puzzles, Lego City Undercover proves you don’t need grit to have a deep, rewarding open-world experience. It’s a hidden gem for fans of sandbox gameplay who appreciate charm and clever design. | © TT Games

Payday 2 (2013)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to coordinate a high-stakes heist with precision and teamwork, Payday 2 delivers that fantasy with intensity. Unlike the single-player focus of GTA, this cooperative multiplayer shooter emphasizes team dynamics as players plan and execute robberies – from quiet bank jobs to explosive armored car raids. Players choose from a variety of skill trees and gear loadouts, allowing for stealth, brute force, or high-tech strategies. The tension rises as alarms blare, police waves escalate, and objectives change on the fly. With dozens of heists, character customization, and post-launch content, Payday 2 offers massive replay value. It’s the ideal title for gamers who enjoy tactical action with a criminal twist. | © Overkill Software

Sleeping Dogs (2012)

Few games blend martial arts combat, undercover cop drama, and an open-world city as effectively as Sleeping Dogs. Set in a fictionalized version of Hong Kong, players control Wei Shen, a cop deep undercover in the Triads, creating an emotional and narrative tension rarely explored in sandbox games. What makes Sleeping Dogs stand out is its hand-to-hand combat system, which draws from action films and kung fu mechanics, creating brutal and cinematic fights. The urban setting is dense and vibrant, filled with side activities like street races, cockfighting, and karaoke. Its story balances grit with emotion, portraying both the allure and the cost of living a double life. For players seeking a story-rich experience with refined combat and a unique setting, this is a top-tier recommendation. | © United Front Games

Max Payne 3 (2012)

Stylish, cinematic, and emotionally raw, Max Payne 3 is a gritty third-person shooter that trades open-world exploration for intense, linear storytelling. While not a sandbox in the vein of GTA, it’s still a must-play for fans of Rockstar’s signature storytelling and atmosphere. Max, now an aging ex-cop spiraling into addiction and regret, finds himself embroiled in the criminal underworld of São Paulo. The game’s signature bullet time mechanic turns firefights into slow-motion ballets of destruction, blending precision shooting with dramatic flair. Its narrative is mature, dark, and driven by themes of redemption and trauma. With detailed environments, fluid combat, and a haunting soundtrack, Max Payne 3 is an unforgettable noir experience for players who appreciate action-heavy narratives. | © Rockstar Games

L.A. Noire (2011)

More of a slow-burning detective thriller than a criminal free-for-all, L.A. Noire trades high-speed chases for interrogations, evidence gathering, and methodical crime-solving. Set in a meticulously recreated post-war Los Angeles, players assume the role of Cole Phelps, a war veteran turned LAPD detective. The game blends open-world exploration with structured cases, offering a unique blend of action, investigation, and narrative depth. One of its standout features is the use of facial motion capture, allowing for nuanced expressions during interrogations, which players must interpret to determine guilt or innocence. While it’s less chaotic than GTA, it offers a gripping, mature experience steeped in noir atmosphere and historical authenticity. | © Team Bondi

Saints Row 2 (2008)

For players who found GTA’s sense of humor too restrained, Saints Row 2 cranks up the absurdity and lets loose. Set in the sprawling city of Stilwater, the game delivers over-the-top action, ridiculous weapons, and outrageous side activities – from spraying sewage on houses to participating in insurance fraud schemes. Yet beneath the surface, it also tells a surprisingly strong story of gang wars, loyalty, and revenge. Its customization is unparalleled, allowing you to alter your character’s voice, appearance, and even walking style. Unlike later entries in the franchise that dove fully into sci-fi parody, Saints Row 2 strikes a perfect balance between chaos and grounded storytelling. For those who love GTA but wish it had more mayhem and freedom, this is a worthy pick. | © Volition

Bully (2006)

Rockstar took its open-world formula to an unexpected setting in Bully, placing players in the shoes of a rebellious teenager navigating the social hierarchy of Bullworth Academy. Instead of gangs and guns, you’ll be throwing stink bombs, riding bikes, and dealing with cliques like jocks, nerds, and preppies. Despite the smaller scale, the gameplay remains rich and varied – complete with classes, mini-games, seasonal changes, and a full school schedule. The narrative centers around schoolyard politics, authority defiance, and friendship, making it one of Rockstar’s most unique and beloved projects. It's a perfect game for those who want GTA’s structure with a completely different – but equally engaging – premise. | © Rockstar Games

Scarface: The World is Yours (2006)

Taking inspiration directly from cinematic crime legend Tony Montana, Scarface: The World is Yours rewrites the movie’s ending and places players in Tony’s shoes as he rebuilds his empire from scratch. The game blends sandbox gameplay with empire-building mechanics, allowing you to purchase businesses, upgrade your mansion, and build influence across Miami. Unlike GTA, there’s a strong focus on money management, cartel diplomacy, and the brutal mechanics of drug trafficking. Its over-the-top violence and profanity stay true to the character, while its dialogue and voice work (with a convincing Pacino impersonator) capture the film’s fiery spirit. If you want a power fantasy crime game steeped in 80s excess and revenge, this is it. | © Radical Entertainment

The Godfather (2006)

Based on the iconic film, The Godfather video game puts you in the role of a rising mobster embedded within the Corleone family. Rather than retelling the movie from the protagonist’s view, it lets players experience the events from a fresh perspective – interacting with familiar characters while carrying out missions that shape the family’s control over New York. The game introduces mechanics like extorting businesses, managing rackets, and maintaining respect, offering a mix of open-world freedom and narrative-driven progression. It walks a fine line between homage and innovation, capturing the atmosphere of the films while giving players agency in their own mafia story. For fans of crime sagas and classic cinema, this is a perfect blend of game and film legacy. | © EA Redwood Shores

Driver: Parallel Lines (2006)

Often overlooked in discussions about open-world crime games, Driver: Parallel Lines deserves more credit for its dual-era storytelling and high-speed action. Set in a fictionalized version of New York City, the game spans two time periods – 1978 and 2006 – allowing players to experience both the muscle car glory days and the slick, modern underworld. You play as “TK,” a wheelman caught up in a betrayal that sends him to prison, only to return years later seeking revenge. The game distinguishes itself with authentic car handling, thrilling police chases, and a narrative that evolves alongside the time jump. It successfully blends cinematic storytelling with the free-roam driving gameplay the series is known for, making it a worthy alternative for fans of GTA-style urban chaos. | © Reflections Interactive

50 Cent: Bulletproof (2005)

Merging hip-hop culture with third-person shooter mechanics, 50 Cent: Bulletproof is a gritty and unapologetically violent tale inspired by the real-life rapper’s persona. You step into the shoes of 50 himself as he uncovers a conspiracy behind an attempt on his life. While not an open-world title in the traditional sense, the game features urban hubs where you can explore, buy weapons, and interact with other characters. Its main appeal lies in its soundtrack, voice acting from G-Unit members, and brutal, slow-motion executions. While the gameplay can be rough around the edges, it offers a unique cultural angle rarely explored in games, appealing to fans of action shooters with a hip-hop twist. | © Genuine Games

True Crime: Streets of LA (2003)

Before open-world crime games became the standard, True Crime: Streets of LA was pioneering a hybrid approach that mixed cop drama with sandbox freedom. Players assume the role of Nick Kang, a brash detective with a tendency to shoot first and ask questions later. The game allows for a branching storyline where your actions influence whether you're seen as a hero or a menace. Alongside missions, you can patrol the streets, stop random crimes, engage in martial arts combat, or participate in high-speed pursuits. With a sprawling map based on real-world Los Angeles and a variety of gameplay styles, it provided an ambitious and entertaining alternative to GTA at the time. | © Luxoflux

The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003)

What started as a parody turned into one of the most beloved open-world games of its era. The Simpsons: Hit & Run cleverly borrows the sandbox mechanics of GTA and wraps them in the humor, style, and characters of the iconic animated series. Featuring missions, collectibles, and plenty of drivable vehicles, the game lets you explore different parts of Springfield while playing as members of the Simpson family. Despite its cartoonish appearance, the gameplay is surprisingly deep and faithful to its GTA inspirations, offering car chases, destructible environments, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek references to crime game tropes. It’s the perfect nostalgic choice for players who want the structure of GTA with none of the grit. | © Radical Entertainment

The Getaway (2002)

A grounded and cinematic take on the open-world genre, The Getaway transports players to a realistically modeled version of London’s gritty underworld. You follow two intersecting stories: Mark Hammond, an ex-con forced back into crime, and Frank Carter, a detective on his trail. What sets the game apart is its dedication to realism – there are no health bars, ammo counts, or mini-maps. Instead, it relies on visual cues and naturalistic pacing to immerse players in the narrative. The game’s commitment to authenticity is further emphasized by its use of real London landmarks and accents, creating an atmosphere few games have replicated since. For players who enjoy crime dramas with a serious tone and a cinematic edge, The Getaway remains a cult classic worth revisiting. | © Team Soho