20 Games That Are Similar to GTA: Open-World Adventures You’ll Love in 2025

Waiting for GTA 6 feels like forever, and you need something awesome to play right now. Games that are similar to GTA have grown into a massive genre, with dozens of titles offering their own spin on open-world action.

We’ve picked 20 amazing games packed with city exploration, wild missions, and crazy stunts that’ll scratch your GTA itch. Ready for some serious gaming action?

Top Open-World Games Similar to GTA

The gaming world brims with epic open-world titles that match GTA’s thrills. These games pack the same punch as GTA with their mix of action, story, and freedom to roam vast digital playgrounds.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 stands as Rockstar Games‘ masterpiece from October 26, 2018. This wild west epic puts players in the dusty boots of Arthur Morgan, a rugged outlaw running with the Van der Linde gang.

Players roam across vast landscapes on horseback, pull off daring heists, and make tough choices that shape Morgan’s story. The game runs smoothly on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, bringing the old west to life with stunning detail.

The game packs more punch than its 2010 predecessor, with deeper character growth and richer storytelling. Players can rob trains, hunt wildlife, play poker in saloons, and build bonds with their gang members.

This is a world that asks for your full attention and rewards it with a level of detail that sets new standards. – Rockstar Games

Every choice matters in this gritty tale of loyalty and survival. Rockstar Games packed the world with hidden secrets and random events that make each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.

The mix of action, drama, and freedom to explore makes this game stand out among open-world adventures.

Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 takes players to a vibrant San Francisco where hacking becomes your greatest weapon. Ubisoft launched this thrilling open-world game on November 15, 2016, for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Players dive into a tech-driven playground filled with endless ways to hack, drive, and fight through missions. The game packs tons of side activities that keep you busy for hours, from intense car chases to sneaking into high-security areas.

The game stands out with its modern-day setting and deep hacking mechanics. You’ll use your phone to control traffic lights, mess with security systems, and even empty people’s bank accounts.

San Francisco feels alive with its busy streets, colorful neighborhoods, and tech-savvy citizens going about their daily lives. The story tackles real-world issues about privacy, big tech, and social media that hit close to home.

Next up, let’s check out Sleeping Dogs, another fantastic open-world adventure that brings its own special flavor to the genre.

Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs brings Hong Kong’s criminal underworld to life with brutal martial arts and intense street racing. United Front Games created this action-packed adventure in 2012, letting players explore a dense city filled with triads and corrupt cops.

The game mixes GTA-style driving with kung fu combat that makes you feel like a true action movie hero.

Players step into the shoes of Wei Shen, an undercover cop who fights through Hong Kong’s dangerous criminal gangs. The game earned praise for its combat system and rich atmosphere after its 2014 re-release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

The mix of car chases, parkour moves, and bone-crushing fights sets it apart from other open-world games. Its blend of eastern and western gaming styles created something fresh in the GTA-like genre.

Saints Row IV

Saints Row IV takes crazy fun to new heights. Released on August 20, 2013, this open-world game puts you in the shoes of the President of the United States fighting aliens. The game scored a solid 75/100 from 4,870 player ratings, proving its wild appeal.

Developer Volition packed this title with super-powers, letting players leap tall buildings and throw cars with ease.

Saints Row IV isn’t just another GTA clone – it’s pure insanity wrapped in superhero powers and alien invasions.

The game breaks free from typical street crime stories. Players blast through a virtual Steelport with freeze rays and dubstep guns while battling an alien empire. Its mix of superpowers and open-world mayhem creates pure chaos that sets it apart from other crime games.

Next up, let’s check out how Yakuza 0 brings its own flavor to the open-world genre.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 puts you in Night City, a massive open world that rivals GTA’s scope. CD Projekt Red dropped this action-packed game on December 10, 2020, giving players a fresh take on lawless city life.

The game runs smooth on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with older consoles getting decent performance too. I spent countless hours exploring every corner of this neon-lit metropolis.

The game mixes GTA-style freedom with deep RPG elements that let you build your perfect criminal. You’ll hack security systems, drive futuristic cars, and pick fights with corrupt megacorps.

The story grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. Night City feels alive with its mix of high-tech gadgets and street-level crime. Unlike other open-world games, every side mission adds real value to your character’s growth.

Games with Similar Themes and Mechanics

These games pack similar action and drama as GTA but add their own special flavor to the mix. From street fights in Japan to wild adventures in post-apocalyptic worlds, each game brings something fresh to your screen.

Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0 takes players back to 1988 Japan, where two fierce gangsters fight for power. The game stars Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as dual protagonists in a gripping crime story. Ryu ga Gotoku Studio packed this prequel with intense street brawls and wild mini-games.

Players can manage real estate empires, run cabaret clubs, and hit the disco dance floors. The combat system lets you switch between three brutal fighting styles on the fly.

Money makes the underworld go round – Kazuma Kiryu

The neon-lit streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori burst with life and side activities. You can belt out karaoke tunes, play classic SEGA arcade games, or test your fortune at various gambling establishments. While The Diamond Casino becomes available in Chapter 10, gaming enthusiasts don’t have to wait to experience similar thrills.

Online platforms like www.vegasslotsonline.com offer immediate access to gambling entertainment, including free slot machines that require no downloads or registration. New players can benefit from welcome bonuses, free spins, and even try their hand at themed games that capture the essence of the yakuza world.

Released on March 12, 2015, for PS3, PS4, Xbox One and PC, Yakuza 0 sets the perfect starting point for new fans.

Far Cry 3

Far Cry 3 drops players into a deadly paradise filled with pirates and danger. You play as Jason Brody, a tourist trapped on Rook Islands who must save his friends from crazy pirates.

The game mixes first-person shooter action with an open world that feels alive and wild. Players can hunt animals, raid enemy camps, and climb radio towers to reveal new areas of the map.

The game shines through its memorable villain, Vaas Montenegro, who brings pure insanity to every scene. You’ll spend hours exploring dense jungles, taking over outposts, and crafting gear from animal skins.

The mix of stealth and all-out action lets you tackle missions your way. Like GTA, you can steal vehicles, but here you also get hang gliders and jet skis to zip across the tropical setting.

The shooting feels tight, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Fallout: New Vegas

Moving from tropical islands to post-nuclear wastelands, Fallout: New Vegas is a fan-favorite in open-world gaming. The game places players in a massive desert playground filled with mutants, raiders, and warring factions.

Players explore the Mojave Wasteland through the eyes of a courier who survives a deadly shooting. The game scored an impressive 84/100 from 937 player votes, showing its lasting appeal.

The RPG elements excel in this post-apocalyptic adventure. Over 722 players have completed their desert missions, while 144 gamers plan to start soon. The game mixes shooting action with deep story choices that change how other characters treat you.

Players can join different groups, gamble in New Vegas casinos, or become a lone wanderer in the wasteland. Every choice affects the game’s rich world.

Action-Adventure Games Like GTA

Action games pack the same punch as GTA but bring fresh twists to the table. These games mix car chases, shootouts, and gripping stories that will keep you glued to your screen for hours.

Mafia III

Mafia III puts you in the shoes of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War vet seeking revenge in 1968 New Bordeaux. The game hit stores on October 7, 2016, for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Players dive into a gritty crime story with smooth driving controls and hard-hitting combat.

Hangar 13 created a world that feels alive with racial tension and organized crime drama of the late 1960s.

The game stands out with its bold take on serious themes and solid third-person gameplay mechanics. You’ll build your criminal empire through intense shootouts and car chases across the city.

The story grabs you with strong voice acting and realistic characters. Unlike other open-world games, Mafia III focuses on a more grounded, personal tale of revenge rather than over-the-top action.

Just Cause 4

Moving from the gritty streets of New Bordeaux, Just Cause 4 takes action to wild new heights. This explosive sandbox game puts you in control of Rico Rodriguez, a skilled agent who loves to cause chaos.

The game packs a massive open world with four distinct climate zones, each filled with bad guys to fight and stuff to blow up.

Just Cause 4 is pure chaos wrapped in a tornado of destruction – Game Director Francesco Antolini

The game shines with its physics-based destruction and extreme weather systems. You can surf tornadoes, ride lightning storms, and use a cool grappling hook to zip around like Spider-Man.

Released on December 4, 2018, Just Cause 4 lets players mix gadgets and weapons in crazy ways. The game feels like GTA cranked up to eleven, with more explosions and wilder stunts than you can shake a stick at.

L.A. Noire

Unlike Just Cause 4’s explosive action, L.A. Noire takes players into a gritty 1940s Los Angeles crime drama. Team Bondi and Rockstar Games created this mind-bending detective story back in 2011.

The game puts you in the shoes of Cole Phelps, a cop who solves crimes through clues and witness interviews. Players must read facial expressions and spot lies to crack cases wide open.

L.A. Noire stands out with its MotionScan tech that captures real actors’ faces in amazing detail. The game first hit PS3 and Xbox 360, but now runs on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

You’ll drive classic cars through a perfect copy of old L.A. while jazz music plays in the background. Each case feels like stepping into a real crime movie from the 1940s. The mix of driving, shooting, and brain-teasing detective work makes this game totally different from other open-world titles.

Bully

Moving from the gritty streets of L.A. Noire, Rockstar Games took players back to school with Bully. This PS2 classic from 2006 puts you in the shoes of Jimmy Hopkins at Bullworth Academy.

The game mixes the open-world fun of GTA with high school drama and teen mischief.

Bully stands out as a smart twist on the GTA formula. Instead of stealing cars, you ride bikes and skateboards around campus. You’ll dodge strict teachers, face off against school bullies, and maybe even find time for romance.

The game keeps things lighter than its crime-focused cousins but still packs plenty of pranks and adventures. Players get to attend classes, which turn into fun mini-games like chemistry experiments and art projects.

Rockstar Games later brought this school yard hit to PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and PC, letting more players experience Jimmy’s wild school year.

Max Payne 3

Max Payne 3 brings raw action and gritty storytelling to life through its bullet-time mechanics. The game puts players in the shoes of a troubled ex-cop working security in São Paulo, Brazil.

Its third-person combat system lets you dive through windows and shoot bad guys in slow motion. The story grabs you with dark twists and intense gunfights that keep your heart racing.

The game stands out with its mix of action movie style and noir storytelling. Players blast through intense shootouts while Max narrates his dark tale in classic detective fashion.

The combat feels smooth with tight controls and realistic bullet physics. Each firefight turns into a deadly dance as you dodge bullets and take down enemies with perfect shots. The game scored 82 out of 100 from 9,660 player ratings, proving its solid gameplay holds up even today.

Unique Takes on GTA-Style Gameplay

Some games take the GTA formula and flip it on its head with fresh twists. These titles pack wild ideas into open worlds, from building blocks to cartoon chaos, making them perfect for players who want something different but familiar.

Lego City Undercover

Lego City Undercover brings GTA-style action to a family-friendly world of plastic bricks. TT Fusion launched this gem on March 18, 2013, packing it with clever jokes and smart gameplay tricks.

Players zip through a massive brick-built city, solve crimes, and swap between fun disguises. The game runs smooth as butter on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and PC.

This open-world title mixes action and humor in ways that make both kids and adults smile. You’ll chase bad guys, drive cool vehicles, and build amazing LEGO structures on the fly.

The game scored big with critics, who loved its mix of classic LEGO charm and open-world freedom. Unlike other games in this list, you won’t find any rough stuff here – just pure brick-smashing fun and witty one-liners.

The Simpsons Hit & Run

The Simpsons Hit & Run brings Springfield to life as a wacky open-world playground. Released on September 16, 2003, this Radical Entertainment gem puts players behind the wheel in a GTA-style adventure.

Players zip through familiar locations while completing missions packed with the show’s signature humor. The game features voice work from the original cast and stays true to the TV show’s comedic spirit.

This cult classic mixes driving missions with on-foot exploration across seven distinct levels. Players can control Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, and Apu as they uncover an alien conspiracy.

The streets buzz with references to classic Simpsons episodes, from Buzz Cola to the Kwik-E-Mart. The game’s charm lies in its perfect blend of parody and playability, making it a standout title for both Simpsons fans and action game lovers.

Crackdown

Crackdown brings super-powered action to life in a massive sandbox city. Released in 2007 by Realtime Worlds and Xbox Game Studios, this game puts you in the shoes of a genetically enhanced agent.

You’ll leap across buildings, throw cars at bad guys, and clean up crime in Pacific City. The game mixes open-world freedom with superhero powers that grow stronger as you play.

Players loved Crackdown so much that it sparked two more games in the series. The latest one, Crackdown 3, came out in 2019. Its success helped shape other big titles like Saints Row and Infamous.

The game stands out with its cell-shaded graphics and over-the-top action moves. You start as a tough cop but end up feeling like a real superhero by the end.

Mad Max

Mad Max brings brutal car combat to life in a harsh wasteland. Avalanche Studios created this action-packed game for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC in 2015. Players smash through enemy vehicles while upgrading their ride, called the Magnum Opus.

The game mixes driving battles with hand-to-hand fighting in a world where gasoline means survival.

The open desert feels vast and deadly, just like the movie series that inspired it. You’ll spend hours collecting scrap to build better weapons and armor for your car. The fighting system lets you take down raiders with bone-crushing moves.

Next up, we’ll look at some classic titles that started the open-world craze.

Classic GTA-Like Titles

The classic GTA titles set the bar high for open-world gaming. These games packed tons of action into sprawling cities with memorable characters and wild missions that still hold up today.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City burst onto gaming screens on October 29, 2002, bringing neon-soaked streets and palm trees to life. Rockstar Games created a perfect snapshot of 1980s Miami, packed with synthesizer music and pastel suits.

Players dive into a crime-filled paradise where fast cars, intense shootouts, and wild missions await around every corner.

Vice City stands out as a fan favorite in the GTA franchise thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and memorable characters. The game puts you in control of Tommy Vercetti as he builds his criminal empire across the sun-drenched city.

From cruising down Ocean Drive in stolen sports cars to running nightclubs and taking down rival gangs, Vice City delivers non-stop action. Its mix of Miami Vice style and dark humor made it an instant hit with gamers who wanted more than just another crime story.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

San Andreas stands as a massive hit in the GTA series, scoring 90/100 from over 3,200 players. Released on October 26, 2004, this action-packed game puts you in the shoes of Carl Johnson across a huge map based on California and Nevada.

Los Santos buzzes with life as you build your gang empire through street battles and territory wars.

The game breaks new ground by mixing RPG elements with classic GTA action. Players can change CJ’s looks, build his skills, and trick out their rides with cool mods. The story takes you from street-level hustles to epic heists across three major cities.

You’ll dive into gang warfare, train your fighting moves, and rule the streets your way. The mix of customization and freedom makes San Andreas a standout title that still draws players back today.

Grand Theft Auto IV

Grand Theft Auto IV hit the gaming scene on April 29, 2008, bringing players into a gritty modern-day Liberty City. Niko Bellic’s story grabbed gamers with its dark themes and realistic take on crime life.

The game scored big with fans, earning an impressive 83/100 from 15,880 player ratings. Rockstar Games packed this title with rich storytelling and a living, breathing city based on New York.

Liberty City comes alive with busy streets, random events, and countless side missions to keep players hooked. Players step into Niko’s shoes as he deals with local gangs, corrupt cops, and shady characters in the criminal underworld.

The game mixes serious drama with classic GTA action, giving players total freedom to explore the massive city. Every corner of Liberty City holds new adventures, from street races to intense shootouts.

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