Have you ever felt bored with one open-world game and wanted to try something similar but still fresh? If you’re a fan of the GTA series—missions packed with action, the freedom to explore a big city, and wreaking havoc as you please—you absolutely need to check out these alternative games. This article will cover 16 exciting GTA-like games that not only offer the freedom to roam, but also engaging stories, unique characters, and fun gameplay. Get ready, because a new adventure awaits!
What Is a GTA-Like Game?
GTA (Grand Theft Auto) is known as the pioneer of the open-world genre with full freedom. So, a GTA-like game basically imitates some key elements: exploring a vast city, criminal or antihero storylines, a variety of side missions, and the freedom to choose how to complete objectives. So, what are its defining characteristics?
Characteristics of GTA Games
- Vast Open World:The game world feels limitless, where players can freely explore urban areas, rural regions, and everything in between.
- Criminal Missions and Storylines: Plenty of missions revolve around criminal activities, from robberies and smuggling to revenge plots.
- Moral Freedom: You can be a hero, a villain, or just wander around causing chaos without doing missions.
- Variety of Vehicles and Weapons:Cars, motorcycles, helicopters, and firearms are all available to support the freedom of action.
- Antihero Protagonists:Main characters often aren’t perfect; expect plot twists and morally gray decisions.
Why Are GTA-Like Games So Popular?
Simply put, who doesn’t love the thrill of freely roaming a city while committing (or avoiding) crimes? Plus, these games have high replay value: you can replay missions with different approaches, discover hidden locations, or just outrun the cops while exploring scenic spots. On top of that, the humor and social satire elements often sprinkled throughout make the experience even more entertaining.
List of 16 Exciting GTA-Like Games You Must Try
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for: 16 open-world action games with criminal storylines and the freedom to roam that give you that GTA vibe. Let’s dive in one by one!
1. Saints Row Series
The Saints Row series is often dubbed “GTA with an extra dose of humor.” The worlds of Santo Ileso in Saints Row IV or Stilwater in Saints Row: The Third are bursting with color and chaos. Want to be a wacky superhero or the most ridiculous crime boss? Both are on the table.
Saints Row: The Third
Here, you play as the Boss who has just seized power in Stilwater. The story is absurd, the missions are full of explosions, and character customization is extremely detailed. It’s like GTA cooked up with slapstick comedy—once you dive in, you’ll be laughing nonstop.
Saints Row IV
Level up: the Boss is now the President of the United States! Uniquely, the world in Saints Row IV is presented inside a virtual simulation, so there are many sci-fi elements like superpowers, high jumps, and alien weapons. If you’re tired of the real world, it becomes even more hilarious because you get to act like a superhero in a futuristic city.
2. Mafia Series
If you like old-school gangster vibes à la 1930s New York or 1960s Detroit, the Mafia series is your answer. These games deliver dramatic stories full of intrigue, loyalty, and betrayal in the criminal underworld.
Mafia II
Set between the 1940s and 1950s, you play as Vito Scaletta, a war veteran who enters the criminal world to pay off his family’s debts. The atmosphere is saturated with jazz music, classic cars, and retro fashion. It’s not just about shooting; it’s also about the dramatic life of a gangster.
Mafia III
Set in late 1968, Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War veteran, returns home to find his surrogate family massacred by the mafia. He then decides to seek revenge and build his own criminal empire in New Bordeaux, a fictional city inspired by New Orleans. Brutal action, a jazz-filled setting, and a dark revenge story all combine into a gripping experience.
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3. Sleeping Dogs
Similar to GTA, but set in Hong Kong. You play as Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to dismantle the triads. Exploring the open cities of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island is a major draw. What sets it apart is the kung fu–style combat system, close-quarters brawling, and intense kick-filled action. It feels like playing an interactive Jackie Chan action movie!
4. Watch Dogs 2
Instead of cartels or mafia, in Watch Dogs you play as a hacker. Set in San Francisco, you join the DedSec group to take down corrupt corporations. The gameplay is unique: you can hack traffic systems, ATMs, and even citizens’ credit cards. If you love technology and want to feel that “power” at your fingertips, this game is very satisfying.
5. Yakuza 0
Although it focuses more on close-quarters fighting and family drama within the yakuza, Yakuza 0 has a small open world in the Kamurocho district (resembling Tokyo). You can wander into bars, karaoke spots, arcades, or get into street brawls. The story is emotional and filled with twists, much like a Japanese gangster film—so don’t be surprised if there are hilarious moments that make you laugh out loud.
6. Just Cause 3
Want ripped jeans, parachute jumps, and blowing everything up beneath you? Just Cause 3 is your answer. Set in Medici, a fictional country in the Mediterranean, you play as Rico Rodriguez, who aims to overthrow a dictatorial regime. The freedom to explore beautiful islands plus over-the-top action makes this game like a runaway roller coaster.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
Even though it’s set in the Wild West, Red Dead Redemption 2 has open-world elements and exploration freedom similar to GTA but with a strong Western vibe. You play as Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, exploring vast Wild West territories ranging from snowy mountains to arid plains. The story is highly emotional and presented cinematically, as if watching an epic Western film that you can control.
8. L.A. Noire
Set in Los Angeles in 1947, you play as detective Cole Phelps. Your job isn’t just shooting and chasing cars, but solving complex murder, corruption, and crime cases. The facial animation in L.A. Noire was revolutionary for capturing detailed facial expressions during interrogations. If you like a noir atmosphere, mystery, and interactive investigations, this game is perfect for you.
9. Bully
Wait, why is Bully on a GTA-like list? Even though its setting is a school, the moral mischief and chaos in a campus environment give it a similar vibe. You play as a troublemaking student at Bullworth Academy, able to join duels, play pranks, or take on fun missions like busting drugs in the school. The satire is strong, dialogue is hilarious—it’s like mixing GTA with a teen comedy movie.
10. Crackdown 3
In Crackdown 3, you play as a super-agent of the Agency with over-the-top abilities: jumping super high, shooting cars while in midair, and leveling skyscrapers. Set in New Providence City, your main mission is to destroy the crime cartel. The gameplay focuses on large-scale chaos: blowing up bridges, demolishing towers, and having unlimited fun.
11. True Crime: New York City
This older game takes us to the streets of New York. You become Marcus Reed, a detective who also has ties to the criminal underworld. Exploring the streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx brings missions like hunting down criminals, car chases, and gang shootouts. Even though the graphics look dated now, the gameplay remains engaging, and the metropolitan atmosphere is very immersive.
12. The Godfather II
Want to experience the mafia world like the Corleones? The Godfather II takes you to New York and Cuba in the 1950s. You become a criminal entrepreneur trying to expand your mafia family. There are elements of business management, recruiting members, and intense gang warfare. The atmosphere reminiscent of the classic film “The Godfather” is truly preserved, making you feel like a digital version of Michael Corleone!
13. Scarface: The World Is Yours
Based on the legendary film “Scarface” (1983), this game takes an alternative story route: Tony Montana survives the betrayal at the end of the movie. Your mission is to restore the glory of your drug empire in Miami. The gameplay system is akin to GTA—you can explore the city, control illegal businesses, and hire henchmen. Plus, quotable lines like “Say hello to my little friend!” amplify the gangster sensation.
14. Prototype 2
This game merges an open-world New York City with superpowers that make you elastic. You play as James Heller, who becomes a “prototype” after being infected by a virus. With powers to shapeshift, run up walls, and consume enemies, the gameplay is vastly different from GTA, but the sense of freely causing chaos in a big city remains. For those bored of just shooting, this game emphasizes superhuman mayhem.
15. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Even though it’s titled GTA, its content and presentation are unique: a top-down perspective and handheld gameplay (DS, PSP, and later a mobile version). Chinatown Wars features an engaging story about Huang Lee, heir to a triad in Liberty City. This game includes hacking missions, drug crafting, and street car chases in narrow Chinatown alleys. If you want a classic GTA experience with a retro twist, you must try this.
16. Mad Max
If you want a post-apocalyptic vibe, Mad Max is definitely worth it. You’re free to explore the arid Australian wasteland, upgrade your car “Magnum Opus” to be more fearsome, and face off against gangs of bandits. Although there’s no modern city, its open-world gameplay is filled with freedom: street battles, racing, and scavenging resources. The dry atmosphere and sand dunes give that GTA feel but with an epic desert backdrop.
Tips for Choosing the Right GTA-Like Game
There are so many open-world games out there, so how do you decide which one is best for you? Here are a few simple tips:
Consider Genre and Storyline
Although many aspects are similar, each game has its own mood and theme. For example, the Mafia series is more dramatic with a 1930s vibe—perfect if you like classic gangster stories. Meanwhile, Just Cause 3 or Prototype 2 lean toward over-the-top fantasy, so if you love nonstop explosions, pick those. Sleeping Dogs or Yakuza emphasize close-quarters combat (martial arts), so choose according to your preference.
Graphics and Performance
If you’re playing on a laptop or PC with limited specs, older titles like GTA: Chinatown Wars or True Crime: New York City might run lighter. On the other hand, if you have a next-gen console or a high-end PC, Red Dead Redemption 2 or Watch Dogs 2 can deliver maximum visual fidelity. Also, make sure the control scheme is comfortable for exploration—whether keyboard and mouse or a joystick feels better in your hands.
Conclusion
The open-world gaming landscape never runs out of options. From the hilarious Saints Row to the epic Red Dead Redemption 2, each title has its own unique flavor. What’s certain is that these 16 games offer that GTA-like thrill—from roaming freely to criminal storylines and strategic missions. Try them one by one according to your taste: love comedy? Go for Saints Row. Enjoy classic gangster drama? Check out the Mafia series. Looking for a cowboy adventure? Red Dead Redemption 2 awaits. The point is, don’t hesitate to explore new worlds and discover a new level of freedom in gaming!
FAQ
1. Are all 16 games available on PC?
Not all. Some titles, like Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, were initially released on handheld consoles (DS/PSP) and later on mobile. However, most, such as Saints Row, the Mafia series, Sleeping Dogs, Watch Dogs 2, and Red Dead Redemption 2, are available on PC. Always check the minimum specs before purchasing.
2. Which game on this list is the lightest to run?
For PCs or laptops with low specs, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars or True Crime: New York City are generally lighter because their graphics aren’t too demanding. Sleeping Dogs is also relatively lighter compared to massive open-world titles like Red Dead Redemption 2.
3. Do any of these GTA-like games have multiplayer content?
Yes, some games feature multiplayer modes. For example, Saints Row IV offers an online co-op mode, Watch Dogs 2 includes hacking multiplayer features, and Just Cause 3 supports online mods. However, most focus primarily on single-player gameplay.
4. Does Red Dead Redemption 2 require an internet connection?
The main story mode of Red Dead Redemption 2 is entirely offline after installation. However, Red Dead Online (the multiplayer mode) does require an internet connection.
5. Which is better: Mafia II or Mafia III?
Both have their strengths. Mafia II excels in its focused storyline and 1940s–50s atmosphere, while Mafia III stands out with its 1968 New Orleans setting and emotional revenge plot. Choose Mafia II for a classic gangster vibe, and opt for Mafia III if you want a revenge drama set against a unique historical backdrop.
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