17 Must-Play Games Like Grand Theft Auto in 2025 🎮

A police officer approached a confrontation at night.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What games are similar to Grand Theft Auto?”, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re craving the chaotic car chases of Los Santos, the gripping crime sagas, or the sprawling open worlds packed with secrets and mayhem, we’ve curated 17 top-tier alternatives that capture the spirit of GTA while adding their own unique twists. From the wild, over-the-top antics of Saints Row to the gritty, cinematic storytelling of Mafia, and even the neon-lit dystopia of Cyberpunk 2077, this list has something for every kind of sandbox adventurer.

Here’s a fun fact to get you hooked: did you know that the average completionist time for GTA V clocks in at a staggering 178 hours? If that sounds like a marathon, some of our picks offer shorter, punchier experiences without sacrificing depth. Plus, we’ll dive deep into what makes a game truly “GTA-like” — spoiler alert: it’s more than just open-world chaos. Ready to find your next urban playground? Keep reading for detailed reviews, expert tips, and hidden gems you won’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways

  • GTA-like games blend open-world freedom, crime-driven stories, and vehicle mayhem to create immersive experiences.
  • Saints Row offers the wildest, most over-the-top sandbox fun with extensive customization and co-op play.
  • Red Dead Redemption 2 and Mafia series deliver cinematic storytelling with rich historical settings.
  • Cyberpunk 2077 brings futuristic hacking and RPG elements to the crime sandbox genre.
  • Consider your platform, playstyle, and time availability when choosing your next GTA alternative.
  • Upcoming titles like GTA VI and Mafia IV promise exciting new settings and gameplay innovations.

Ready to dive into the chaos? Scroll down to explore our full list and expert recommendations!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Tip / Fact Why it Matters Pro Gamer Note
✅ Mod support can turn a 20-hour game into a 200-hour obsession. Saints Row PC, GTA V, and Cyberpunk 2077 all have thriving mod scenes. Back-up saves before installing script mods—corruption happens.
❌ Not every open-world game has carjacking. Yakuza’s wheels are mostly taxis and side missions. If you need wheels, stick to Saints Row or Watch Dogs.
✅ Photo modes are the new flex. Red Dead 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 win Insta likes daily. Tap the share button mid-explosion for maximum clout.
🕹️ Average completionist time for GTA V: 178 hours. Saints Row (2022) sits at 65 hours—perfect for a weekend binge. Use HowLongToBeat to plan your life.
🌐 Cross-save is rare in crime sandboxes. Only Watch Dogs Legion and Cyberpunk 2077 support Xbox ↔ PC. Cloud gaming? Check GeForce NOW for instant gratification.

Need more bite-size lists? Hop over to our mega-list of Games Like for every genre under the sun.

📜 The Grand Theft Auto Blueprint: What Defines a GTA-like Game?

We’ve spent thousands of hours dissecting Rockstar’s magic formula so you don’t have to. Here’s the DNA every GTA-alike needs:

Core Ingredient Why GTA Nailed It Closest Contenders
Urban open world Los Santos feels alive at 3 a.m.—radio ads, NPC phone calls, traffic jams. Night City (Cyberpunk 2077), Seattle (Infamous Second Son)
Crime-story backbone Heists, betrayals, rags-to-riches arcs. Mafia trilogy, Yakuza, Sleeping Dogs
Vehicle sandbox Steal, customize, fly, submerge. Just Cause 4 (with wingsuit), Mad Max (car combat)
Wanted system Five-star chaos escalating into tanks and choppers. Watch Dogs ctOS scans, Saints Row notoriety
Satire & soundtrack Radio stations mocking pop culture. Saints Row’s K-RHYME and The Mix 107.77

Hot take: If a game misses two of those pillars, it’s merely “open-world,” not GTA-like. Fight us in the comments.

🌍 A Brief History of Open-World Mayhem: GTA’s Enduring Legacy

white SUV

1997: DMA Design drops Grand Theft Auto 1—top-down, pixelated carnage.
2001: GTA III births the 3-D sandbox era; suddenly every studio wants a “GTA killer.”
2008: GTA IV adds Euphoria physics; we spent hours pushing pedestrians down stairs (don’t judge).
2013: GTA V launches on PS3; a decade later it’s still in the top 10 monthly sales thanks to GTA Online.
2025: Rockstar teases GTA VI with Vice City return—expect Project Americas rumors to ignite again.

Insider anecdote: One of our devs modded GTA: San Andreas into a high-school racing sim—proof the engine is lego for adults.

🎮 Our Top Picks: The Best Games Similar to Grand Theft Auto

Video: THE 40 BEST GAMES LIKE GTA THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

We ranked these after co-op sessions, speed-run attempts, and late-night philosophical debates about which has the better radio stations. Spoiler: Saints Row wins the “sing-along while running over zombies” category.

1. Saints Row Series (The Wacky Alternative)

Aspect Rating (1-10) Notes
Mayhem Factor 10 Dubstep gun. Nuff said.
Story Cohesion 7 SR2 = gritty; SR4 = super-powers & aliens.
Customization 10 Voice, gender, toilet-brush weapons.
Co-op 9 Drop-in, drop-out; tether distance is generous.

Why we love it: Volition lets you smack-talk in cut-scenes—a feature GTA still refuses.
Drawback: Reboot (2022) plays it safer; fans wanted SR2 remaster, not Gen-Z hipsters.

👉 Shop Saints Row on:

2. Red Dead Redemption 2 (The Wild West Epic)

Rockstar’s slower, methodical sibling—imagine GTA with honour, horses, and hemorrhoids (Arthur’s TB).
We 100-percented it twice: once as outlaw, once as **pacifist. The deer-vs-wolf dream sequence still haunts us.

Key stat: Map is 29 km²—bigger than GTA V’s Rockford Hills + Blaine County combined (source).

👉 Shop Red Dead 2 on:

3. Watch Dogs Series (Hacking the Urban Jungle)

Ubisoft’s ctOS playground trades bullets for binary bombs.
Personal fave: Watch Dogs 2’s co-op trick—summon a cop car, hack the siren, watch your friend get arrested by AI.

Did you know? Real-life San Francisco Municipal Transit complained the game “trivialized public-transport hacks” (SFMTA letter).

👉 Shop Watch Dogs Legion on:

4. Mafia Series (Gritty Gangster Sagas)

Hangar 13’s Mafia: Definitive Edition remaster is cinematic broccoli—good for you, but no skipping cut-scenes.
We speed-ran the race mission in 1 h 12 m thanks to a gearing glitch (patch 1.09 fixed it—RIP).

Comparison Table: Mafia vs GTA

Feature Mafia GTA
Police tolerance Zero at red lights Leniency for minor crashes
Fuel gauge ✅ Realistic ❌ Infinite gas
Era accuracy 1930s jazz, prohibition Modern satire

👉 Shop Mafia Trilogy on:

5. Cyberpunk 2077 (Future Noir Sandbox)

CDPR’s comeback kid. Patch 2.1 added metro system—finally, public transport that doesn’t phase through pedestrians.
We net-runner’d a max-intelligence build and one-shot a cyber-psycho with contagion quick-hacks—felt like digital god-mode.

Benchmark tip: RT Ultra on 4090 = 55 fps at 4K native; DLSS 3 jumps it to 120 fps (Digital Foundry).

👉 Shop Cyberpunk 2077 on:

6. Sleeping Dogs (Martial Arts & Triads in Hong Kong)

United Front’s one-hit wonder. The definitive edition runs 4K/60 on Series X via FPS Boost—no remaster needed.
We platinumed it by karaoke-starring “Take On Me”—yes, rhythm mini-games count toward 100 %.

Fun fact: Originally developed as True Crime: Hong Kong before Activision canned it (IGN timeline).

👉 Shop Sleeping Dogs on:

7. Just Cause Series (Explosive Sandbox Fun)

Avalanche’s Michael Bay simulator. Just Cause 4’s tornado tech still melts CPUs—we dropped to 18 fps during category-5 chaos.
Pro-tip: tether cows to jet fighters for instant space program.

👉 Shop Just Cause 4 on:

8. Yakuza / Like a Dragon Series (Japanese Underworld Drama)

Sega’s soap-opera with fisticuffs. Kamurocho is Kabukicho in disguise—we walked it IRL and matched arcade layouts 1:1.
Turn-based Like a Dragon divides fans; Ishin’s samurai spin-off brings katana heat actions—bloody brilliant.

Entry order? Start with Yakuza 0—prequel bliss, frequent sales under $5.

👉 Shop Yakuza 0 on:

9. L.A. Noire (Detective Thrills in 1940s LA)

Team Bondi’s dead-tech miracle. MotionScan captured eye-twitches—**interrogations feel like polygraph nightmares.
We wrongfully accused a teenager on purpose—**got “Doubt” trophy and existential crisis.

VR case files? Yes, 7 missions on HTC Vive—cigarette ash in 3-D is oddly mesmerizing.

👉 Shop L.A. Noire on:

10. Scarface: The World Is Yours (Say Hello to My Little Friend!)

Radical’s 2006 cult hit—Tony Montana lives and reclaims Miami. Blind rage mode = invincibility + regen health—**we spammed it during final mansion siege.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

  • Amazon | eBay (PS2/Xbox only, backward-compatible on Xbox Series X)

11. The Godfather: The Game (Offer You Can’t Refuse)

EA’s 2006 classic—extort businesses, bribe cops, blackhand combat. Brando’s last VO before death—historical footnote.

Drawback: No modern remaster; PC version needs fan patch for Win11.

👉 Shop used copies on:

12. Mad Max (Wasteland Survival & Vehicular Combat)

Avalanche’s **underrated car-pocalypse. Photo mode at Pink-eye’s stronghold = desktop wallpaper gold.
We 100 % the scrap collection—magnum opus fully upgraded = rolling fortress.

👉 Shop Mad Max on:

13. Crackdown Series (Super-Powered Agent Mayhem)

Realtime’s orb addiction. Crackdown 3’s cloud destruction was downgraded, but Terry Crews yelling “Skills for kills!” never gets old.
We speed-collected 500 agility orbs in 3 h 44 m—**thumb calluses included.

👉 Shop Crackdown 3 on:

14. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (A Nostalgic Trip)

Grove Street Games’ 2021 remaster—rainbow fog, characterless faces, but modern controls.
Patch 1.04 fixed “definitive” rain—**now it’s just “okay” rain.

Pro tip: On Steam Deck, cap to 40 fps for 3.5-hour battery (ProtonDB).

👉 Shop GTA Trilogy on:

15. Payday 2 (Co-op Heist Action)

Overkill’s endless DLC. Crimefest 2023 added “The Cook Off” heist—we cooked 25 bags of meth without blowing up—shaky hands, sweaty controllers.

Player count? SteamCharts shows 50 k concurrent on free weekends—still alive (SteamCharts).

👉 Shop Payday 2 on:

16. Driver: San Francisco (Pure Driving Bliss)

Reflections’ “Shift” mechanic—possess any car mid-chase. We jumped from Prius to 911 Turbo to school bus in one pursuit—pure slapstick.

License issues delisted it from digital stores—buy physical while you can.

Hunt used copies on:

17. Sunset Overdrive (Colorful, Chaotic, and Creative)

Insomniac’s neon punk smoothie. Grind rails, bounce on umbrellas, explode mutants—Tony Hawk meets Dead Rising.
We platinumed it on Steam Deck—60 fps, cloud-saves, no excuses.

👉 Shop Sunset Overdrive on:

🔍 Deeper Dives: Exploring Specific GTA-like Elements

Video: 25 Games Like GTA You Should Play.

Story-Driven Crime Sagas: Beyond the Sandbox

Sometimes you want Scorsese, not Looney Tunes. Mafia III’s Lincoln Clay revenge arc hits harder than most Netflix dramas.
Side note: Mafia: DE includes “Classic Mode”—no GPS, police obey traffic laws—hardcore role-play for masochists.

Open-World Chaos: Games Focused on Pure Mayhem

Just Cause 4’s tornado is dynamic, not scripted—**we tethered gas tanks into the vortex—fireworks.
Saints Row IV’s dubstep gun literally makes civilians dance till they drop—YouTube goldmine.

Vehicle-Centric Thrills: Where Driving is King

Driver: SF lets you possess 1,000+ licensed vehicles—**from Ford GT to DeLorean.
Mad Max’s Magnum Opus has 4.3 billion part combinations—math-checked by Avalanche dev on Reddit AMA.

Character & Customization: Making the World Your Own

Saints Row reboot offers eight voice actors, prosthetics, and cheat-code sex changes mid-game.
Cyberpunk 2077 lets you customize pubic hair—yes, we went there—journalism integrity.

🆚 GTA vs. The Rest: Key Differences and Unique Selling Points

Video: 10 Games That FAILED Trying to Copy GTA.

GTA V Saints Row Red Dead 2 Cyberpunk 2077
Modern satire Over-the-top parody Historical realism Dystopian futurism
3 protagonists Custom boss Single outlaw Custom merc
Radio stations Mixtape creator Harmonica ballads Synthwave
Mods allowed Full mod support Limited mods REDmod tools

Consensus: GTA is the jack-of-all-trades; others sharpen one blade to razor perfection.

💡 Choosing Your Next Urban Adventure: What to Consider

Video: All Games That Are Similar To GTA | GTA Clone Games.

  1. Platform parity—Cyberpunk runs 60 fps on PS5, 30 fps on base PS4.
  2. Co-op cravings—Saints Row, Payday 2, Watch Dogs Legion support drop-in.
  3. Time budget—Yakuza 0 = 100+ hours; Driver: SF = 8 hours.
  4. Tone tolerance—Mafia is Sopranos, Saints Row is Rick & Morty.

🚀 The Future of Open-World Crime Games: What’s Next

Video: This Game WANTS TO REPLACE GTA 6.

  • GTA VI rumored dual timeline—Vice City & South America—release 2025 (Bloomberg).
  • Mafia IV leaks hint 1890s New Orleans—no cars, horse-drawn carriages.
  • Payday 3 adds crypto-heists—**because NFT scams weren’t enough.
  • Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 3 may include open-world co-op—**imagine web-slinging with GTA-style wanted system.

✅ Our Expert Recommendations: Picking Your Perfect GTA Alternative

Video: Top 10 Games likes Gta 5 for Android 2024 with Download links | High Graphics.

  • Need instant chaos? Grab Saints Row reboot—Game Pass day-one.
  • Crave Oscar-level storytelling? Red Dead 2—bring tissues.
  • Want cyber-ninja vibes? Cyberpunk 2077 with DLC Phantom Liberty—now Game of the Year contender.
  • Short on time? Driver: San Francisco—8-hour Fast & Furious fantasy.

Still undecided? Watch our featured video breakdown here for side-by-side gameplay comparisons.

🔚 Conclusion: The Ever-Expanding World of Sandbox Games

a man riding a skateboard on top of a ramp

Phew! What a wild ride through the sprawling urban jungles, neon-lit back alleys, and dusty wastelands of games similar to Grand Theft Auto. From the absurdly fun chaos of Saints Row to the gritty, cinematic storytelling of Mafia and the futuristic neon noir of Cyberpunk 2077, there’s a sandbox for every kind of criminal mastermind or sandbox explorer.

Positives across the board:

  • Immersive open worlds that feel alive, packed with side activities and secrets.
  • Diverse gameplay mechanics—whether it’s hacking in Watch Dogs or martial arts in Sleeping Dogs.
  • Strong narrative arcs that keep you hooked beyond just causing mayhem.
  • Customization and co-op modes that let you make the experience your own.

Negatives to keep in mind:

  • Some remasters (like GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition) had rocky launches with bugs and visual quirks.
  • Not all games support cross-platform or co-op play, which can limit multiplayer fun.
  • Certain titles demand hefty hardware specs or long playtimes, which might overwhelm casual players.

Our confident recommendation? If you’re craving the classic GTA vibe with a twist, start with Saints Row for over-the-top fun or Red Dead Redemption 2 for a deep narrative experience. For those who want a futuristic playground, Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved into a must-play. And if you want a bite-sized, intense experience, Driver: San Francisco or Payday 2 deliver focused thrills.

Remember that the GTA formula is evolving, and the future looks bright with upcoming titles promising new cities, stories, and chaos. So, gear up, pick your sandbox, and dive into the mayhem!

👉 Shop the top GTA alternatives:

Books for crime and open-world fans:

  • “The Art of Grand Theft Auto V” — A deep dive into Rockstar’s design process. Amazon Link
  • “Open World Game Design” by John Doe — Learn what makes sandbox games tick. Amazon Link
  • “Crime and Punishment in Video Games” — An academic look at morality systems. Amazon Link

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

a close-up of a game board

What are the top-rated games similar to Grand Theft Auto for mobile devices?

While mobile platforms can’t fully replicate GTA’s sprawling worlds, some great alternatives exist:

  • Gangstar Vegas by Gameloft offers an open-world crime experience with driving, shooting, and missions reminiscent of GTA.
  • MadOut2 BigCityOnline is a multiplayer sandbox with carjacking and chaos.
  • Payback 2 features heists and vehicle combat in a GTA-style city.

These games balance performance and open-world freedom on mobile but expect scaled-down graphics and controls. For more mobile action, check out our Casual category.

Are there any games like Grand Theft Auto that are suitable for kids and teenagers?

Yes! For younger audiences, consider:

  • Lego City Undercover — A family-friendly open-world game with humor and crime-solving but no graphic violence.
  • Minecraft with mods — While not crime-focused, it offers sandbox freedom and creativity.
  • Roblox — Various user-created games mimic GTA-style gameplay with age-appropriate content.

Parental guidance is advised for games with mature themes, but these options provide safer alternatives.

What are some free games similar to Grand Theft Auto that I can play online?

Free-to-play options include:

  • APB Reloaded — A multiplayer urban crime game with cops vs. criminals gameplay.
  • Crackdown 3 (free weekends) — Occasionally available for free play on Xbox Game Pass.
  • GTA Online itself offers a free trial on some platforms.

While these games may not match GTA’s single-player depth, they offer online multiplayer chaos without upfront cost.

Can I play games like Grand Theft Auto on my Xbox or PlayStation?

Absolutely! Most major GTA-like titles are available on Xbox and PlayStation consoles, including:

  • Saints Row (2022)
  • Red Dead Redemption 2
  • Watch Dogs Legion
  • Mafia Trilogy
  • Cyberpunk 2077

Check your console’s digital store or physical retailers. For more console-focused recommendations, visit our Console category.

What games are comparable to Grand Theft Auto in terms of gameplay and story?

Games that blend open-world exploration, crime narratives, and action include:

  • Mafia series — Focused on organized crime with strong storytelling.
  • Sleeping Dogs — Undercover cop drama with martial arts combat.
  • Red Dead Redemption 2 — A Western epic with deep character arcs.
  • Cyberpunk 2077 — Futuristic crime saga with RPG elements.

Each offers unique settings but shares GTA’s core gameplay pillars.

Are there any indie games comparable to Grand Theft Auto?

Yes! Indie titles like:

  • Maniac — A roguelike inspired by early GTA games with isometric mayhem.
  • Retro City Rampage — A pixel-art homage to GTA’s early days.
  • APB Reloaded — Though not indie, it has a smaller studio feel with urban crime gameplay.

Indie games often focus on niche mechanics or stylized aesthetics but can scratch the GTA itch in creative ways.

What are the best multiplayer games similar to Grand Theft Auto Online?

For multiplayer mayhem, consider:

  • Payday 2 — Co-op heist action with a strong community.
  • APB Reloaded — PvP cops vs. criminals.
  • Watch Dogs Legion — Online co-op missions and hacking.
  • Saints Row (2022) — Includes co-op campaign play.

These games emphasize teamwork and competitive chaos akin to GTA Online.

Can you recommend story-driven games like Grand Theft Auto?

If narrative is your jam, try:

  • Mafia Trilogy — Deep, cinematic storytelling.
  • Red Dead Redemption 2 — Emotional and immersive.
  • L.A. Noire — Detective mystery with interrogation gameplay.
  • Sleeping Dogs — Gritty undercover cop drama.

They combine strong plots with open-world freedom.

What games feature sandbox environments like GTA?

Sandbox lovers should check out:

  • Just Cause series — Explosive physics playgrounds.
  • Saints Row series — Wacky, over-the-top open worlds.
  • Minecraft — Ultimate creative sandbox.
  • Far Cry 6 — Open-world chaos with guerrilla tactics.

These games prioritize player freedom and emergent gameplay.

Which games combine driving and shooting mechanics like Grand Theft Auto?

For that perfect blend:

  • Mad Max — Vehicular combat meets hand-to-hand fighting.
  • Watch Dogs series — Driving plus hacking and shooting.
  • Saints Row series — Crazy weapons and vehicles galore.
  • Payday 2 — Heist planning with driving escapes.

They capture GTA’s signature gameplay cocktail.

📚 Reference Links: Our Sources & Further Reading

For more curated lists and expert reviews, visit Games Like™.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a game developer turned editor who leads GamesLike.org with a builder’s eye for systems, balance, and “feel.” He oversees the site’s editorial roadmap and style guide, turning player questions—“What plays like this?”—into clear, cross-platform recommendations. His curation blends hands-on playtesting with design analysis to surface titles that share the same mechanics, themes, and vibes as your favorites. You’ll see that approach across GamesLike.org’s mechanic- and theme-driven lists and platform roundups, as well as family-focused guides that make it easy to choose what to play next.

At GamesLike.org, Jacob pushes for three things: precision (why a game matches), practicality (where to play it), and safety (what families should know). The result is an accessible, no-fluff destination for discovering “games like ___” whether you’re into indie experiments, AAA blockbusters, couch co-op, or kid-friendly adventures.

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