The 10 Best Games to Play While You Wait for Grand Theft Auto 6

Of all the games on this list, Saints Row 2 is the closest to Grand Theft Auto. It’s a similarly cynical take on a life of crime, though with a bit more slapstick humor than its more popular competitor. The next game in the series, Saints Row 3, gets even more bizarre, so that one is worth checking out if your goal is sheer chaos.

It might be a little reductive to say that Mafia is basically old-timey GTA, but it’s not entirely wrong. Mafia: Definitive Edition breathes new life into the original game, making it the most polished and easiest to play of the series. It follows the story of the Salieri crime family, focusing on a cab driver who’s new to their sordid world.

While you’re waiting for Rockstar’s next gigantic open-world game, why not play the studio’s last gigantic open-world game for a while? Red Dead Redemption 2 captures the same wild open-world spirit of the Grand Theft Auto games in a compelling Western tale. More than just an old-school take on GTA, Red Dead Redemption 2 features a surprisingly deep simulation of life on the frontier.

Watch Dogs 2 is a very different kind of open-world game. While there’s plenty of action, its focus is on hacking and clever thinking rather than just causing chaos. It’s also got a focus on story, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants their open-world playground to have a little more depth.

Most games on this list are set more or less in the real world, like the Grand Theft Auto series. If you need a break from reality (don’t we all) but still want GTA’s open-world vibes, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is your best bet. It captures the same feeling of absolute freedom, just with horses and swords instead of cars and guns. Make sure to check out its DLC as well, which tell some of the game’s best stories.

Cyberpunk 2077 takes GTA’s crime-ridden open world to the next level. With plenty of inventive skills and weapons to play with, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants open-ended gameplay and a compelling story.

Just Cause is a series for anyone who thinks GTA’s open-world hijinks are too tame. Its signature grappling hook makes dashing around the world a joy. The whole series is good, but Just Cause 3 tends to be the fans’ pick.

Like Grand Theft Auto, Yakuza is an open-world crime story, but with the addition of lots of silly minigames. Yakuza 0 is a remake of the series’ first game, introducing players to Kazuma Kiryu, the gangster with a heart of gold. That makes it the perfect jumping on point for a series that can hold your attention until Grand Theft Auto 6 sees the light of day.

Released in 2015, Mad Max is an underrated open-world gem. It’s definitely got its quirks, from a weak story to repetitive quests, but its focus on vehicular combat with a customizable car is completely unmatched. Mad Max offers a very different experience from the Grand Theft Auto games, so you can play while you wait for GTA 6 without worrying about spoiling your appetite.

Its combination of martial arts, gunplay, and driving makes Sleeping Dogs feel something like a mix of GTA and Yakuza. On top of tremendously fun open-world gameplay, Sleeping Dogs also features a compelling story about an undercover cop set in a vibrant recreation of Hong Kong. Despite a good reception, Sleeping Dogs fell short of Square Enix’s expectations, so unfortunately it seems it will never get an ambitious sequel.