Top 10 Open-World Games Like GTA 6 You Should Play Right Now

Ever since Grand Theft Auto VI started dominating headlines, gamers everywhere have been searching for open-world games that can deliver the same level of freedom, action, storytelling, and chaos. While waiting for GTA 6, there are already some incredible games you can dive into right now that offer massive worlds, unforgettable characters, and endless things to do.

Whether you love crime stories, realistic cities, crazy action, or simply exploring huge maps, these games will definitely keep you busy.

1. Cyberpunk 2077

If you want a futuristic open-world experience with deep storytelling and stunning visuals, Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the best choices. Set in Night City, the game feels alive with neon streets, gangs, vehicles, and side missions around every corner.

Cyberpunk 2077 is set in the futuristic Night City, where crime and technology rule the world. You play as V, a mercenary trying to become a legend. After a dangerous mission fails, V gets a mysterious biochip5[0 implanted in their head. The chip contains the mind of Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves. Together, they fight powerful corporations while trying to survive and save V’s life.

After multiple updates and improvements, the game is now in a much better state than at launch. The driving, combat, and freedom make it feel surprisingly close to GTA in some ways, especially when exploring the city.

Why you should play it:

• Massive futuristic city

• Great story and characters

• Amazing graphics on PS5 and PC

• Tons of side activities

Honestly if you ask my recommendation than you should definitely play this game as the neon colour visuals and the utterly stunning gameplay left me stunned.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Made by the same developers behind GTA 6, Red Dead Redemption 2 is easily one of the greatest open-world games ever created. Instead of modern cities, this game takes you into the Wild West with horses, guns, robberies, and emotional storytelling.

Set in the dying days of the Wild West, the story follows Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang. As lawmen close in and the gang begins falling apart, Arthur struggles between loyalty to his family and doing what’s morally right.

The world feels incredibly realistic. NPCs react naturally, towns feel alive, and there’s always something happening while exploring.

Did you know there is online mode as well which never lets you get bored even if you have finished the story mode game.

Why you should play it:

• One of the best stories in gaming

• Extremely realistic world

• Incredible graphics and details

• Huge map full of secrets

3. Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 gives strong GTA vibes, especially because of its modern open-world setting and city exploration. You play as Marcus Holloway, a hacker trying to take down corrupt systems in San Francisco.

You play as Marcus Holloway, a talented hacker living in San Francisco. After being falsely accused by a corrupt surveillance system, Marcus joins the hacking group DedSec to expose corruption and take down powerful tech corporations.

The hacking mechanics make the gameplay unique. You can control traffic lights, hack cameras, steal cars, and complete missions in creative ways.

This game was one of the best game launched in 2016 that had such immense gameplay.

Why you should play it:

• Fun hacking gameplay

• Modern city atmosphere

• Great humor and characters

• Similar freedom to GTA games

4. Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs is one of the most underrated open-world games ever made. Set in Hong Kong, the game combines martial arts combat with crime drama and undercover police action.

The game follows Wei Shen, an undercover police officer sent to infiltrate dangerous gangs in Hong Kong. As he rises through the criminal underworld, Wei struggles between his duty as a cop and his growing loyalty to the gang.

The hand-to-hand combat system is fantastic and feels very different from most GTA-style games. The story is also surprisingly emotional and engaging.

Why you should play it:

• Excellent martial arts combat

• Great crime story

• Beautiful open-world city

• Strong GTA-inspired gameplay

5. Mafia Definitive Edition

If you enjoy story-focused crime games, Mafia Definitive Edition is a must-play. The game takes place in the 1930s and delivers a cinematic gangster experience inspired by classic mafia movies.

You play as Tommy Angelo, a simple taxi driver whose life changes after getting involved with the mafia. As Tommy climbs the ranks of a crime family during the 1930s, he becomes trapped in a dangerous world of violence and betrayal.

Although the open world is smaller than GTA, the storytelling and atmosphere are incredible.

Why you should play it:

• Amazing cinematic story

• Beautiful remake visuals

• Realistic driving and gunplay

• Strong emotional characters

6. Saints Row IV

Saints Row IV is basically GTA turned completely insane. Instead of realism, this game focuses on over-the-top fun, crazy weapons, superpowers, and ridiculous missions.

The leader of the Saints gang becomes the President of the United States after stopping a terrorist attack. Soon after, aliens invade Earth and trap everyone inside a virtual simulation, forcing the player to use superpowers to save humanity.

You can jump over buildings, run at super speed, and cause absolute chaos in the city.

Why you should play it:

• Pure fun gameplay

• Crazy action and humor

• Superpowers make exploration exciting

• Perfect for casual gaming

7. Just Cause 3

Just Cause 3 gives players total freedom to destroy almost everything in the game world. Explosions, wingsuits, grappling hooks, and massive action scenes make the gameplay unforgettable.

You play as Rico Rodriguez, a rebel fighter returning to his homeland of Medici. His mission is to overthrow the brutal dictator General Di Ravello using explosive weapons, vehicles, and complete chaos.

The map is huge and filled with enemy bases, vehicles, and creative destruction opportunities.

Why you should play it:

• Massive open world

• Incredible destruction physics

• Fun traversal mechanics

• Endless chaos and explosions

8. Ghost of Tsushima

Although it’s very different from GTA, Ghost of Tsushima offers one of the most beautiful open worlds ever created. Set in feudal Japan, the game combines exploration, sword combat, stealth, and emotional storytelling.

Set during the Mongol invasion of Japan, the story follows samurai Jin Sakai. After his homeland is attacked, Jin must abandon traditional samurai ways and become the “Ghost” to protect Tsushima Island.

The world design is absolutely stunning, especially on PS5.

Why you should play it:

• Gorgeous visuals

• Smooth combat system

• Relaxing exploration

• Incredible atmosphere

9. Far Cry 6

Far Cry 6 drops players into a large tropical island controlled by a dictator. The game features vehicles, weapons, side missions, and chaotic combat similar to GTA-style gameplay.

You play as Dani Rojas, a freedom fighter trying to overthrow dictator Antón Castillo, who rules the island nation of Yara. As civil war spreads across the country, Dani joins rebels to fight for freedom.

There’s plenty of freedom in how you approach missions, and the open world is filled with activities.

Why you should play it:

• Huge map to explore

• Fun combat and vehicles

• Open-ended gameplay

• Lots of action

10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Even though it focuses more on fantasy RPG elements, The Witcher 3 remains one of the greatest open-world games of all time. The world feels alive, the side quests are incredible, and exploration is extremely rewarding.

The story follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter Ciri, who is being hunted by the deadly Wild Hunt. Along the journey, Geralt faces dangerous monsters, wars, and difficult choices that shape the world around him.

If you enjoy deep storytelling and massive worlds, this game is still worth playing today.

Why you should play it:

• Legendary story and characters

• Massive open world

• Excellent side quests

• Beautiful next-gen update

Final Thoughts

Waiting for GTA 6 feels harder every day, but thankfully there are already plenty of amazing open-world games available right now. Whether you want realistic crime stories, futuristic cities, chaotic action, or beautiful exploration, these games offer experiences that every GTA fan should try.

Some games focus on storytelling, while others focus on freedom and destruction, but all of them deliver the excitement that open-world gamers love.

If you’re planning to play only one game before GTA 6 releases, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 are probably the closest experiences to Rockstar’s level of world-building and immersion.

Which of these games is your favorite? And which one are you planning to play next while waiting for GTA 6?