Games like GTA: 11 best Grand Theft Auto alternatives

By Joe Julians

Published: Wednesday, 21 December 2022 at 12:00 am

It has been almost 10 years and *checks notes* about 473 remasters since we were first given the opportunity to play GTA 5, and yet here we are without even a slither of officially released footage from the hugely anticipated GTA 6.

2023 will almost certainly be the year that we hear lots about it, but we could still be years away from a release, so you would be better off trying out one of the many other games that could help fill the GTA void.

So with that in mind, here are 11 alternatives to Grand Theft Auto that may help make the wait a little easier.

11 Games like GTA

Cyberpunk 2077

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Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Stadia

While CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 was a bit of a disaster at release, time has been very kind to it and we now have the sprawling sci-fi game that we were promised. And what a game it is too. Gorgeous to look at, a ton of fun to play (even if combat is a tad frustrating) and a brilliantly engaging story. Now’s the time to play, so immerse yourself in Night City today!

The Mafia Trilogy

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Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation, PC

There are things to like about all the Mafia games and each of them will provide some enjoyment for fans of GTA. However, the second is the best of the bunch in our eyes, with the third being a game that fell short thanks to being way too repetitive. Play the second, though. It’s a fantastic game. Here’s hoping the upcoming Mafia 4 will be worth shouting about, as well.

The Red Dead Redemption series

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Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation (and the second game is on PC and Stadia)

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a more obvious choice given the fact that it’s newer, looks way better, and has a similar multiplayer offering to GTA Online. But that game is too obsessed with realism to be as enjoyable as its predecessor, and that is easily the better of the two games in our minds. Red Dead Redemption was the defining game of an era, and we think that GTA fans will really get a kick out of it (if they haven’t already had the pleasure).

Sleeping Dogs

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Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation, PC

At the time of release, this was a game that loads of us were talking about – and for very good reason. Taking on the triads was so much fun with a combat system that was mesmerising to watch in action. We still hold out hope that a Sleeping Dogs 2 will eventually materialise at some point.

Payday 2

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Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch

Crime is at the forefront of the action in GTA, and it very much is here in the Payday universe, too. The goal with Payday 2 is to pull off many heists while working as a team to do so. It’s fun, tense, sometimes tricky, and it’s a game we keep coming back to.

Saints Row: The Third

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Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Switch

Yes, there was a Saints Row remake released this year, but the third game is still our go-to when we need some Saints Row carnage. It’s just so much fun from start to finish, and we highly recommend the frankly bonkers fourth game, too.