The Best Open-World Games That Play Like GTA

The term open-world can be applied to games that cover many different genres, from zombie survival games to narrative-driven role-playing games. Providing the player with a large game map they can roam at will is fast becoming a must-have for every successful game.

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However, some titles and franchises did a lot to show how an open-world map can add diversity and improve immersion in a game. For example, the Grand Theft Auto franchise is renowned for demonstrating the impact that player agency has on emergent gameplay, and for empowering the player to take any action they wish, at any time, anywhere in the game world. This is a recipe that many other titles have emulated to some extent.

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Watch Dogs Legion

A Hacking-Focused Revolution In Open-World London

Watch Dogs Legion builds on the gameplay of previous games in the franchise, with its focus on hacking gameplay in an open-world setting. The biggest change in Watch Dogs Legion is that the player can play as any of the NPCs they find in London, recruiting them throughout the game, with each receiving a randomized skillset suited to different gameplay styles.

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Set in the near future, the dystopian open-world map is detailed and looks great. The game shares many gameplay features with GTA, including stealing vehicles, frantic gunfights, and a whole host of tertiary activities the player can enjoy by stepping outside of the main story.

6

Mafia 3

An Open-World Revenge Tale With Great Cutscenes

Taking on the role of Lincoln Clay, a veteran of the Vietnam War, players of Mafia 3 face a quest to get revenge on the Mafia who betrayed Lincoln’s family. Set in the late 60s, with an open-world game map heavily inspired by New Orleans, the game offers many similar activities to GTA.

The driving in Mafia 3 is exceptionally well executed, and a heck of a lot of fun, just like the newer GTA games. There are also a whole host of side missions for the player to enjoy, and some excellent gunplay that is very reminiscent of GTA at times.

5

L.A. Noire

Something Of A Reverse-GTA

L.A. Noire has a lot of similarities with the GTA games, but it has one huge difference as well. In this game, the player is a cop, instead of a criminal. Set in Los Angeles in the 1940s, the player acts as a detective, rooting out corruption and solving crimes.

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Although L.A. Noire is far less chaotic than the GTA games, and a little more seminal, it does have a certain to it feel that is reminiscent of GTA, just from the other side of the tracks. GTA fans might like to give L.A. Noire a try for a change of pace and to play from a different viewpoint.

4

The Getaway

Could Have Been A GTA-Beater

The Getaway

Systems

Released

January 19, 2003

ESRB

m

Way back before open-world games were as common as they are today, The Getaway was released for the PlayStation as a direct competitor to GTA. The game is set in London, and combines two interweaving stories into a single game; one about a reformed criminal, and the other a detective.

Although The Getaway was compared to GTA back in its day, it follows a slightly different route, aiming for realism over sheer chaos. That being said, at launch, it was one of the best PS2 games of the era. It is obviously long in the tooth now, but it was a different take on GTA-style gameplay in its day.

3

Cyberpunk 2077

Like GTA In The Future

Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has matured into an incredible gaming experience, especially when the Phantom Liberty DLC is taken into account. Set in the futuristic Night City, the adventure revolves around playing as V, a mercenary with the invasive personality of Johnny SIlverhand (played by Keannu Reeves) trying to take over his mind.

Gameplay similarities are myriad when compared to GTA games. Free-form chaos in an open-world map, stealing vehicles, gunfights, escaping from the police, and plenty of side quests, to name a few examples. However, Cyberpunk 2077 adds some quality RPG aspects as well in the form of character and skill progression, along with a branching narrative.

2

Saints Row 2

More Crime Comedy Than Crime Drama

It could be said that, overall, GTA games play out as a crime drama with hints of comedy. Well, if this is the case, then Saints Row 2 could be called a “crime comedy” with the rare hint of drama. It shares many gameplay features with GTA games, including a large open-world map, but it takes all the GTA-style activities and does them in an over-the-top, often hilarious way.

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The gameplay revolves around being a member of the Third Street Saints, a gang trying to rebuild their power and reputation, and claim some fresh turf. Gang wars, insurance fraud, theft, and, of course, gunplay are all available to the player, in ways that go above and beyond the absurdity of GTA in most cases.

1

Just Cause 3

Part Action Star, Part Freedom Fighter

Think of Just Cause 3 as being very like GTA games, but with larger explosions, and a lot more of them. Filling the shoes of a freedom fighter named Rico Rodriguez, players use a wide range of weapons—many of which go boom—to liberate a fictional nation in the Mediterranean.

While GTA focuses more on crime, Just Cause 3 leans more toward destruction. That difference aside, there are many similarities, especially when it comes to hijacking aircraft and vehicles. Just Cause 3 is a game that offers a chaotic open-world experience, with plenty of side action, that GTA fans will likely appreciate.

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