Anticipation is mounting for the launch of GTA 6. The gameโs latest trailer stirred even more hype and excitement, confirming the sixth mainline entry in Rockstar Gamesโ flagship series would be released worldwide in 2025. While gamers have never been this close to discovering the Florida-based open world of Leonida, many can hardly endure such a prolonged wait. So, whether you yearn for epic shootouts or simply crave on-screen chaos, the following games capture the GTA vibe to a tee, making them solid options to alleviate the wait.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 got off to a bug-ridden launch, discouraging many players from taking a stab at this triple-A action RPG. Thankfully, numerous patches have since rectified issues. As it stands, exploring the futuristic metropolis of Night City is one compelling ride for GTA fans. In a similar vein to GTA 5, players can sow chaos in a lawless city entrenched in gang warfare โ only this time around, they do so in a cyberpunk dystopian universe.
Spanning six equally diverse regions, from the industrial district of Santo Domingo to the crime-infested Pacifica area and the affluent Westbrook neighborhood, the gameโs vast open-world map rivals the scale of Los Santos, albeit with greater verticality. What Cyberpunk 2077 lacks in GTAโs trademark humor, though, it makes up in storytelling depth and visual mastery.
Sleeping Dogs
If you like yourself an anti-hero odyssey, Sleeping Dogs might be up your alley. This action-adventure title follows the undercover mission of Chinese-American cop Wei Shen, who infiltrates a Triad organization ruling the streets of Hong Kong. With its intricate rendition of the city, this open-world adventure takes you straight to the shadowy underbelly of Hong Kong.
Like in GTA, high-stakes side missions punctuate the main storyline, ranging from adrenaline-pumping motorcycle races to drug busts. As you roam the gameโs map, you can either engage in lawful or illegal activities, bearing in mind that the latter might prompt a police response. Wei Shen showcases his martial arts abilities at every turn, making this sleeper hit the perfect love child between B-movie stunt action flicks and classic Bruce Lee films.
Yakuza 0
With the recent release of Infinite Wealth, Like a Dragon has been on everyoneโs lips. The latest installment in the saga feels more like a passing of the torch story, however. If youโre new to the franchise, Yakuza 0 might be a more appropriate entry point to the Japanese mobster series. Set during Japanโs bubble era, this vintage Yakuza story delves into the early gangster years of Kazuma Kiryu.
Although this prequel strays from GTA gameplay-wise, its retro atmosphere enhanced with Japanese hit songs from the 80s conjures up some strong Vice City vibe. An abundance of side quests and wacky minigames also awaits in the seedy red-light districts of Kamurochล and Sotenbori, from karaoke to bowling and wrestling.
Red Dead Redemption II
Red Dead Redemption II feels very much like a spiritual successor to GTA, only with an Old West swagger to it. The parallels are plain as day in the gameplay department, as players can roam the American Frontier as they see fit, interacting with the world around them in countless ways โ lawful or less so. Outlaw Arthur Morgan is the perfect embodiment of that moral greyness, and exploring the unforgiving heartland of the Wild West in his shoes is a blast, as the game oscillates between gripping story and free exploration.
After a long day of robbing travelers and ambushing stagecoaches, Morgan can routinely loot new items or unwind at the gambling table. The casino minigames in Red Dead might even inspire players to try their luck with real bets. If so, websites like casinobonusca help them find the right bonus to start a bankroll. From free spins to sign-up promotions, hundreds of reward schemes are listed for all users to browse. Filters and comparison tools make it quick and easy to sort casino offers. Moreover, experts publish in-depth learning material for players to navigate the world of online casinos more confidently.
Another year shall go by before gamers can get their hands on GTA 6, but there is no shortage of options to explore to enjoy a similar story and atmosphere. Taking you from 80s Japan to the Old West, the games above contain plenty of fun side quests and crime-ridden missions. If youโre more into retrograming, older Rockstar Games entries like Bully and Manhunt are also worth trying.
