We’re so close to theGrand Theft Auto 6trailer we can practically smell it. It smells like yearning and sun lotion. While all of us wait with bated breath for some concrete details there are plenty of games to keep us going until the launch which could be, as far as anyone knows, a year away.
GTA 6 is almost here and we’re all waiting with bated breath
TheGTAformula is a tried and tested one, often utilised in many games nowadays. The crime spree action may inspire these games, the vast open-worlds or the engaging cast of characters. Whatever the inspiration, these are the best game to play while we all wait forGTA6.
Saints Row
Deep Silver
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You could really add any version ofSaints Rowhere, but for the sake of ease, let’s focus on the reboot from 2022. When it first launched it was a messy game that many considered to be the worst in the franchise. Since then, the game has grown and evolved into something a lot more playable. Toe to toe,Saints Rowis the closest you could come toGTA. It featured many of the same tropes including mission structure, crime sprees, personalisation, and action-packed sequences. Many hold theSaints Rowfranchise highly because it really leaned into the humour thatGTAonce left behind.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077/credit: CD Projekt
Watch Dogs 2
Watch Dogs 2
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Taking the crime spree to San Francisco,Watch Dogs 2puts players in control of a hacker called Marcus Holloway. ImagineGTAbut with lots of hacking, co-op play, and plenty of tech gadgets that would makeJames Bondjealous. With a fully dynamic open-world, it felt like the city was in the palm of your hand - you could seemingly hack into everything. Combine this with a great story of rebellion, interacting with NPCs throughout the world, and plenty of small side missions, you have a greatGTA-lite.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Ubisoft
Okay, so maybe this entry doesn’t fit in with every aspect of theGTA-style of games but let’s be honest,Assassin’s Creed Valhallahas an enormous open-world map, plus a high level of killing NPCs. Playing as either male or female, you can become a Viking legend, rather than the boss of a criminal empire. With several long threads of stories that twist and turn throughout the game, there’s a huge narrative to sink into. ThisUbisoftclassic is perfect for those who want to enter a game world that seemingly lasts forever, with lots to explore and plenty of great easter eggs to discover.
Red Dead Redemption 2
RDR2
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This list wouldn’t be worth the pixels its written on with the exclusion ofRed Dead Redemption 2. Aside fromGTAV, it’s Rockstar Games’ masterpiece and it contains a lot of tech that we’ll likely see feature inGTA 6. Of course, it’s clear that the environments are completely different, we get cowboys and bandits here, but much of theRockstar Gamesformula remains. One could argue thatRed Dead Redemption 2features a much more emotional story than itsGTAcousins, with a smaller cast that pulls you into the narrative.
Yakuza 0
Yakuza
WhileYakuza 0does use some of theGTAformula, it’s very much its own beast. The world is smaller, and denser, with a great deal to do when not working through the fantastic story. That is perhapsYakuza’sgreatest feature - the details. AnyYakuzagame. Whether it’s the hostess bars, the SEGA arcades, the sushi restaurants, the odd jobs you can pick up, or any of the collectibles found in the back streets; the city is the biggest character in this crime epic. You can dip into moreYakuzawith theLike a Dragonspin-off, too.
Payday 2
Payday 2
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If you don’t know why we’ve chosenPayday 2over the more recentPayday 3, it can all be found in the launch of the most recent game. Sadly, the third iteration launched with a lot of issues, and players carried on playing the second game instead. So, why are you downloadingPayday 2? If you love the heists found inGTAV, this is the perfect game for you. There’s no open-world, no deep story, just heists and they are brilliantly fun. Each heist requires planning and teamwork to succeed, so sharpen your shooting skills and dive in.
Mafia 3
Mafia 3
Bonus Entry - GTAV
GTAV
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Okay, so we couldn’t construct this list without including the best-sellingGTAgame of all time,GTAV. To be honest, we could have created a list of allGTAgames - there are enough to fill out each entry, plus they all deserve to be played. Including the fifth game in the series is valid as it’ll be the closest iteration to what we’ll get from theGTA 6. There will be the expansive open-world, similar gruff and violent characters, plus all the things we love fromGTA, like businesses to visit, heists to pull off, and plenty of running from the law.
Topics:GTA 5,GTA 6,GTA Online,Grand Theft Auto,Saints Row,Cyberpunk 2077,Watch Dogs,Assassins Creed Valhalla,Red Dead Redemption 2,Rockstar Games
