The long wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 continues. If you are anything like the majority of fans, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and frustration.

With Rockstar keeping things a secret and only uncertain release windows floating around, many players ask the same question: What do we play in the meantime?

Luckily, there is no shortage of incredible games that deliver the same kind of freedom. Whether you are into open-world exploration, crime narratives, or just causing mass destruction, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of the best games to dive into while waiting for Grand Theft Auto 6.

From Rockstar themselves – Red Dead Redemption 2

The frustrating wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 has overshadowed Rockstar’s earlier masterpieces, which many fans seem to have overlooked.

If you are looking for a game to fill the void, there is no better game to choose than Red Dead Redemption 2. It is not just a cowboy game, it is an immersive masterpiece. A prime example of Rockstar setting new boundaries. To this day, Red Dead Redemption 2 remains the greatest Western game ever made. Whether you are exploring the vast landscape or engaging in gunfights, every moment feels purposeful. Each interaction unfolds naturally and leaves a lasting impact.

Why is Red Dead Redemption 2 Worth Revisiting?

1. The Narrative – This game features one of the most emotionally impactful narratives in the history of gaming, revolving around the beloved character Arthur Morgan.
2. Freedom – While the main story is engaging, you are always free to roam around and explore the amazing and detailed world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
3. Stunning Visuals and Soundtrack – Even years after release, games are still struggling to come even close to this masterpiece. The dynamic weather, lifelike animations, and cinematic scenes all contribute to the timeless atmosphere this game delivers.
4. Attention to detail – The attention to detail is breathtaking with Red Dead Redemption 2. No matter where you are or what you are doing, there is always something subtle catching your eye. You frequently find yourself pausing mid-ride or mid-mission just to admire the world around you.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

An enduring favorite that continues to live on in the hearts of gamers around the globe. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas remains one of the most influential games ever made. It paved the path for the open-world games we know and love today.

Why is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Worth Revisiting?

1. Compelling Story and Characters – The narrative follows Carl “CJ” Johnson as he returns to Los Santos after his mother’s death. Carl Johnson is easily one of the most iconic video game characters in the world. The names “Los Santos” and “CJ” spark joy and nostalgia in millions of gamers worldwide.
2. A Sense of humor – In modern gaming, it is rare that a game balances humor, chaos, and absurdity as well as San Andreas. One moment, you are in a gang shoot-out; the next, you are skydiving onto a moving train or stealing a jetpack from a military base. The game does not take itself too seriously. It has satirical radio ads and incredible music, so you are never bored while having to cross half the map for just one mission.
3. Modding community – The game was released in 2004. and still has a thriving modding community. From graphical overhauls to Multiplayer mods, you can experience the game in entirely new ways.

Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs

Watch Dogs offers a fresh take on open-world games, focusing on hacking and surveillance in a modern city. Developed by Ubisoft, the series lets you control a hacker who manipulates the city’s infrastructure using a smartphone. Some may call it “too much like science fiction,” but Watch Dogs blends Grand Theft Auto-style freedom with innovative mechanics.

Why is Watch Dogs Worth Revisiting?

1. Familiar but Fresh – Watch Dogs delivers the same core open-world freedom that makes Grand Theft Auto so addictive, but with a modern twist. Like Grand Theft Auto, you will find yourself stealing cars, taking part in high-speed police chases, and completing missions across the city. But Watch Dogs pushes the concept even further by turning the city’s entire digital infrastructure into your personal playground.
2. Hacking as a weapon – This game’s main gameplay cycle consists of unconventional game mechanics that rely on hacking, a new and innovative approach to combat and stealth. With just a few taps on your virtual smartphone, you can blackout entire city blocks, manipulate traffic signals, or instantly access the personal data of any passerby.
3. It’s Budget-Friendly! – Watch Dogs frequently goes on sale for dirt cheap. It might already be in your library! If you are looking for a game that will not make a hole in your pocket, this might be your game franchise.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 went through a rollercoaster throughout its development, release, and post-release. It went from a promised masterpiece to a half-baked mess, to a unique masterpiece again.. With dedication, the development team transformed it into everything originally promised- and more! Talk about a glow up…

Why should you try “Cyberpunk 2077“?

1. It’s fixed now! – Cyberpunk 2077 is nothing like it used to be at launch. The transformative 2.0 update completely overhauled the core gameplay systems, introducing revamped police AI, vehicle combat, and a redesigned skill tree. CD Projekt Red has consistently added new content with each update. The game’s once-notorious technical issues have been largely resolved across all platforms.
2. Cutting-Edge Visuals and Technology – Despite being released in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 continues to push the boundaries of gaming technology. This title is a real game-changer when it comes to graphics. It is one of the first games to implement upscaling tech like DLSS 4 and FSR 3. Even if your gaming rig is not top-of-the-line, you can still enjoy its gorgeous ray-traced lighting and reflections! Cyberpunk’s physics simulation, crowd systems, and dynamic day-night cycle create a living and breathing city that few other games have matched.
3. Modding Community – The modding community is very much alive with countless new game-changing mods released every month, making sure you always have something to do.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers a distinctly Japanese perspective on open-world crime games. Their take on this genre feels worlds apart from Grand Theft Auto’s American satire. Yakuza throws out most open-world clichés. The map is small but packed; you will walk, not drive, and almost behind every corner, you will be met with a side quest or mini-game.

Why give “Yakuza: Like a Dragon” a visit?

1. No prior knowledge needed – You do not need to have played the previous Yakuza games to understand the game’s narrative or the importance of the characters. Yes, it helps to have played the other Yakuza games, but not having played them really doesn’t take away much from the experience!
2. Absurd and Emotional – The game balances absurdity with heartfelt drama. One moment you are fighting thugs with traffic cones, the next one you are tearing up.
3. Deep RPG Mechanics – Yakuza Like a Dragon goes full RPG, having complete classes (called “jobs”), leveling systems, and turn-based battles.

The Mafia series

Unlike Grand Theft Auto’s satirical approach to crime, the Mafia series delivers a more grounded, cinematic take on organized crime through different eras of American History. The Mafia games prioritize immersive storytelling over sandbox chaos, drawing inspiration from classic gangster films. Each game immerses players in detailed historical settings – from the prohibition-era 1930s to the chaotic streets of the 1960s

Why is The Mafia Series worth visiting?

1. Authentic Periods – Each game captures its era with remarkable historical detail. Mafia 2, for instance, does a great job immersing players in post-World War 2 America, with its streets filled with period accurate vehicles. Even the storefronts advertise products from the 1940s and 50s.
2. Immersive story – What sets the Mafia Series apart from other games is the cinematic and immersive storytelling that feels authentic to the period. 2k Czech paid attention to every corner of Mafia 2 making sure to remove any immersion breaking elements.
3. The Definitive Edition Remake – The remake of Mafia 1 completely overhauls the original game with modern visuals and voice acting, making it perfect for newcomers.

So there you have it! Whether you are robbing banks on horsebacks, hacking neon-lit cities, or living life as an ex-Yakuza member – you’ve got more than enough content to last you till the release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

We hope to see you in the future with new updates from your favorite games, and wish you a pleasant day.

Armin Resimović