GTA 6 arrives on November 19, 2026. Pre-load is open, the hype is huge… and the last days are the longest. Here are the 10 best games like GTA to fill the wait — open worlds, crime stories, cars and chaos.
1. Grand Theft Auto V
The obvious one. If you never finished the story of Michael, Franklin and Trevor, now is the moment. The heists are still some of the best missions Rockstar ever made, and GTA Online is still active. See how it compares with the new game: GTA 6 vs GTA 5.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar’s western masterpiece is the best preview of the level of detail GTA 6 is aiming for: living towns, reactive NPCs and one of the strongest stories in gaming. Slower than GTA, but unforgettable.
3. GTA Vice City & GTA San Andreas
GTA 6 returns to Vice City, so replaying the 2002 classic is the perfect warm-up. San Andreas is still the most loved GTA for many players. Our guide: GTA Vice City vs San Andreas: how to play in 2026.
4. Mafia: Definitive Edition
A remake of the cult classic set in 1930s America. More linear than GTA but with a cinematic gangster story and great period cars.
5. Mafia: The Old Country
The latest Mafia goes back to the origins of the mob in early 1900s Sicily. A story-driven game you can finish in a weekend — ideal before GTA 6.
6. Sleeping Dogs
An undercover cop in Hong Kong’s triads, with excellent martial-arts combat and car chases. Still one of the most underrated GTA-like games ever.
7. Watch Dogs 2
Hacking, drones and a colourful San Francisco. Lighter in tone than GTA, but a fun sandbox with lots of freedom.
8. Saints Row
If you love GTA’s crazy side, Saints Row is pure over-the-top fun. More on the series here: Saints Row.
9. Cyberpunk 2077
A huge futuristic city, cars, gangs and a mature story. After its updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, it is one of the best open-world games available.
10. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 / Marvel’s Wolverine
Not crime games, but the best way to enjoy a big modern city on PS5. Swing through New York in Spider-Man 2 or try Insomniac’s latest, Marvel’s Wolverine.
Quick tips before GTA 6 launches
- Free up space on your console — GTA 6 is a very large download.
- Start the pre-load now if you pre-ordered.
- Still hesitating between editions? Read GTA 6 Standard vs Ultimate Edition.
- On PC? Here is the latest: GTA 6 PC release date.
Which game are you playing while waiting for GTA 6? Tell us in the comments!
Featured image: Der. Bellemer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source.