Last updated: 1 October 2026
GTA 5, a.k.a. Grand Theft Auto V, is not just a game. For some, it holds a special place in their heart for how easily it can bring back memories of older, simpler times, playing games while hanging out with friends in school. Gaming continues to evolve and improve, but the freedom and level of exploration that Grand Theft Auto V offers make it special to this day. If you have lost that nostalgia or completed GTA 5, or are in search of similar games, then you are in the right place.
In this guide, we have covered the best games like GTA 5 for PC, Android, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. You will also find free alternatives, their release years, and recommendations based on the kind of experience you want.
Best Games Like GTA 5 at a Glance
| Game | Release Year | Platforms | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Story and open-world exploration |
| Watch Dogs 2 | 2016 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Hacking and urban crime |
| Saints Row IV | 2013 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch | Over-the-top sandbox action |
| Mafia III | 2016 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Crime stories and gang warfare |
| Sleeping Dogs | 2012 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Martial arts and undercover crime |
| Just Cause 4 | 2018 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Destruction and stunts |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Futuristic city exploration |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | 2020 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Urban exploration and storytelling |
| Bully: Scholarship Edition | 2008 | PC, Xbox 360, Wii | School-based open-world adventures |
| Gangstar Vegas | 2013 | Android, iOS | Mobile crime and driving |
Release years refer to the original release of each game. Platform availability can vary by edition, region, and backward compatibility.
10 Best Games Like GTA 5
These are our core recommendations for players who want an experience similar to Grand Theft Auto V. Not every game follows the same formula, so we have explained what makes each one worth playing and where it differs from GTA 5.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Action-Adventure, Open World | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
Red Dead Redemption 2 is at the top of our list as it is a game similar to GTA and brings the closest experience. This game could be your next big crush if you enjoy open-world realism and storytelling. It is developed by Rockstar Games, which takes players to a realistic Wild West setting. Arthur Morgan is the protagonist of the game, who lives as an outlaw navigating gang life amid the American frontier fall.
RDR2 has great storytelling, emotions, and character development, and offers diverse gameplay, which includes gunfights, exploration, hunting, and side activities. It not only allows players to move at their own pace but also delivers the same world freedom and cinematic experience that you love in similar games to GTA, making it a perfect alternative to GTA 5.
2. Watch Dogs 2
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Watch Dogs 2 | Action-Adventure, Open World | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
Watch Dogs 2, a tech version of GTA, allows you to control the entire city by just using your smartphone. Here, you become a hacker and use your skills and gadgets to complete missions like hacking traffic lights, controlling security cameras, and stealing data without being seen. The game is set in San Francisco, an open world, and lets you play in your style. Packed with action, stealth, and strategy, its gameplay feels fresh and fun and allows multiple ways to approach a mission. If you are someone who wants to enjoy a classic GTA-like experience but with a modern twist, then this game is for you.
3. Saints Row IV
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Saints Row IV | Action, Open World, Sandbox | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
When we were children, we used to be amazed by Spider-Man and its supernatural powers. Saints Row IV allows you to live those childhood fantasies in a virtual world. You won’t drive cars or shoot enemies here; instead, you will have superpowers like super speed, flying cars across the city, and even telekinesis to toss objects or people like toys. The game is packed with over-the-top missions, wild humour, and completely unpredictable moments.
If games like GTA give you the freedom, Saints Row IV gives you unlimited chaos. Perfect for players who just want to relax, have fun, and enjoy a crazy, no-rules open world experience.
4. Mafia III
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Mafia III | Action-Adventure, Story-Driven | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
If you want your next game to be raw, gritty, and emotional, then Mafia III can be your next game. Based on the emotional crime story set in the late 1960s, where every scene you will feel like a movie. The protagonist of the game is Lincoln Clay, who is out for revenge after his family is betrayed. The game is based on realistic crime mechanics, which feel more grounded and serious with constant tension engaging the player’s interest.
Its storytelling is so powerful that you will start to feel connected to the story after building your empire and taking down the enemies. If you are someone who enjoys GTA-like games but wants something more focused on narrative and emotion rather than just open-world chaos, then this can be your next play.
5. Sleeping Dogs
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Sleeping Dogs | Action-Adventure, Open World | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
Fascinated with action-adventure, cops, and criminals? Then you might like our fifth pick. Sleeping Dogs is set in the vibrant streets of Hong Kong. Here, you play as an undercover cop in a criminal gang to take it down, which adds a unique twist to the usual crime story. If we talk about martial arts combat system and gameplay, it’s smooth even during hand-to-hand fights that will feel straight out of an action movie. The mission is engaging with a detailed open world that perfectly blends GTA-style exploration with engaging storytelling.
6. Just Cause 4
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Just Cause 4 | Action, Open World, Sandbox | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
The number six on this list is Just Cause 4, which is all about the big, massive explosions, insane stunts, and over-the-top action that never slows down. Its standout feature is the grappling hook, which lets you fly across the map, pull objects, and create wild moments that feel almost unreal. There is no need to play it safe here. The game encourages free creativity and destruction, making it one of the best open-world games like GTA 5 for players who just want to enjoy nonstop action and crazy physics.
7. Cyberpunk 2077
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | RPG, Open World | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Cyberpunk 2077 takes the GTA-style open world formula and pushes it into a futuristic world filled with neon lights, advanced technology, and deep storytelling. The game is set in a night city that offers massive environments and character customization. Along with the action-packed missions and RPG elements, it gives you the freedom to play your way, making it a great pick for anyone who wants a GTA-like game with more depth and a sci-fi twist.
8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | RPG, Story-Driven | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One |
The eighth game on our list is Yakuza: Like a Dragon. It is not what most people would think of when they consider a GTA-style game. Unlike most of its competitors, which pour all their energy into gameplay, Yakuza puts most of its effort into a beautiful, emotional story, which leaves the rest of the gameplay as a delivery mechanism. The story is engaging and not devoid of humor or charm. The game is set in an incredibly vibrant and colorful, though fictitious, Japanese city. The city is filled with so many activities and mini-games that the world feels alive.
The combat system is not real-time combat, as would be expected by a game of this style, but turn-based combat instead. Because of this, the combat feels more strategic and much more similar to a real-time strategy game than it is to a classic role-playing game. It is not a game that looks at all like a GTA game, but it is certainly not devoid of charm, humor, or stellar storytelling. It is a game that many consider a much preferred alternative to a GTA-style game.
9. Bully Scholarship Edition
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Bully Scholarship Edition | Action-Adventure, Open World | PC, PS2, Xbox 360, Mobile |
The number nine on this list is Bully: Scholarship Edition, which is an old game like GTA. It delivers a fun, memorable experience much similar to a mini version of GTA set in a school. Instead of crime and gangs, here you deal with school life, attending classes, completing missions, and interacting with different groups of students. The game is filled with humour, quirky characters, and a lighthearted story that keeps things entertaining.
Even today, it stands as one of the best old games like GTA, proving that great gameplay and storytelling never go out of style.
10. Gangster Vegas
| Game Name | Genre | Platforms |
| Gangstar Vegas | Action, Open World | Android, iOS |
If you want a GTA-like experience on your phone, Gangster Vegas is one of the best options out there. It gives you an immersive open-world gameplay experience on your mobile. Also, to keep you engaged, it offers plenty of chaos, engaging missions, vehicles, and weapons. What makes it even better is that you can play it offline, making it perfect for gamers who don’t always have internet access.
While you may not feel a GTA 5-like experience, it still offers GTA-like freedom and action, especially for low-end devices, making it a great choice for mobile gamers looking for a similar experience.
Best Games Like GTA 5 for PC
PC players have access to a wide range of GTA alternatives, from realistic crime dramas to futuristic role-playing games and destruction-focused sandboxes. The following titles are worth considering if you want a similar mix of freedom, missions, driving, and exploration.
| Game | Release Year | Gameplay Style | Why Play It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018 | Western open world | Detailed world and story |
| Watch Dogs 2 | 2016 | Hacking and action | Modern city and flexible missions |
| Sleeping Dogs | 2012 | Crime action | Martial arts and undercover missions |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020 | Open-world RPG | Futuristic city and character builds |
| Mafia III | 2016 | Crime action | Gang warfare and revenge |
| Just Cause 4 | 2018 | Action sandbox | Explosions, stunts, and destruction |
| Saints Row IV | 2013 | Superpowered sandbox | Over-the-top open-world action |
| Yakuza: Like a Dragon | 2020 | Turn-based RPG | City exploration and crime storytelling |
| Bully: Scholarship Edition | 2008 | Action-adventure | Classic Rockstar gameplay |
| Watch Dogs: Legion | 2020 | Open-world action | Hacking and exploration in London |
All these games have PC versions, although system requirements vary considerably. Before purchasing, check the requirements for your hardware and the specific edition you plan to play.
Best Games Like GTA 5 for Android
If you want games like GTA 5 for Android, several mobile titles offer open environments, vehicles, action missions, and sandbox activities.
One important clarification: GTA 5 does not have an official native Android release. Be cautious of websites offering unofficial GTA 5 APKs, especially files that claim to provide the full PC or console game on a phone.
Here are 10 mobile games to consider.
| Game | Release Year | Gameplay Style | Why Play It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangstar Vegas | 2013 | Open-world crime | Driving, missions, and city exploration |
| Gangstar New Orleans | 2017 | Open-world action | Crime missions and an urban setting |
| Payback 2 | 2012 | Arcade sandbox | Races, combat, and chaotic events |
| MadOut2 BigCityOnline | 2017 | Open-world sandbox | Driving and multiplayer activities |
| Dude Theft Wars | 2019 | Comedy sandbox | Free roaming and playful chaos |
| Los Angeles Crimes | 2017 | Open-world action | Sandbox exploration and player-driven activities |
| Grand Criminal Online | 2021 | Multiplayer crime sandbox | Online activities and character progression |
| Vegas Crime Simulator | 2015 | Crime action | Vehicles and missions |
| Real Gangster Crime | 2017 | Open-world crime | City exploration and action |
| Flex City | 2023 | Online crime sandbox | Multiplayer-focused urban gameplay |
Which Android GTA alternative should you choose?
- For a story-driven mobile experience: Start with Gangstar Vegas.
- For short, chaotic sessions: Try Payback 2.
- For free roaming: Consider Dude Theft Wars or Los Angeles Crimes.
- For multiplayer: Look at MadOut2 BigCityOnline or Grand Criminal Online.
Check each game’s current Google Play listing for compatibility, in-app purchases, ads, and internet requirements. Do not assume that a game supports offline play simply because it is a single-player title.
Best Games Like GTA 5 for PS5
If you play on PlayStation 5, you can choose from modern open-world games, crime adventures, and older titles that remain playable through backward compatibility.
| Game | Release Year | Gameplay Style | Why Play It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020 | Open-world RPG | A futuristic city and flexible combat |
| Watch Dogs: Legion | 2020 | Open-world action | Hacking and urban exploration |
| Saints Row | 2022 | Crime sandbox | Customization and chaotic missions |
| Far Cry 6 | 2021 | Open-world shooter | Vehicles, missions, and exploration |
| Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut | 2021 | Open-world action | Exploration and cinematic combat |
| Mafia: Definitive Edition | 2020 | Crime story | A cinematic organized-crime narrative |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018 | Western open world | Story and immersion |
| Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition | 2014 | Crime action | Undercover missions and martial arts |
| Just Cause 4 | 2018 | Action sandbox | Stunts and large-scale destruction |
| Watch Dogs 2 | 2016 | Hacking and action | Urban freedom and flexible missions |
Which PS5 game is closest to GTA 5?
For modern city exploration and flexible missions, Watch Dogs 2 is a strong option. For a grounded crime narrative, Mafia: Definitive Edition is worth considering. If you want a sprawling world with Rockstar-style storytelling, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the strongest alternatives.
Best Games Like GTA 5 for Xbox
Xbox players also have plenty of choices, including crime games, open-world shooters, and sandbox adventures. The following list includes games released for Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, depending on the title and edition.
| Game | Release Year | Gameplay Style | Why Play It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018 | Western open world | Exploration and storytelling |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020 | Open-world RPG | Futuristic city exploration |
| Watch Dogs 2 | 2016 | Hacking and action | Modern city and stealth |
| Watch Dogs: Legion | 2020 | Open-world action | Hacking and varied characters |
| Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition | 2014 | Crime action | Undercover crime and melee combat |
| Mafia III | 2016 | Crime action | Gang warfare and territory control |
| Saints Row | 2022 | Crime sandbox | Customization and open-world chaos |
| Just Cause 4 | 2018 | Action sandbox | Explosions and stunts |
| Far Cry 6 | 2021 | Open-world shooter | Exploration and resistance missions |
| Mafia: Definitive Edition | 2020 | Crime story | A cinematic crime adventure |
Note: Check the exact Xbox edition, generation, and backward-compatibility status before buying.
If you want something closest to the modern crime sandbox, Watch Dogs 2 is a good starting point. If you prefer a large world with shooting, vehicles, and missions, Far Cry 6 offers a different but enjoyable take on open-world action.
Best Games Like GTA 5 for Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch has fewer direct GTA-style alternatives than PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. However, it still offers open-world crime games, sandbox adventures, and action titles that capture parts of the GTA experience.
| Game | Release Year | Gameplay Style | Why Play It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saints Row: The Third – The Full Package | 2019 | Crime sandbox | Urban chaos and missions |
| LEGO City Undercover | 2017 | Open-world action | Police missions and city exploration |
| L.A. Noire | 2017 | Crime investigation | Detective work and an open city |
| Shakedown: Hawaii | 2019 | Top-down crime sandbox | Businesses, missions, and city exploration |
| American Fugitive | 2019 | Top-down crime action | Escaping police and committing crimes |
| Saints Row IV: Re-Elected | 2020 | Superpowered sandbox | Open-world chaos and unusual abilities |
| Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered | 2018 | Destruction sandbox | Destructible environments |
| Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition | 2021 | Crime sandbox | Three classic GTA adventures |
| Minecraft | 2011 | Creative sandbox | Freedom to build and explore |
| The Outer Worlds | 2019 | Open-world-style RPG | Exploration, quests, and player choices |
Which Nintendo Switch game feels most like GTA 5?
Saints Row: The Third – The Full Package is a strong choice if you want crime missions, driving, and urban chaos. LEGO City Undercover is a lighter alternative with a large city and plenty of side activities. If you want an actual Grand Theft Auto experience, the Switch edition of GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is another option, although it contains older GTA games rather than GTA 5.
Best Free Games Like GTA 5
You do not necessarily need to buy a full-priced game to enjoy open-world exploration, driving, or crime-themed action. Several free-to-play mobile games and PC experiences offer parts of what makes GTA 5 entertaining. However, free alternatives can differ significantly from GTA 5. Some focus on multiplayer, others offer arcade-style missions, and a few provide a more traditional open-world crime experience.
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Why Play It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangstar Vegas | 2013 | Android, iOS | Mobile crime missions and driving |
| Payback 2 | 2012 | Android, iOS | Arcade action and chaotic events |
| MadOut2 BigCityOnline | 2017 | Android, iOS | Driving and open-world multiplayer |
| Dude Theft Wars | 2019 | Android, iOS | Lighthearted sandbox gameplay |
| Los Angeles Crimes | 2017 | Android | Free roaming and player-driven activities |
| Grand Criminal Online | 2021 | Android, iOS, subject to availability | Multiplayer crime sandbox |
| APB Reloaded | 2011 | PC | Multiplayer crime and police conflict |
| Unturned | 2017 | PC, consoles depending on edition | Open-world survival and sandbox play |
| Roblox | 2006 | PC, mobile, consoles | Community-created city and crime-themed experiences |
| Fortnite | 2017 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and supported mobile platforms | Free-to-play action and social experiences |
Note: These games are not all direct GTA 5 equivalents. Some are broader sandbox or multiplayer alternatives. Check current platform availability and the terms of the free-to-play model before publishing.
Are free GTA 5 alternatives actually free?
Most free-to-play games let you start without paying for the base experience, but they may include ads, optional purchases, premium currencies, or progression systems designed around spending. If you want a mobile game that offers crime missions and vehicles, Gangstar Vegas is a sensible starting point. If you prefer multiplayer, explore games such as APB Reloaded or suitable community-created experiences. For a more open-ended sandbox, Unturned offers a different kind of freedom built around survival and exploration.
In a Nutshell
There are plenty of open-world alternatives across PC, consoles, and mobile, whether you prefer crime missions, driving, exploration, or sandbox action. Before choosing your next game, compare its gameplay, platform availability, and price to find the right fit. You can also read our guides to GTA 6 vs GTA 5 and GTA 5 modded accounts for more details. If you are looking to purchase games, check out Driffle.
Tell us your fav games like GTA 5 in the comments, and share your thoughts on the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. What is the closest game to GTA 5?
Answer: Red Dead Redemption 2 is a strong alternative if you enjoy Rockstar’s storytelling, open-world freedom, and immersive environments. For modern urban crime, driving, and hacking, Watch Dogs 2 is another good choice. Sleeping Dogs is particularly appealing if you prefer undercover missions and martial-arts combat.
Q.2. What are the best games like GTA 5 for PC?
Answer: Red Dead Redemption 2, Watch Dogs 2, Sleeping Dogs, Cyberpunk 2077, and Mafia III are among the strongest options. Each offers a different balance of exploration, driving, missions, combat, and storytelling.
Q.3. Are there games like GTA 5 for Android?
Answer: Yes. Gangstar Vegas, Gangstar New Orleans, Payback 2, MadOut2 BigCityOnline, and Dude Theft Wars are worth considering. Their gameplay and technical scope differ from GTA 5, and availability can vary by device and region.
Q.4. Is GTA 5 available on Android?
Answer: No official native Android version of GTA 5 is available. Be cautious of unofficial APK downloads that claim to offer the full game, as they may be misleading or unsafe. Use official app stores and legitimate remote-play options where supported.
Q.5. What are the best free games like GTA 5?
Answer: Gangstar Vegas, Payback 2, MadOut2 BigCityOnline, and Dude Theft Wars are useful mobile starting points. PC players can explore APB Reloaded and Unturned, although their gameplay differs from GTA 5.
Q.6. Which games like GTA 5 are available on Nintendo Switch?
Answer: Options include Saints Row: The Third – The Full Package, LEGO City Undercover, L.A. Noire, American Fugitive, and GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. These offer different combinations of crime, city exploration, and sandbox gameplay.
Q.7. Are there games like GTA 5 for PS5?
Answer: Yes, Cyberpunk 2077, Watch Dogs: Legion, Saints Row, and Red Dead Redemption 2 are worth exploring. Some alternatives have native PS5 versions, while others are playable through backward compatibility.
Q.8. Can I play GTA-like games offline?
Answer: Some alternatives support offline single-player play, but this depends on the title and edition. Check whether the game requires an initial online activation, a launcher connection, or an active server. Mobile games can also have different offline limitations after updates.
Q.9. Which GTA-like games are best for low-end PCs?
Answer: Older games such as Bully: Scholarship Edition and Mafia II are worth investigating. However, hardware requirements and compatibility depend on the PC version, operating system, and configuration, so check the requirements before installing or purchasing.
