GTA 5 undeniably stands as one of the greatest games in history, boasting a wide array of factors contributing to its success, including immersive gameplay, stunning graphics, and so on.
As the release of the next installment remains unknown and you’ve finished the game, why not explore these alternative games that share similar aspects?
In this post, we’ll show you the top 10 best alternative games to GTA 5.
10 Games That Could Be Replacements for GTA 5
It’s worth noting that our list of the top 10 alternative games to GTA 5 is based on our opinions and experience. Also, the list is not ranked, all games are considered equal.
Moreover, all the games on this list were released within the same decade as GTA 5 and support the single-player mode.
Note: Most games that support PlayStation 4 are playable on PlayStation 5, but they may lack some features. Similarly, most games on Xbox One are playable on Xbox Series X/S.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
- Initial Release Date: October 26, 2018
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Stadia
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Genre: Action-adventure
If you’re searching for a true alternative to GTA 5, then Red Dead Redemption 2 is a perfect choice.
Many gamers have claimed that RD2 is a Western version of GTA 5. It’s not just because both games are published by Rockstar Games, but also due to their vast open worlds, countless side missions, and deeply characterized protagonists.
However, RD2 distinguishes itself with a slower pace than GTA 5, which some players appreciated for encouraging exploration of the open world rather than solely focusing on main quests.
In the 2018 Game Awards, Red Dead Redemption 2 achieved significant recognition, tying for the highest number of wins in the show’s history with 4 awards.
2. Saint Row: The Third
- Initial Release Date: November 15, 2011 (Original), May 22, 2020 (Remastered)
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, Linux, Nintendo Switch (Original), PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Stadia, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S (Remastered)
- Publisher: THQ
- Genre: Action-adventure
Saint Row: The Third is considered the perfect version of the whole Saint Row series, thanks to the insane gameplay and the weird, unrealistic ideas that appear in the game.
In particular, how you approach the mission in Saint Row is notably unconventional, making Saint Row: The Third truly one of a kind and even on par with GTA 5.
If you feel uncomfortable with some too-serious missions in GTA 5, then Saint Row: The Third is worth trying out.
3. Just Cause 4
- Initial Release Date: December 4, 2018
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Genre: Action-adventure
Just Cause 4 has faced considerable criticism since its release, but that doesn’t mean the game is a complete waste of time.
Similar to GTA 5, Just Cause 4 features a vast map filled with numerous Easter Eggs and side missions. However, Just Cause allows for better interaction between the main character and in-game elements.
For example, while both GTA 5 and Just Cause 4 share similar transportation methods like driving vehicles or walking or crouching, Just Cause 4 introduces unique actions such as grappling hooks and the use of missiles.
4. Watch Dogs 2
- Initial Release Date: November 15, 2016
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Stadia
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Genre: Action-adventure
The primary reason Watch Dogs 2 makes this list is due to its many similarities with GTA 5, including a vast city with numerous infrastructures and accessible vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and boats, among others.
Both games also offer flexible approaches to specific missions.
However, what sets Watch Dogs 2 apart from GTA 5 is its in-game technology: San Francisco in Watch Dogs 2 revolves around electronic devices.
As the main protagonist is a hacker, you have various choices to complete missions: you can hit targets with your billiard ball or opt for a more sneaky approach, using an electric shock.
5. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Initial Release Date: October 5, 2018
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Japan only), Stadia
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Genre: Action Role-playing
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey immerses players in the world of ancient Greece during the BCE period (431-322), allowing them to choose between fighting for Athens or Spartans and earning various rewards.
Both GTA 5 and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offer vast open worlds where players can freely explore without following the main story, enabling them to earn money to upgrade their gear and build stuff. Moreover, every dialogue choice made when interacting with NPCs leads to a different story outcome, resulting in consequences.
While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is an action role-playing game, its focus leans more towards combat compared to the exploration-centric approach of GTA 5. The game’s combat mechanics vary, depending on which style you prefer.
Despite not having a modern setting like GTA 5, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey boasts excellent graphics and gameplay that keep fans excited.
6. Yakuza 0
- Initial Release Date: March 12, 2015
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One
- Publisher: Sega
- Genre: Action-adventure
Just as GTA 5 boasts activities like tennis, yoga, and stock investments, Yakuza 0 offers a distinctive array of activities such as karaoke, pool parties, wrestling, and gambling.
Similar to GTA 5, Yakuza 0 possesses an expansive world filled with diverse side missions and activities to immerse players. Moreover, at specific points, you can control other characters, preventing the game from becoming monotonous.
One of the unique features of Yakuza 0 is the presence of AV idols in-game. Additionally, the ability to interact with them, although these interactions are scripted, makes it relatable to Asian gamers.
7. Payday 2
- Initial Release Date: August 13, 2013
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Nintendo Switch
- Publisher: 505 Games
- Genre: First-person shooter, Stealth
Interested in the heists in GTA 5? Then give Payday 2 a try, and you won’t regret it.
Both GTA 5 and Payday 2 center around high-stakes heists and missions. In GTA 5,
you carry out complex heists as part of the main story, while in Payday 2, the entire game is centered on planning and executing heists with your crew.
Both games allow players to customize their characters, weapons, and equipment. In Payday 2, you can upgrade skills, weapons, and gear to improve your heist capabilities, similar to how you can enhance your abilities and vehicles in GTA 5.
Moreover, Payday 2 shares similar graphics and gameplay with GTA 5, making it easier for GTA players to transition from one game to another.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
- Initial Release Date: December 10, 2020
- Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Publisher: CD Projekt
- Genre: Action role-playing
Both GTA 5 and Cyberpunk 2077 are considered standards in the action role-playing genre, featuring vast open worlds, impressive graphics, deep missions, and a wide variety of drivable vehicles.
Cyberpunk 2077 follows the story of V, a customizable protagonist navigating Night City, a place filled with criminals, discrimination, violence, and dictatorship.
While Cyberpunk 2077 shares some similarities with GTA 5 regarding its open world, it’s set in a futuristic 2077 where modernization reaches new heights, offering enhanced customization for both vehicles and characters.
Despite Cyberpunk 2077’s better graphics using the REDEngine 4 technology and collaborations with multiple graphic companies, its interactions, and movements sometimes feel odd and unrealistic compared to GTA 5.
For instance, accidents like rolling on the road after getting out of a car while driving or wheels burning out due to overheating are absent in Cyberpunk 2077, just to name a few.
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Initial Release Date: May 19, 2015
- Platforms: PS4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
- Publisher: CD Projekt
- Genre: Action role-playing
If GTA 5 won “Game of the Year” in 2013, then The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt had the same achievement in 2015.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt follows the journey of Geralt of Rivia, on his quest to find Ciri and kill monsters throughout his adventure.
The gameplay in The Witcher 3 shares similarities with GTA 5, emphasizing side quests and exploration over the main storyline. Every dialogue choice or action made can significantly alter the final consequence, offering a dynamic ending.
The world of The Witcher 3 is vast and impressive, although it imposes some restrictions that limit player freedom compared to GTA 5. Additionally, The Witcher 3 focuses on combat combos and weapon upgrades, whereas GTA 5 leans more towards the explosiveness of firearms for greater damage.
One distinguishing feature of The Witcher 3 is the ability to control the female character, Ciri, in specific missions, a feature absent in GTA 5.
Although both GTA 5 and The Witcher 3 have been reported to have bugs and glitches, they both received the “Game of the Year” award, making them truly worth the time and effort to enjoy.
10. Sleeping Dogs
- Initial Release Date: August 14, 2012
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Genre: Action-adventure
Sleeping Dogs takes place in a bustling city called Hong Kong, in Asia. It’s a different setting than other games, like those set in made-up European or Western cities.
What makes it stand out is the location, not just the gameplay, open world, or missions.
In GTA 5, you play as a criminal, but in Sleeping Dogs, you’re Wei Shen, an undercover cop. The game focuses more on hand-to-hand combat, combos, and using “environmental kills” to defeat opponents instead of relying on guns like in GTA 5. This offers various approaches to finishing missions.
However, Sleeping Dogs’ graphics and camera view might not be as good as GTA 5’s, which might feel a bit strange if you’re used to the world of Los Santos.
