Best Open World Games Like GTA 5

We met again, lads! And this time it's about the generational favourite game, GTA 5.  Developed by Rockstar Games, this open-world, chaotic franchise has captivated millions of hearts with its storyline and “mass killing on a random street of Los Santos”. 

Still, if you have not played the game once, it's the perfect time to dive deep into the world of three chaos hunters: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, before GTA 6’s release on November 19, 2026. 

Speaking of gamers like me who haven’t touched grass in a while, you need a therapy mate (jokes apart), here are some of the best open-world games like GTA 5 you can play in 2026, while you and I desperately wait for GTA 6 to eat our pockets out!

5 Best Open World Games Like GTA 5

Just Cause 4 : A Carnival of Chaos

I still remember the time when I booted Just Cause 4 for the first time on my PC, and “I was stunned.” Developed by Avlanche Studio and serving as a sequel to the 3rd part, the last instalment of the franchise delves deep into the guerrilla warfare of Black Hand and the Rebel Army built by our main protagonist, Rico Rodriguez. 

Set in Solis, the game literally takes its action to the peak. From bazooka to sniper rifle, players can use the grappling hook and wing suit mechanics to catch enemies off guard. While performing deeds on the South American island, help Rico uncover the evil scheme of the Black Hand mercenary group led by Oscar Espinosa. 

GTA IV : The American Dream

I know GTA San Andreas is the G.O.A.T of the entire franchise, but you need to understand what GTA IV did to many gamers out there. Developed by Rockstar Games, GTA IV is known as the pillar of “Aura Farming”.

Right from the Start menu, where we are blessed with the OG background music, the game follows the intensity of an American mafia seeking power. Set in the iconic Liberty City, players don the role of “Niko Bellic”, a veteran from Eastern Europe, who moves to the city in search of the so-called “American Dream.” 

Running away from his past, Niko constantly helps out his cousin Roman, who seeks a large fortune together with his traumatic brother in the dreamland of America. 

Sleeping Dogs : The Man in Between

Well, this one here is one of the most original and high quality examples of the open-world genre. Developed by United Front Games, Sleeping Dogs remains a dreamy affair for many gamers due to its eye-pleasing storyline and combat mechanics. 

Set in the neon-lit Hong Kong, the game revolves around Wei Shen, an undercover cop who infiltrates the Sun On Yee Triad seeking secrets and crimes plotted by the triad members; however, the thin line blurs out as Wei dives into the wrongdoing of the Triad. 

While showcasing the essence of Hong Kong-based criminal syndicates, the game is pure “Kung Fu” with counter mechanics. With minimal use of gun culture, the game is an absolute banger which shouldn’t be missed! 

Lost Judgement : Kazuma Kiryu, but as a Detective

If you are eagerly waiting for GTA 6 and have wasted hundreds of hours solving fans' theories, then Lost Judgment is a match made in heaven for you. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku, this is an open-world sandbox where you play as Takayuki Yagami, a detective on steroids! 

The game is set in the same universe as the Yakuza series and follows the humor and ridiculous combat mechanics that we have witnessed in Kamurocho. Sequel to its predecessor “Judgement”, Yagami delves into Yokohama High School to investigate extreme bullying and sexual harassment, which leads to a murder and links to the Japanese underworld. If you are well aware of Kiryu and his spirit animal, then there’s no going back. 

Explore the streets of Kamurocho and expose the killer with your detective instincts. 

Fun Fact: If Yagami gets robbed (and you are poor), thieves will instantly comfort you while your main character breaks down!  

Mafia 3 : From Rambo to The Godfather

As the name suggests, the game is pure chaos, from seeking revenge to building an empire, Mafia 3 has it all. Developed by Hangar 13, this game is the last instalment of its predecessors. Speaking of its mechanisms, the game follows the GTA 5 formula while delving into the emotional roller coaster. 

Set in a fictional city, New Bordeaux, you play as Lincoln Clay, an ex-criminal and Vietnam veteran, who returns to his old life after experiencing an immense trauma to support his surrogate family. However, everything turns upside down when Clay’s family gets murdered by the Italian Mafia led by Sal Marcano. Accompany Clay while he seeks revenge and wipes out the entire syndicate by building his own empire. 

Wrapping Note : With A Surprise Mention

Well, there are millions of open-world games like GTA 5 that can eat your schedule. In fact, one of the best games you could play is RDR 2, developed by Rockstar Games, this open-world sandbox that dives into the “Standout from the West” genre. Revolving around Arthur Morgan (the main protagonist), save the Van Der Linde Gang, which is facing the decline of the “Wild West” due to globalization. 

What’s fun about this game? RDR 2 has a “choices matter” mechanism that puts a heavy toll on the endgame with every move you take in the storyline. That’s for today, and I’ll see you in another blog. Until then, comment down your favourite open-world game you explored after GTA 5.