Released in 2013, community-loved GTA V has set a benchmark for many open-world mainstream games. From chaotic heists to exploring easter eggs with fanatic protagonists, GTA V redefined what freedom in gaming feels like.

 

Although replaying the storyline and looting the same bank a hundred times never gets old, searching for similar games in the infinite abyss of Steam sure takes a lot of time. Here are some of the best games on Steam that hide the essence of GTA V! 

Mafia Trilogy

If you are fond of movies like The Godfather and want to experience an American mob lifestyle in an open-world sandbox, then the Mafia Trilogy is your thing. Considered as a gold standard of crime syndicate games, the Mafia Trilogy depicts the same energy levels as GTA V.

Developed by 2K, the trilogy revolves around Tommy Angelo, Vito Scaletta, and Lincoln Clay. This game dives deep into cinematic screenplay, along with narrative-driven actions, while depicting the immense need for fame and power during the Great Depression and war veterans fulfilling their dreams through underworld crime syndicates.

Cyberpunk 2077

Well, GTA V got itself a replica, but it’s grittier and darker compared to the satirical society of the Grand Theft Auto series. 

Set in a dystopian future, Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action RPG game that soaks you into Night City, California, brimming with neon-lit nightlife. The game gives an exact feeling of GTA V’s infamous Los Santos. 

 

Packed with futuristic gadgets, immense action, and vehicles you had never imagined, players can customize V (protagonist). Speaking of the lore, the Cyberpunk 2077 universe is ruled by mega corporations instead of governments, and Night City, being the core, showcases evil schemes and the dark reality of Arasaka. 

Watch Dogs Series

A second replica of GTA V, but set in a near-future Chicago and San Francisco, where players can hack traffic signals controlled by ctOS to create a chaotic environment. The Watch Dogs series is one of the best games besides Grand Theft Auto ever known to mankind. An open-world action-adventure game that heavily leans towards tech, stealth eliminations, and in-depth parkour mechanics.  

Revolving around Aiden Pearce and Marcus Holloway, the narrative depicts corrupt corporations stealing data from users and manipulating society. Jammed with numerous hacking missions, unravel corrupt syndicates in a world controlled by the Central Operating System.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Developed by Rockstar Games, RDR 2 is a miraculous gift for fans who sought for an open-world action-adventure sandbox during the cowboy era. Set during the decline of the Wild West in 1899, unveil quickdraw-duels and scenic beauty throughout the vast map. 

Moreover, the game lets you feel authenticity by travelling far with your beloved horse to complete the storyline. With epic guns at your withdrawal, explore the lineage of Van Der Linde Gang as Arthur Morgan (protagonist), during the era of industrialization and revolution. (To be honest, this game will teach you more than your philosophy class!)

Sleeping Dogs : Definitive Edition

Climbing ranks through the Triads feels impossible? Let Wei Shen give you some piece of advice. Developed by United Front Games, Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition is a cult classic amongst action-adventure open-world games. This game delves deep into the shady business of Triads ruling alleys and blocks. 

Set in Hong Kong, the narrative follows Wei Shen (protagonist), a cop, who climbs up ranks in the Sun on Yee Triad to unravel their shady business and core members. In order to remain disguised, Wei is forced to commit heinous crimes. However, the affection towards Sun on Yee Triad grows bigger!

Wrapping Note

Although there is a surfeit of open-world sandbox games, the above-mentioned are some of the best games that replicates the depth and freedom gifted in GTA V. Till GTA VI drops on your screen, get yourself immersed in such wondrous storytellings.