Best Open World Games Like GTA V

As we venture into 2023, the gaming industry continues to evolve, and fans of the open-world genre are eager for new experiences that capture the crux of the Grand Theft Auto experience. Fortunately, game developers have risen to the occasion, creating titles that offer a compelling mix of exploration, action, and narrative depth similar to GTA V. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the virtual streets of these 10 best open-world games that share the spirit of GTA V, providing you with thrilling adventures, engaging stories, and boundless opportunities for chaos and mischief. From futuristic worlds to crime-ridden metropolises, these games have something for everyone seeking the thrill of open-world exploration.

10 Best Open World Games Like GTA V (2023)

If you’re a fan of open-world games like GTA V and are looking for similar opwn world games, there are several great titles to consider. Here’s a list of some of the best open-world games that offer exciting gameplay and may help scratch that GTA V itch:

10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Developer: CD Projekt S.A

Genres: Role-playing Video Game, Adventure game, Fighting game

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Release Date: 30 August 2016

In the fascinating opening sequence of the game, players are thrust into the wild world of The Witcher, where Yennefer, the mysterious sorceress, makes a daring escape from a battlefield in White Orchard. Geralt and Vesemir, the witcher duo, embark on a relentless pursuit, solving cryptic signs left in Yennefer’s wake. As the story unfolds, Geralt finds himself in the fortress of Kaer Morhen, located in the Blue Mountains. A series of tutorials introduces players to movement and combat mechanics, but a haunting encounter with the terrifying Wild Hunt reveals that Geralt’s reality is intertwined with vivid dreams of Kaer Morhen. Awakening to discuss his dreams with Vesemir, the duo resumes their pursuit to track down Yennefer. Their journey takes them from the war-torn White Orchard to Vizima, where they encounter unforeseen challenges and a fateful meeting with Emperor Emhyr var Emreis. With Ciri’s fate hanging in the balance and the Wild Hunt in challenging pursuit, Geralt and Yennefer’s paths converge, setting the stage for an epic adventure that travels across vast lands and mysterious magical disturbances.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Image Source: Official Site

9. Red Dead Redemption 2

Developer: Rockstar

Genres: Western, Action-adventure game, Entertainment, Third-person shooter, Nonlinear gameplay, Adventure, Societal

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia

Release Date: 26 October 2018

Red Dead Redemption 2, a masterpiece in the world of gaming, invites players to step back in time to the American Old West of 1899. This western-themed action-adventure game takes players on an unforgettable journey as they assume the role of Arthur Morgan, a member of the infamous Van der Linde gang. With a sprawling open world that encompasses five distinct American regions, players can explore, interact, and shape their own destiny in this gripping story of outlaws and lawmen. Whether you’re embarking on epic story missions, tackling challenging side quests, or simply immersing yourself in the richly detailed world, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an experience like no other. It’s no surprise that this game earned universal praise for its writing, stunning visuals, and attention to detail, making it a must-play for any gaming enthusiast. So, saddle up and get ready to dive into the Wild West like never before.

Red Dead Redemption 2 | Image Source: Rockstar Games

8. L.A. Noire

Developer: Rockstar Games

Genres: Action-adventure game, Puzzle Video Game, Third-person shooter, Nonlinear gameplay, Adventure, Strategy

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Release Date: 17 May 2011

L.A. Noire is an fascinating crime-solving game that drops players into the gritty world of post-World War II Los Angeles. Following the journey of LAPD detective Cole Phelps, players are engaged in a story of redemption and intrigue. Phelps, a former Marine Lieutenant haunted by past actions, joins the police force to seek personal redemption and protect the city. As players progress, they accompany Phelps through various departments, solving crimes and climbing the ranks. However, the real mystery unfolds as Phelps and his wartime comrade, Jack Kelso, uncover a vast conspiracy orchestrated by the powerful Suburban Redevelopment Fund. In the final hours of the game, players switch control from Phelps to Kelso as they race against time to stop this formidable force. L.A. Noire offers a enthralling combination of storytelling and investigative gameplay that will keep players on the edge of their seats.

L.A. Noire | Image Source: Rockstar Games

7. Cyberpunk 2077

Developer: CD Projekt S.A

Genres: Role-playing Video Game, Adventure game, Shooter Video Game, Fighting game

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch

Release Date: 10 December 2020

In the apocalyptic world of Cyberpunk 2077, players step into the shoes of V, a character whose fate takes a drastic turn based on their chosen life path. Whether you start as a street-savvy Streetkid, a corporate Corpo-Rat, or a rugged Nomad, your journey kicks off with a high-stakes heist. V and their partner, Jackie Welles, are enlisted by the mysterious fixer Dexter Deshawn to steal a coveted piece of technology known as the “chip of immortality” from the challenging Arasaka Corporation. However, the heist doesn’t go as planned, and betrayal and near-death experiences await V. Alongside these challenges, V also contend with the ghostly presence of iconic Rockerboy, Johnny Silverhand. Welcome to Night City, where every choice you make can lead to a different, exciting adventure in this broad open-world game.

Cyberpunk 2077 | IMage Source: Official Site

6. Watch Dogs 2

Developer: Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Toronto, Ubisoft Reflections, Ubisoft Romania, Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Kyiv

Genres: Action-adventure game, Third-person shooter, Nonlinear gameplay, Adventure

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Google Stadia, Amazon Luna

Release Date: 15 November 2016

In the thrilling world of Watch Dogs 2, players find themselves at the corner of hacking skill and justice. The game offers a dynamic mix of Main Operations, which advance the fascinating storyline, and Side Operations, where players can explore into thrilling side missions. In this digital playground, San Francisco has fallen under the influence of the CTOS 2.0 system, connecting every aspect of life. Enter Marcus Holloway, a brilliant hacker wrongly branded a criminal by this system. Fueled by a desire to expose the CTOS 2.0’s evil plan, Marcus joins forces with DedSec, a hacking collective on a mission to dismantle the dictatorial system and its corporate puppet master, Blume. With an choir of skilled hackers by his side, Marcus embarks on a thrilling journey to uncover corruption, expose hidden agendas, and ultimately liberate San Francisco from the grips of Blume’s shady designs. As the game unfolds, players will be thrust into a world of conspiracy, high-stakes cyber warfare, and a battle for digital freedom, all while laying the groundwork for a global revolution hinted at in a tempting post-release scene. Watch Dogs 2 promises an exciting adventure where hacking is not just a tool, but a weapon for justice.

Watch Dogs | Image Source: Official Site

5. Sleeping Dogs

Developer: United Front Games, Feral Interactive, Eidos Interactive

Genres: Action-adventure game, Role-playing Video Game, Third-person shooter, Beat ’em up, Racing, Adventure

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, PC, Xbox 360, macOS

Release Date: 13 August 2012

In the tough and action-packed world of “Sleeping Dogs,” players assume the role of Wei Shen, a small-time criminal who finds himself on the wrong side of the law after a drug deal gone wrong in Hong Kong’s Aberdeen district. However, there’s more to Wei than meets the eye. Behind his criminal act lies an undercover cop, working diligently to infiltrate the notorious Sun On Yee Triad organization. With the guidance of old friend Jackie Ma, Wei navigates a dangerous path filled with drug lords, gang warfare, and internal power struggles. As he rises through the ranks of the Triad, Wei’s loyalties are put to the test, ultimately topping in a deadly showdown to bring justice to the streets of Hong Kong. “Sleeping Dogs” is a exciting story of duplicity, revenge, and redemption that keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Sleeping Dogs | Image Source: Square Enix London Studios Official Site

4. Saints Row: The Third – Remastered

Developer: Deep Silver Volition, Sperasoft

Genres: Shooter Video Game, Adventure game, Adventure

Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

Release Date: 22 May 2022

In the chaotic world of “Saints Row: The Third,” the 3rd Street Saints, once a small-time gang from the Row, have transformed into a household brand in Stilwater. With their former rivals defeated, a movie deal in the works, and a partnership with Ultor, they’ve become the “Saints/Ultor Media Group.” However, things take a dark turn when a bank heist gone wrong lands Playa, Shaundi, and Johnny Gat in the clutches of Phillipe Loren, the head of The Syndicate. Facing a deadly ultimatum, they find themselves parachuting into the gritty city of Steelport. This city, invaded by economic struggles, serves as the Syndicate’s stronghold, divided among three ruthless gangs. Morningstar, Luchadores, and Deckers each control a piece of the pie, and as gang warfare escalates, a government unit known as STAG joins the fight. “Saints Row: The Third” promises an explosive adventure as players navigate this dangerous urban battlefield.

Saints Row: The Third – Remastered | Image Source: Deep Silver Volition Official Site

3. Just Cause 4

Developer: Avalanche Studios Group, Fatalist Entertainment AB

Genres: Action-adventure game, Third-person shooter, Platform game, Nonlinear gameplay

Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

Release Date: 3 December 2018

In thrilling world of “Just Cause 4,” where chaos dominates supreme in the newly unveiled nation of Solís, located in the heart of South America. Following the explosive events of “Just Cause 3,” our fearless leading character, Rico, embarks on a dangerous journey to Solís in pursuit of the unreachable truth surrounding his father’s demise. Hailing from a mixed heritage, with his mother from Medici and his father hailing from Solís, Rico finds himself in a land dominated by the iron fist of the Black Hand, a militaristic system armed with advanced weather-manipulation technology. To combat this terrific enemy and liberate Solís, Rico establishes the Army of Chaos, igniting the flames of the Solino Civil War. But the lines between good and bad blur in this story, as factions’ intentions intertwine, leaving players to piece together the story through exploration. As Rico unveils the secrets of Solís alongside archaeologist Javi Huerta, a thrilling adventure filled with uncovering crimes and cover-ups unfolds. And as if that weren’t enough, a new enemy, The Agency, emerges in the climax of this gripping story, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.

Just Cause 4| Image Source: Square Enix Official Site

2. Yakuza 0

Developers: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Sega

Genres: Fighting game, Role-playing game, Action-adventure game, Adventure

Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PC, Amazon Luna

Release Date: 12 March 2015

Embark on a thrilling journey through the tough streets of Japan’s underworld in the epic game, where honor and chaos collide. In this fascinating game story, players step into the shoes of Kazuma Kiryu, a young yakuza finding himself trapped in a web of danger after a routine debt collection spirals into a murder mystery. As the plot thickens, we also follow the mysterious Goro Majima, who, despite running a cabaret club, desires to return to the ruthless yakuza world. But rejoining the ranks is no walk in the park. Players feels the taste of suspense, conspiracy, and brutal ambition in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Yakuza Zero | Image Source: Official Site

1. Mafia 3

Developer: Hanger 13

Genres: Action-adventure game, Racing Video Game

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Google Stadia, Mac operating systems

Release Date: 7 October 2016

Step into the tough and rough world of 1968 in this thrilling game where the concept of family takes on a whole new meaning. In a city filled with crime and betrayal, you’ll follow the journey of Lincoln Clay, a Vietnam War veteran determined to leave his criminal past behind. However, when his replacement family, the Black Mob, is brutally wiped out by the ruthless Italian Mafia, Lincoln embarks on a ruthless hunt for revenge and redemption. To survive in this unforgiving world, you’ll need more than just friends, you’ll need intense gunfights, instinctive hand-to-hand combat, high-speed chases, and street smarts. With the right crew, tough decisions, and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you might just rise to the top of the city’s underworld. It’s time to build a new family from the ashes of the old, alongside your underbosses Cassandra, Thomas Burke, and Vito Scaletta. Prepare for an action-packed journey through New Bordeaux like no other.

Mafia 3 | Image Source: Official Site