The Ultimate List of Open-World Games That Surpass Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto

The video game industry owes its success to Grand Theft Auto. From its early days as a top-down mayhem game in 1997 to the groundbreaking shift into a 3D open-world with Grand Theft Auto 3, the series has revolutionized game design.

Many modern video games draw inspiration from Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto series, which has become the standard for open-world games. Despite the long wait for Grand Theft Auto 6, fans continue to be amazed by the series' innovative and immersive gameplay.

8 The Simpsons: Hit & Run

The Simpsons: Hit & Run offers players the opportunity to immerse themselves in an open world version of The Simpsons. With clear inspiration taken from Grand Theft Auto, this game allows players to engage in criminal activities such as stealing cars. Although shooting characters is not an option, players can engage in physical altercations by repeatedly kicking them. Considered a classic by many fans, The Simpsons: Hit & Run provides a delightful experience of exploring Springfield and its beloved characters within a GTA-style setting.

7 Crackdown

Despite Crackdown's aim to surpass Grand Theft Auto, it may have fallen short. However, this does not diminish its status as one of the finest GTA imitations. Taking inspiration from GTA, Crackdown not only captures its gameplay and open-world features but also strives to rival and surpass it. Despite not achieving this goal, Crackdown remains a remarkable game.

The competitive drive behind Crackdown's development contributes to its quality, offering players an open world where they can craft their own entertainment. With the necessary tools and skills, players can immerse themselves in a hyper-realistic environment teeming with chaos caused by their own actions.

6 Saints Row

Saints Row owes its existence to Grand Theft Auto, as it initially began as a mere clone of the popular game. However, as the series progressed, it developed its own unique identity, characterized by chaos and quirkiness. Players now have the freedom to create outrageous characters, vehicles, and weapons, which they can use to unleash havoc on the people of Steelport and Stillwater.

While the first installment of Saints Row may have strived to rival Grand Theft Auto in terms of grittiness, subsequent titles in the series have managed to establish their own distinct identity. They have successfully maintained the open-world concept, intense combat, and variety of vehicles that were inspired by GTA.

5 Mafia 2

Mafia 2 can be considered as the 40s and 50s version of Grand Theft Auto. Set in the fictional city of Empire Bay, players assume the role of Vito Scaletta, a war veteran determined to establish a reputation and protect his loved ones. As Vito becomes entangled with gangsters and the mafia, he must navigate the city's prevailing crime and corruption to survive.

Although some players may find Mafia 2's length lacking and desire a more expansive open world, the game still offers a captivating experience. With a wide selection of vehicles, thrilling missions, and compelling characters, Mafia 2 is undoubtedly influenced by GTA and embraces a gangster aesthetic.

4 Watch_Dogs

Watch_Dogs revolutionizes the traditional approach of stealing cars with a fresh concept: equipping players with a phone and the extraordinary skill of hacking technology. Drawing inspiration from Grand Theft Auto, this open-world game immerses players in a gritty cityscape characterized by both desolation and the chaos that ensues when criminal activities are carried out. Similar to GTA, Watch_Dogs encompasses various mechanics that fans of the former will undoubtedly appreciate.

Embarking on a thrilling adventure through the streets of Chicago, players confront the oppressive ctOS corporation, equipped not only with an arsenal of weapons, batons, gadgets, and gear, but also with a determination to expose the hidden dangers behind the ctOS empire. However, the sequel, Watch_Dogs 2, surpasses its predecessor in delivering an even more refined experience.

3 Yakuza 0

In Yakuza 0, players cannot steal cars, but they have ample opportunities to engage in fights in the crime-ridden districts of Kamurocho and Sotenbori. Being the first game in the Yakuza series, which was later renamed as Like a Dragon, Yakuza 0 offers a unique experience inspired by Grand Theft Auto.

With its wacky and enjoyable aspects, Yakuza 0 brings immense pleasure to players. The game features a wide range of mini-games like bowling, karaoke, and disco dancing, as well as diverse combat styles for players to utilize. Alongside its captivating gameplay, Yakuza 0 presents an immersive story set in 1980s Japan, filled with elements of crime and mystery.

2 Sleeping Dogs

In Sleeping Dogs, players will immerse themselves in the gripping tale of Wei Shen, an undercover police officer on a mission to dismantle the powerful Triads. Set in the gritty streets of Hong Kong, this game challenges players to go to extreme lengths to maintain their cover, even resorting to criminal activities if necessary. While it may lack the diversity of Grand Theft Auto, Sleeping Dogs' crime-infested open world serves as a driving force of inspiration. This game offers a unique sense of enjoyment as players toe the line between crime and justice, risking their lives for the sake of their undercover role. Engaging in combat within Sleeping Dogs is an exhilarating experience, as players utilize a range of brutal methods to take on their adversaries.

1 Cyberpunk 2077

Welcome to Night City, a future dystopian metropolis where social avoidance and violence are the norm. Cyberpunk 2077 excels in creating an immersive experience, from the bustling streets to the captivating and intricately woven storyline of V and Johnny Silverhand. Drawing inspiration from Grand Theft Auto, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a unique and exceptional gameplay, ensuring an incredible adventure for open-world enthusiasts.

In this game, players have the freedom to steal cars, engage in battles with the police, and embrace the chaos that engulfs the entire city. However, it is highly advisable to equip oneself with a bulletproof vest due to the constant danger posed by the various gangs that rule over the futuristic and fictionalized heart of California.