The anticipation for GTA 6 is palpable, and while we wait, there are several games that can provide a similar experience or scratch that open-world, immersive gaming itch. Here's a look at seven games that can help pass the time until Rockstar's next blockbuster arrives. Personally, I think it's fascinating how these games offer a glimpse into the future of gaming, with their expansive worlds, rich narratives, and innovative gameplay mechanics. They showcase the evolution of gaming and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Now, let's dive into the list and explore why each of these games is worth checking out.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece of open-world design, and it's no wonder it appears on many GTA 6 wishlists. The game, developed by Rockstar Games, shares the same foundations as GTA 6: a richly detailed world, memorable storytelling, and characters that feel genuinely alive. If you haven't completed Arthur Morgan's journey yet, there are hundreds of hours of content waiting for you. Beyond the main story, you can hunt, fish, play poker, rob trains, and explore a world shaped by dynamic weather and a realistic day-and-night cycle. Even seemingly small details, from maintaining your horse to trimming your beard, help create an immersive experience. Your actions also influence an honor system that changes how the world responds to you. In my opinion, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a must-play for anyone who appreciates the attention to detail, storytelling, and world design that Rockstar is known for. It's a game that truly sets the bar for open-world gaming.
Crimson Desert
Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert is a modern open-world game that demonstrates just how ambitious modern open-world games can be. Players take on the role of Kliff Macduff, leader of the Greymanes mercenary group, whose world is turned upside down following a devastating attack. The game combines large-scale exploration with demanding combat that rewards timing, counter-attacks, and tactical weapon switching. Alongside intense battles, you will travel across vast landscapes, uncover ancient ruins, and explore the mysterious Abyss, which expands the game’s lore even further. What makes Crimson Desert particularly fascinating is its enormous world and sense of freedom. It offers the same sense of freedom and discovery that many players are hoping to find in GTA 6. There is always something new to see, do, or uncover, making it one of the closest experiences to the scale many expect from GTA 6.
Cyberpunk 2077
Night City, the bustling metropolis in Cyberpunk 2077, is one of the most impressive urban environments ever created in gaming. Like Vice City in GTA 6, it is a city packed with stories, secrets, and opportunities. In Cyberpunk 2077, you play as mercenary V, navigating a world dominated by powerful corporations, criminal gangs, and street-level violence. The narrative is heavily shaped by your decisions and your relationship with Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves. The game blends first-person shooting with deep RPG mechanics, allowing you to customize your character through cybernetic upgrades, hacking abilities, weapons, and skills. Years of updates, combined with the Phantom Liberty expansion, have transformed Cyberpunk 2077 into one of the strongest open-world experiences available today. For anyone who skipped it at launch, a vastly improved game awaits.
Forza Horizon 6
Vehicles have always been central to the GTA experience, and Forza Horizon 6 is one of the best games available for anyone who loves getting behind the wheel. Rather than following a traditional story, you progress through a series of festival events, unlocking new vehicles and expanding your collection. The open-world setting encourages exploration, whether you are competing in races or simply driving wherever the road takes you. With hundreds of cars, extensive tuning options, and a wide variety of events, there is no shortage of things to do. Street races, off-road challenges, and stunt-focused activities ensure the gameplay remains fresh throughout. If you're already dreaming of tearing through the streets of GTA 6, Forza Horizon 6 is an excellent way to sharpen your driving skills and experience the thrill of driving through an open world.
Gothic Remake
One of our most beloved role-playing games has returned for a new generation. Gothic Remake rebuilds the original 2001 classic with modern visuals and updated mechanics while preserving what made it special. You begin as a nameless prisoner trapped inside a penal colony sealed off from the outside world by a magical barrier. Survival means earning respect, choosing allies, and finding your place among competing factions. Combat is deliberate and skill-based, while character progression avoids traditional class systems. There are no convenient quest markers or fast-travel shortcuts either. Instead, players are encouraged to learn the world naturally, memorize routes, and pay attention to NPC routines. Gothic Remake offers a refreshing alternative to many modern open-world games and provides a level of immersion that remains rare. Its believable world and independently behaving NPCs create the same feeling of a living environment that Rockstar games do so well.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is widely regarded as one of the best entries in Ubisoft’s long-running series. Now, Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced brings the pirate adventure back with modern technology and expanded content. Players once again step into the boots of Edward Kenway, sailing across the Caribbean while becoming entangled in a conflict involving pirates, Templars, and colonial powers. The result is a story packed with intrigue, betrayal, and adventure. Naval exploration remains at the heart of the experience, with the Jackdaw serving as both transport and weapon. The remake introduces upgraded visuals, advanced weather systems, and a range of gameplay improvements, including refined combat and stealth mechanics. New story content, additional companions, fresh collectibles, and quality-of-life enhancements provide further reasons for returning fans to set sail again.
The Blood of Dawnwalker
By the time September arrives, GTA 6 will finally be within touching distance. If you need one last major adventure before then, The Blood of Dawnwalker could be the perfect choice. Created by developers who previously worked on The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, this dark fantasy RPG takes players to a plague-ravaged 14th-century Europe. Vampires have emerged from the shadows, and you play as Coen, a man transformed into a Dawnwalker after being bitten. By day, Coen remains human. By night, he gains supernatural powers. Whether you resist those abilities or embrace them is entirely up to you, with your choices shaping both the story and the world around you. The game features distinct gameplay systems depending on the time of day. Human combat focuses on swords and magic, while vampire abilities offer entirely different ways to travel, fight, and interact with the world. Time itself is a key mechanic, meaning every decision has consequences and not every problem can be solved. The Blood of Dawnwalker places a strong emphasis on player choice and a world that reacts to your actions, much like GTA.
A Look Ahead
As we wait for GTA 6, these games offer a glimpse into the future of gaming, with their expansive worlds, rich narratives, and innovative gameplay mechanics. They showcase the evolution of gaming and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Whether you're exploring the Wild West in Red Dead Redemption 2, sailing the Caribbean in Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced, or navigating the streets of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077, these games provide a taste of the immersive experiences that await us in the future. So, until GTA 6 arrives, why not dive into one of these fantastic games and experience the thrill of open-world gaming for yourself?
