GTA Online is widely considered its own entity within the Grand Theft Auto community. Now, the notion is becoming a reality. According to Screenrant.com, "GTA Online will be releasing as a standalone product in 2021." This could have ramifications for the sequel, even if players get to experience GTA Online on next-generation consoles.
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Players worldwide have been analyzing Grand Theft Auto V from every angle to get information on Grand Theft Auto VI. The success of GTA Online is attributed to its added content post-launch and close-knit community of players. Grand Theft Auto VI might be a while down the road, so here are some alternatives if you love the instant cult-classic.
10 The Simpsons: Hit & Run
In the category of GTA clones, The Simpsons: Hit & Run brings enough to the table to be considered relevant. In a saturated sub-genre, The Simpsons: Hit & Run contains a unique theme based on a leading animated series. Fans of The Simpsons and Grand Theft Auto alike can come together to enjoy this third-person action-adventure game. The game expands on its predecessor, The Simpsons: Road Rage, with beat 'em up gameplay that is more than just driving.
9 Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV was the first game in franchise history with online functionality. Although the online is nowhere near as massive as Grand Theft Auto V's, players can find an abundance of content to relish. Grand Theft Auto IV's intriguing story mode centered around protagonist Niko Bellic warrants a return. This game emphasized realistic driving mechanics when other Grand Theft Auto games adopted an arcade-style of driving.
8 Payday 2
If you're in love with the heist aspect of GTA Online, then look no further. Payday 2 is a game inspired by GTA Online with the most in-depth heist missions.
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You don't play as the good guy in Payday 2. Players work together in an online cooperative mode to go on a crime spree. Don the masks of the original crew while achieving objectives as a squad. It's simple; rob banks and get rewarded handsomely.
7 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
After introducing 3D graphics in Grand Theft Auto III, a sequel had big shoes to fill. As a spin-off game, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was a vast improvement over its predecessor. The map's Miami setting is inspirational. Heavy research went into the game's locations. Inspired by movies like Scarface and Carlito's Way, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is a must-play!
6 Watch Dogs 2
While the first Watch Dogs was considered a second-rate GTA clone, Watch Dogs 2 introduces enough content to be relevant as a standalone. The premise of Watch Dogs 2 relates to real-life hacking in a fictionalized setting. You can control the traffic lights and cameras of a city, among other things. You'll need to hack into urban environments to progress in the game. A third Watch Dogs game released, yet the series should be played chronologically to get the most of it.
5 Lego City Undercover
Unlike its second cousin twice removed, Grand Theft Auto, Lego City Undercover takes place in a safe open-world. In Lego City, you play as an undercover cop, Chase McCain. To keep the world safe, you must seek out and stop criminals in the city. This hidden gem was inspired by Grand Theft Auto. GTA Online fans who are obsessed with Lego should play this game.
4 Saints Row: The Third
What started as a low attempt at a GTA clone grew into a prominent video game franchise. Saints Row: The Third is possibly the best game to come from the series. It has online functionality called "Co-op," which enables players worldwide to play a handful of missions. Although not as robust as GTA Online, Saints Row: The Third proves that GTA clones can co-exist in the online world.
3 Watch Dogs: Legion
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S and X players have to get a taste of this latest open-world game. This time around, Watch Dogs: Legion is set in a fictionalized London. The newest entry still contains hacking puzzles, stealth, and driving. The online component of Watch Dogs: Legion is expected to release sometime in 2021. Watch Dogs: Legion was also released on platforms like Google's Stadia and PC.
2 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
In many ways, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is superior to Grand Theft Auto V's online. There is no online functionality in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (without mods), yet the game has enough content to keep players engaged. One can build a character by performing activities like exercising and driving.
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The game is dated by today's standards, but if you can see past its graphics like gamers of the early 2000s did, there is an enjoyable game beneath the surface. It's a story-heavy game that takes place in the fictional state of San Andreas.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
The birth of Red Dead Online in Red Dead Redemption 2 was a game-changer for the series. Red Dead Online came as a refresher after the first Red Dead Redemption's limited online functionality.
The gameplay of Red Dead Online involves doing story missions with up to four players. Its open-world design gives players the freedom to attack other players, go hunting, and interact with NPCs. Like in the single-player, Red Dead Online can be played in first-person and third-person. Red Dead Online will continue to receive updates due to its positive reception at launch and onward.
