Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that GTA 6 is slated for a 2026 release, and while the trailer has fans hyped worldwide, the wait can feel painfully long. But if you’re craving freedom, chaos, and storytelling that hits hard—open-world games are your best bet.
In this article, we cover the best open world games to play before GTA 6, each offering a unique and immersive experience.
1. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)
Developer: Rockstar Games
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S
It’s hard to overlook GTA V, the very predecessor to the upcoming GTA 6. Even more than a decade after its release, GTA V continues to dominate gaming charts and remains one of the most-played titles globally. With its sprawling Los Santos map inspired by Southern California, three playable protagonists (Michael, Franklin, and Trevor), and GTA Online’s endless missions, heists, and updates—it still feels fresh.
The recent Expanded and Enhanced edition brings ray-tracing, upscaled textures, and faster load times for next-gen consoles, breathing new life into an already iconic game. If you haven’t jumped back into Los Santos recently, now is the perfect time.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
Developer: Rockstar Games
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S
Set in the late 1800s, Red Dead Redemption 2 is more than a game—it’s an emotional journey through the crumbling days of the American Wild West. You play as Arthur Morgan, a complex outlaw navigating loyalty, morality, and survival in a beautifully detailed world.
From dynamic wildlife ecosystems to jaw-dropping landscapes, every inch of the map feels alive. The game also lets you slow down—ride horses through snowy trails, go fishing, or play poker. With a deeply emotional story, realistic NPC interactions, and immersive mechanics, RDR2 is a masterpiece of storytelling and design.
3. Cyberpunk 2077 (Updated Edition)
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S
After a rocky launch in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a must-play open-world RPG, thanks to extensive updates, the 2.0 overhaul, and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion.
Set in Night City, a dystopian future where body modifications, mega-corporations, and underground mercenaries rule the streets, you play as V, a merc-for-hire navigating conspiracies and personal transformation. The game offers a deep story with branching paths, customizable combat styles, and tactical hacking.
The city feels dense, vertical, and alive—offering a different kind of open-world experience: fast-paced, flashy, and deeply narrative-driven. Fans of GTA will love its crime-infused missions and open-world exploration, making it one of the best open world games to play before GTA 6.
4. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, The Witcher 3 transports you to a massive, war-torn continent filled with monsters, political intrigue, and heartbreaking stories. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, exploring open landscapes from lush forests to icy mountains.
The game’s side quests are as good as the main storyline, and its two expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine) are better than many full games. The next-gen update has given it enhanced graphics and smoother performance—making it the best time to return to The Continent.
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Anniversary Edition)
Developer: Bethesda
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
If freedom is what you’re after, nothing matches Skyrim. Set in the Nordic province of Tamriel, you can be a warrior, mage, thief, vampire, werewolf—or all of them. Fight dragons, explore ancient ruins, join factions like the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild, and mod the game to your heart’s content.
The Anniversary Edition includes new quests, weapons, and survival mode, and the Skyrim modding community keeps expanding the game beyond imagination. Even 14 years after its release, it’s still a living, breathing world.
Quick Comparison Table
| Game | Setting | Genre | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTA V | Modern Los Angeles | Action/Crime | 3 characters, massive online mode |
| RDR2 | American West (1899) | Western/Drama | Deep narrative, realistic world |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Futuristic Night City | Sci-Fi RPG | Choices matter, fast combat, immersive city |
| Witcher 3 | Medieval Fantasy | Dark Fantasy RPG | Epic storylines, rich side quests |
| Skyrim | Nordic Fantasy | Fantasy Sandbox | Mods, factions, dragons |
Whether you want the modern chaos of GTA V, the emotional depth of Red Dead Redemption 2, the futuristic flair of Cyberpunk 2077, the monster-hunting journey of The Witcher 3, or the mythic freedom of Skyrim—these are without a doubt the best open world games to play before GTA 6
Each of these games offers dozens (if not hundreds) of hours of gameplay, massive immersive worlds, and the freedom to write your own story.
