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Can't Wait for GTA 6? These Open-World Games Will Keep You Hooked Until Launch

Date: 27-may-2025 | By: Nuztrend Team

Can't Wait for GTA 6? These Open-World Games Will Keep You Hooked Until Launch

Rockstar has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI is slated for release in 2026. And while anticipation is sky-high, the wait can feel painfully long for die-hard fans. If you're craving open-world chaos, crime-driven stories, and freedom to roam, you're not out of options.

While you count down to GTA 6’s release, here are three iconic Rockstar experiences—and one explosive bonus title—to keep your trigger fingers and getaway-driving skills sharp.

Top Rockstar-Style Open-World Games to Play Before GTA 6

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Definitive or Classic Edition)

A fan-favorite that never gets old, GTA: San Andreas remains a timeless masterpiece. Whether you replay it for nostalgia or discover it for the first time, CJ’s journey through Los Santos is packed with gang rivalries, high-stakes missions, and unforgettable side quests.

  • Huge map covering cities, countryside, and desert
  • Classic GTA humor and storytelling
  • Customizable vehicles and character stats

2. Grand Theft Auto IV

Often overshadowed by GTA V, GTA IV offers a more grounded, gritty take on Liberty City. Niko Bellic’s immigrant story blends emotional depth with the explosive open-world gameplay that made Rockstar famous. Its physics, AI, and mood still stand out today.

“GTA IV is criminally underrated—it’s the darker, smarter sibling in the series, and revisiting it in 2025 feels like rediscovering a lost classic.”
  • Highly detailed urban environment
  • Weighty driving physics and realistic combat
  • Mature narrative and morally complex characters

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Yes, it’s a Western—but don’t let the setting fool you. Rockstar’s most ambitious open-world to date is rich with character-driven drama, stunning visuals, and immersive exploration. Arthur Morgan’s journey rivals any GTA storyline for depth and emotional impact.

  • Massive, living world with realistic AI and wildlife
  • Strong character development and cinematic missions
  • Multiplayer option through Red Dead Online

Bonus Pick: Explosive Sandbox Fun

  • Just Cause 3 – Over-the-top action, wingsuits, grappling hooks, and more explosions than you’ll ever need. Perfect for gamers who want chaos without taking things too seriously.

No Need to Wait in Boredom

While GTA 6 is still on the horizon, Rockstar’s back catalog and a few wild-card open-world hits are more than enough to fill the void. From classic gangster tales to cinematic Westerns, these games offer rich experiences that rival anything in the genre—even in 2025.

So don’t just wait—dive back into these virtual worlds, stir up trouble, and remind yourself why Rockstar’s universe is worth the hype.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from various online sources. We do not claim absolute accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to cross-check facts independently before forming conclusions.

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