Top 10 Best GTA Clones Ever Made

With more than 300 million copies sold, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is one of the most popular series in video game history. But this phenomenal success didn’t happen overnight. The franchise has spent over two decades refining its engaging gameplay, dynamic storytelling, and immersive open-world environments. Launched into the gaming stratosphere with Grand Theft Auto III in 2001, it redefined what it meant to experience an open-world game. As the series continues to grow, many developers have tried to capture the magic of GTA, resulting in a plethora of clones that each bring their own unique flair to the genre. Today, we’ll explore the 10 best GTA clones that have left a significant mark on the landscape of open-world gaming.

1. Saints Row Series

Arguably the most famous GTA clone, the Saints Row series embraces the same core mechanics while ramping up the absurdity factor. Starting as a more grounded experience in Saints Row (2006), the franchise evolved into an over-the-top saga of crime and chaos by the time of Saints Row: The Third (2011). Its emphasis on customization, wild power-ups, and comedic storytelling set it apart, making it a beloved alternative.

2. Just Cause Series

The Just Cause series takes the open-world formula and injects it with adrenaline-pumping action and an emphasis on chaos. Set in expansive tropical environments, the games allow players to utilize a grappling hook and parachute to create spectacular moments of destruction. While it might not have the minute storytelling of GTA, the sheer joy of mayhem is irresistible.

3. Mafia Series

If you’re looking for an experience that captures the gritty spirit of organized crime, the Mafia series is your go-to. Mafia II (2010) and Mafia III (2016) each provided players with rich narratives set in meticulously detailed environments reminiscent of their respective eras. The third installment especially delivers an emotionally charged story intertwined with the exploration of themes like race and redemption.

4. Sleeping Dogs

Set in Hong Kong, Sleeping Dogs offers a fantastic blend of open-world exploration and martial arts combat. With a compelling narrative focused on undercover police work, it takes the familiar GTA formula and adds a uniquely Asian flair. The game showcases a beautiful, open city filled with engaging side activities and an intricate crime story.

5. Watch Dogs Series

Watch Dogs brings a fresh take on the open-world genre by integrating hacking mechanics into its gameplay. Set in a modern, tech-driven world, players can manipulate the environment using their hacking skills. Both Watch Dogs (2014) and its sequel, Watch Dogs 2 (2016), depict tales of rebellion against corrupt systems and have received acclaim for their innovative approach.

6. Fuel

While not a direct clone, Fuel offers a unique spin on the open-world experience by emphasizing exploration and racing. Set in a massive open-world environment with a focus on vehicular gameplay, it combines racing elements with mission-based gameplay reminiscent of the GTA series. Its vast world and variety of vehicles keep players engaged for hours.

7. Scarface: The World is Yours

Based on the classic film, Scarface: The World is Yours expands upon the movie’s narrative in a unique and engaging manner. Players navigate the criminal underworld of Miami as Tony Montana, rebuilding his empire. Though less polished than GTA, it captures the essence of the film while providing a fun and recognizable world.

8. Yakuza Series

The Yakuza series focuses more on narrative depth and character development while still providing a large open-world environment to explore. Though gameplay mechanics differ from GTA’s shooting and driving, players can engage in side quests, brawling, and mini-games that add a unique flavor to their journey through the criminal underbelly of Japan.

9. Payday Series

While primarily focused on cooperative heists, the Payday series encapsulates the thrill of crime in an open-world setting. Players must strategize and execute complex heists, all while fending off law enforcement. Although it diverges from traditional open-world exploration, its intense gameplay brings a fresh experience to the genre.

10. CrimeCraft

Drawing inspiration from both MMORPGs and the GTA formula, CrimeCraft allows players to engage in a persistent online world filled with gang warfare and competition. With a blend of roleplaying elements and strategic shooting mechanics, it creates a social environment, allowing players to band together or go solo in a crime-ridden world.