Diving into Virtuality: Top 5 Alternatives to "Grand Theft Auto Online"

Have you played "Grand Theft Auto Online" and are now looking for something different yet similar? Are you eager to dip your toes into the vast ocean of open-world games that can offer a similar experience to GTA Online? This article has got you covered. We are here to introduce you to the top five games that, like GTA Online, will allow you to explore detailed worlds filled with engaging storylines, complex characters, and exhilarating game mechanics. Here, discover a detailed description of each game's gameplay, story, and setting.

1. "Red Dead Redemption 2"

About "Red Dead Redemption 2"

From the creators of GTA, Rockstar Games, comes another smash-hit - "Red Dead Redemption 2" (RDR2). This prequel to the original RDR offers an immersive open-world experience set in the late 1800s with in-depth gameplay and storyline.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

As Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van Der Linde Gang, you navigate the game that is set in a vast, atmospheric world with smooth gunplay, hunting ecosystems, and a myriad of side quests. The story offers richly detailed and heartbreaking narratives concerning loyalty, grief, and survival. Set against the backdrop of a vast American landscape transitioning from a lawless frontier to a civilized society, RDR2 is a game that draws you into its world with exceptional storytelling and world-building.

2. "Cyberpunk 2077"

About "Cyberpunk 2077"

CD Projekt Red's mega project, "Cyberpunk 2077," offers a unique blend of RPG progression and FPS gameplay mechanics in a futuristic open-world environment.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

In Cyberpunk 2077, you step into the shoes of V, a mercenary outlaw chasing a one-of-a-kind implant that holds the key to immortality. The setting is Night City, a megacity obsessed with power, glamour, and body modification. The game allows a fully immersive experience with a vast open world to explore, dynamic weather systems and day-night cycles. The story unfolds based on multiple decision-making conversations, leading to different possible endings.

3. "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt"

About "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt"

Another gem from CD Projekt Red, "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" is a fantasy action RPG that presents an engaging narrative with memorable character interactions and a rich environment.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

As Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, you embark on an epic journey in a war-ravaged world to find a living weapon known as the Child of Prophecy. The gameplay revolves around exploring expansive, beautifully rendered terrains, slaying monstrous beasts, and making critical decisions that significantly impact the world and its people.

4. "Saints Row: The Third - Remastered"

About "Saints Row: The Third - Remastered"

"Saints Row: The Third - Remastered" by Volition combines humor, over-the-top gameplay, and a bold storyline in a remastered package, making it one of the closest alternatives for GTA Online fans.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

As the leader of the third street saints gang, you take over the city of Steelport, a once-proud metropolis reduced to a struggling city of sin under the control of rival gangs. Boasting gleefully unrealistic gameplay, players can fight using everything from traditional firearms to extraordinary weapons such as giant dildo batons and explosive RC cars.

5. "Mafia III"

About "Mafia III"

The final installment of the Mafia series, "Mafia III" by Hangar 13, combines a gripping story set in a meticulously recreated open world, making it appealing to GTA Online enthusiasts.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Set in the late 1960s, the game's protagonist is Lincoln Clay, an orphan and Vietnam War veteran hell-bent on revenge against the Italian Mafia in New Bordeaux, a fictionalized version of New Orleans. The gameplay includes driving, shooting, and occasional stealth portions with more open-ended outcomes due to its district-based approach. In conclusion, these five games deliver engaging open-world experiences that can meet or even surpass what GTA Online offers. Give them a try, and you may find yourself deep into intoxicating narratives, enticing gameplay mechanics, and beautifully designed worlds.