5 best open-world Android games like GTA

The GTA series has influenced almost every gamer's childhood with its engaging and action-packed storylines. Grand Theft Auto games are also why many casual players get introduced to the open-world action-adventure genre, where one can explore a virtual city-based society.

Over time, the Grand Theft Auto franchise has improved drastically in implementing realistic game physics and gun mechanics, resulting in a more immersive experience. However, Android users cannot enjoy the mesmerizing open world gameplay of the latest GTA titles. So, read on to find the closest alternatives available in the Google Play Store.

Note: This list is not in any particular order and reflects the author's personal views.

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5 best GTA-like games for Android smartphones (2022)

1) Gangstar New Orleans

Gameloft's Gangstar New Orleans provides one of the largest maps to explore on foot or by driving an array of vehicles. The storyline missions allow gamers to operate a variety of weapons and perform numerous actions in the city of New Orleans.

Players can raid other gangs or defend themselves against attacks during gang wars while collecting several in-game items and also upgrading their arsenal. They can also customize their gangster and build a mansion for themselves in the virtual open world.

As players progress through the story missions and side tasks in Gangstar New Orleans, they can claim their private island alongside a collection of vehicles and other in-game accessories.

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2) MadOut2 Big City Online

MadOut2 Big City Online is another decent GTA alternative for Android users. Players can focus on the main storyline while completing the side jobs to get rewards and collectibles or compete with 200 players at a time with the multiplayer mode.

MadOut2 Big City Online doesn't limit players as they can visit different locations in the virtual open world and access a variety of vehicles with several internal or external customizations. They can also create their desired character after making different choices.

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3) Payback 2 - The Battle Sandbox

Payback 2 - The Battle Sandbox replicates the gameplay of GTA games quite effectively by offering a vast open world to explore and several modes. It provides over 50 campaign events that vary with tasks like turf wars and racing with rocket cars.

Besides the storyline, Payback 2 also ensures that players get to fight it out against one another via multiplayer games. They can top the leaderboard after fighting online against real opponents. It also features multiple hourly, daily, and weekly challenges with various events.

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4) Gangstar Vegas: World of Crime

Gameloft's open-world action-adventure game, Gangstar Vegas: World of Crime, takes a leaf from the Grand Theft Auto saga and provides an engaging storyline. Players get to explore Las Vegas to complete missions, obtain collectibles, race using different vehicles, use guns, and do a lot more.

The virtual world of Gangstar Vegas allows gamers to play alongside gangsters and mafia cartels while witnessing gang wars. They have to overcome difficulties to become a gang leader in Las Vegas.

The game already has a plethora of criminal missions, while developers keep adding extra tasks with new updates and seasons. Furthermore, the map of Gangstar Vegas also features alien wars, waves of tanks, and zombie clan attacks.

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5) Gangs Town Story

Gangs Town Story is a great alternative to a GTA title. Judging by the graphics, it is similar to GTA San Andreas with a similar tone and setting for the environment. Still, the game has an original story.

Players can focus on completing missions to progress as the game introduces many new characters. They can roam freely on foot or use cars to explore the gigantic open world of Gangs Town Story.