Open-World game maps denser than GTA 5

Grand Theft Auto 5 was a huge game when it launched in 2013 in terms of its size. Players could mostly explore the city locations, while also venturing into the Los Santos area. Big as it is, open world games have gotten a lot bigger since 2013, and Grand Theft Auto 6s take on Vice City looks absolutely huge.

Even the games that are technically less than Grand Theft Auto 5 are larger in scope because they are packed with more content per square inch. The following open world games have condensed cities or areas that offer lots of freedom in exchange for a more focused experience.

Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Two assassins in London

Assassin's Creed Syndicate takes place in London, and it is one of the first Assassin's Creed game that allowed players to switch between two characters while playing: brother and sister Jacob and Evie Frye. London is heading towards the industrial revolution, so players can expect plenty of steampunk aesthetics as they traverse the city, which is fun to explore on your own due to the historical value.

On top of that, players can tackle main missions and side content as every inch of London is put to good use. The coolest part of exploring is using the grappling hook to quickly scale buildings when players are looking for collectibles or trying to escape guards.

Cyberpunk 2077

Living the nightlife

Cyberpunk 2077 takes place in Night City, a futuristic environment meant to make all dreams come true. As GTA 5there's also an outside desert to explore that's filled with bandits and random points of interest. Exploring Night City is the best part between main operations and side hustles, as players can approach them in many ways, from hacking through doors to blasting past them and guards with guns.

The open structure of the missions, along with the customization mods players can apply to their body, do Cyberpunk 2077 more liberating than GTA 5and there is more life and interesting places that will make players stop their car to get out all the time.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

A Swing And A Hit

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is one of the best Spider-Man game ever created, let alone one of the greatest superhero adventures. As either Peter Parker or Miles Morales, players can swing or glide around New York City looking for random crime waves to appear or collectibles to interact with.

The developer, Insomniac, used every inch of New York City to tell a story. The game takes place entirely in the city, with indoor locations only used for missions. It is one of the most densely packed games of all time, which can force players to 100%, because Marvel's Spider-Man 2 design is so inviting.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Don't go blue in Honolulu

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealthas the eighth Yakuza the game takes place mostly in Honolulu, but there are different districts to make it seem larger. Players can also explore the beaches and even go for a swim, along with a boat to an island to build their own little base camp.

Honolulu overall is another city location that doesn't skimp on activities or collectibles, as players will stumble into shops or strange NPCs looking for a fight in turn-based battles. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is also a game where the city will change over time, unlocking new districts or placing new activities where there were none before, so it will keep players on their toes.

Sleeping dogs

Don't let them lie

Sleeping dogs is slightly different in terms of city locations, as it takes place in Hong Kong. Players are given more freedom with their actions and playstyles because as an undercover cop, they can decide to be good or bad, which will affect the outcome of certain missions.

The martial arts action will feel more visceral, and being able to hijack cars while flying on the road is a breathtaking experience. As Marvel's Spider-Man 2there seems to be no end to crime, as side activities will appear all the time, which players can continue or ignore.

Fire Ring

Danger in the dark

Fire Ring doesn't take place in a city, but its open world fantasy setting is comparable to something similar GTA 5 in terms of size. Players can create their character, choose a class and then venture in any direction they want, and there's always something waiting.

Whether it's a man in a cave by the sea looking to haggle or a large dragon waiting in the middle of a field, players will rarely go two steps before finding something. As a soulmate, Fire Ring are also very challenging, so players must be prepared before each random encounter.

Watch Dogs 2

Hack the planet!

Watch Dogs 2 have GTA 5 vibes because it takes place on the West Coast, specifically in San Francisco. This version of the city is more high-tech, meaning players can interact with everything from unlocking cars to doing their bidding through hacks or entering surveillance cameras to watch NPCs, giving the city a more interactive feel.

Between main missions and side activities, players will learn that this city does not sleep. As an open world city game, Watch Dogs 2's San Francisco is also just historically fascinating, as players can check out sites that are similar to taking a guided tour of Assassin's Creed Syndicate.

Sunset Overdrive

Too many energy drinks

Sunset Overdrive takes place in the fictional Sunset City, which has been shut down due to a zombie-like pandemic involving humans mutating due to an energy drink. These mutants are fast and will constantly try to kill players, so they will need to learn how to park around Sunset City, including using cars to bounce on or rails to grind on.

The moment in Sunset Overdrive never ends, and the crossing isn't the only inventive thing about the game. Players can create bizarre weapons to take down mutants, such as launching vinyl records or exploding teddy bears. Due to the pandemic, Sunset City isn't filled with many NPCs, but players can get a variety of quests in safe locations, usually involving killing mutants.