Quick answer: The best games to play before GTA 6 are the ones that scratch the same itch: GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA: Vice City, GTA: San Andreas, Mafia, Cyberpunk 2077, Sleeping Dogs and Saints Row. With 18 days to go, pick one that fits your time, not the longest one on the list. These are subjective recommendations, not Rockstar guidance.
8 Games to Play Before GTA 6
| Game | Why it fits | Rough time to finish |
|---|---|---|
| GTA V | Closest modern comparison; enhanced on PS5 and Xbox Series | 30+ hours |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Rockstar’s most detailed world | 50+ hours |
| GTA: Vice City | Where GTA 6 returns; short and stylish | 15+ hours |
| GTA: San Andreas | Huge scale for its era | 30+ hours |
| Mafia (Definitive Edition) | Crime story with a strong period feel | 10+ hours |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Open-world city with a story-first design | 25+ hours |
| Sleeping Dogs | Compact open-world crime game | 15+ hours |
| Saints Row | Lighter, chaotic open-world crime | 15+ hours |
Times are rough, main-story estimates and vary a lot by playstyle.
How to Pick
- Under a week: Vice City or Mafia.
- Two weeks: GTA V or Cyberpunk 2077.
- Want the full ramp-up: start RDR2 now and accept you may not finish it (see GTA 6 vs RDR2).
Free Up Your Console First
Installing another large game can collide with the preload space you need. Delete what you will not replay (see the preload guide).
Bottom Line
Do not start a 60-hour game three weeks before launch if you want to be in GTA 6 on day one. A short one gives you the open-world fix without the guilt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replay GTA 5 before GTA 6?
It is not necessary. It is a good warm-up if you enjoy it.
What is the shortest game on this list?
Mafia and Vice City are among the shortest.
Do I need earlier GTA games for the story?
No.
Is Vice City worth playing now?
Yes if you want context for GTA 6’s setting.
Related GTA 6 Guides
- GTA 6 complete guide: release date, price, map and characters
- GTA Games in Order: Every Mainline Release From 1997 to GTA 6
- GTA 6 for Beginners: Do You Need to Play the Older Games First?
- GTA 6 vs Red Dead Redemption 2: How Rockstar’s Big Games Compare
Sources and Disclaimer
Information in this article comes from TechRadar: official GTA 6 price, Beebom: GTA 6 map guide.
InfoBrave is an independent site and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive. Grand Theft Auto is a trademark of Take-Two Interactive. Details are drawn from official announcements and press reports and may change before or after launch. Last updated November 2026.
