GTA 6 arrives on November 19, 2026, which leaves 19 days to play something else first. Our picks lean on one thing only: how critics scored each game, using the headline Metascore on Metacritic’s game page as read on October 31, 2026. We haven’t replayed any of these for this article, so there are no new hands-on claims. If you want the GTA 6 basics first, start with the GTA 6 hub.
The shortlist, ranked by Metascore
| Game | Released | Metascore | Why it’s here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 2018 | 97 | Rockstar’s latest open world before GTA 6, so the closest recent point of comparison |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | 97 | The last mainline GTA; the best way to refresh on the series’ modern formula |
| Elden Ring | 2022 | 96 | The highest-scored open world from a non-Rockstar studio on this list |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 2015 | 92 | Story-first open world with a long, well-regarded campaign |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020 | 86 | A big city setting; the lowest score here, and its launch is widely remembered as rough |
The Metascore is the headline number shown on each Metacritic page. It can differ between platforms, and Metacritic’s page does not label the platform in the data we read, so use the figure as a guide to general reception, not as an exact ranking.
If you want the Vice City angle
GTA 6 is set in Vice City, USA, inside the state of Leonida. The older Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) holds a 95 Metascore on Metacritic. It is the series’ earlier visit to the same fictional city, but be aware it is a 2002 game, and we are not claiming GTA 6 is a remake, sequel or continuation of it. Rockstar describes GTA 6 as its own story with Jason and Lucia.
Pick by how much time you have
- A weekend: there’s no short open-world game here. The honest advice is to replay a favorite section of GTA V and treat it as a warm-up.
- Two weeks: Red Dead Redemption 2 is Rockstar’s most recent open world and the highest-scored recent one on this list. It is a long game.
- Something different: Elden Ring is much harder than anything Rockstar makes. Pick it if you want a new world rather than a refresher.
A note on GTA V and GTA+
Rockstar’s announcement says digital pre-orders include one free month of GTA+, and that the GTA+ Games Library includes GTA V and other classic Rockstar titles. PlayStation Store says the free month must be claimed by March 31, 2027. Check the offer terms on your store, and see GTA 6 price and GTA 6 editions for the full pre-order details.
Frequently asked questions
What should I play before GTA 6?
If you only play one, Red Dead Redemption 2 or GTA V. Both hold a 97 Metascore.
Do I need to play older GTA games to understand GTA 6?
Rockstar describes GTA 6 as a single-player story with new protagonists, Jason and Lucia. We haven’t seen anything official that says you need earlier games.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing now?
Its 86 Metascore is the lowest on this list. Its launch problems are well documented, but we haven’t tested the current version for this article, so we’re not making a claim about it.
Last checked against official sources and store listings on October 31, 2026. We update this page when Rockstar, Sony or Microsoft publish new details. We do not use affiliate links. Graphic: HUDWire.
Sources
- Metacritic: Red Dead Redemption 2 (Metascore, checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Metacritic: Grand Theft Auto V (Metascore, checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Metacritic: Elden Ring (Metascore, checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Metacritic: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Metascore, checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Metacritic: Cyberpunk 2077 (Metascore, checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Metacritic: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Metascore, checked Oct 31, 2026)
- Take-Two Interactive: Rockstar Games Announces Pre-Orders for Grand Theft Auto VI (June 24, 2026)
- Rockstar Games: Grand Theft Auto VI official site
- Xbox Store: Grand Theft Auto VI (US listing)