.png){kind=logo}
Rockstar Games is known for redefining open-world storytelling with cinematic missions and massive explorable worlds.
Several of their past titles continue to receive updates, active player communities, and cultural relevance.
Playing these classics now helps you appreciate how far Rockstar has come and what GTA 6 is likely to improve upon.
With GTA 6 anticipated to be the largest gaming launch in history, it’s high time to explore the already existing Rockstar games lineup. A recent gaming survey revealed that nearly 68% of open-world players have played at least one Rockstar title in the past year, demonstrating that the studio remains a leader in the industry.
From immersive western epics to chaotic criminal sandboxes, these games influenced modern open-world design and are the best way to warm up before entering the next masterpiece of the top Rockstar games to play.
Set in a beautifully constructed open world, Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption 2 is arguably the most emotionally focused game. The story follows Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang, and features a large amount of character development, morally motivated choices, and breathtaking environments. The benchmarks for realism, animal systems, and narrative density that the game sets will provide a base on which to expand in future projects like GTA6.
Also read: Top Budget Gaming Consoles in 2025
GTA 5 is one of the highest-selling games of all time, even ten years after its release. Los Santos liberation, the three-protagonist plot, and the ability to replay it over and over again make it vital to determine the development of the GTA series. The bombing operations, the humor, and the detailed world design will provide a good recharge for the next major chapter.
Bully is an inspiring change of pace in crime drama and a cult-classic school-life adventure. Bully puts one into the world of Jimmy Hopkins, where one must make one's way through high school with pranks, missions, classes, and the eccentric personalities of those around. It demonstrates Rockstar's versatility in telling stories and can be considered one of the most delightful and unusual experiences in their catalog.
The original RDR served as the foundation for the legendary sequel. The game blends emotional narrative and gunplay, with a catchy soundtrack, as John Marston traverses the decaying frontier of America. Though it is more linear than its successor, it is a vital part of the overall storyline and an essential part of the play for understanding the Van der Linde saga.
Also read: Best CPUs for Gaming in 2025
The detective story set in Los Angeles in 1940s is unlike any other Rockstar title. Cole Phelps investigates crimes using a combination of interrogations, facial expressions, crime scene analysis and action sequences. As such, it provides a gripping, slow-burning experience, one which is very much worth paying attention to the details and the way in which atmosphere tells the story; therefore, if you have not tried it, I would highly recommend doing so before heading back to the frantic, high-energy universe of GTA.
If you're looking for the best games produced by Rockstar Games or are eagerly looking for Grand Theft Auto 6, these five games have an emotional story, an unforgettable cast of characters and an expansive world.
Red Dead Redemption 2 has an incredibly well-developed story, GTA5 provides a massive amount of freedom and many ways to replay the game. Rockstar has also created a number of other iconic titles like Bully and L.A. Noire, so it is essential that they be found in any ‘Best of Rockstar’ list prior to the release of GTA6.
1. Do I need to play these games to enjoy GTA 6?
No, yet these games help gamers appreciate Rockstar's storytelling.
2. Which Rockstar game has the best story?
Red Dead Redemption 2 is widely considered their best story.
3. Is GTA 5 still worth playing today?
There is no doubt about it, it is still one of the most involving open-world games.
4. Are these games beginner-friendly?
Yes, the majority of them are also available to newcomers.
5. Will these games influence GTA 6’s design?
There are many fans who expect GTA 6 to be as realistic as RDR2 and as large and free as GTA 5.
