5 Rockstar Games to Replay Before GTA 6 Launches in November

Look, I’m as cheap as they come. If I’m dropping $80 on a game, I want to squeeze every last drop of value out of my backlog first. So before you pre-order that pricey Ultimate Edition, let’s warm up with five Rockstar classics that’ll get you in shape for Vice City’s return—without spending a dime more than you have to. Is each one worth the price? You bet, especially when they’re all on permanent discount.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The OG neon fever dream. Tommy Vercetti’s 1980s sandbox is pure Florida satire—cocaine cowboys, pastel suits, and radio stations that still slap. Replaying it now isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a crash course in the sun-scorched, gator-infested vibe Rockstar is doubling down on with Leonida. You can practically smell the ocean breeze and cheap hairspray. Is it worth the price? You can probably find it for the cost of a gas station hot dog, so yeah.

2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

CJ had to hit the gym and grab a Cluckin’ Bell meal to change his look—sound familiar? GTA 6’s confirmed features include eating, exercise, and sleep affecting Jason and Lucia’s appearance. San Andreas did it first, and it’s still a riot. Plus, the sprawling map of three cities, countryside, and desert is a reminder that Rockstar knows how to pack a state full of variety. Dust off that old save or grab the remaster; your muscle memory for burger runs will pay off.

2. Grand Theft Auto IV

Lucia Caminos grew up in Liberty City—fact, straight from her official bio. So replaying Niko Bellic’s grim, physics-heavy adventure is basically a prequel to her backstory. The driving feels weighty, the story is a slow-burn tragedy, and the city’s grimy corners will make you appreciate the sunny hellscape of Leonida even more. It’s also a masterclass in how Rockstar builds a living world with random encounters and reactive pedestrians—a foundation GTA 6 is pushing even further.

4. Grand Theft Auto V

The obvious one. Three-protagonist switching, heists that require actual planning, and a sun-soaked satire of modern America—exactly the blueprint GTA 6 is building on with its dual-lead setup. Michael, Franklin, and Trevor taught us how to juggle character abilities mid-mission; Jason and Lucia will ask us to do it with just two, but tighter coordination. Replay the Paleto Score or the Big One to remember how a well-oiled crew operates. And hey, Los Santos is still gorgeous.

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar’s most immersive world yet, where NPCs remember your face and your actions have real weight. GTA 6’s Extended Look confirmed NPCs will react to and remember the player, so this is your best training ground for living with consequences. The dynamic weather, animal ecosystems, and slow-burn pace will also feel familiar when you’re kayaking through Leonida’s wetlands or hiking Mount Kalaga. Saddle up, partner—it’s the ultimate “how far Rockstar has come” refresher.

All five are regularly on sale for pocket change. Playing them now won’t just kill the wait—it’ll make you appreciate every little upgrade when November 19 rolls around. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to check if I have enough trade-in credit to cover that Vice City Collection shot glass.