Open-World Games Where You Can Be Arrested: Top Picks Revealed

Summary

Modern open-world titles often feature dynamic and convincing police systems, adding a layer of realism and tension to the gameplay.
In crime-focused games like GTA 5, Sleeping Dogs, and Saints Row 2, players are constantly at risk of being busted during missions or free exploration, with police aggression escalating if they choose to resist.
Mafia 2 and Red Dead Redemption 2 arguably boast the most realistic and grounded police systems, requiring players to adhere to the law whenever possible to avoid trouble.

In open-world games, you often find law enforcement systems that keep things in check. These systems are there to observe your activities and prevent excessive chaos. Sometimes, they even increase the difficulty level by requiring you to break laws as part of the game’s narrative.

In some open-world games featuring a law enforcement system, players aren’t always killed but can instead be apprehended by the police.

In many video game titles such as “Cyberpunk 2077”, “Mafia 3”, and “Saints Row The Third”, there are no elaborate animations or cutscenes when you get caught; instead, law enforcement officers respond by opening fire after a crime is committed. Here, we’ll delve into some exceptional open-world games where players can experience the consequence of their actions – being arrested or busted – which enhances the realism and immersion in gameplay.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5

The Gold Standard Of Police Systems In Open-World Games

As a gamer, I can’t help but reminisce about my adventures in the Grand Theft Auto universe, a place where the crime-ridden open world has always been its signature allure. Engaging with the law enforcement has been an integral part of the experience, whether it’s during storyline missions or just exploring freely. I’ve learned that provoking a police response can be as simple as attacking innocents or flashing a weapon in broad daylight on the bustling city streets. The upcoming GTA 6 is generating quite a buzz, but for now, GTA 5 continues to dazzle with its unparalleled police system. It delivers authentic and thrilling encounters that range from roadblocks and nail-biting chases to pulse-pounding shootouts.

In Grand Theft Auto V, players may face consequences such as arrest, ambush, or immediate attack from the Los Santos Police Department based on their criminal record (wanted level) or the situation within a specific mission. Since its debut, GTA 5 stands out with one of the most sophisticated police systems in video games, scarcely rivaled by competitors in terms of realism, tactical approaches, and diversity of law enforcement AI behavior.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Playing As An Outlaw Means Always Being Ready To Evade Arrest

In the spirit of Grand Theft Auto 5, Red Dead Redemption 2 pushes boundaries with a more sophisticated justice system that fits perfectly within its Wild West atmosphere. As a character who is essentially an outlaw, players often encounter sheriffs and law enforcement officers. Unique features such as crime witnesses who report to the authorities unless promptly silenced add depth to these encounters. Furthermore, wanted levels do not dissipate on their own; instead, players must settle bounties in each region to once again enjoy personal freedom.

For individuals who are cash-strapped or prefer not to repay their debts, the repercussions can be unyielding. Law enforcement officers and bounty hunters will chase you throughout the wilderness, frequently interrupting your expeditions and other activities. In truth, maintaining a wanted status in RDR 2 is rarely advantageous, as it makes gameplay noticeably more complicated.

3. Sleeping Dogs

Even An Undercover Cop Can Get Busted If They Behave Carelessly

In the realm of crime-oriented open-world games, Sleeping Dogs is a shining gem that serves as a spiritual successor to the True Crime series. Its distinctive backdrop, the vibrant cityscape of Hong Kong, and its exceptional close-combat gameplay make it one-of-a-kind within this genre. The narrative centers around Wei Shen, a law enforcement officer undercover, aiming to penetrate the formidable Triad syndicate.

Even though Wei is a police officer in the game “Sleeping Dogs”, players can still get arrested, whether it’s during story missions or free exploration. Just like in games such as “GTA” and “Red Dead Redemption 2”, trying to evade arrest will only make the police more aggressive, leading them to attack on sight if they see you. It’s not just a difficult gameplay decision, but it also contradicts Wei’s undercover mission, so it might be best for players to avoid such actions.

4. Mafia 2

A Surprisingly Grounded And Realistic Police System

In contrast to the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, although both share open-world designs, the Mafia series is uniquely distinguished by its more authentic portrayal of a police system, particularly evident in Mafia 2. This is reminiscent of GTA 5’s law enforcement dynamics within Empire Bay City, where the response of police rangers to player’s law-breaking activities is notably similar.

In the game world, players can face consequences not just for major violations such as waving a weapon or striking passersby, but also for less severe actions like speeding or crossing the street outside the crosswalk. When this happens, officers may issue a ticket that players have the option to pay or contest. Refusing to comply could result in arrest. This dynamic is mirrored in the game Mafia: Definitive Edition, enhancing the authenticity of the gameplay experience. However, in contrast, this system is not present in Mafia 3. In that game, police officers bypass arresting players and instead choose to shoot them regardless of the gravity of their offenses.

5. Need For Speed Unbound

High-Octane Police Chases With Risk-Reward Thrills

The “Need for Speed” series has been known for its heart-pounding police chases, whether in open-world games or more structured titles like “Hot Pursuit”. Although many open-world “NFS” games deliver comparable experiences when it comes to cop play, the most recent versions such as “Need for Speed Heat” and “Need for Speed Unbound” take the excitement of cat-and-mouse games with the cops during or between high-stakes nighttime street races to a whole new level.

In these games, there are realistic day-night racing systems implemented. During the day, the cops are somewhat lenient, but at night, they aggressively pursue players throughout the city and its surroundings. The intense chases involve obstacles like roadblocks, collisions with police SUVs, and even aerial monitoring from helicopters. The games’ risk-reward dynamics increase the thrill, as being caught by the cops means forfeiting all rewards accumulated in that specific play session, making each nighttime escape more exhilarating.

6. Watch Dogs 2

A Modern World With A Unique Hacking Layer To Use Against The Police

The Watch Dogs series is Ubisoft’s endeavor to craft a crime-centric, open-world experience set in a contemporary world, often compared to games like Grand Theft Auto and Mafia, with varying levels of accomplishment. Each installment in the Watch Dogs series boasts a realistic police system, but Watch Dogs 2 shines particularly brightly in this aspect. It expands upon the foundation laid by the original game, improving law enforcement interactions within San Francisco, all while utilizing the franchise’s distinctive hacking features for engaging and enjoyable scenarios.

In “Watch Dogs 2”, cops can apprehend players during story missions or free-roam gameplay for petty offenses or hostile actions. However, they might use deadly force in intense scenarios. On the other hand, “Watch Dogs: Legion” streamlines this system, much like “Mafia 3”. In the game’s dystopian London setting, cops will open fire on player characters if they interact with law enforcement. They no longer have an arrest mechanism.

7. Saints Row 2

A Classic Police System In A Crime-Focused Open World

The Saints Row series, much like the Grand Theft Auto series, significantly shapes its content but offers a more anarchic and over-the-top perspective on the open-world crime genre. Earlier installments in the series tend to delve deeply into gang feuds and law enforcement encounters. In particular, Saints Row 2 boasts an open-world law enforcement system reminiscent of Mafia or Grand Theft Auto, allowing Stilwater police to apprehend players for minor infractions even at lower wanted levels.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed a change for the tougher side starting with “Saints Row: The Third.” Just like in “Mafia 3” and “Watch Dogs: Legion,” cops are quick to pull the trigger, aiming at me regardless of the situation. Given the outrageous direction that the Saints Row series has been taking, both in terms of story and gameplay, especially in the third and fourth installments, this tougher approach isn’t really shocking.

2025-01-20 11:04