Rockstar's Most Addictive Side Activities That Will Keep You Playing For Hours

Summary

Rockstar Games has been innovating open-world gaming since GTA 3, with plenty of optional content and side activities.
Games like Bully and Red Dead Redemption offer diverse side missions and unique collectibles.
Each game provides a rich world beyond the main story, featuring exploration, hidden secrets, and activities tailored to the setting.

Ever since they released their groundbreaking game “Grand Theft Auto 3” in 2001, Rockstar Games have been consistently advancing the open-world genre, challenging limits and inspiring other significant developers. Although Liberty City from “GTA 3” might appear simplistic compared to modern standards, it was a game-changer in its day, offering an engaging main storyline along with numerous side activities and collectibles that breathed life into its environment.

Over the past few decades, Rockstar’s open-world video games have surpassed this achievement by filling their maps with hidden treasures and intriguing side quests for players to explore, which are not necessarily connected to the main plot. Here is a list of some of Rockstar’s most outstanding open-world games, ranked according to both the game’s overall excellence and the enthusiasm of fans towards the optional content they offer.

8. Midnight Club: Los Angeles

Open-World Car Racing

Fans of Rockstar’s open-world racing series might lean towards earlier versions, but the fourth and last one released so far is called “Midnight Club: Los Angeles“. This game offers a wealth of optional content within its vast map. Interestingly, the world in this game is larger than all three cities from the previous game combined, providing plenty of room for exploration and uncovering hidden surprises as players journey through.

Beyond the primary narrative missions, there’s a wealth of additional tasks available, several of which can be replayed by those aiming to accumulate more in-game currency and reputation. Scattered throughout the game map are approximately 60 yellow barrels that can be demolished, with rewards such as invincibility and endless nitro given for every ten destroyed. Aspiring racers also have the freedom to design their own tracks, even modifying traffic density and weather conditions.

7. Bully

Attend School And Complete Side Missions

In the PAL region, the game is called “Bully.” It’s similar to “Grand Theft Auto,” but instead of a city backdrop, it takes place in a high school environment. Unlike traditional schools where attendance is mandatory, here it’s entirely up to you. The campaign missions across Bullworth Academy and the town provide only a taste of what the game has to offer, with much more experiences available for Jimmy Hopkins to explore.

Different types of activities function like mini-games and offer incentives upon finishing them, such as the geography class pinpointing collectible items on a map. These items reward Jimmy with new weapons and outfits, however, side missions are particularly enjoyable since they contribute to the narrative and gaming environment. Additionally, there are races, romantic interactions, and arcade games to keep Jimmy entertained.

6. L.A. Noire

Solving Crimes In Post-War Los Angeles

As Cole Phelps navigates through different divisions of the LAPD in L.A. Noire, he frequently experiences street action set against the backdrop of 1940s Los Angeles. During his travel to and from cases, which are generally sequential, random street crimes may take place. Cole and his current partner might choose to investigate or intervene in these incidents as they occur.

The gravity of these forty potential scenarios spans from minor crimes like petty theft to serious matters linked to gang activities. These situations, more often than not, are swiftly resolved when the character intervenes, bringing a sense of realism and unpredictability to the game environment. Additionally, Cole has the ability to amass various items during his adventures, which typically result in new outfits for him if he manages to collect them all. These can range from landmarks visited and vehicles driven, to golden movie reels.

5. Grand Theft Auto 4

Plenty Of Side Missions To Keep Niko Busy

Upon revisiting Liberty City, Grand Theft Auto 4 significantly enhances its cityscape reminiscent of New York City. Alongside the narrative of Niko Bellic’s climb in the criminal underworld, there are numerous activities to engage in within this bustling metropolis, such as pursuing vigilantes and helping out Brucie Kibbutz by stealing cars for him.

Besides these, Niko has options like going on dates, joining races, or having a game of bowling with his cousin Roman. The games “The Ballad of Gay Tony” and “The Lost and the Damned” also offer an array of engaging side activities, including gang wars and nightclub management. However, collectibles might be a bit disappointing; so, unless you’re aiming for a 100% completion, it’s probably best to skip eradicating the city’s pigeon population.

4. Red Dead Redemption

Experience And Explore The Old West

The timeless story of vengeance and redemption by John Marston, titled Red Dead Redemption, offers numerous activities beyond merely tracking down his ex-gang members. This expansive game encompasses a significant portion of the American western frontier and northern Mexico, featuring an intricately designed world with additional tasks that align with the setting, including stranger encounters, bounty hunting, and casino games.

Beyond the towering fifty-seven story buildings, these additional missions can extend your gameplay time significantly, often consuming most of a player’s gaming hours as they engage in games such as Liar’s Dice or Blackjack. The Undead Nightmare expansion is brimming with side quests featuring a zombie theme, where you can cleanse cemeteries, protect towns, and aid survivors.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Pioneering Open-World Game

Known as one of the greatest video games ever produced, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is far from sparse in terms of content. In fact, the main storyline barely touches upon all that it has to offer, which includes all the typical side missions found in GTA, such as races and police chases, alongside a multitude of firsts for the series.

In the game ‘San Andreas’, there are six prospective girlfriends to court, a variety of collectibles each offering distinct perks, along with activities for the character CJ during his leisure time. These include playing pool and visiting casinos in Las Venturas. A highlight that fans particularly enjoy about this game is the gang warfare, which erupts in Los Santos post the mission “Doberman”. Here, CJ’s Grove Street gang can seize control of rival territories and defend their own turf.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

A Huge World Filled With Secrets

As I traverse through the sprawling expanse of Red Dead Redemption 2, it might appear at first glance as a barren wilderness, but those who delve deeper into its untamed beauty are richly rewarded. My character, Arthur Morgan, embarks on a journey towards redemption that’s not without its challenges, yet remains fulfilling for gamers like me. Side quests and hidden gems scattered throughout the landscape offer glimpses into the past and provide insights into this captivating game world, making every step of my adventure more meaningful.

In this game, completing tasks with strangers and teaming up with companions offers some of the most satisfying experiences. Arthur has opportunities to improve his aim during duels and bounty hunting. The fan-favorite gambling games return from the previous Red Dead Redemption 2, leading many players to invest numerous hours and a significant amount of money as they compete against NPCs in dominoes and blackjack.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5

Hidden Missions And Leisure Activities

If we’re focusing solely on collectibles, Grand Theft Auto 5 would rank quite low. However, beyond this minor letdown, GTA 5 boasts some of the finest side activities within the entire series. While the standard jobs and races are still present, there are secret missions that typically only show up when you’re controlling a specific character.

In the imagined land of San Andreas, there are numerous activities tailored for characters such as Michael, Franklin, and Trevor during their leisure hours. These include sports like golf and tennis, along with more income-generating pursuits like stock trading, managing businesses, and heists. Grand Theft Auto Online boasts an abundance of choices due to user-generated games, races, and other activities.

2025-04-13 10:34

Rockstar’s Most Addictive Side Activities That Will Keep You Playing For Hours