Uncovering the Best Mafia Alternatives for Open-World Action

The Mafia series, renowned for its gripping narratives set in historical American cities and immersive open-world environments, has captivated players with its tales of rising and falling through the criminal underworld. However, if you've exhausted Lost Heaven, New Bordeaux, and Empire Bay, or simply crave a fresh take on action-adventure, it's time to explore compelling Mafia alternative games that offer similar thrills and unique experiences.

Top Mafia Alternatives

Looking for a new criminal empire to build or a different kind of open-world adventure? These games offer diverse takes on the genre, whether you crave more mob action, intense shooting, or expansive worlds to explore.

Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto, often abbreviated to GTA, is arguably the most well-known action-adventure series and a fantastic Mafia alternative. Developed by Rockstar North, GTA offers expansive open-world environments where players engage in shooting, driving, and various missions to progress a story, much like Mafia. Available across numerous platforms including Commercial, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Java Mobile, Android Tablet, iPad, Steam, Rockstar Games Launcher, Playstation, and Xbox, it features robust single-player campaigns and often a third-person perspective, making it a natural fit for fans of Mafia's gameplay.

Doom

While a distinct shift from Mafia's narrative-driven open world, Doom offers an intense first-person shooter experience for those who appreciate the shooting mechanics. As a science fiction horror-themed FPS, Doom focuses on fast-paced combat and is available on Commercial, Windows, Steam, Nintendo Switch Online, Xbox, and Stadia. Its features include a compelling single-player mode, multiplayer options, and a strong sci-fi aesthetic, providing a different kind of adrenaline rush compared to Mafia's more grounded approach.

Saints Row

Saints Row is another excellent Mafia alternative that emphasizes open-world action-adventure, but with a more over-the-top and humorous tone. Created by Volition, it tells the story of the Third Street Saints gang. Available on Commercial, Windows, Linux, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox, Saints Row shares Mafia's core features of an open world and third-person perspective, but distinguishes itself with its often outlandish missions and character customization, offering a less serious criminal underworld experience.

Zandronum

Zandronum is a free and open-source multiplayer-oriented port for classic Doom and Doom II, bringing these beloved FPS titles into the modern era. While not an open-world crime game like Mafia, it's a superb Mafia alternative for those seeking pure first-person shooter action, especially with friends. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, and Linux, it features multiplayer, online gaming, and single-player options, offering classic shooting gameplay with modern enhancements.

Dead Space

Dead Space shifts genres entirely, offering a survival horror third-person shooter experience. While it lacks Mafia's open world and criminal narrative, it provides intense action and a strong single-player focus for players who enjoy engaging combat and a compelling story. Available on Commercial, Windows, Linux, and via Wine, Dead Space immerses players in a terrifying sci-fi setting, providing a different kind of atmospheric tension compared to the mob-focused drama of Mafia.

L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire is an excellent Mafia alternative that maintains the historical setting and crime genre, but flips the script – you play as a Los Angeles Police Department officer. Set in 1947, this neo-noir crime game challenges players to solve cases, explore an open world, and engage in a compelling single-player narrative, much like Mafia. Available on Commercial and Windows, L.A. Noire offers a unique blend of investigative gameplay with its open-world setting and third-person perspective, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoyed Mafia's historical immersion and storytelling.

Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs provides a fresh take on the open-world crime genre as a superb Mafia alternative. Players control Wei Shen, an undercover Chinese-American police officer infiltrating a triad organization in Hong Kong. Available on Commercial and Windows, it features a rich open world, engaging single-player gameplay, and a strong emphasis on martial arts combat alongside shooting. This game offers a compelling narrative and an exotic setting that distinguishes it from Mafia's American urban landscapes.

Aion

Aion is a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) that departs significantly from Mafia's single-player, action-adventure focus. However, if you're looking for a compelling online world with a strong narrative and character progression, it's a noteworthy consideration. As a Freemium title available on Windows, Aion features realistic graphics, free-to-play access, and extensive multiplayer options, including PvP, offering a vast and persistent world experience distinct from Mafia's linear story progression.

Tokyo 42

Tokyo 42 offers a unique isometric, open-world shooter experience that serves as a stylish Mafia alternative. While its perspective and art style are distinct from Mafia's realistic third-person view, it still delivers open-world gameplay, shooting mechanics, and both single-player and multiplayer modes. Available on Commercial, Windows, Steam, and Xbox, Tokyo 42's handcrafted micro-world provides a fresh and visually striking take on the open-world genre.

Clive Barker's Undying

Clive Barker's Undying is a classic first-person shooter with a strong horror theme. While it lacks the open-world and criminal underworld elements of Mafia, it's an excellent Mafia alternative for those who appreciate strong narrative, atmospheric settings, and intense single-player shooting gameplay. Available on Commercial, Mac, and Windows, it features a compelling story, gore, and a focus on horror-infused combat, providing a different kind of immersive experience from the Mafia series.

Whether you're looking for more historical crime sagas, expansive open worlds, or simply a different flavor of action, these Mafia alternative games offer a diverse range of experiences. Explore their unique features and find the perfect fit for your next gaming adventure!