19 Games Like Sleeping Dogs Players Can’t Get Enough Of In 2025
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Sleeping Dogs has maintained a solid presence in the gaming landscape for over a decade. And not without good reason; the game pulls ahead of many titles due to its distinctive Hong Kong setting, cutthroat yet satisfying melee combat system, and a well-woven story about an undercover cop.
I’ve spent hours being happily sucked into all that Sleeping Dogs is praised for, and while there’s still a lot I want to go back to, I figured I should finally pay homage to the OG and shed light on 16 games like Sleeping Dogs that do well to capture its awesomeness. Some excel in story, while others pull through in terms of gameplay, but every single one delivers an experience that ropes you in for hours of fun.
Jump to:
Our Top Picks for Games Like Sleeping Dogs
Here are the three top games I consider to be on par with what Sleeping Dogs is all about. From urban exploration to striking visuals and gameplay style, these games offer an experience unlike any other.
- Yakuza 0 (2015) – Yakuza 0 is the whole package. I can’t think of another game set in 90s Japan that goes the extra mile to hit a lot of high notes across the board. You’ve got a gripping main plot with Kiryu and Majima’s origin stories, great combat with both of them having different style sets, and some of the most iconic substories in the series.
- Judgment (2018) – Another vibrant installment in the Yakuza series, Judgment is highly regarded for its gripping, suspenseful crime story, engaging action combat, and rich, vibrant open world filled with diverse side activities. I personally appreciate how it introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as combat styles, yet never lets go of the core Yakuza charm that we have all come to love.
- Grand Theft Auto V (2013) – GTA V has been exhausted in multiple aspects, yet it still trudges on as a brilliant example of how an open-world game should look. The story is great; you get three different characters to work with, but where Grand Theft Auto truly shines is its Online mode, where players get to cause wanton destruction the way they want to – in true GTA fashion.
These three picks are just to give you a taste of what lies ahead. Head on below and find out even more action-packed games similar to Sleeping Dogs!
19 Amazing Games Like Sleeping Dogs: Fantastic Open World Titles For Hours of Fun
Ready to sink your teeth into a boatload of titles that’ll have you on the edge of your seat? We’ve curated a list of games that align closely with the essence of what Sleeping Dogs so proudly offers: button mashing mayhem coupled with hours of open-world action adventure.
Let’s dive in!
1. Yakuza 0 [Best Crime Epic for Story-Driven Players]
| Our score | 10
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| Type of game | Action-adventure, beat ’em up, crime drama |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Creator/s | Sega, SEGA of America, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Average playtime | 40 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy a cinematic story and a blend of action-adventure gameplay with deep RPG elements |
| What I liked | Serious crime drama with absurd humor |
Set in 1988 Japan during the economic bubble era, Yakuza 0 follows the origins of two main characters, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, as they become entangled in a violent power struggle over a single, seemingly insignificant patch of land known as the “Empty Lot”.
Prioritize unlocking the Real Estate and Cabaret Club mini games early, as they are the fastest way to earn money to strengthen your character.
Although the game is a powerful magnet for regular players of the series, it also manages to attract newcomers through a captivating and authentic portrayal of the 80s era Kamurocho, and a near-inexhaustive amount of side missions, mini games, and upgrade systems.
My Verdict: The biggest attraction for fans of Yakuza would be how fluid the brawler combat feels in this installment. There’s something so satisfying in bashing in faces with your choice of combat style as you follow along the story.
2. Judgment [Best for Detective Noir and Street Brawling]
| Our score | 10
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| Type of game | Action-adventure, detective, beat ’em up |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X, and Series S |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Creator/s | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Sega |
| Average playtime | 30 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy action-adventure games, beat ’em up combat, and a dark, story-driven crime thriller |
| What I liked | Judgment maintains the real-time, style-switching brawler mechanics of older entries |
Judgment follows a disgraced attorney, Takayuki Yagami, now a private detective, who investigates a grisly serial murder case in Tokyo’s red-light district of Kamurocho.
Also, the new cast of characters, particularly the troubled protagonist Yagami and his ex-yakuza partner Kaito, provide a fresh perspective on the familiar setting.
Acquire moves like Flux Fissure, Rising Tornado (a fast recovery move), and the Tiger Drop (a powerful counter) as soon as possible.
This title features numerous investigative mechanics that serve as proof of it being one of the best detective games, including tailing suspects while avoiding detection, utilizing a drone for surveillance, lock-picking, gathering evidence, and interrogating non-player characters. All this on top of real-time street fights while utilizing two distinct martial arts styles called the Crane and Tiger styles.
My Verdict: Judgment is a standalone title with its own cast and storyline, making it an excellent entry point for players unfamiliar with the extensive Yakuza series lore.
3. Grand Theft Auto V [Best for Sandbox Chaos and Heist Fantasy]
| Our score | 9.9
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure, crime |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows |
| Year of release | 2013 |
| Creator/s | Rockstar Games, Rockstar North |
| Average playtime | 50 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy open-world action, both in a compelling single-player story and a dynamic online universe |
| What I liked | The ability to switch between the three protagonists at any time, and players being able to re-experience different subplots |
Grand Theft Auto V follows three diverse criminals in the fictional city of Los Santos: Michael De Santa, a retired bank robber in witness protection; Franklin Clinton, a young street hustler looking for a way up; and Trevor Philips, a violent and unstable career criminal.
Their lives become intertwined as they are drawn back into the criminal underworld to perform a series of high-stakes heists. The trio must navigate pressure from a corrupt government agency (the FIB), rival gangs, and a ruthless billionaire venture capitalist, while also dealing with their own personal conflicts and betrayals.
Prioritize investing in assets that generate income instead of luxury cars, especially in GTA Online, and always deposit your cash to keep it safe from loss.
But the best thing about this game is how well it has aged since it came out. You get a well structured story, an expansive online multiplayer, one of the best open-world games with varied criminal gameplay, and a host of technical enhancements on next-gen platforms like faster loading, improved graphics, and console-specific features.
My Verdict: If you’re looking for one of the best sandbox games to ever exist, this is it.
4. Mafia II Definitive Edition [Best for Classic Mafia Storytelling]
| Our score | 9.8
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure, crime drama |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Mac operating systems |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Creator/s | Hangar 13, 2K Czech, D3T Limited, Feral Interactive, D3T, 2K Games |
| Average playtime | 15.5 hours |
| Best for | Players who prioritize a strong, linear mafia story and improved graphics, especially if they haven’t played the original |
| What I liked | Organized crime never looked so good |
Mafia II is a crime drama that follows the story of Vito Scaletta, a war hero who becomes entangled in the world of organized crime in the fictional American city of Empire Bay during the 1940s and 1950s.
Very early on, I recommend getting a vehicle you really like and sticking with it as much as you can to get used to it and minimize the upgrade money needed. Always upgrade it at least once, and only use random vehicles if it’s an emergency.
Just like other incredible Mafia games, this title explores the allure and the brutal reality of the gangster lifestyle. Vito and his childhood best friend, Joe Barbaro, face a series of twists, turns, and betrayals, including Vito serving a prison sentence and then getting crafty while navigating a mob war. The narrative emphasizes that the life of a “wise guy” is not as untouchable as it seems.
My Verdict: While players may encounter a graphical bug here and there, Mafia II still holds up to showcase one of the best crime stories I have ever experienced. It’s also a very gritty yet truthful representation of how the mafia life isn’t glamorous, even for the people at the top.
5. L.A. Noire [Best for Slow-Burn Detective Drama]
| Our score | 9.5
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| Type of game | Detective, neo-noir adventure, action |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
| Year of release | 2011 |
| Creator/s | Rockstar Games, Team Bondi, Rockstar North |
| Average playtime | 29 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy a unique detective experience, appreciate strong narratives and adult themes, and prefer a linear, methodical gameplay loop over a sprawling open world |
| What I liked | Slower, narrative-driven experience with a focus on interrogations and clue finding |
L.A. Noire is a neo-noir crime thriller set in 1947 Los Angeles that follows the career of LAPD detective Cole Phelps as he rises through the ranks, investigating a series of crimes that eventually uncover a vast post-war conspiracy involving corruption, racketeering, and a morphine distribution ring.
Always investigate thoroughly before interrogating, and during interrogations, use “Doubt” if you suspect deception but lack evidence, and “Accuse/Lie” only when you have a specific clue to contradict their statement.
Keep in mind, L.A. Noire does not shy away from being dark and slow where it has to in order to stay true to its theme. For example, the game allows you to interrogate suspects and judge for yourself if the suspect is lying or not. You could guess this based on the suspect’s body language and facial expressions.
My Verdict: The performances in this game are phenomenal. The facial motion capture tech is impressive, the cases are still great fun, and it is an immersive game that really does capture late 1940s post-war America incredibly well.
6. Watch Dogs 2 [Best for Playful Hacking and Open-World Mayhem]
| Our score | 9.5
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure, hacking |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Toronto, Ubisoft Reflections, Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Kyiv, Ubisoft Romania |
| Average playtime | 33 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy a more open-ended sandbox experience, a lively and immersive open world, and the freedom to approach missions with stealth or hacking |
| What I liked | Numerous opportunities for stealthy infiltration and creative hacking |
Watch Dogs 2 gives the player control of Marcus Holloway, a brilliant young hacker in the San Francisco Bay Area who joins the hacktivist group DedSec.
The goal is for your team to use their hacking skills and ingenuity to take down the corrupted Blume Corporation, the company behind the invasive ctOS 2.0 (central Operating System) that is monitoring and manipulating citizens on a massive scale.
Use your Quadcopter drone for reconnaissance, distracting enemies, or reaching new areas, as it is an invaluable tool for both stealth and combat.
Watch Dogs 2 retains most of the good stuff from the first game and only beefs it up with a robust co-op that players can enjoy with their gaming buds. That, and a lighter tone geared toward a younger audience with a more fun story.
My Verdict: The game nails the fun hacker vibes so well, and doesn’t take itself too seriously without being alarmingly goofy.
7. Shenmue I & II [Best for Nostalgic Urban Mystery Adventure]
| Our score | 9.3
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| Type of game | Action-adventure, martial arts, life-simulation |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Creator/s | D3T Limited, SEGA Holdings Co., Ltd., D3T, Sega, SEGA of America, Sega Europe Limited |
| Average playtime | 44 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy deep world-building, realistic and slow-paced exploration, and a strong, cinematic story |
| What I liked | The remasters stay true to the originals. You can play them in widescreen, and with almost no loading times |
The overall Shenmue story has players control Ryo Hazuki, a teenager who is out to avenge the death of his father at the hands of a Chinese man named Lan Di. Throughout these games, Ryo will embark on an epic journey to catch Lan Di and get his revenge.
To fully enjoy both Shenmue I and II, immerse yourself in the world, manage your in-game time effectively, and use your journal as your primary guide. The games are slow-paced detective simulators, not traditional action RPGs, so patience and exploration are key.
Shenmue is a game of mystery and adventure. Following what I previously stated, you basically act as a detective and hunt for clues to solve your father’s murder and track down the culprit. These games also get a podium position among the best fighting games because the combat consists of around 60% QTE (Quick Time Events) and 40% Virtua Fighter-style fighting. That’s all wrapped up in a deep, intriguing story with similar locale vibes to Sleeping Dogs.
My Verdict: Both these games are historical masterpieces. But while older fans may appreciate how far the titles have come, newer players may find their slower pace somewhat boring. All in all, for an investigative/detective game(s), Shenmue I and II are solid picks.
8. Saints Row: The Third [Best for Over-the-Top Open-World Absurdity]
| Our score | 9.1
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure, crime, comedy |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Linux, GeForce Now |
| Year of release | 2011 |
| Creator/s | Deep Silver Volition, Fishlabs, Volition, Inc., THQ |
| Average playtime | 40 hours |
| Best for | Players who prefer a fun, over-the-top, and humorous open-world experience over a serious narrative. |
| What I liked | Absurd missions and a highly customizable character |
In Saints Row: The Third, the Third Street Saints have transitioned from a street gang to a celebrity brand name. The premise is a shift from their life of fame back to their criminal roots after a failed bank heist in Stilwater.
Focus on completing challenges to level up and earn money, as well as upgrading your character’s health and damage resistance early on.
This game, when it came out, was such a massive slab of fun and depravity that it went head-to-head with and became Grand Theft Auto’s most successful rival. That, and cementing itself as one of the best open-world Switch games.
The combat is fast paced and relentless. And you really feel like you start off weak but eventually become a one man army as time goes on. Also, I appreciate that there is nothing in this game that makes you feel like a good person.
My Verdict: This is an action adventure game developed for people who want to let loose, causing mayhem and having no second thoughts about it. If you like crime + personality (like Sleeping Dogs’ tone shifts), this scratches that itch.
9. Max Payne 3 [Best for Stylish Gunplay and Gritty Drama]
| Our score | 9
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| Type of game | Third-person shooter, noir action |
| Platforms | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, OS X (macOS) |
| Year of release | 2012 |
| Creator/s | Rockstar Games, Rockstar Vancouver |
| Average playtime | 13 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy cinematic, story-driven third-person shooters, appreciate stylish, slow-motion “bullet time” action, and can tolerate frequent cutscenes |
| What I liked | Buttery smooth third-person shooting mechanics |
In Max Payne 3, a washed-up, alcoholic ex-cop named Max Payne takes a job protecting the wealthy Branco family in São Paulo, Brazil, in an attempt to escape his past. However, Max quickly gets entangled in a web of crime, violence, and betrayal after the kidnapping of his employer’s wife, setting him on a path to fight powerful factions for survival.
Maintain your Hit Streak multiplier in the Arcade mode by firing in short bursts and aiming for body shots before headshots, as this scores more points.
Mechanically, this game is still one of the best third-person shooter games I’ve played. And much like Sleeping Dogs, it balances intense, choreographed combat with a gritty, emotionally charged storyline.
Shooting and movement feel and look great. Aesthetically, it’s absolutely gorgeous and pushes the PS360 generation to the limit. Physics is on point, and it’s all-around just a great-looking game.
My Verdict: While its linear structure is a little restrictive, it still serves the narrative well, making it a dark and gripping character study and an excellent conclusion to the trilogy.
10. Yakuza Kiwami [Best for Experiencing the Yakuza Saga’s Roots]
| Our score | 8.8
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| Type of game | Action-adventure, beat ’em up, crime drama |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Sega, Lab42, SEGA of America |
| Average playtime | 36.5 hours |
| Best for | Players who want to jump straight into the series’ core narrative in release order or want a more focused, cinematic experience after playing the prequel. |
| What I liked | Kiwami incorporates the incredible gameplay engine and combat from Yakuza 0 and slaps it onto the story of the original PS2 game |
Yakuza Kiwami is a crime drama centered on yakuza Kazuma Kiryu, who takes the blame for a murder committed by his best friend, Akira Nishikiyama, to protect their childhood friend Yumi Sawamura. Kiryu spends ten years in prison and is released to a world that has drastically changed, finding his former organization, the Tojo Clan, in disarray.
Apart from original story elements, Yakuza Kiwami also includes new content that fleshes out the original story, particularly focusing on character details and ties to Yakuza 0.
Bosses will attempt to heal when their health is low and they glow. Immediately use the appropriate Kiwami-specific Heat Action (unlocked via the skill tree) to interrupt this and deal massive damage.
Key elements that make it stand out among all the best Yakuza games – the “Majima Everywhere” system and the engaging, varied gameplay that keeps the experience fresh.
My Verdict: A faithful retelling of the original story with significant modern gaming overhauls. Definitely a game to experience.
11. Just Cause 3 [Best for Explosive Open-World Chaos]
| Our score | 8.7
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure, explosive sandbox |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Creator/s | Avalanche Studios Group, Avalanche Studios Group AB, Square Enix, Square Enix Inc. |
| Average playtime | 33 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy over-the-top, open-world action, sandbox-style gameplay with a focus on destruction and creative chaos |
| What I liked | Tons of toys for creative takedowns and vehicle mayhem. Massive, explorable map and high replay value. |
The game begins when Rico Rodriguez returns to his Mediterranean homeland of Medici to overthrow the brutal military dictatorship of General Sebastiano Di Ravello. Di Ravello is exploiting the island’s unique and powerful mineral, Bavarium, to create superweapons and expand his global power. Of course, Rico can’t let that fly.
Master traversal using the grapple, parachute, and wingsuit to quickly escape combat or dive right into it.
For anyone who wants to sink their teeth into one of the top games like GTA, this title won’t disappoint. You get a massive, open-world sandbox that encourages creative destruction, the satisfying gameplay loop of liberating bases, and an expansive upgrade system that provides a lot of replayability!
My Verdict: Anyone looking for a game in the open world genre that grants them complete freedom in how to be a menace to society should check out Just Cause 3.
11. The Godfather II [Best for Strategic Crime Empire Building]
| Our score | 8.7
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure, crime strategy |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| Year of release | 2009 |
| Creator/s | Visceral Games, Electronic Arts |
| Average playtime | 15 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy the crime and action of the movies, as well as strategy fans who like to manage a crew and take over businesses in the single-player mode |
| What I liked | Ability to recruit members from your mob into your crew, assign roles, and build a hierarchy |
The Godfather II introduces players to a non-canon storyline that runs parallel to the film’s plot, in which the player, as new Don Dominic Corleone, must rebuild and expand the Corleone family’s criminal empire across New York, Miami, and Havana.
There are a bunch of similarities between The Godfather II and Sleeping Dogs, but I always tend to appreciate its addictive empire-building and strategic management of a crime family.
For business takeovers, use demo experts to bomb rival locations before attacking to gain an advantage, and hire the best crew members possible, prioritizing skills like demolition and engineering.
Players get to manage crews and rackets from an overhead “Don’s View”. The gameplay shines in delivering what is expected from a top strategy game with open-world action and the crew system, where players recruit and upgrade men with special abilities, is always a delight to experience.
My Verdict: Players who get a kick out of building and running an empire would come to appreciate this game.
12. True Crime: Streets of LA [Best for Cop Drama in a GTA-Style World]
| Our score | 8.5
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure, crime |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, GameCube, macOS, Xbox, Mac operating systems, Classic Mac OS |
| Year of release | 2003 |
| Creator/s | Luxoflux, Exakt Entertainment, ImaginEngine |
| Average playtime | 13 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy an open-world game similar to Grand Theft Auto but with a focus on playing as a law enforcement officer. |
| What I liked | The challenge of a “good cop/bad cop” system |
True Crime: Streets of LA puts players in the role of Nicholas Kang, a suspended LAPD detective who is reinstated into an elite operations division to investigate a series of Chinatown bombings. The case quickly escalates into a city-wide conspiracy involving the Chinese Triad and the Russian mob.
Manage your reputation carefully! Your status as a “good cop” or “bad cop” determines which story episodes you experience and which of the three endings you can achieve.
What makes this game truly stand out is how it offers a unique mix of gameplay, a sprawling and detailed map, and a story with player-consequence branching. There’s a tasteful blend of shooting, a deep martial arts combat system, and driving, along with features like the “Precision Targeting” slow-motion mechanic and customizable soundtracks.
My Verdict: While the controls here aren’t always perfect, the blend of driving, gunplay, hand-to-hand combat, and a richly realized city will still win over anyone who loves true crime.
13. The Saboteur [Best for Stealthy Resistance in Occupied Paris]
| Our score | 8.2
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| Type of game | Open-world action-adventure, stealth |
| Platforms | iOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, BlackBerry, PlayStation 3 |
| Year of release | 2009 |
| Creator/s | Pandemic Studios, Hands-On Mobile, Electronic Arts |
| Average playtime | 21 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy open-world action games with a strong cinematic story and a focus on stealth, demolition, and resistance combat in a World War II setting |
| What I liked | The incorporation of deceptive elements, such as bluffing |
The Saboteur is a brilliant addition to open-world, crafty action-adventure games. It is set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II, where players assume the role of an Irish race car driver turned resistance fighter on a personal quest for revenge.
Purchase the silenced pistol and eventually the silenced machine gun from the black market as soon as they are available. These are invaluable for stealth missions and clearing areas without raising a general alarm.
Personally, I believe this game should have gotten a lot more traction. Let me tell you a few reasons why: Its striking visual design, a unique “will to fight” mechanic where color returns to the world as you liberate it, and its engaging open-world gameplay that blends action, stealth, and driving. The game does an amazing job of portraying a 1940s Paris, with a focus on player-driven liberation.
My Verdict: The Saboteur is an underrated gem that does a splendid job of encompassing the spirit of Viva la Resistance!
14. Yakuza: Like a Dragon [Best for Turn-Based Chaos and Found-Family Feels]
| Our score | 8
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| Type of game | Turn-based RPG, action-adventure, crime drama |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S, Mac operating systems |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Creator/s | Sega, SEGA of America, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Average playtime | 50 hours |
| Best for | Players who enjoy turn-based JRPGs, appreciate a strong narrative with a likable cast, or are new to the Yakuza series |
| What I liked | Series’ signature blend of serious drama and bizarre humor |
Yakuza: Like a Dragon follows Ichiban Kasuga, a loyal, low-level yakuza member who willingly serves an 18-year prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit to protect his boss. Upon his release in 2019, he is betrayed and shot by that same boss, Masumi Arakawa, and left for dead in the unfamiliar city of Yokohama.
Focus on completing substories and business management for money and experience, and frequently visit the Survive Bar to build bonds and unlock boosts
The game allows you to experiment with different party compositions and builds, as it is not considered overly difficult until the very end-game content.
My Verdict: Even though this game is a departure from the series’ brawler roots, it still does an impressive job in portraying itself as a modern rpg game, chock full of opportunity.
15. True Crime: New York City [Best for Gritty NYC Atmosphere]
| Our Score | 8
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| Type of game | Action-Adventure, Third-person shooter, Open-World |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube |
| Release Year | 2005 |
| Developer | Luxoflux |
| Publisher | Activision |
| Average playtime | ~ 16 hours |
Let’s head back to the mid-2000s for a bit more True Crime action! This time, we’re in the incredibly rough city streets of the Big Apple with True Crime: New York City. You play as Marcus Reed, a seriously intense protagonist who has a much darker story than Nicholas Kang.
True Crime: New York City was a bit rough around the edges when it came out, but the sheer ambition of that open world was amazing. It’s a great piece of open-world history that feels like a rougher, older cousin to Sleeping Dogs.
This game feels very similar to Streets of LA in its mechanics, but the atmosphere is totally different; it’s less sunny California and more hard-edged New York.
You spend a lot of time conducting precinct-based mini-search missions and trying to balance your morality, which gives the gameplay a cool detective feel.
My Verdict: True Crime: New York City is a fun, nostalgic play that I think you’ll appreciate if you liked that undercover cop vibe in Sleeping Dogs.
16. The Getaway [Best for Realistic London Recreation]
| Our Score | 8
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| Type of game | Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter, Racing |
| Platforms | PlayStation 2 |
| Release Year | 2002 |
| Developer | Team Soho |
| Publisher | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Average playtime | ~ 13 hours |
The Getaway was seriously ambitious for its time, setting its intense crime story against a remarkably accurate, full-scale map of London at the time.
The whole game is centered around a desperate revenge plot where you play as Mark Hammond, a former gangster trying to bring peace back to his life, but a crime boss forces him onto a deadly path.
What truly made The Getaway special was its cinematic approach. There’s almost no HUD, meaning your sense of direction is provided by your car’s turn signals, and you have to watch your character start limping to gauge his health.
The lack of hand-holding adds incredible tension when you’re constantly running from the police. You truly lose hope for your protagonist because the whole thing is so raw and unforgiving.
My Verdict: For those of you who are fans of the gritty crime drama vibe of Sleeping Dogs and don’t mind a similar open-world experience with a distinct British twist, The Getaway should be a fantastic, more retro choice for your next playthrough.
17. Shenmue 3 [Best for Slow-Paced, Immersive World Building]
| Our Score | 7.5
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| Type of game | Action-Adventure, Open-World, Life-Sim |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 |
| Release Year | 2019 |
| Developer | Ys Net |
| Publisher | Deep Silver |
| Average playtime | ~ 32 hours |
Alright, I have to be upfront: this one totally has a different style and pace from the high-octane action of Sleeping Dogs, but if you love the overall atmosphere and unique mechanics found in the martial arts genre, I absolutely have to mention Shenmue 3.
You won’t find the immediate martial arts intensity that United Front games perfected. This game, for the most part, is a deliberate, slow-burning adventure that’s all about Ryo Hazuki’s continued quest for revenge.
Shenmue 3’s central focus is on martial arts training and slow, detailed life simulation, making it a unique cousin to Sleeping Dogs. The game rewards players who take their time to master techniques, not those who rush through the action.
The methodical core gameplay, where you must strategically manage your limited resources and choose what skills to level up with efficiency in mind, is why this title feels like one of the most unique strategy games slash fighting game hybrids you can play.
I should definitely mention that the slow pace is a feature, not a bug – it creates an incredibly immersive world you explore at your own speed.
My Verdict: Shenmue 3 is a great choice for any patient solo gamer who enjoys detailed world-building and meditative gameplay over constant action, as this game is built around slowly mastering martial arts and getting lost in the life of adventure, instead of your usual non-stop brawls.
18. Sifu [Best for Skill-Based Martial Arts Combat]
| Our Score | 7
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| Type of game | Beat ’em up, Action, Indie |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Developer | Sloclap |
| Publisher | Sloclap |
| Average playtime | ~ 12 hours |
| Best for | Challenging, Skill-Based Martial Arts Combat |
In Sifu, you can either be an absolute ass-kicking machine like Batman in the Arkham games or a buffoon who aged up to an old geezer just to clear a level – and therein lies the charm of this top-tier indie title.
This game is laser-focused on realistic kung fu combat and features one of the most unique mechanics I’ve seen in years: every time you “die,” your character ages up, bringing serious consequences to every mistake you make.
Every fight sequence in Sifu feels like an interactive martial arts film. When it comes to sheer depth of the hand-to-hand combat mechanics and the satisfaction you get from surviving brawls with minimal setbacks, this game is simply *chef’s kiss* lovely.
This aging system is the game’s brilliant twist, forcing you to master the flow of every fight and actually get good by memorizing combos or counter timings, as your recklessness can run the poor MC’s remaining lifespan to the ground.
My Verdict: Sifu is truly an incredible fighting game for those who love the counter-and-throw gimmick of Sleeping Dogs but crave something a lot more challenging, a non-open-world experience.
19. Lost Judgment [Best for Crime Investigation Mechanics and Multi-Style Combat]
| Our Score | 7
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| Type of game | Action-Adventure, Beat ’em up, Open-World |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S |
| Release Year | 2021 |
| Developer | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Publisher | Sega |
| Average playtime | ~ 51 hours |
If you enjoyed the intense, martial arts-focused action of either the Yakuza series or Sleeping Dogs, this detective spin-off should be right up your alley.
In Lost Judgment, you get to play as private detective Takayuki Yagami, and this game gives you incredible access to massive, detailed urban environments where you spend your time balancing investigative work with street brawling.
The story is incredibly heavy, focusing on a dark murder mystery that pulls you into the world of high school bullying and deep-seated corruption.
In Lost Judgment, Yagami’s three distinct fighting styles feel just as fluid and satisfying as Wei Shen’s. Plus, unlike in Sleeping Dogs, you don’t need an outfit to use the Drunken Fist style. Here, you just need to unlock some skills and drink alcohol. LOTS of alcohol.
Though even with the more serious themes, the frequent combat encounters keep your adrenaline high and offer good narrative breaks, not to mention all sorts of Yakuza staple minigames and wacky side missions you can get up to.
It’s a best-selling spin-off for a reason, combining the best elements of the Yakuza franchise with superb detective tropes and mechanics, such as disguises, drone surveillance, chasing suspects using parkour, and utilizing stealth to gather evidence.
My Verdict: Just like Yakuza 0, Lost Judgment is an outstanding crime action-adventure with exceptional combat. Seriously, you owe it to yourself to check this game and its prequel, Judgment, out.
Everything You Need to Know About Games Like Sleeping Dogs
If gritty action, sharp storytelling, and martial-arts mayhem pull you in, the games on this list hit that exact sweet spot.
Looking for undercover-cop tension, GTA-style sandbox chaos, or cinematic melee combat? This genre blends all of it – stealth, driving, detective work, RPG flavor, and plenty of open-world trouble to get into.
What Makes Games Like Sleeping Dogs Special?
These games thrive on a high-voltage mix of strong narratives and punchy, high-impact combat. Think crunching bones, roaring engines, and missions dripping with emotion.
Yakuza 0 and Mafia II follow a similar formula: layered characters, bustling cities, and side content that practically begs you to explore. Yakuza leans into quirky humor and chaotic brawls, while Mafia II delivers vintage drama with style.
And honestly, the best part is how these games make you feel. You’re not mindlessly mashing buttons – you’re navigating loyalty, alliances, and moments that actually stick with you.
Why Do Fans of Sleeping Dogs Love These Games So Much?
People gravitate toward these games because the worlds feel alive and the combat feels good. Sleeping Dogs nailed that balance of emotional stakes and high-energy chaos, and these titles follow the same spirit.
Think Yakuza: Like a Dragon with its heartfelt cast and absurd antics, or Just Cause 3 with its “let me attach this rocket booster to that car” energy. It’s not only about beating enemies down – it’s about getting lost in a world that reacts, surprises, and occasionally punches back.
These games keep you hooked because every alley, every NPC, every little detail feels like it’s part of something bigger, and that makes every moment more fun.
Gameplay Features That Capture the Spirit of Sleeping Dogs
If you’re hunting for that Sleeping Dogs energy, look for games with:
- Wide open worlds you can truly wander
- Hard-hitting melee combat that’s actually fun
- Ridiculous chase sequences
- Side missions and mini-quests that pull you off track in the best way
- Strong sense of place, from food stalls to neon signs
Put all this together and you get the kind of urban playground that makes even the smallest detour feel exciting.
My Overall Verdict on Games Like Sleeping Dogs
If you’re a bit overwhelmed by all the amazing options on the list and need a Sleeping Dogs-style fix ASAP, these picks will help you zero in on the perfect next adventure without the decision fatigue. Here’s where to start:
For story-obsessed crime drama fans → Yakuza 0
You get peak emotional storytelling, brutal street brawls, and a neon-soaked city that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
For players who love detective work and moral gray areas → Judgment
It blends legal drama, noir mystery, and crunchy combat into one of the most gripping urban adventures out there.
For chaos gremlins who just want to break the sandbox → Grand Theft Auto V
From heists to pure havoc in Los Santos, it’s the ultimate “do whatever you want” crime playground.
For players who want strategy mixed with crime fantasy → The Godfather II
You’re not just fighting; you’re commanding, expanding, and ruling your empire like a true digital Don.
For JRPG lovers who still crave gritty street vibes → Yakuza: Like a Dragon
A turn-based, heart-filled rollercoaster that turns underdogs into legends and every fight into sheer entertainment.
Whichever direction you go, you’re guaranteed hours of action, attitude, and open-world chaos.
FAQs
Yes, several games capture the same vibe as Sleeping Dogs, blending open-world exploration, crime-driven storytelling, and dynamic combat. Popular alternatives include Yakuza 0, Mafia II, and Grand Theft Auto V, each offering its own spin on gritty urban adventures.
Sleeping Dogs 2 was cancelled because Square Enix felt the original game didn’t sell strongly enough to justify the cost of a sequel, despite its cult following and critical praise. The ambitious plans for the sequel were ultimately deemed too risky and expensive.
The spin-off game of Sleeping Dogs is Triad Wars (2015), a free-to-play online action game set in the same universe and developed by United Front Games.
The No. 1 open-world game most often ranked at the top is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, praised for its freedom, exploration, and groundbreaking design. Other contenders frequently cited include Red Dead Redemption 2 and Elden Ring.
Sleeping Dogs is different from other open-world games because it emphasizes martial arts combat, cultural authenticity, and an undercover cop narrative, rather than relying solely on gunplay or chaos-driven sandbox mechanics.
Titles like Grand Theft Auto Online, Watch Dogs: Legion, and Saints Row (2022) offer shared worlds where players can experience the same mix of action, driving, and urban chaos with friends.
Yes, you can play Sleeping Dogs on modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X through backward compatibility, but there is no native next-gen version. You’ll need the PS4 or Xbox One edition (usually the Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition) to access it.
The best alternatives to Sleeping Dogs for martial arts combat are the Yakuza series and Shenmue I & II, all of which emphasize hand-to-hand fighting, cinematic storytelling, and immersive urban settings.
It takes about 15–16 hours to finish the main story of Sleeping Dogs, around 22–25 hours if you include side missions, and roughly 35–50 hours for full completion with all achievements and collectibles.
Yes, Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition (the remastered version) is absolutely worth playing today. It includes all DLC, improved visuals, and remains one of the most unique open-world action games thanks to its martial arts combat and Hong Kong setting.
