Open world games offer a wealth of content, be it the expansive landmass, the multitude of NPCs, or the overall immersive nature of the environment. Open world games often offer freedom and sandbox environments, while the individual levels offer action-packed set pieces.

There are few better scenes in video games than heists. They allow for a mix of action and strategy that gives players a sense of excitement, whether by stealthily approaching the target or escaping after a daring infiltration. Heist levels allow for a change in open world games, replacing the sprawling and open sandbox with an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled experience. Many players consider heist levels to be the highlight of the respective games, especially in the following titles.

8 Dishonored: Death of the Outsider

An ordinary bank robbery with supernatural abilities

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is a standalone expansion for the open-world stealth title, Dishonored 2. It gave players more of the fan-favorite open-world settings and gameplay options, allowing for fast, loud combat or brilliant stealth while taking the reins of a new protagonist.

One of the most entertaining and well-received levels in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is The Bank Job. Players must find their way around a bank and steal from it, while simultaneously avoiding or fighting a variety of armed enemies. The open level design in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider allows for multiple exploration routes and approaches to the target, be it a stealthy approach through the rafters or a frontal assault.

7 Saints Row: The Third

Don’t steal from the safe – steal the safe itself

Saints Row: The Third is the third title in the Saints Row series. Originally reviled as Grand Theft Auto Clone that Saints Row Games have managed to develop their own identity in the open-world crime genre. Compared to GTA, Saints Row opted for a much more comedic and wilder approach until the third game was released.

The introduction to the open world in Saints Row: The Third comes in the form of a robbery mission. In fact Saints Row Mode, the unexpected happens as players attach the vault to a helicopter and steal the vault itself. Players fly around the area, blasting enemies and helicopters while standing on the vault itself and dangling from a helicopter. This wild variation on the heist mission formula is the typical Saints Row Experience. It relies on crazy action rather than a simplistic approach, to the delight of the player base, of course.

6 Fallout: New Vegas

Searching for gold in a “cursed” casino

Fallout: New Vegas is often considered a fan favorite Stand out Title that offers a unique setting and an open-ended approach to both the world and storytelling. The first expansion to Fallout: New Vegas, Dead money, continues the trend of a unique location and a fascinating property.

Players are introduced to the Sierra Madre Casino and Resort, a long-abandoned location that was destined to become the largest casino in the West. Players explore the remains of the derelict casino and are met with a pot of gold. They must fight off the “ghostly” mutated humans in terrifying hazmat suits, as well as a whole host of other threats – all at the whim of the mysterious Father Elijah. New Vegas: Dead Money offers a unique approach to the heist genre, presenting a far scarier and more unnatural heist experience.

5 Thief Simulator

Robbery after robbery

Thief Simulator is an engaging title where players take on the role of a novice thief working his way up in the underworld world. The game takes place in an open-world suburb with plenty of houses to break into.

Due to the nature Thief Simulatorthe open world is simply a vessel for a number of heist targets. The game takes a very open sandbox approach, allowing players to scout and break into each house to increase their wealth and skills. Players build up their tools and skills and can eventually pull off full-blown heists on large mansions with security systems. Thief Simulator fulfills the robbery fantasy and allows for a steady increase in the scale of the heist and thus the risk, creating an addictive and exciting stealth gameplay loop.

4 Cyberpunk: 2077

Not a smooth robbery

Cyberpunk: 2077has, despite its rocky start, reclaimed its popularity in the realm of modern RPGs, offering players a compelling story and an incredible gameplay experience. The vast open world is incredibly immersive and offers players the freedom to explore, while the skill tree and selection of weapons allow players to develop their identity for V in Night City.

Very early in Cyberpunk: 2077In the third installment, players are tasked with carrying out a dangerous and daring heist. They team up with Jackie and T-Bug to infiltrate Konpeki Plaza at the behest of Dexter Deshawn and steal a mysterious biochip belonging to the Arasaka Corporation. This ends badly despite the promising beginning. V inserts the biochip into her head while escaping the hail of bullets, setting the plot in motion for the rest of Cyberpunk: 2077.

3 Mafia 3

Break-in at the Federal Reserve

Mafia 3 is the third entry in the mafia Series, set 17 years after Mafia 2now in the fictional setting of New Bordeaux. Mafia 3 continues the formula of offering players a realistic and immersive open world that sets the stage for the thrilling crime story.

It is no surprise that in a game about organized crime, players can expect to take part in a robbery. At the beginning, players take control of Mafia 3 Protagonist Lincoln Clay and Georgi team up to attempt a heist on the Federal Reserve. All is well until an alarm is triggered, leading to a shootout, an escape, and a boat chase. The plot peters out until the main crew ends up in a bar, where a shocking betrayal sets the game’s plot in motion.

2 Red Dead Redemption 2

Classic robberies in the Wild West

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the critically acclaimed sequel to Red Dead Redemption. Occurs before the events of Red Dead Redemptionplayers take control of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in a world that’s evolving too quickly. The game features what many players consider to be the best and most immersive open world in gaming, a sprawling landmass filled to the brim with detail.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is no stranger considering its storyline and setting. The open-world gameplay allows for robbing shops as expected, but the real heists take place in the main story missions. Whether it’s train robberies or the daring robbery of a bank in the heart of Saint Denis, Red Dead Redemption 2 allows players to live out their cowboy fantasy, gunning down lawmen while attempting to escape with cash and bail bonds.

1 Grand Theft Auto 5

From jewelry stores to government agencies

Grand Theft Auto 5 is a title that needs no introduction. The fifth entry in the long-standing Grand Theft Auto Series, Grand Theft Auto 5 builds on the formula of its predecessor to create a critically acclaimed open-world crime experience.

As the name suggests and as players expect, Grand Theft Auto 5 has its fair share of heists and robberies. The main story starts small with heists where players rob a jewelry store. However, that doesn’t last long. Soon, players are preparing to rob private military organizations, government agencies, and of course, banks. Grand Theft Auto 5 doesn’t just offer heists in single player mode. The online mode also offers a variety of heists, from breaking into prisons to infiltrating and executing a heist on a cartel’s private island. Grand Theft Auto 5 offers the best heist experience in open-world gaming and allows you to take part in many varied and exciting heists.