Xbox drops free GTA 6 alternative you don't need Game Pass for, and it's had quite the redemption

Grand Theft Auto is arguably the gaming industry’s most valuable IP, so you can understand why there have been attempts to emulate its legendary formula.

Crime Boss: Rockay City isn’t a straightforward copy of Grand Theft Auto, swapping open-world sandbox gameplay for concise FPS missions.

Yet with its lawless nature and sunshine state setting, it’s not hard to imagine where the game took some of its inspiration from - and it’s now yours to enjoy on Xbox for free for a limited time, no Game Pass subscription required.

Developed by Ingame Studios, Crime Boss: Rockay City features a wildly impressive cast that includes the likes of Danny Glover, Michael Rooker, Kim Basinger, Vanilla Ice, Damion Poitier, Chuck Norris, Michael Madsen, and Danny Trejo.

505 Games

That, unfortunately, wasn’t enough to save the game from flopping upon release; it earned just 52 from critics on the aggregate website Metacritic, with Rockay City branded as “subpar” and “boring”.

Many studios simply would’ve moved on to pastures new, but Ingame Studios has actually spent the last three years updating and improving the title to the point where it actually now boasts a 70% approval rating on Steam.

“This is a fun game, easy to get into and nice to just relax,” wrote one recent player.

Another said: “What Payday 3 should have been.”

Admittedly, it’s probably still not going to blow your socks off, but if you want to get a taste of Crime Boss: Rockay City’s redemption, it’s included in this week’s Xbox Free Play Days line-up.

Until the end of Sunday, November 8, all Xbox users can sample the title for free without the need for a Game Pass subscription.

There’s no limit on how far you can progress within the free play period.

It’s joined by Anno 117 - Pax Romana from Ubisoft. This 2025 city builder boasts gorgeous graphics and is a great example of the genre to try for those who maybe haven’t dabbled in that space before. Again, you don’t need Game Pass for this title either.

That being said, there are an additional five games available to sample if you do have a Game Pass subscription.

READ MORE: GTA 6 confirms regional unlock times as Xbox and PS5 users plan for early hands-on

Payday 3 and BALL x PIT are among the free titles for those who do have Game Pass

payday 3

Game Pass subscribers to any tier can also enjoy limited-time free access to Payday 3, Nowhere Prophet, BALL x PIT, Deceive Inc, Age of Wonders 4, and IXION.

They largely follow the same rules as the above two titles. There’s no limit on how far you can progress but free access expires at the end of the day on Sunday, November 8.

IXION is the only exception, as this 2022 city builder set in space has only a two-hour timed trial available, which, admittedly, is odd for a four-year-old game.

Payday 3 is certainly a game we’d recommend after all of its recent updates, and BALL x PIT proved to be one of 2025’s best titles. It was hardly underrated, but more people certainly need to play it.

As is usually the case, many of the games featured within the latest Free Play Days line-up have offers running, so if you do enjoy one of the titles that you sample, you might be able to pick up the full release at a reduced price.

Deceive Inc is down to as little as $1.99, with many other titles below the $10 mark. Pricing will vary by region.

As a limited-time event, if there’s anything here that piques your interest, you’d better dive in quickly and make the most of the free weekend access.