The best games set in London
London is one of the most iconic cities in the world. From the historic Big Ben and St Paul’s to the buzzing markets and crammed tube, it’s a place that has to be experienced. It’s really no wonder, then, that it’s such a popular setting for a variety of games; so many developers want to feature that beautiful Waterloo sunset in their design.
The streets of London have a unique sound, and those well-trodden city streets hold so much history and many mysteries. London is a collage of many different cultures and communities, and when it comes to video games, it can be whatever a game developer wants it to be. Historic and regal, or grimy and crime-riddled – a video game version of London really can have it all.
Hop on the tube with us to revisit ten of the most iconic games set in London. They’re not chosen based on how good they are, but on how well they showcase the wonderful capital. We’re not going to tell you yet where this line is headed, but we can at least guarantee it’s not Cockfosters…
This list was first published in 2019 and has been updated periodically since.
Last Stop
The newest game on this list, Last Stop is one that gives us the most accurate representation of the mundanity of everyday life in London. From seeing passengers sat on the tube to walking the streets, this story-driven adventure allows players a true slice of life in London. While the game itself deals with supernatural themes, the setting couldn’t be more realistic (as long as you ignore the made-up names for the Underground stations!).
But even though the stations may have fake names, you’ll recognise many locations as you make your way through the game. Even if there’s nothing as iconic as big ben, the surburban streets will take you straight to Bermondsey and that ride on the train will transport you directly to the Circle and District line. It’s a fantastic game, too; if you’re looking for one of the best games set in London, it doesn’t get much better than Last Stop.
Watch Dogs Legion
Not only is Watch Dogs Legion an excellent game, it also provides what is the most realistic video game representation of London yet. It’s set entirely in England’s capital, and while it’s not a full-scale replica, it’s extremely close. Some buildings and structures have been faithfully recreated, and if you’re a native you’ll find yourself instantly knowing your way around.
Places like King’s Cross St. Pancras feels lifted straight out of the real city, and iconic attractions like the Shard, Tower Bridge and the London Eye are all included too. You can even ride the London Eye for a spectacular view of the city! Not only is its version of London brilliant, Watch Dogs Legion is an excellent game too; with no central protagonist, you can play as just about anyone you meet on the street. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best games set in London that you can play.
Read our review of Watch Dogs Legion
Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate
Released in 2015 for PS4, Xbox One and PC, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate creates a Victorian-era London to explore. Really, it’s no wonder that the likes of Dickens adored London during that time; it’s a city in the midst of change, but London always keeps its majesty. The Assassin’s Creed franchise has always made iconic areas completely explorable, and it’s no different here. From climbing atop Big Ben to hopping across the River Thames, Syndicate‘s London has it all.
But, like Dickens said, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” There’s a reason Dickens was so intent of publicising the issues plaguing society: he wanted change. Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate does not shy away from this. There are countless factories ready to be cleared so that exploited children can escape, and the less affluent areas of Victorian London are depicted in all their (lack of) glory.
Despite the obvious problems with Victorian London, it makes for of the most iconic settings ever. Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate is one of the best games set in London thanks to its Victorian setting. The era was a time of mass change, and few stories have/will ever capture this as well as Ubisoft did with Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.
Read our review of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Vampyr
Released in 2018 for PC, PS4 and Xbox One, Vampyr puts the player in the shoes of a vampire in post-WW1 London. Quite frankly, London is the only location Vampyr could have been set in; London itself is a key feature to both the story and gameplay.
London has pretty much become a mass grave. The Great War has left many wounded, both physically and mentally, and disease is rife. As a doctor, who’s also a vampire, the player chooses which citizens to feast upon and which to let live. Industrial London creates the perfect atmosphere for Vampyr, and with areas like Whitechapel being featured heavily in the game, London is the true star of the game. Although more dark and foreboding than the real thing, this is undoubtedly one of the best games set in London.
The Order: 1886
Released in 2015 for PlayStation 4, The Order: 1886 follows an alternate history of London. Protagonist Sir Galahad (member of the Knights of the Round Table) battles off the likes of Werewolves and vampires, with clans forming together to try and take over the government (located within London).
Thanks to The Order: 1886’s brilliant visuals, London looks incredible. The story begins in Mayfair, and seeing an alternate version of London’s most affluent area is a lot of fun. The game then delves into the Underground and many shootouts take place on the tube. Other areas like Hyde Park are also featured. It’s one of the best games set in London – especially if you like the idea of an alternative history.
Read our review of The Order: 1886
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
Released in 1999 for PlayStation 1 and PC, the Grand Theft Auto series featured London long before Vice City and San Andreas became household names.
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 doesn’t really feature a true depiction of England’s capital, but it does brilliantly capture the underground crime that London is known for. There’s typical Cockney gangsters galore (not fake ones like Danny Dyer) and Rockstar brilliantly features these characters and their motives. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969‘s sandbox makes it one of the best games set in London.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4
Released in 2002, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 features a range of iconic settings, but London may well be the most memorable. London is home to many skaters and bikers (not just Boris Bikes) and it’s no wonder; it’s the perfect place to perform a plethora of tricks.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 expertly features London by allowing the player perform tricks around (or literally on) some famous London features. Whether it’s wallriding on a London bus, jumping over a police officer and grabbing their hat, or freeing an elephant from a digitised version of London Zoo, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 packs in so much stuff to see and do. It’s like a skateboarding tourist trip, and that alone makes it one of the best games set in London.
Zombi
Released in 2012 for the Wii U as ZombiU, and re-released in 2015 for PS4 and Xbox One, Zombi features a zombie attack in London itself. The survival horror game includes permadeath too, upping the sense of excitement generated from the zombie outbreak. Because, you know, zombies attacking may not be quite tense enough.
Developer Ubisoft chose to set Zombi in London due to its rich history and iconic buildings. Buckingham Palace and The Tower of London become full of mutated zombies, and it’s up to the player to defeat these enemies. It’s fun to see London’s iconic landmarks in the middle of an apocalyptic disaster zone; that alone makes this one of the best games set in London.
Gran Turismo 5
Released in 2010 for PS3, Gran Turismo 5 features a range of racing circuits in a variety of settings. One of those is, of course, London (or else it wouldn’t be on this list!). The London Circuit begins at Shaftesbury Avenue and follows real-life streets through famous locations like Piccadilly Circus.
Despite the lack of traffic, Gran Turismo 5‘s London Circuit is completely realistic. It takes the player past Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Pall Mall. It may be straightforward racing track, but it’s one that gives the player the luxury to see all the beautiful London landmarks. It’s small but brilliantly detailed, and that makes it one of the best games set in London.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
2011’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has a controversial level set in London. This mission is based on a terrorist attack, and brought the fight back home. Undoubtedly the main reason why the use of London is so poignant in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is because of the setting’s characteristics.
Showcasing iconic features like Big Ben at the end of a very typical London street, the terrorist attack becomes much more significant if you’re familiar with the city. Many disaster movies use London as a setting due to how iconic it is; seeing these features being destroyed really hits home. Perhaps it was too close to the line, but Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 certainly uses the setting of London to full effect.
The Getaway
Released in 2002 for PS2, The Getaway is a more gritty crime-based game than Grand Theft Auto: Vice City which released that same year. The Getaway features some brilliant voice acting, haunting moments, and a wonderful sandbox based on London. In fact, 16 square kilometres of London is featured within The Getaway, with true dedication to the realism.
London isn’t completely explorable at first, though. The player must complete the main story to unlock free-roam. The story involves a father trying to rescue his kidnapped daughter from a gang operating within London. You’ll visit many iconic sections of the city, and the overall tone feels gritty, harsh, and real. The Getaway not only features an explorable London, but a realistic criminal tone that plagues areas of the city. At times it’s a perfect mirror to England’s capital, at other times imperfect; but either way it’s one of the best games set in London.
