It’s impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of the Grand Theft Auto series. From its beginnings as a controversial PlayStation 1 classic, Rockstar's iconic franchise has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with Grand Theft Auto 5 securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.
The journey to this landmark success was not instantaneous. Over the course of more than two decades, Rockstar meticulously crafted a series of hyper-immersive open worlds that continue to captivate players long after their initial release. With a total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto games released since 1997, newcomers might find themselves wondering where to start. To help guide you through this crime-laden saga, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, perfect for planning your journey through this expansive universe. Just remember, you'll need to wait until 2026 for the next installment, GTA 6.
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How to Play in Chronological OrderThe 2D TimelineThe 3D TimelineThe HD TimelineGTA Release DatesThe Grand Theft Auto Games in Order
There are a total of 16 games in the Grand Theft Auto series – eleven on home consoles, one on PC, and four on handheld devices. The eagerly awaited Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release in 2026.
Before diving into the list, it's crucial to understand the series' continuity. Rockstar confirmed in 2011 that the GTA series is divided into three distinct timelines: the 2D timeline, the 3D timeline, and the HD timeline. While events across these timelines may share similarities or even be identical, they are not considered canon to one another. Therefore, we'll categorize the games according to their respective universes.
Which GTA Game Should You Play First?
If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto series before the arrival of GTA 6, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a wise choice. This masterpiece is not only highly acclaimed but also widely accessible across various platforms. Plus, you can explore GTA Online for a thrilling multiplayer experience.
### Grand Theft Auto V
8See it at AmazonThe Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline
Below is a list of the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. Please note that these summaries contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and key story elements.
1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
As the second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique for being one of only two GTA releases not available on PlayStation consoles, accessible only to PC players.
This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969. It chronicles the ascent of an unnamed criminal within London's criminal underworld, working under the command of mobster Harold Cartwright.
2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
The inaugural expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 marked the series' first foray into the streets of London.
The narrative follows an unnamed British criminal battling various crime syndicates to establish their reputation. Key factions include Harold Cartwright's gang, seen in the prequel, and the notorious Crisp Twins.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The first game in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal landscapes of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.
Set in 1997, the protagonist engages in a variety of criminal activities, from bank heists to assassinations, while forging alliances with sinister gangs and encountering notorious criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 represents a significant shift, setting players in the futuristic Anywhere City, a location distinct from any other in the series.
The story revolves around Claude Speed, who collaborates with various crime syndicates to build wealth and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013. It concludes the 2D timeline.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
Below is a list of the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and key story elements.
1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Set in 1984, this PSP prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows Victor Vance, a dishonorably discharged US military soldier who enters Vice City's criminal scene.
With the assistance of his brother Lance, Victor ascends to the head of a crime family, disrupting Vice City's underworld and encountering several familiar faces from Vice City, culminating in events that lead directly into the latter game.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Set in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, as he attempts to expand his boss's drug trade in Vice City after his release from prison.
When a drug deal goes awry, Tommy loses everything and must navigate the city's criminal underbelly to recover his losses. With Lance Vance at his side, Tommy builds a criminal empire, drawing the attention of his former employers.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson as he returns to Los Santos to seek revenge for his mother's murder.
Reuniting with his friends and the Grove Street Families, CJ dives back into the criminal world, navigating betrayals, corrupt law enforcement, and rival factions across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Set in 1998, this prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone in Liberty City.
After returning from Italy, Toni works his way up the ranks of Sal's gang, eliminating rivals and assisting Leone's political maneuvers, setting the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3.
5. Grand Theft Auto Advance
Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, who seeks revenge for his partner Vinnie's death.
Mike's journey to leave Liberty City and start anew is derailed by Vinnie's murder, leading him to team up with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3 in his quest for vengeance.
6. Grand Theft Auto 3
The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first in release order, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina.
After surviving a shooting and escaping prison, Claude becomes entrenched in Liberty City's criminal underworld, working with various syndicates and ultimately seeking revenge against Catalina.
The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline
Below is a list of the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and key story elements.
1. Grand Theft Auto 4
Set in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 introduces Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier seeking a new life in Liberty City.
Upon arrival, Niko discovers his cousin Roman's boasts of success were lies. He quickly finds himself entangled in the city's criminal scene, forming alliances and facing off against the Russian mafia, all while pursuing a personal vendetta.
2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned
Set concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, this expansion follows Johnny Klebitz, the Vice President of the motorcycle gang The Lost MC.
After Billy Grey, the gang's President, returns from rehab and resumes leadership, he reignites a feud with rivals The Angels of Death, leading to a gang war and internal strife within The Lost MC.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Also set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, this expansion follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard working for nightclub owner Tony Prince.
As Tony's businesses falter and debts to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis undertakes risky ventures, including a diamond heist gone wrong, in a bid to save his boss.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, who arrives in Liberty City to deliver an ancient sword to his uncle, only to be ambushed and left for dead.
Huang's quest to recover the stolen sword leads him to work with various gangs and the FIB, uncovering a possible betrayal within his own family.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online
While its exact timeline placement is fluid, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and has evolved over a decade of updates to span a period well after the main campaign.
Players create their own criminal character in Los Santos, engaging in heists, building factions, and expanding their criminal empire. Recent updates have reintroduced Franklin from GTA 5, involving players in his business ventures.
6. Grand Theft Auto 5
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor.
Michael, living in witness protection after faking his death, is drawn back into crime when he meets Franklin. Together with their old associate Trevor, they orchestrate elaborate heists, navigating the tensions and betrayals that arise from their complex relationships.
Every GTA Game in Release Order -------------------------------Grand Theft Auto (1997)Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1999)Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 (1999)Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)Grand Theft Auto 3 (2000)Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004)Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)Grand Theft Auto 4 (2008)Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned (2009)Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009)Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013)Grand Theft Auto Online (2013)Grand Theft Auto 6 (2026)When Are We Getting GTA 6?
Originally slated for a fall 2025 release, GTA 6 has been delayed to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer confirms a setting in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and introduces two new criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.A subsequent trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time," blends cinematic scenes with gameplay footage. We've analyzed the trailer extensively, highlighting key characters and discussing its potential impact on future game graphics. As one of the most anticipated game releases, the wait for GTA 6 is expected to be well worth it.
