It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the profound impact of the Grand Theft Auto series. From its controversial beginnings on the PlayStation 1 to its current status as a cultural phenomenon, Rockstar's crime saga has evolved significantly. With Grand Theft Auto 5 securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time, the series' influence is undeniable.
However, Grand Theft Auto didn't achieve its legendary status overnight. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted a series of hyper-immersive open worlds that continue to captivate players long after their initial release. With a total of sixteen games released since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might find themselves wondering where to begin. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, allowing you to chart your journey through this crime-laden world. Keep in mind, though, that you'll need to wait until 2026 for the next installment, GTA 6.
Jump to:
- How to Play in Chronological Order
- The 2D Timeline
- The 3D Timeline
- The HD Timeline
- GTA Release Dates
The 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 next Grand Theft Auto game, GTA 6, is slated for release in 2026.
Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the continuity of the GTA series. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the franchise 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, Rockstar does not consider them all canon to each other. Therefore, we'll categorize the games into their respective universes.
Which GTA Game Should You Play First?
If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto series before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a solid choice. This masterpiece is not only a testament to the series' evolution but also widely accessible across various platforms. Plus, you can explore GTA Online for a dynamic multiplayer experience.
Grand Theft Auto V
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The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.
1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique for not being available on PlayStation consoles, catering exclusively to PC players. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal's ascent through London's crime families, executing tasks for a mobster named Harold Cartwright.
2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
The first expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 introduced the series to the streets of London. The narrative centers on an anonymous British criminal battling various crime syndicates, including Harold Cartwright's gang and the notorious Crisp Twins, as they build their reputation.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto follows an unnamed protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, with the protagonist interacting with high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2, marks a significant departure from its predecessor by introducing the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. The story revolves around Claude Speed, who collaborates with various crime syndicates to gain wealth and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013, marking it as the final entry in the 2D timeline.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.
1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Vice City Stories is set in 1984 and follows Victor Vance, a dishonorably discharged US military soldier. After losing his job, Vic ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld, eventually leading a crime family with his brother, Lance. Their journey intersects with characters from Vice City, setting the stage for the events of that 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 a botched drug deal, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to reclaim his losses and build a criminal empire, drawing the attention of his former employers.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas tells the story of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families. Returning to Los Santos after his mother's murder, CJ seeks revenge and aims to restore his gang's former glory, navigating betrayal, corrupt law enforcement, and rival factions across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Set in 1998, Liberty City Stories serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 and follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. Returning to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy, Toni climbs the ranks of Sal's gang, 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 murder. Mike's quest for vengeance leads him to collaborate with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3.
6. Grand Theft Auto 3
The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first released in the 3D era, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina. After escaping prison, Claude becomes entrenched in Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually confronting Catalina.
The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.
1. Grand Theft Auto 4
Set in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier arriving in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko turns to crime, navigating Liberty City's underworld and seeking revenge against a former comrade.
2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned
Set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and The Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Released from rehab, Johnny faces challenges as the gang's President, Billy Grey, returns and reignites a feud with rival gang, The Angels of Death.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Also set during Grand Theft Auto 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard trying to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts mount, Luis embarks on a quest to retrieve smuggled diamonds and keep Tony's creditors at bay.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Set in 2009, Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, tasked with delivering an ancient sword to his uncle in Liberty City. After being ambushed and left for dead, Huang seeks to recover the sword and uncover the betrayal within his family.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online
Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and has evolved over a decade of updates. Players create their criminal character, engaging in various ventures in Los Santos, with recent updates revisiting Franklin's story years after the events of Grand Theft Auto 5.
6. Grand Theft Auto 5
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living under witness protection in Los Santos, is drawn back into crime after meeting Franklin. Their paths cross with Trevor, leading to a series of heists and escalating tensions.
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?
While Take-Two Interactive initially announced a fall 2025 release window, the latest updates have shifted GTA 6's release date to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer indicates a setting in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, with two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A second trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcases a blend of cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the trailer, including key characters and the potential impact on future game graphics. With GTA 6 poised to be one of the most significant game releases to date, anticipation is high for its arrival.
