It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar's legendary crime franchise has evolved from a controversial PlayStation 1 classic into a cultural phenomenon, with its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.
However, the series didn't achieve this status overnight. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted its iconic crime saga, creating deeply immersive open worlds that captivate players long after their initial release. With a total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto games released since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might be wondering where to begin. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, so you can chart your course through this crime-laden world. Keep in mind, though, you'll need to wait another year for the much-anticipated 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 installment, GTA 6, is slated for release in 2026.
Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the series' continuity. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the GTA series is divided into three distinct timelines: the 2D timeline, the 3D timeline, and the HD timeline. Although these timelines may share similar or even identical events, Rockstar does not consider them all part of the same canon. Therefore, we will 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 GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is highly recommended. While you can certainly explore earlier titles, GTA 5 stands as a masterpiece in its own right and is available across multiple platforms. Additionally, you can enjoy the expansive multiplayer experience of GTA Online.
Grand Theft Auto V
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The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline
Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and key plot points.
1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
As the second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique for not being available on any PlayStation console, exclusive to PC players. This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, where you take on the role of a nameless criminal climbing the ranks of London's crime families by executing jobs 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. You play as a nameless British criminal who navigates the city's criminal underbelly, battling various crime syndicates and forging alliances, including with Harold Cartwright's gang from the prequel, as well as confronting the menacing Crisp Twins.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto immerses you in the life of a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three iconic locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game sees you engaging in bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, building a reputation while collaborating with various criminal factions and encountering notorious figures like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
The second mainline game, Grand Theft Auto 2 marks a significant shift from its predecessor, taking players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. You assume the role of Claude Speed, a criminal navigating the city's criminal syndicates to earn money and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with references pointing to both 1999 and 2013, making it the final entry in the 2D timeline.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and key plot points.
1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, this PSP title is set in 1984 and follows US military soldier Victor Vance. After being dishonorably discharged due to a setup by his sergeant, Victor enters Vice City's criminal world, eventually leading a crime family with the assistance of his brother, Lance. Their journey intersects with many characters from Vice City, culminating just before the events of the latter.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
The fourth mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories. You play as Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade in Vice City. After a drug deal goes awry, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to reclaim lost drugs and money, ultimately building a formidable criminal empire that attracts 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 justice for his mother's murder. Reconnecting with his friends, family, and the Grove Street Families gang, CJ dives back into the criminal world, facing betrayals, corrupt law enforcement led by Officer Tenpenny, 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. Returning to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy, Toni reenters the criminal scene, climbing the ranks of Sal's gang by eliminating rivals and aiding Leone's political maneuvers, setting the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3.
5. Grand Theft Auto Advance
Taking place in 2000, this Gameboy Advance prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 follows Mike, a criminal seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. After a failed attempt to leave Liberty City, Mike's journey involves working with various characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, to uncover the truth behind Vinnie's murder.
6. Grand Theft Auto 3
The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first released, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist. After surviving and escaping from prison, Claude navigates Liberty City's criminal underworld, working with various factions and ultimately seeking revenge against Catalina.
The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline
Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and key plot points.
1. Grand Theft Auto 4
Set in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 introduces Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier arriving in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman. Expecting wealth, Niko is dismayed to find Roman struggling financially. Niko quickly gets involved in criminal activities, befriending Little Jacob and dealing with the Russian mafia, all while pursuing a personal vendetta against a former comrade who betrayed him.
2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned
Set concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, this expansion follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. After Billy Grey, the gang's President, returns from rehab, he reignites a gang war with The Angels of Death, challenging Johnny's leadership and loyalty as tensions within The Lost MC escalate.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
The second expansion for Grand Theft Auto 4, this story unfolds alongside the main campaign and follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard working to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince. With Tony's businesses failing and debts mounting to the Ancelotti crime family, Luis undertakes various criminal endeavors to clear Tony's debts, culminating in a chaotic pursuit for smuggled diamonds.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, tasked with delivering an ancient sword to his uncle in Liberty City following his father's murder. After being ambushed and left for dead, Huang seeks to recover the stolen sword, navigating alliances with various gangs and uncovering a potential betrayal within the Triads.
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 significantly over a decade of updates. You play as a customizable criminal seeking fortune and fame in Los Santos, engaging in various criminal enterprises and later assisting Franklin in his post-GTA 5 business ventures.
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 after faking his death, is drawn back into crime with Franklin, a young criminal looking to make it big. Their paths intersect with Trevor, Michael's old partner, leading to a series of heists and escalating tensions as past betrayals come to light.
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, recent delays have shifted GTA 6's release date to May 26, 2026. According to the game's reveal trailer, the new Grand Theft Auto will be set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.
A second trailer, hailed by Rockstar as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcased a mix of cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the trailer, including key characters and the potential impact on the future of game graphics. This could be one of the most significant game releases to date, and fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating its arrival.
