"Mastering the Grand Theft Auto Series: A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing in Order"

May 25,25

It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar's legendary crime saga has evolved from a contentious PlayStation 1 classic into a cultural juggernaut, with the latest installment, Grand Theft Auto V, securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.

However, the franchise's ascent to iconic status wasn't instantaneous. Over the span of more than two decades, Rockstar meticulously crafted its renowned crime series, developing deeply immersive open worlds that captivate players long after their initial release. With a staggering sixteen Grand Theft Auto titles released since the series debuted in 1997, newcomers might find themselves pondering where to begin their journey. To assist you in navigating this criminal empire, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, enabling you to chart the most engaging path through this crime-laden universe. Keep in mind, though, you'll have to wait until 2026 for the next chapter, 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 eagerly awaited GTA 6 is slated for release in 2026.

Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the overarching continuity of Grand Theft Auto. 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. While events across these timelines may overlap or mirror each other, Rockstar does not consider them all to be part of the same canonical universe. Consequently, we'll categorize the games according to their respective timelines.

Which GTA Game Should You Play First?

If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto saga before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA V, is highly recommended. Not only is it a masterpiece in its own right, but it's also widely accessible across various platforms. Moreover, you can enhance your experience with GTA Online for multiplayer thrills.

Grand Theft Auto V

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The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline

Below, we'll detail the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. Please note that these summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot points.

1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique as it did not make its way to PlayStation consoles and was exclusively available on PC. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal ascending the ranks of London's crime families, undertaking missions for a mobster named Harold Cartwright.

2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

As the first expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 marked the series' initial foray into London. The narrative centers on an anonymous British criminal battling various crime syndicates and forging a legend on the city's streets. This includes alliances with Harold Cartwright's gang, introduced in the 1961 prequel, and confrontations with the notorious Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto chronicles the exploits of a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three locales: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the protagonist engages in bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, all while building their reputation and collaborating with various nefarious gangs. Notable encounters include those with Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

The second mainline installment, Grand Theft Auto 2, represents a significant shift from its predecessor. It transports players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City, a setting unlike any other in the series. The protagonist, Claude Speed, works with multiple crime syndicates to amass wealth and prestige. Despite the game's timeline being somewhat ambiguous—references suggest settings in both 1999 and 2013—it remains the concluding chapter of the 2D timeline.

The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline

Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries also contain mild spoilers concerning characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

As a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories unfolds in 1984. It follows US military soldier Victor Vance, who, after being wrongfully discharged, ventures into Vice City's underworld. With assistance from his brother Lance, Victor ascends to lead a crime family, disrupting the city's criminal landscape and encountering familiar faces from Vice City. His journey ultimately aligns with the start of Vice City.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The fourth mainline release, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in 1986, two years following Vice City Stories. It chronicles the adventures of Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade. After a botched drug deal, Tommy embarks on a quest for redemption, allying with Lance Vance to navigate Vice City's criminal underworld and reclaim what was lost, all while building his own empire.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The fifth mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas narrates the tale of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families. Set in 1992, CJ returns to Los Santos after his mother's murder in a drive-by shooting meant for his brother. Reconnecting with his roots, CJ delves back into the criminal world, seeking vengeance while 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, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories acts as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3. It follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone, as he returns to Liberty City after a stint in Italy. Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's organization, tackling rival crime lords and aiding political maneuvers, ultimately setting the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Taking place in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, who seeks retribution for his partner Vinnie's death. After their plan to leave Liberty City goes awry due to Vinnie's murder, Mike teams up with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3 to exact revenge.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the timeline but the inaugural game of the 3D era, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001. It follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend Catalina during a heist. Surviving an arrest and subsequent prison break, Claude immerses himself in Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually confronting Catalina in a quest for vengeance.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, we'll enumerate the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries include mild spoilers for characters, settings, and plot developments.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

The first game of the HD era, Grand Theft Auto 4 takes place in 2008 and follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier, as he arrives in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin Roman. Niko quickly finds himself entangled in the city's criminal underbelly, working off debts and forming alliances 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, The Lost and The Damned is the first expansion for GTA 4. It follows Johnny Klebitz, the Vice President of the motorcycle gang The Lost MC. Released from rehab, Johnny grapples with the return of the gang's President, Billy Grey, whose actions threaten to reignite a gang war and push The Lost MC into peril.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

The second expansion for GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony also unfolds alongside the main campaign. It centers on Luis Lopez, a bodyguard striving to salvage the faltering empire of nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's debts to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis embarks on a dangerous quest involving smuggled diamonds to secure his boss's future.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, the son of a slain Triad leader, tasked with delivering an ancient sword to his uncle in Liberty City. Ambushed upon arrival, Huang survives and sets out to recover the stolen sword, navigating alliances with various gangs and uncovering a potential betrayal within the Triads.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Although its exact placement on the timeline is fluid, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extends years beyond it through ongoing updates. The narrative follows a player-created criminal seeking fame and fortune in Los Santos, engaging in criminal enterprises and evolving storylines, including recent updates involving Franklin from GTA V.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows the intertwined lives of three criminals: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living in witness protection in Los Santos after faking his death, re-enters the criminal world with Franklin's help. Their path crosses with Trevor, 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 (2001)
  • 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 targeted a fall 2025 release for GTA 6, the latest updates have shifted the launch to May 26, 2026. According to the reveal trailer, the game will be set in a fictionalized Florida, encompassing Vice City, and will feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A subsequent trailer, dubbed the "biggest video launch of all time" by Rockstar, showcased a blend of cinematic and gameplay elements. We've dissected numerous details from this trailer, including key characters and potential impacts on future game graphics. As one of the most anticipated releases in gaming history, all eyes are on GTA 6 to deliver an experience worthy of the wait.

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