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 contentious PlayStation 1 classic to a universally celebrated cultural phenomenon. The latest installment, Grand Theft Auto V, stands as the third best-selling game of all time, a testament to its enduring popularity and influence.
However, the journey to this landmark success was gradual. Over the span of more than two decades, Rockstar meticulously crafted a series of hyper-immersive open worlds, captivating players long after each game's debut. With a total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto 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 course through its storied timeline. Keep in mind, 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 eagerly anticipated GTA 6 is slated for release in 2026.
Before we delve into the list, it's essential 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. 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 by their respective universes.
Which GTA Game Should You Play First?
If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto universe before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the most recent entry, GTA 5, is a wise choice. This masterpiece is accessible across multiple platforms and offers the additional thrill of GTA Online for multiplayer adventures.
Grand Theft Auto V
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The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline
Below, we'll explore the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers about characters, settings, and key plot points.
1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is notable for being one of the only GTA releases not available on PlayStation, exclusively accessible to PC players. This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, following an unnamed criminal's ascent through London's crime families under the guidance of mobster Harold Cartwright.
2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
As 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 unnamed British criminal navigating the city's underworld, aligning with Harold Cartwright's gang from London 1961 and confronting the notorious Crisp Twins.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto charts the journey of an unnamed protagonist through the criminal underbellies of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game's storyline involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, with the protagonist encountering infamous criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2, takes a significant departure by introducing players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. The story follows Claude Speed, a criminal navigating the city's crime syndicates. Its timeline is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013. Regardless, it marks the end of the 2D timeline.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
Below, we'll delve into the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These descriptions contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot developments.
1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Vice City Stories unfolds in 1984 and follows Victor Vance, a dishonorably discharged US military soldier. Framed by his sergeant, Vic turns to Vice City's underworld, rising to lead a crime family alongside his brother, Lance. Their adventures intersect with characters from Vice City, culminating in a story that dovetails with the start of its sequel.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Set in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, sent to Vice City to expand his boss's drug trade. After a disastrous drug deal, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to reclaim his losses and establish his own criminal empire, which soon attracts the attention of his former employers.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
In 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas tells the story of Carl 'CJ' Johnson, who returns to Los Santos after his mother's murder. Reconnecting with his family and the Grove Street Families, CJ navigates the city's criminal landscape, seeking revenge and uncovering a web of betrayal and corruption orchestrated by a crooked cop named Officer Tenpenny.
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 rises through the ranks of Leone's gang, engaging in political machinations and rivalries that set the stage for the events of GTA 3.
5. Grand Theft Auto Advance
Taking place in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to GTA 3 released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, a criminal seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's murder. His journey through Liberty City's underworld intertwines with characters from GTA 3, culminating in a quest for retribution.
6. Grand Theft Auto 3
The final entry in the 3D timeline and the first released in the era, Grand Theft Auto 3 unfolds in 2001. The story follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist. Escaping prison after a cartel ambush, Claude navigates Liberty City's criminal underworld, ultimately seeking vengeance against Catalina.
The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline
Below, we'll explore the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot developments.
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. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko dives into the city's criminal underworld, forming alliances and pursuing a personal vendetta against a former comrade who betrayed him.
2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned
An expansion set during GTA 4, The Lost and The Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, the Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Released from rehab, Johnny must navigate the gang's volatile dynamics as its president, Billy Grey, returns and sparks a war with their rivals, the Angels of Death.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
The second expansion for GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard working to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis embarks on a perilous mission to secure smuggled diamonds, leading to a frantic chase across Liberty City.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, the son of a murdered Triad leader, tasked with delivering an ancient sword to his uncle in Liberty City. After surviving an ambush, Huang seeks to recover the stolen sword, navigating alliances and uncovering a potential betrayal within the Triads.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online
While its exact placement on the timeline is nebulous, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before GTA 5 and has evolved significantly over a decade of updates. Players create a criminal character in Los Santos, engaging in various heists and ventures. Recent updates even reconnect with GTA 5 character Franklin, years after the main campaign.
6. Grand Theft Auto 5
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows the intertwined stories of Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living in witness protection after faking his death, is drawn back into crime by Franklin, a young criminal. Their partnership draws the attention of Trevor, Michael's former partner, leading to a series of high-stakes 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 initially slated for a fall 2025 release, the latest updates have postponed GTA 6's launch to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer hints at a setting in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and introduces two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A subsequent trailer, dubbed the "biggest video launch of all time," blends cinematics and gameplay, sparking extensive analysis on character details and the potential impact on future game graphics. As one of the most anticipated releases, fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
