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 universally recognized cultural phenomenon. Its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, has secured its place as the third best-selling game of all time.
The journey to this level of success was not instantaneous. Rockstar meticulously crafted its iconic crime series over more than two decades, delivering 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 the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might be curious about where to begin. To assist you in navigating this expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, helping you chart the perfect path through this crime-laden world. However, fans will need to wait until 2026 for the much-anticipated GTA 6.
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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 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. Although 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 great choice. A masterpiece in its own right, GTA 5 is available on multiple platforms and offers an unparalleled gaming experience. Additionally, you can explore GTA Online for an engaging multiplayer adventure.
Grand Theft Auto V
The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline
Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers, covering characters, settings, and key story elements.
1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is one of only two GTA releases not available on a PlayStation console, being exclusive to PC players.
This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal as they ascend through the ranks of London's crime families, completing tasks 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 navigating the city's streets, clashing with various crime syndicates, including Harold Cartwright's gang from the 1961 prequel, and the menacing Crisp Twins.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to an unnamed protagonist carving out a reputation in the criminal underworlds of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.
Set in 1997, the protagonist undertakes bank heists, assassinations, and escapes, aligning with notorious figures like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
The second mainline installment, Grand Theft Auto 2 diverges significantly from its predecessor by introducing players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City.
Players assume the role of Claude Speed, navigating the city's criminal landscape and working with various syndicates to earn money and respect. The game's timeline placement is ambiguous, with references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013. It marks the final game in the 2D timeline.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
Below, we'll detail the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers, covering characters, settings, and key story elements.
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 U.S. military soldier who, after being framed and dishonorably discharged, ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld.
With the assistance of his brother, Lance, Victor ascends to the head of a crime family, disrupting Vice City's crime scene and interacting with characters from Vice City. The story concludes just before the events of Vice City begin.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories, 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 post-release from prison.
When a drug deal goes awry, Tommy loses the drugs and money, prompting him to dive deeper into Vice City's criminal underbelly alongside Lance Vance. As Tommy builds his empire, he attracts the attention of his former employers.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas narrates the journey of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families.
Returning to Los Santos after his mother's murder, CJ reunites with his community and vows to avenge her death. Amidst rebuilding the Grove Street gang's reputation, CJ uncovers corruption and betrayal, navigating the criminal landscape across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Set in 1998, Liberty City Stories acts as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, following Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone.
Returning to Liberty City after a stint in Italy to avoid assassination fallout, Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's gang, eliminating rivals and aiding political maneuvers. The story sets 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, a criminal seeking revenge for his partner Vinnie's death.
After a car bomb kills Vinnie, Mike teams up with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, to track down and eliminate his partner's killers.
6. Grand Theft Auto 3
The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first released in the 3D era, Grand Theft Auto 3 unfolds in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed and left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina.
After escaping prison during a raid by the Columbian Cartel, Claude navigates Liberty City's criminal underworld, aligning with various factions. His journey ultimately leads to a confrontation with 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, covering characters, settings, and key story elements.
1. Grand Theft Auto 4
The first game of the HD era, 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 Bellic.
Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko engages in illegal activities, meeting Little Jacob and Vlad Glebov. After killing Vlad for his betrayal, Niko becomes embroiled in Liberty City's criminal politics while seeking to avenge a past betrayal.
2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned
Set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and the Damned is the first expansion, focusing on Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang.
Upon Billy Grey's return from rehab, tensions escalate as he orders the gang to break a truce with The Angels of Death, sparking a gang war. Johnny grapples with loyalty as Billy leads The Lost down a dangerous path.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
The second expansion for GTA 4, set concurrently with the main game, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, bodyguard to nightclub owner Tony Prince.
As Tony's businesses falter and debts to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis strives to resolve the situation. A plan to acquire smuggled diamonds unravels, sending Luis on a city-wide quest to recover them and protect Tony.
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 after his father's murder.
Ambushed upon arrival, Huang survives and embarks on a mission to recover the sword, working with various gangs and uncovering a potential inside job.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online
Set initially before Grand Theft Auto 5 and spanning years afterward, Grand Theft Auto Online follows a player-created criminal seeking fortune in Los Santos.
The narrative evolves through updates, with recent content involving Franklin from GTA 5 in new business ventures years after the main campaign.
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, teams up with Franklin, a young criminal, to pull off heists. Trevor, discovering Michael's survival, joins them, but tensions from past betrayals threaten their partnership.
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 most recent delay news has 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, with two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.
A second trailer, hailed by Rockstar as the "biggest video launch of all time," blends cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the new trailer, including key characters and the potential impact on future game graphics. This release promises to be one of the biggest in gaming history, and we're all eagerly awaiting its arrival.
