How to Play the Grand Theft Auto Games in Order

It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar's iconic 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' journey to becoming a landmark success was not instantaneous. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted its renowned crime saga, developing 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 find themselves wondering 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 course through this crime-laden world. Keep in mind, though, that you'll need to wait until 2026 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 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 share similarities or even be identical, Rockstar does not consider them all canon to each other. 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 a solid choice. This masterpiece is not only a testament to the series' evolution but also widely accessible across various platforms. Additionally, you can explore GTA Online for a robust 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 as it was not released on any 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, 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 unnamed British criminal who battles various crime syndicates while forging their legend. This includes alliances with Harold Cartwright's gang, as seen in the prequel, and confrontations with the notorious Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the protagonist engages in bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, building a reputation while collaborating with various criminal factions and encountering figures 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 players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. The story follows Claude Speed, who navigates the city's criminal landscape, working with various syndicates to amass 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 US military soldier dishonorably discharged after being framed by his sergeant. Seeking a new path, Victor delves into Vice City's criminal underworld, rising to lead a crime family with his brother, Lance. Their journey intersects with characters from Vice City, culminating in events that lead directly into the next game.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Set in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, who arrives in Vice City to expand his boss's drug trade. After a botched drug deal, Tommy embarks on a quest for redemption, aligning with Lance Vance to challenge Vice City's crime families and reclaim what was stolen. As Tommy's influence grows, so does his criminal empire, drawing 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 following his mother's murder. Reuniting with his gang, the Grove Street Families, CJ seeks revenge while navigating the complexities of gang politics, corrupt law enforcement, and betrayal, all under the watchful eye of Officer Tenpenny.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Set in 1998, Liberty City Stories serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, following Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. Returning to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy, Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's gang, dealing with rival crime lords and political machinations, 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 vengeance for his partner Vinnie's murder. Mike's journey involves working with various characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, as he navigates the criminal underworld of Liberty City.

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 from a prison convoy, Claude becomes entrenched in Liberty City's criminal scene, working with various factions and ultimately seeking revenge against 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 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 turns to crime to support them, navigating the city's criminal landscape and seeking revenge 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 follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Upon the return of the gang's President, Billy Grey, from rehab, tensions rise as Billy's reckless decisions threaten the gang's stability, forcing Johnny to question his loyalty.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Also set during the events of 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 to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve smuggled diamonds and keep Tony afloat.

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, uncovering a web of betrayal and intrigue within the Triads and other criminal factions.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Set initially before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extending well beyond its timeline, Grand Theft Auto Online follows a player-created criminal seeking fortune and fame in Los Santos. Over the years, the narrative has evolved, with recent updates involving Franklin from GTA 5 in new 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, is drawn back into crime after meeting Franklin. Their partnership leads to a series of heists, complicated by the arrival of Trevor, Michael's former partner, whose presence reignites old tensions and secrets.

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 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 will feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.

A second trailer, dubbed the "biggest video launch of all time" by Rockstar, showcases a blend of cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the new trailer, including key characters and the potential impact on future game graphics. This could be one of the most significant game releases to date, and fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival.