It's impossible to discuss modern video games without mentioning the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar Games' iconic crime saga has evolved from a controversial PlayStation 1 classic to a cultural juggernaut, with its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.
The journey to this landmark success was gradual. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted an expansive series, offering hyper-immersive open worlds that captivate players long after their initial release. With a total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto games since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might find themselves wondering where to start. To help you navigate this criminal universe, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game, allowing you to chart the best path through its storied timeline. Just remember, 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 diving 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. While events across these timelines might share similarities, they are not considered canon to one another by Rockstar. We'll categorize the games accordingly.
Which GTA Game Should You Play First?
If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto series before GTA 6 arrives, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a great choice. A masterpiece in its own right, it's widely accessible across various platforms. Plus, you can explore GTA Online for a robust multiplayer experience.
Grand Theft Auto V
8See it at Amazon
The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers for 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 only released for PC, bypassing PlayStation consoles. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal as they climb the ranks of London's crime families, 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 marked the series' initial foray into London. It chronicles the journey of an anonymous British criminal battling various crime syndicates to build their reputation. The protagonist collaborates with Harold Cartwright's gang, introduced in London 1961, and confronts the notorious Crisp Twins.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto follows an unnamed protagonist's criminal exploits across Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, with the protagonist navigating alliances with various sinister gangs and encountering high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 marks a significant shift from its predecessor, introducing players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. The story centers on Claude Speed, who navigates the city's crime syndicates to earn money and respect. Although the game's timeline is ambiguous, referencing both 1999 and 2013, it remains 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 descriptions include mild spoilers for 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 dishonorably discharged US military soldier. Victor enters Vice City's criminal underworld, rising to head a crime family with his brother, Lance. Their adventures intersect with many characters from Vice City, culminating in a story that dovetails with the beginning of that game.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
The fourth mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in 1986. It follows Tommy Vercetti, a Liberty City gangster sent to Vice City to expand his boss's drug trade. After a botched drug deal, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to reclaim his losses and build a criminal empire, navigating the city's crime families and his former employers.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas tells the story of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families. CJ returns to Los Santos after his mother's murder and gets entangled in the criminal underworld, seeking revenge and attempting to restore his gang's former glory amid betrayal and corrupt law enforcement.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Set in 1998, Liberty City Stories serves 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 hiding in Italy. Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's gang, dealing with rival crime lords and political machinations, setting the stage for GTA 3.
5. Grand Theft Auto Advance
Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to GTA 3 released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. Mike collaborates with various GTA 3 characters to track down Vinnie's killers and fund their escape from Liberty City.
6. Grand Theft Auto 3
The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first by release date, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001. It follows Claude, a bank robber left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina. Escaping prison, Claude navigates Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually seeking vengeance against Catalina.
The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers for characters, settings, and story arcs.
1. Grand Theft Auto 4
The first game in the HD era, Grand Theft Auto 4 is set in 2008 and follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier arriving in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko enters the city's criminal underworld, seeking wealth and vengeance 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, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Released from rehab, Johnny faces tension with the gang's returning President, Billy Grey, leading to a gang war and internal strife.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Another GTA 4 expansion, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard trying to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince, from financial ruin and mob debts. Luis navigates Liberty City's criminal scene 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. Ambushed upon arrival, Huang seeks to recover the stolen sword, navigating alliances with various gangs and uncovering betrayal within his family.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online
Set before and extending beyond GTA 5, Grand Theft Auto Online follows a player-created criminal in Los Santos, engaging in heists and ventures. The narrative has evolved over a decade, including recent updates revisiting Franklin post-GTA 5.
6. Grand Theft Auto 5
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living in Los Santos under witness protection, teams up with Franklin and later Trevor, staging heists while dealing with past betrayals and 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 Take-Two Interactive initially announced a fall 2025 release window, the latest update has pushed GTA 6's release to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer showcased a fictionalized Florida setting, including Vice City, and introduced two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.
A subsequent trailer, heralded as the "biggest video launch of all time," mixed cinematics with gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from this trailer, from key characters to potential advancements in game graphics. As one of the most anticipated releases, the gaming community eagerly awaits to see if GTA 6 will live up to the hype.
