It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of the Grand Theft Auto series. Since its inception with the controversial PlayStation 1 classic in 1997, Rockstar Games has meticulously crafted a franchise that has evolved into a 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.
Rockstar's journey to this landmark success has spanned over two decades, with the development of sixteen Grand Theft Auto titles. Each game has contributed to building hyper-immersive open worlds that keep players engaged long after their initial release. For newcomers eager to dive into this expansive universe, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game to help you navigate the timeline of this crime-filled saga. Keep in mind, you'll need 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
With a total of 16 games in the series—eleven on home consoles, one on PC, and four on handheld devices—it's essential to understand the structure of the GTA universe. Rockstar confirmed in 2011 that the series is divided into three distinct timelines: the 2D, 3D, and HD timelines. While events across these timelines may share similarities or be identical, they are not considered canon to one another. Below, we'll categorize the games accordingly.
Which GTA Game Should You Play First?
If you're eager to explore the Grand Theft Auto series before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with GTA 5 is a solid choice. This modern masterpiece is accessible on numerous platforms and offers the additional thrill of GTA Online for multiplayer experiences. However, don't hesitate to delve into the earlier titles for a comprehensive journey through the series.
Grand Theft Auto V
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The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline
The following entries are part of the 2D universe, each offering unique narratives and settings. These blurbs contain mild spoilers, including characters, locations, and story elements.
1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
As the second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, London 1961 is unique for not being available on PlayStation consoles, exclusively released for PC players. This prequel to London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal climbing the ranks of London's crime families under the guidance of mobster Harold Cartwright.
2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
The first expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, London 1969 introduced the series to the streets of London. It follows an anonymous British criminal navigating the city's underworld, aligning with Harold Cartwright's gang and clashing with the sinister Crisp Twins.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The inaugural title in the series, Grand Theft Auto sets the stage in 1997, following a nameless protagonist's rise through the criminal underworlds of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. The game features bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, introducing players to iconic figures like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
A significant departure from its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto 2 introduces players to the futuristic Anywhere City. The protagonist, Claude Speed, navigates this new setting, working with various crime syndicates. Despite the game's timeline ambiguity, hinting at settings in 1999 and 2013, it marks the end of the 2D timeline.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
The 3D universe expands on the series' storytelling and gameplay, with the following entries providing deeper narratives and expansive worlds. These blurbs contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and plot points.
1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Set in 1984, Vice City Stories serves as a prequel to Vice City, following Victor Vance, a dishonorably discharged soldier. He enters Vice City's criminal scene, eventually leading a crime family alongside his brother, Lance, and intersecting with characters from Vice City.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Taking place in 1986, Vice City follows Tommy Verceti, a Liberty City gangster sent to expand his boss's drug trade. A botched drug deal sets Tommy on a path of redemption, where he allies with Lance Vance to reclaim his losses and build a criminal empire in Vice City.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Set in 1992, San Andreas centers on Carl 'CJ' Johnson, who returns to Los Santos to avenge his mother's murder. As CJ rebuilds the Grove Street Families and navigates the criminal underworld, he uncovers corruption and betrayal, spanning across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Set in 1998, Liberty City Stories is a prequel to GTA 3, following Toni Cipriani's return to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy. Working for Salvatore Leone, Toni rises through the ranks of the mafia, setting the stage for the events of GTA 3.
5. Grand Theft Auto Advance
Released in 2000, this Gameboy Advance title serves as a prequel to GTA 3. It follows Mike, who seeks revenge for his partner Vinnie's death. Mike teams up with characters from GTA 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, to unravel the mystery behind Vinnie's murder.
6. Grand Theft Auto 3
Despite being the final entry in the 3D timeline, GTA 3 was the first released in this era. Set in 2001, it follows Claude, a betrayed bank robber who escapes custody and becomes a notorious figure in Liberty City's criminal underworld, seeking vengeance against his former girlfriend, Catalina.
The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline
The HD universe further enhances the series with advanced graphics and storytelling. The following games are part of this timeline, with blurbs containing mild spoilers for characters, settings, and story arcs.
1. Grand Theft Auto 4
Set in 2008, GTA 4 follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier who moves to Liberty City to reunite with his cousin Roman. Niko's journey into the criminal underworld is fueled by a desire for revenge against a former comrade who betrayed him.
2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned
An expansion set during the events of GTA 4, The Lost and The Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC. The story revolves around the gang's internal conflicts and their war with The Angels of Death, as Johnny navigates loyalty and betrayal.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Another expansion set alongside GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard to nightclub owner Tony Prince. Luis works to save Tony's failing businesses and clear his debts, culminating in a risky diamond heist that goes awry.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Set in 2009, Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, who arrives in Liberty City to deliver an ancient sword to his uncle. After being ambushed and left for dead, Huang seeks to reclaim the sword, uncovering a web of betrayal and corruption.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online
Though its exact timeline placement is fluid, GTA Online begins shortly before GTA 5 and has evolved significantly over a decade. Players create their criminal persona in Los Santos, engaging in heists and business ventures, with recent updates involving characters from GTA 5.
6. Grand Theft Auto 5
Set in 2013, GTA 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living in witness protection after faking his death, is drawn back into crime with Franklin. Their paths cross with Trevor, leading to a series of heists and escalating tensions due to past betrayals.
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 initially slated for a fall 2025 release, GTA 6's launch has been postponed to May 26, 2026. Set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, the game introduces two protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. The reveal trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcased a mix of cinematics and gameplay, offering insights into new characters and setting a high bar for game graphics. As one of the most anticipated releases, fans are eagerly awaiting this next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto saga.
