It’s impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the profound influence of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar’s legendary crime franchise has evolved from a controversial PlayStation 1 classic to a globally recognized cultural phenomenon. Its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, stands as the third best-selling game of all time.
The series' journey to landmark success was not instantaneous. Over two decades, Rockstar meticulously crafted its iconic crime saga, creating deeply immersive open worlds that captivate players long after their initial release. With over sixteen Grand Theft Auto titles released since the franchise's inception in 1997, new players might be curious about where to begin. To guide you through this criminal universe, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game, helping you navigate the timeline effectively. However, fans will 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 upcoming Grand Theft Auto game, GTA 6, is slated for release in 2026.
Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the overall continuity of the series. 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, Rockstar does not consider them 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 series before GTA 6's arrival, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is highly recommended. Not only is it a masterpiece in its own right, but it's also widely accessible across various platforms. Additionally, you can explore the expansive world of GTA Online for a 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 contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and story highlights.
1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique for not being available on any PlayStation console, exclusively released for PC players. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal's rise through the ranks of London's crime families, working 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 city of London. The story centers around an unnamed British criminal battling various crime syndicates while building their reputation on the city streets. Key figures include Harold Cartwright's gang, encountered in the 1961 prequel, and the notorious Crisp Twins.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The inaugural mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto features a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the narrative involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, with the protagonist building a reputation while working with various criminal factions, including high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
4. Grand Theft Auto 2
The second mainline game, Grand Theft Auto 2 marks a significant departure from its predecessor by introducing the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. The game follows Claude Speed, a criminal working with different crime syndicates to earn money and respect. The timeline placement is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting dates of 1999 and 2013. It concludes the 2D timeline.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
Below, we’ll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and story highlights.
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. He ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld, rising to lead a crime family with his brother, Lance. Their adventures intersect with characters from Vice City, culminating just before the events of that game.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
The fourth mainline game, Vice City is set in 1986 and follows Tommy Verceti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, tasked with expanding his boss’s drug trade. After a botched drug deal, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to navigate Vice City's criminal landscape, ultimately building his own empire, which attracts the attention of his former employers.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
The fifth mainline game, San Andreas, set in 1992, follows Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson's return to Los Santos after his mother's murder. Reconnecting with his friends, family, and the Grove Street Families gang, CJ seeks revenge while navigating the criminal underworld. He contends with corrupt law enforcement, betrayal, and rival factions 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 Grand Theft Auto 3, following Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. Returning from Italy after a mafia-related assassination, Toni climbs the ranks, dealing with rival crime lords and aiding Leone’s political maneuvers, ultimately setting the stage for Grand Theft Auto 3.
5. Grand Theft Auto Advance
Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3. It follows Mike, seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. Their plan to leave Liberty City unravels when Vinnie is killed, driving Mike to collaborate with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3 to hunt down the culprits.
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 and follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina. After escaping prison, Claude becomes embroiled in Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually confronting Catalina in a quest for vengeance.
The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline
Below, we’ll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and story highlights.
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. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko turns to crime, working with various characters and crime families, all while seeking revenge on a former comrade who betrayed him.
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, following Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. After the gang's President, Billy Grey, returns from rehab and reignites a feud with The Angels of Death, Johnny must navigate internal conflicts and external threats.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
The second expansion of Grand Theft Auto 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard to nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts mount, Luis embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve smuggled diamonds and save Tony from financial ruin.
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, navigating alliances with various gangs and the FIB, uncovering an internal betrayal.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online
Grand Theft Auto Online's timeline is fluid, starting before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extending years beyond its campaign. Players create their criminal character in Los Santos, engaging in various criminal activities and evolving storylines, including recent updates involving Franklin from 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, is drawn back into crime after meeting Franklin. Their heists attract the attention of Trevor, Michael's former partner, leading to escalating tensions and revelations about their past.
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, recent updates have pushed GTA 6's release to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer sets it in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and introduces two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A subsequent trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcases a blend of cinematics and gameplay, offering insights into characters and hinting at the future of game graphics. As one of the most anticipated releases, fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
