"Chronological Guide to Playing GTA Games"

It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of the Grand Theft Auto series. Rockstar Games has transformed this iconic crime franchise from a controversial PlayStation 1 classic into a global cultural phenomenon. The latest entry, Grand Theft Auto V, has impressively secured its position as the third best-selling game of all time.

However, the path to becoming a landmark success was not instantaneous. Over more than two decades, Rockstar meticulously crafted a series of hyper-immersive open-world experiences that continue to captivate players long after their initial release. With a total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto games released since the series debuted in 1997, new players might feel overwhelmed about where to begin. To assist you in navigating this extensive timeline, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order. Just a heads up, though—GTA 6 won't be out until 2026.

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 a 2026 release.

Before delving into the list, it's essential to understand the series' continuity. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the GTA series is segmented into three distinct timelines: the 2D timeline, the 3D timeline, and the HD timeline. While events across these timelines might share similarities or even be identical, Rockstar does not consider them all canonical to each other. 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 universe before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a fantastic choice. This masterpiece is not only widely accessible but also offers the engaging multiplayer experience of GTA Online.

Grand Theft Auto V

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The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline

Below, you'll find the list of Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers concerning 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 in that it did not reach PlayStation consoles, being exclusively available on PC. This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969. It chronicles the journey of a nameless criminal climbing the ranks of London's crime families under the tutelage of 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. This installment follows a nameless British criminal who navigates various crime syndicates, including Harold Cartwright's gang, which the player had previously joined in 1961, as well as the notorious Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural title in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist who embarks on criminal exploits across three iconic locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, all while forging alliances with 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 with its futuristic setting in Anywhere City, a metropolis that stands alone in the series. The game centers on Claude Speed, a criminal who works with various crime syndicates to gain wealth and respect. Its timeline placement is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting both 1999 and 2013 as possible settings. This marks the end of the 2D timeline.

The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline

Here is the list of Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe, with summaries containing mild spoilers about characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

Set in 1984, this PSP prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows US military soldier Victor Vance, who, after being framed and dishonorably discharged, delves into Vice City's underworld. Alongside his brother Lance, Victor ascends to lead a crime family, disrupting the city's criminal hierarchy and interacting with characters from Vice City.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The fourth mainline game, set in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City features Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City sent to expand his boss's drug trade. After a drug deal goes awry, Tommy teams up with Lance Vance to navigate Vice City's underworld, reclaiming what was lost and building a criminal empire.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Set in 1992, the fifth mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson as he returns to Los Santos after his mother's murder. Reconnecting with the Grove Street Families, CJ seeks vengeance while uncovering corruption and betrayal, navigating the cities of Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Set in 1998, this prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. Returning to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy, Toni works to elevate Leone's family to one of the city's most powerful crime syndicates, setting the stage for the events of GTA 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Released in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to GTA 3 on the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, who seeks vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. As Mike navigates Liberty City's criminal underbelly, he crosses paths with characters from GTA 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final game in the timeline but the first in the 3D era by release date, Grand Theft Auto 3, set in 2001, follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina. After escaping a prison transfer, Claude rises through Liberty City's criminal ranks, eventually confronting Catalina.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, you'll find the list of Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe, with summaries containing mild spoilers about characters, settings, and story arcs.

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 seeking a new life in Liberty City. Discovering his cousin Roman's dire financial situation, Niko dives into the criminal underworld, forging alliances and pursuing a personal vendetta against a former comrade.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set concurrently with GTA 4, The Lost and the Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of the motorcycle gang, The Lost MC. As the gang's president, Billy Grey, returns from rehab and reignites a feud with rival gang, The Angels of Death, Johnny faces internal conflicts and dangerous situations.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Also set during GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard striving to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince, from financial ruin and mob debts. Their plan to acquire smuggled diamonds goes awry, leading Luis on a thrilling chase across Liberty City.

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, Huang seeks to recover the sword and uncover a potential betrayal within his family.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Spanning from before GTA 5 to years after its main campaign, Grand Theft Auto Online lets players create their criminal character in Los Santos, engaging in various ventures and evolving storylines, including recent updates featuring Franklin from GTA 5.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, under witness protection, reconnects with Franklin, a young criminal, leading to a series of heists. The arrival of Trevor, Michael's old partner, adds tension and complexity to their endeavors.

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 Take-Two Interactive initially announced a fall 2025 release window, the latest update has shifted GTA 6's release to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer hints at a setting in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, with two protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A subsequent trailer, described by Rockstar as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcased a blend of cinematics and gameplay, sparking excitement and discussions about potential advancements in game graphics. As one of the most anticipated releases, fans eagerly await to see if GTA 6 will live up to the hype.