"Chronological Guide to Playing GTA Series"

It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar's legendary crime franchise has evolved from a contentious 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.

The series didn't achieve its iconic status overnight. Over the span of more than two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted a series of 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 help you navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game, enabling you to chart the perfect journey through this crime-laden saga. Just remember, you'll need to wait another year for 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 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 essential to understand the continuity of the Grand Theft Auto universe. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the 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 into 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 highly recommended. A masterpiece in its own right, GTA 5 is accessible on numerous platforms and offers the added bonus of GTA Online for multiplayer experiences.

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 key plot points.

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 never released on a PlayStation console, being available exclusively to PC players.

This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969. It follows an unnamed criminal as they ascend through the ranks of London's criminal underworld, undertaking 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 introduced the series to the city of London.

The story revolves around an unnamed British criminal who battles various crime syndicates while establishing their reputation on the streets of London. They collaborate with Harold Cartwright's gang, introduced in Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, and confront the notorious Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural game in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to an unnamed protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three iconic locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.

Set in 1997, the protagonist embarks on a journey involving bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, building their reputation with the help of various criminal factions. Along the way, they encounter influential figures such as 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. It transports players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City, a setting unlike any other in the series.

The game follows Claude Speed, a criminal who navigates the city's crime syndicates to earn money and respect. The timeline of the game is ambiguous, with references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013. Nevertheless, it stands as the final game 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 contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and key plot points.

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, ventures into Vice City's underworld.

With the assistance of his brother, Lance, Vic rises to the top of a crime family. Their adventures disrupt Vice City's criminal landscape, introducing characters from the subsequent Vice City game. By the end, Vic's story dovetails into the events of Vice City.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Set in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade in Vice City following his release from prison.

A botched drug deal plunges Tommy into turmoil, prompting him to delve into Vice City's criminal underbelly with Lance Vance. Together, they challenge the city's crime families, aiming to reclaim stolen drugs and money while building a criminal empire that catches the attention of Tommy's former employers.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas tells the story of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and his affiliation with the Grove Street Families.

Returning to Los Santos after his mother's murder, CJ reunites with his community and gang, vowing to avenge his mother's death. Amidst rebuilding the Grove Street gang, CJ uncovers a web of betrayal and corruption orchestrated by a crooked cop, Officer Tenpenny, as he navigates the criminal dynamics 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 hiding in Italy, Toni re-engages with the criminal world, aiding Salvatore's gang and climbing the ranks. His actions solidify the Leone family's position as a dominant force in Liberty City, setting the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Set in 2000, this Gameboy Advance prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 follows Mike, who seeks revenge for the death of his partner, Vinnie.

As they plan to leave Liberty City, Vinnie's assassination with a car bomb drives Mike to hunt down the culprits. Mike allies with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, on his quest for vengeance.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the 3D timeline, yet the first released, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist.

After surviving a gunshot and escaping custody during a prison transfer, Claude becomes entangled in Liberty City's criminal underworld, working with various factions. His journey ultimately leads him to confront 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 key plot points.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

Set in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier who arrives in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman Bellic, who promised a prosperous life.

Finding Roman broke and struggling, Niko turns to crime to amass wealth, befriending arms dealer Little Jacob and confronting Roman's debts with a Russian loan shark, Vlad Glebov. After killing Vlad for his betrayal, Niko becomes embroiled in Liberty City's criminal politics while seeking revenge against a former military comrade.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, this expansion follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang.

Fresh out of rehab, Johnny faces tension with the returning President, Billy Grey, who reignites a feud with rival gang, The Angels of Death. As Billy leads The Lost into peril, Johnny grapples with his loyalty amidst the escalating gang war.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Another expansion set concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, this story follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard striving to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince.

With Tony's businesses failing and debts mounting to the Ancelotti crime family, Luis embarks on a mission to settle Tony's finances. Their risky plan to trade smuggled diamonds goes awry, propelling Luis on a frantic chase through Liberty City to recover the diamonds and protect Tony.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, the son of a murdered Triad leader, tasked with delivering an ancient sword to his uncle in Liberty City.

After surviving an ambush and the theft of the sword, Huang seeks to retrieve it while navigating alliances with various gangs and the FIB. His journey uncovers potential betrayal within the Triads.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Set initially before Grand Theft Auto 5 but evolving over a decade of updates, Grand Theft Auto Online follows a player-created criminal seeking fortune and fame in Los Santos.

The narrative has expanded significantly, with recent updates revisiting Franklin years after the events of Grand Theft Auto 5, involving the player in his business ventures.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor.

After faking his death during a heist, Michael Townley enters witness protection and relocates to Los Santos. Meeting Franklin Clinton, a young criminal, Michael returns to crime, leading to a series of heists. The reappearance of Trevor Phillips, Michael's former partner, complicates matters as old tensions resurface.

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 news has delayed GTA 6's release 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 feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.

A second trailer, described by Rockstar as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcased a blend of cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from this trailer, highlighting every significant character and discussing potential impacts on future game graphics. GTA 6 promises to be a monumental release, and fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival.