It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of the Grand Theft Auto series. From its humble beginnings on the PlayStation 1 to becoming a cultural juggernaut, Rockstar's iconic franchise has evolved significantly. The latest installment, Grand Theft Auto V, has secured its place as the third best-selling game of all time, showcasing the series' enduring appeal.
The journey to becoming a landmark in gaming didn't happen overnight. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted a series of hyper-immersive open worlds that continue to captivate players long after their initial release. With over sixteen Grand Theft Auto titles released since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might be curious about the best way to dive into this expansive universe. To guide you through, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, helping you navigate the timeline of this crime-filled saga. Keep in mind, you'll 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 eagerly anticipated next entry, GTA 6, is slated for release in 2026.
Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the continuity of the Grand Theft Auto series. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the franchise is divided into three distinct timelines: the 2D timeline, the 3D timeline, and the HD timeline. Although events across these timelines may overlap or be similar, Rockstar does not consider them all canon to each other. Therefore, we'll present the games within their respective universes.
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 the latest entry, GTA 5, is a solid choice. This modern masterpiece is accessible across various platforms and offers the added bonus of GTA Online for multiplayer action. While you can certainly venture back to earlier games, GTA 5 stands out as an exceptional starting point.
Grand Theft Auto V
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The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline
Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers concerning characters, settings, and plot points.
1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
As the second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique for not being available on PlayStation consoles, catering only to PC gamers. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal climbing the ranks within London's crime families, taking on missions for the mobster Harold Cartwright.
2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
The inaugural expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 introduced the series to the streets of London. It chronicles the journey of an unnamed British criminal navigating the city's criminal underworld, aligning with Harold Cartwright's gang and confronting the notorious Crisp Twins.
3. Grand Theft Auto
The first mainline game in the series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underbellies of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the protagonist engages in bank heists, assassinations, and escapes, building a reputation while associating with influential figures 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 by transporting players to the futuristic Anywhere City. Players assume the role of Claude Speed, collaborating with various crime syndicates to earn money and respect. The timeline placement is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013, but it concludes the 2D timeline.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe, offering mild spoilers about characters, settings, and storylines.
1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Set in 1984, this PSP prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows Victor Vance, a military soldier framed and dishonorably discharged. Entering Vice City's criminal scene, Victor rises to lead a crime family with his brother, Lance, intersecting with characters from Vice City and culminating in events that set the stage for the latter.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Set in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the fourth mainline game and follows Tommy Vercetti, a Liberty City gangster tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade in Vice City. After a botched drug deal, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to reclaim his lost assets and build a criminal empire, challenging the city's established crime families.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
The fifth mainline entry, set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas tells the story of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families. Returning to Los Santos after his mother's murder, CJ vows revenge and seeks to restore his gang's former glory while navigating betrayal and corruption orchestrated by Officer Tenpenny.
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. After returning from Italy, Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's gang, dealing with rival crime lords and political machinations, culminating in establishing Leone's family as a dominant force in Liberty City.
5. Grand Theft Auto Advance
Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 for the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, who seeks vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. After Vinnie's murder by a car bomb, Mike collaborates with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3 to exact revenge.
6. Grand Theft Auto 3
The final game in the 3D timeline but the first released in this era, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist. Escaping prison, Claude enters Liberty City's criminal underworld, seeking vengeance against Catalina.
The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe, providing mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot points.
1. Grand Theft Auto 4
Set in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 introduces Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier arriving in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko delves into crime to amass wealth, forming alliances and facing the Russian mafia while seeking retribution against a former comrade.
2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned
Taking place concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, this expansion follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. After Billy Grey's return from rehab, he reignites a gang war with The Angels of Death, leading The Lost MC down a perilous path, forcing Johnny to reassess his loyalties.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
Also set during Grand Theft Auto 4, this expansion follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard to nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis embarks on a dangerous quest to secure smuggled diamonds and avert financial disaster.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, who arrives in Liberty City to deliver a sword to his uncle after his father's murder. Surviving an ambush, Huang seeks to retrieve the stolen sword, navigating alliances and betrayals within the city's criminal landscape.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online
Though its precise timeline placement is elusive, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extends well beyond its narrative. Players create their criminal persona, engaging in ventures and heists in Los Santos, with updates evolving the storyline, including recent content involving Franklin years after the events of Grand Theft Auto V.
6. Grand Theft Auto 5
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living under witness protection, reenters crime with Franklin after a jewelry store heist. Trevor's discovery of Michael's survival leads to their reunion, culminating in 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, the latest updates have shifted GTA 6's release to May 26, 2026. According to the game's reveal trailer, GTA 6 will be set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and will feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.
A second trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcased a blend of cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the new trailer, from key characters to potential advancements in game graphics. With such high anticipation, GTA 6 is poised to be one of the most significant game releases to date, and fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
