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It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar Games' legendary crime series 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.

However, this success story didn't happen overnight. Rockstar has meticulously crafted its iconic crime saga over more than two decades, developing hyper-immersive open worlds that keep players engaged long after launch. With a staggering total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto games released since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might find themselves wondering where to begin. To assist you in diving into this expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, helping you navigate the best path through this thrilling criminal landscape. Keep in mind, though, you'll need to wait until 2026 for the next chapter, GTA 6.

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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—it's clear that the franchise has a rich history. The upcoming GTA 6 is slated for a 2026 release.

Before delving into the list, it's important to understand the continuity of the series. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the GTA series is divided into three distinct timelines: the 2D, 3D, and HD universes. While events across these timelines may share similarities or even be identical, Rockstar does not consider them all canon to one another. Therefore, we will categorize the games according to 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 great choice. Not only is it a masterpiece in its own right, but it's also widely accessible across various platforms. Plus, you can dive into GTA Online for a robust 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 include mild spoilers for each game, covering characters, settings, and story elements.

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 never made it to a PlayStation console, being available only on PC. Serving as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, it follows an unnamed criminal climbing the ranks of London's crime families by executing 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 marked the series' debut in London. The narrative centers on an unnamed British criminal battling various crime syndicates while forging their legend on the city's streets. The protagonist works with Harold Cartwright's gang, as seen in Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, and confronts the notorious Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three iconic locales: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the protagonist embarks on a journey of bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, building their reputation and collaborating with various criminal factions, including those led by Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 is a significant departure from its predecessor, taking place in the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. The story follows Claude Speed, who navigates alliances with various crime syndicates to earn money and respect. The game's timeline is somewhat ambiguous, with references suggesting it could occur in either 1999 or 2013, marking it as the final entry 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 include mild spoilers for each game, covering characters, settings, and story elements.

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 framed and dishonorably discharged by his sergeant. Seeking a new path, Victor ventures into Vice City's underworld, rising to lead a crime family with the aid of his brother, Lance. Their journey disrupts the city's criminal landscape, intersecting with characters from the original Vice City game.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The fourth mainline iteration, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories. The story follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade in Vice City. After a botched drug deal, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to reclaim what was lost and carve out his criminal empire amidst the city's crime families.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The fifth mainline game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is set in 1992 and follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson as he returns to Los Santos following his mother's murder. Reuniting with his gang, The Grove Street Families, CJ seeks revenge while navigating betrayal, corrupt law enforcement, and rival factions across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Set in 1998, Liberty City Stories acts as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, following Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. After returning from Italy to escape mafia repercussions, Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's gang, dealing with rival crime lords and political machinations, ultimately setting the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Taking place in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, a criminal seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. As Mike completes jobs for the mafia and works with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, his quest for retribution unfolds.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first released in the 3D era, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist. After escaping custody, Claude becomes entrenched 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 include mild spoilers for each game, covering characters, settings, and story elements.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

The first game in the HD era, Grand Theft Auto 4 is set in 2008 and 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 to pay off debts, forming alliances with various criminal factions while pursuing a personal vendetta against a former comrade.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and the Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Upon the return of the gang's President, Billy Grey, from rehab, tensions rise as Billy's decisions lead to a gang war, forcing Johnny to navigate loyalty and leadership.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Also set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard trying to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts mount, Luis undertakes risky ventures to keep his boss afloat, culminating in a high-stakes diamond heist.

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 embarks on a quest to retrieve the sword, uncovering betrayal and working with various gangs and the FIB.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Set initially before Grand Theft Auto 5 and expanding over a decade, Grand Theft Online follows a player-created criminal seeking fortune and fame in Los Santos. The narrative evolves through updates, with recent content revisiting Franklin's post-GTA 5 ventures.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living in witness protection in Los Santos after faking his death, is drawn back into crime after meeting Franklin. Their partnership attracts the attention of Trevor, leading to a series of heists amidst rising 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 set a fall 2025 release window for GTA 6, recent updates have pushed the launch to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer confirmed a setting in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and introduced two protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A subsequent trailer, dubbed the "biggest video launch of all time," mixed cinematics with gameplay, showcasing details about characters and hinting at the future of game graphics. As one of the most anticipated game releases, the wait for GTA 6 is filled with high expectations.