"Chronological Guide to Playing Grand Theft Auto Games"

It's impossible to discuss modern video games without mentioning the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar's iconic crime franchise has evolved from a controversial PlayStation 1 classic to a universally recognized cultural phenomenon. The latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, has secured its place as the third best-selling game of all time.

The journey to such landmark success for the series was not instantaneous. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted a series of hyper-immersive open worlds that keep players engaged long after their initial release. With a total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto games launched since the franchise's inception in 1997, new players might feel overwhelmed about where to begin. To ease you into this crime-filled universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, helping you navigate the timeline seamlessly. However, fans will need to wait until 2026 for the highly anticipated 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

The Grand Theft Auto series boasts a total of 16 games across various platforms—eleven on home consoles, one on PC, and four on handheld devices. The upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release in 2026.

Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the series' continuity. 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 or be identical, Rockstar considers them separate universes. We'll categorize the games accordingly.

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 recommended. This masterpiece is not only a testament to the series' evolution but also widely accessible across various platforms. Additionally, you can explore the multiplayer aspect with GTA Online.

Grand Theft Auto V

See it at Amazon

The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline

Below, we list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These descriptions contain mild spoilers, covering characters, settings, and key story elements.

1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

As the second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is one of the few GTA releases not available on PlayStation consoles, being exclusive to PC players. This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, where players assume the role of a nameless criminal climbing the ranks of London's crime families under the guidance of 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 London. Players navigate the life of an unnamed British criminal battling various crime syndicates to build their reputation on the city's streets. Key figures include Harold Cartwright's gang, featured in the prequel, and the menacing Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The first mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto, follows a nameless protagonist as they carve out a name for themselves in the criminal underworlds of three iconic locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game features bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, with the player collaborating with notorious figures like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

Grand Theft Auto 2 marks a significant departure from its predecessor, introducing players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. As Claude Speed, players navigate the city's crime syndicates, striving for wealth and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013, concluding the 2D timeline.

The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline

Below, we detail the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers related to characters, settings, and 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 criminal underworld. With his brother Lance, Vic rises to head a crime family, meeting many characters from Vice City and setting the stage for the subsequent game.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Set in 1986, this fourth mainline entry follows Tommy Verceti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade in Vice City. After a botched drug deal, Tommy teams up with Lance Vance to reclaim his losses and build a criminal empire, facing off against various crime families.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Set in 1992, this fifth mainline entry 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 corruption, betrayal, and power struggles across 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. After returning to Liberty City from Italy, Toni climbs the ranks of Sal's gang, engaging in murders and political maneuvering, 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 as he seeks vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. After Vinnie's murder, Mike collaborates with various Grand Theft Auto 3 characters, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, to find and kill those responsible.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

Set in 2001, Grand Theft Auto 3 introduces Claude, a bank robber left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina. After escaping prison during a cartel raid, Claude navigates Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually confronting Catalina in a quest for revenge.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, we list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These descriptions contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and narrative elements.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

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 delves into the city's criminal activities, forming alliances and pursuing a personal vendetta against a former comrade.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, this expansion follows Johnny Klebitz, the Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Upon the return of President Billy Grey, Johnny faces internal conflict as Billy's reckless leadership ignites a gang war with The Angels of Death.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

This second expansion of Grand Theft Auto 4 runs parallel to the main campaign, focusing on Luis Lopez, a bodyguard working to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses flounder and debts to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis embarks on a chaotic quest to retrieve smuggled diamonds and settle Tony's affairs.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Set in 2009, this game follows Huang Lee, tasked with delivering an ancient sword to his uncle in Liberty City. After being ambushed and left for dead, Huang navigates the city's underworld to recover the sword, uncovering potential betrayal within his own family.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand Theft Auto Online's timeline begins before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extends beyond the main campaign. Players create their criminal protagonist, building a reputation and empire in Los Santos. Recent updates have reintroduced characters like Franklin, expanding the narrative years after the events of GTA 5.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living in witness protection after faking his death, re-enters the criminal world with Franklin. The duo's heists catch the attention of Trevor, leading to a tense reunion as past betrayals 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 (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 set a fall 2025 release window for GTA 6, the latest updates have postponed the launch to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer indicates a setting in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, with two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A second trailer, described by Rockstar as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcases a mix of cinematics and gameplay, offering a glimpse into the future of game graphics. With so much anticipation, GTA 6 is poised to be one of the most significant game releases in history, and we're all hoping it lives up to the hype.