"Guide to Playing Grand Theft Auto Series in Sequence"

It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the colossal impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar's legendary crime saga has evolved from a groundbreaking PlayStation 1 title into a cultural phenomenon, with its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, ranking as the third best-selling game of all time.

The journey to this landmark success was not instantaneous. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted a series renowned for its deeply immersive open worlds that 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 be wondering where to begin. To guide you through this sprawling criminal universe, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game, helping you navigate the best path through its storied timeline. However, fans will have to wait until 2026 for the much-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

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 release in 2026.

Before delving into the list, it's important to highlight a key aspect of 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 be similar or even identical, Rockstar does not consider them all canonical to each other. Therefore, we'll 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 most recent entry, GTA 5, is a solid choice. A masterpiece in its own right, GTA 5 is widely available across various platforms. Additionally, you can enjoy the expansive multiplayer experience of GTA Online.

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 beats.

1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

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. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal climbing the ranks of London's crime families by working 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' initial foray into London. It chronicles the journey of an anonymous British criminal battling various crime syndicates while establishing their reputation on the city streets. The protagonist aligns with Harold Cartwright's gang from London 1961 and confronts the sinister Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto follows an unnamed protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three locales: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, with the protagonist aiding various gangs and encountering notorious criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 significantly diverges from its predecessor by introducing a futuristic metropolis called Anywhere City. The game follows Claude Speed, who collaborates with multiple crime syndicates to earn money and respect. Its timeline placement is ambiguous, with references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013. Nonetheless, it concludes 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 beats.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Vice City Stories unfolds in 1984 and follows US military soldier Victor Vance, who, after being framed by his sergeant, is dishonorably discharged. Victor ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld, rising to lead a crime family with the assistance of his brother, Lance. Their journey intersects with characters from Vice City, culminating just before the events of the latter game.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The fourth mainline game, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories. It follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade in Vice City after his release from prison. After a failed drug deal, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to infiltrate Vice City's criminal scene, eventually building his own empire and confronting his former employers.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The fifth mainline game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, is set in 1992 and follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson, a member of the Grove Street Families. Returning to Los Santos after his mother's murder, CJ reunites with his friends and family, diving back into the criminal world to seek revenge. As he rebuilds his gang, CJ navigates betrayals, corrupt police, and rival factions across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Set in 1998, Liberty City Stories serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, following Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. After returning from Italy, Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's gang, confronting rival crime lords and aiding their political ambitions. The game sets the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3, with Leone's family becoming 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 released on the Game Boy Advance. It follows Mike, who seeks vengeance for his partner Vinnie's murder. After Vinnie's death in a car bomb, Mike collaborates with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, to find and eliminate his partner's killers.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first game of the 3D era by release date, Grand Theft Auto 3 takes place in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist. After escaping from a prison convoy, Claude delves into Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually seeking revenge against Catalina.

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 beats.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

The inaugural game of 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 Bellic. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko resorts to criminal activities, meeting allies like Little Jacob and Vlad Glebov. After killing Vlad, Niko becomes embroiled in Liberty City's criminal politics while seeking a former comrade who betrayed him.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and The Damned is the first expansion, following Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. After Billy Grey, the gang's President, returns from rehab, he reignites a war with their rivals, The Angels of Death. As tensions escalate within The Lost MC, Johnny must decide where his loyalties lie.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

The second expansion of GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony runs parallel to the main game and follows Luis Lopez, bodyguard to nightclub owner Tony Prince. Facing failing businesses and debts to the Ancelotti crime family, Luis strives to save Tony by navigating the criminal underworld and a risky diamond deal gone awry.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: 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 seeks to recover the stolen sword, uncovering a potential inside job while working with various gangs and the FIB.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Though its precise placement on the timeline is unclear, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and has evolved over ten years of updates to span a period well after the main campaign. Players create their own criminal character, engaging in various criminal activities and ventures in Los Santos, with recent updates involving Franklin years after GTA 5's events.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, having faked his death during a bank robbery, enters witness protection in Los Santos. His life takes a turn when he befriends Franklin, leading them to rob a jewelry store. Trevor, upon learning Michael is alive, joins them in various heists, but tensions from past betrayals threaten their partnership.

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, recent delays have pushed the launch to May 26, 2026. According to the reveal trailer, the game will be set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and will feature two protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A subsequent trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcased a blend of cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the trailer, from characters to graphics advancements, highlighting the potential impact of this highly anticipated release.