"Grand Theft Auto: How to Play the Series in Order"

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

The series didn't become an overnight sensation; Rockstar meticulously crafted its iconic crime franchise over more than two decades, delivering ultra-immersive open worlds that players continue to explore long after release. With over sixteen Grand Theft Auto titles released since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might feel overwhelmed. To help you dive in, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game, allowing you to navigate the best path through its criminal narrative. However, you'll need to wait until 2026 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

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 crucial to understand the overarching continuity of Grand Theft Auto. 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 even be identical, Rockstar does not consider them all canonical to each other. We'll categorize the games into their respective universes for clarity.

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 highly recommended. A masterpiece in its own right, GTA 5 is accessible across multiple platforms and includes the expansive GTA Online for multiplayer experiences.

Grand Theft Auto V

8See it at Amazon

The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline

Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These descriptions contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

As the second expansion to the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique for not being available on PlayStation consoles, exclusive to PC players. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal's ascent through London's crime families, working for a mobster named Harold Cartwright.

2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

The first expansion to the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 introduced the series to London. The story follows an unnamed British criminal battling various crime syndicates and establishing a reputation on London's streets. Key figures include Harold Cartwright's gang and the menacing Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto chronicles the exploits of an unnamed protagonist navigating the criminal underbellies of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, with encounters involving notorious criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

Grand Theft Auto 2, the second mainline entry, marks a significant departure from its predecessor. Set in the futuristic Anywhere City, it follows Claude Speed as he collaborates with various crime syndicates to build wealth and reputation. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with references indicating settings in both 1999 and 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 descriptions contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Vice City Stories, set in 1984, follows Victor Vance, a dishonorably discharged US military soldier. He turns to Vice City's criminal world, rising to lead a crime family with his brother Lance, intersecting with characters from the later Vice City.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Set in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the fourth mainline entry and follows Tommy Vercetti, a gangster from Liberty City sent to expand his boss's drug operations. After a botched drug deal, Tommy navigates Vice City's criminal landscape with Lance Vance, building his empire and facing off against rival families.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson's quest for revenge after his mother's murder in a drive-by meant for his brother. Returning to Los Santos, CJ reunites with his gang, the Grove Street Families, and navigates betrayal, 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 is 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 the Leone family, dealing with rival crime lords and political intrigue, setting the stage for Grand Theft Auto 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. Mike navigates Liberty City's criminal underworld, collaborating with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3 in pursuit of his murderers.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the timeline but the first of the 3D era by release date, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001. It follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed and left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina. Escaping custody, Claude becomes a key figure in Liberty City's criminal scene, ultimately seeking vengeance against Catalina.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These descriptions contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and story arcs.

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 reconnect with his cousin Roman. Discovering Roman's financial struggles, Niko turns to crime, navigating Liberty City's criminal factions and seeking revenge on a former comrade.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and the Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. After the return of their President, Billy Grey, the gang is thrust into a brutal war with their rivals, The Angels of Death, amidst internal strife.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Taking place concurrently with 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 to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis embarks on a perilous mission to retrieve smuggled diamonds.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Set in 2009, 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 being ambushed, Huang seeks to recover the stolen sword, uncovering an internal conspiracy.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand Theft Auto Online's timeline is fluid, beginning shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extending well beyond its events. Players create their criminal character in Los Santos, engaging in heists and business ventures, with recent updates revisiting characters like Franklin years after the events of GTA 5.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three criminals: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, having faked his death, lives in witness protection in Los Santos until he's drawn back into crime by Franklin. Their reunion with Trevor leads to escalating heists and tensions as past betrayals surface.

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 reveal trailer, the game will be set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and will feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.

A second trailer, dubbed the "biggest video launch of all time" by Rockstar, 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. This could be one of the most significant game releases to date, and we're all eagerly anticipating its arrival.