"Chronological Guide to Playing GTA Series"

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

The series didn't achieve such landmark success overnight. Rockstar meticulously crafted its iconic crime saga over more than two decades, developing hyper-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 help you navigate this expansive universe, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, allowing you to chart the perfect course through its crime-laden timeline. However, fans will need to wait another year 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 Grand Theft Auto game, GTA 6, is set to release in 2026.

Before delving into the list, it’s important to understand the overall 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 in these timelines may share similarities or even be identical, Rockstar does not consider all of them to be canon to each other. Therefore, we will categorize the games according to their respective universes.

Which GTA Game Should You Play First?

If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto games before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA V, is a solid choice. A masterpiece in its own right, GTA V is widely accessible across various platforms. Additionally, you can enjoy the multiplayer experience with 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 contain mild spoilers for each game, including 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 one of the few GTA releases that did not make it to a PlayStation console, available exclusively to PC players.

This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto’s first expansion, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969. It follows a nameless criminal as they rise through the ranks of London's crime families, completing 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’ initial foray into London.

The story follows a nameless British criminal who battles various crime syndicates while building their legend on the city’s streets. This includes Harold Cartwright’s gang, which the player joins in Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, as well as the sinister crime lords known as the Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto follows a nameless protagonist as they navigate the criminal underworlds of three locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.

Set in 1997, the protagonist engages in bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, building their reputation while aiding various nefarious gangs. They encounter a host of high-ranking criminals, including Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 marks a significant departure for the series. It shifts from the setting of the first GTA to a futuristic metropolis called Anywhere City, which does not resemble any other location in the series.

The story centers on a criminal named Claude Speed, who collaborates with various crime syndicates in Anywhere City to earn money and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting it takes place 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 contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story elements.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is set in 1984 and follows US military soldier Victor Vance, who, after being framed by his sergeant, faces a dishonorable discharge.

Jobless, Victor ventures into Vice City’s underworld, quickly rising to head a crime family with the assistance of his brother, Lance. The duo disrupts Vice City’s criminal landscape, meeting and recruiting many of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’s supporting characters. By the game's end, Victor's story aligns with the start of Vice City.

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. It follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City who is sent to Vice City to expand his boss’ drug trade after being released from prison.

Tommy's plans go awry when a drug deal falls apart, costing him both drugs and money. Tasked with making things right, he delves into Vice City’s criminal underworld, partnering with Lance Vance to challenge its crime families and recover what was stolen. As Tommy's influence grows, so does his criminal empire, drawing attention from his former employers.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The fifth mainline iteration, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas narrates the story of Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson and the Grove Street Families.

Set in 1992, the game follows CJ as he returns to Los Santos after his mother's murder in a drive-by shooting meant for his brother. Reuniting with his friends, family, and local gang, CJ quickly re-enters the criminal underworld, seeking revenge for his mother’s death.

As CJ attempts to restore the Grove Street gang’s former glory, he uncovers a sinister plot. Pursued by corrupt cop Officer Tenpenny, CJ navigates betrayal, corrupt law enforcement, and various factions vying for control of 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 and follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. After fleeing to Italy to avoid repercussions for assassinating a mafia member, Toni returns to Liberty City and resumes working for his former boss.

Throughout his journey, Toni encounters numerous high-level mafia contacts and rises through the ranks, eliminating rival crime lords and aiding Leone’s political ambitions. The story culminates with the Leone family becoming one of Liberty City's most powerful crime syndicates, setting the stage for Grand Theft Auto 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance was a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows a criminal named Mike as he seeks vengeance for his partner Vinnie's murder.

Planning to leave Liberty City for new opportunities, Mike and Vinnie complete jobs for the mafia to fund their escape. However, their plan unravels when Vinnie is killed by a car bomb, prompting Mike to hunt down his killers. In his quest for vengeance, Mike collaborates with various characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen.

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 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber shot and left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist.

Claude survives, but is arrested and sentenced to life. While being transported to prison, he escapes during a raid by the Colombian Cartel. Fleeing the scene, Claude is drawn into Liberty City’s criminal underworld, working with the mafia, the yakuza, and various other syndicates.

As he ascends to become one of the city’s most notorious gangsters, Claude's primary goal shifts to vengeance against Catalina, culminating in a final confrontation.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, we’ll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story elements.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

The first game of the HD era, Grand Theft Auto 4 is set in 2008 and follows Eastern European ex-soldier Niko Bellic as he arrives in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman Bellic. Niko expects to find Roman living the American dream, but instead discovers he's broke, living in a rundown apartment, and struggling to keep his business afloat.

Niko quickly finds work and begins amassing wealth through illegal means, befriending arms dealer Little Jacob and settling Roman’s debts with Russian loan shark Vlad Glebov. After discovering Vlad’s affair with Roman’s girlfriend, Niko kills him, triggering a series of events that places the cousins in the crosshairs of the Russian mafia.

To survive, Niko aligns with Liberty City’s crime families, becoming deeply involved in their politics and earning a fearsome reputation. Simultaneously, he pursues a personal vendetta against a former comrade who betrayed him and his squad during their military days.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and the Damned is the first expansion for GTA 4. It follows Johnny Klebitz, the Vice President of a respected motorcycle gang, The Lost MC.

Fresh out of rehab, Johnny faces tension upon the return of the gang’s President, Billy Grey, who reclaims leadership. During Billy’s absence, Johnny maintained a truce with their rivals, The Angels of Death. Billy’s return disrupts this peace, leading to a brutal gang war.

As the conflict escalates, Billy steers The Lost MC toward increasingly dangerous endeavors, sparking internal strife. Johnny is forced to question his loyalty amidst the looming threat of civil war within the gang.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

The second expansion for GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony runs parallel to the main Grand Theft Auto 4 campaign. It follows bodyguard Luis Lopez as he strives to save the life of his boss, legendary nightclub owner Tony Prince.

Despite Tony’s prominence in Liberty City’s nightlife, his businesses are failing, and he’s deeply in debt to the Ancelotti crime family. Luis pledges to help Tony, working with various criminal contacts to settle his debts.

The climax arrives with Tony's risky plan to acquire smuggled diamonds for a lucrative deal. When the plan fails, Luis embarks on a frantic chase across Liberty City to recover the diamonds and protect Tony from his creditors.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, the son of a murdered Triad leader, who is sent to Liberty City to deliver an ancient sword to his uncle.

Upon arrival, Huang is ambushed; his attackers steal the sword and leave him for dead. Surviving the attack, Huang reunites with his uncle and embarks on a quest to recover the sword. Along the way, he collaborates with various gangs and the FIB, uncovering a potential betrayal within the Triads.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Though its exact placement on the timeline is challenging to pinpoint, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto V and has evolved over a decade of updates to span a period well after the main campaign.

The core narrative follows a player-created criminal seeking fortune, reputation, and fame in Los Santos. Through forming factions, acquiring property, and engaging in criminal ventures, the story has grown over time. Recent updates even revisit Franklin years after the events of Grand Theft Auto V, involving the player in his business endeavors.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three criminals: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. After faking his death during a bank robbery in North Yankton, Michael Townley enters a witness protection program, moving to Los Santos to live a life of luxury.

Michael's retirement is disrupted when he meets Franklin Clinton, an ambitious young criminal tasked with repossessing Michael's son's car. The two form a bond, with Michael mentoring Franklin. Their partnership leads to a jewelry store heist to appease a local crime lord, but the act does not go unnoticed.

On the outskirts of Los Santos, Trevor Phillips, Michael's former criminal associate, spots the heist on the news. Realizing Michael is alive, Trevor heads to Los Santos, joining Michael and Franklin in orchestrating various heists. However, Trevor's resentment over Michael's betrayal strains their relationship, as the truth about their past surfaces.

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 pushed GTA 6's release to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer indicates it will be set in a fictionalized version of Florida, including Vice City, with two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.

A second trailer, hailed by Rockstar as the "biggest video launch of all time," blends cinematics with gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the trailer, highlighting key characters and exploring the potential impact on the future of game graphics. With anticipation building, GTA 6 is poised to be one of the most significant game releases to date, and fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival.