by Sarah May 13,2025
It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar's iconic crime franchise has evolved from a controversial PlayStation 1 classic into a cultural phenomenon, with its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto V, securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.
However, the series' ascent to legendary status was not instantaneous. Over the course of more than two decades, Rockstar meticulously crafted its signature crime saga, developing hyper-immersive open worlds that continue to captivate players long after their initial release. With over sixteen Grand Theft Auto titles released since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might find themselves wondering where to begin. To guide you through this expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, helping you navigate the timeline of this crime-laden saga. Keep in mind, though, that you'll need to wait until 2026 for the next installment, GTA 6.
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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 eagerly awaited next entry, 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 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 canon to each other. Therefore, we will categorize the games according to their respective universes.
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 a wise choice. This masterpiece is not only a testament to the series' evolution but also widely accessible across various platforms. Additionally, you can explore the expansive world of GTA Online for a multiplayer experience.
### Grand Theft Auto V
Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot points.
The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique as it's one of only two GTA releases not available on PlayStation consoles, being exclusive to PC players.
This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto's first expansion, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969. It follows an unnamed criminal as they ascend through the ranks of London's crime families, executing tasks for a mobster named Harold Cartwright.
The inaugural expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 marked the series' first foray into London.
The narrative centers on an unnamed British criminal who battles various crime syndicates while forging their legend on the city's streets. This includes Harold Cartwright's gang, which the player allies with in Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, as well as the notorious Crisp Twins.
The first entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three iconic locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.
Set in 1997, the protagonist undertakes bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, building their reputation while assisting various nefarious gangs. Along the journey, they encounter high-ranking criminals such as Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 represents a significant departure from its predecessor. It transports players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City, which bears no resemblance to other locations in the series.
The story follows a criminal named Claude Speed, who collaborates with various crime syndicates in Anywhere City to amass wealth and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013. Nonetheless, it marks the conclusion of the 2D timeline.
Below, we'll detail the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot points.
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 criminal underworld, eventually rising to lead a crime family with the assistance of his brother, Lance. Their journey disrupts Vice City's criminal landscape, introducing them to several characters from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. By the game's end, Victor's story aligns with the beginning of 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 dispatched to Vice City to expand his boss's drug trade following his release from prison.
Tommy's arrival is marred by a botched drug deal, prompting him to delve into Vice City's criminal underbelly with Lance Vance to reclaim the lost drugs and money. As Tommy's influence grows, he builds a criminal empire, drawing the attention of his former employers.
The fifth mainline iteration, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas chronicles the journey of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families.
Set in 1992, the story follows CJ's return to Los Santos after his mother's murder in a drive-by shooting intended for his brother. Reuniting with his friends, family, and the Grove Street Families, CJ quickly re-enters the criminal world, seeking vengeance for his mother's death.
As CJ works to restore the Grove Street gang's former glory, he uncovers a web of corruption and betrayal, pursued by a corrupt cop named Officer Tenpenny. His adventures span Los Santos and the neighboring cities of San Fierro and Las Venturas.
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. Returning to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy to avoid repercussions for assassinating a mafia member, Toni resumes his criminal activities under his former boss.
Toni encounters various high-level mafia contacts, climbing the ranks by eliminating rival crime lords and aiding Leone's political maneuvers with the mayor. 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.
Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows a criminal named Mike seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death.
Initially planning to leave Liberty City for new opportunities, Mike and Vinnie undertake mafia jobs to fund their escape. However, Vinnie's death in a car bomb propels Mike on a quest for revenge, collaborating with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen.
The final entry in the 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 betrayed and left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist.
After surviving and escaping custody during a prison transfer, Claude becomes entrenched in Liberty City's criminal underworld, working with the mafia, the yakuza, and other syndicates. His rise to notoriety is driven by a quest for vengeance against Catalina.
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and plot points.
The first 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, who claims to have found fortune.
Niko soon discovers Roman's dire financial situation and begins to earn money through illegal means, befriending an arms dealer named Little Jacob and working off Roman's debts to a Russian loan shark, Vlad Glebov. After killing Vlad for sleeping with Roman's girlfriend, Niko becomes entangled with the Russian mafia and Liberty City's crime families, all while pursuing a former comrade who betrayed him.
Set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and the Damned is GTA 4's first expansion. It follows Johnny Klebitz, the Vice President of the motorcycle gang, The Lost MC.
Upon Billy Grey's return from rehab and resumption of leadership, Johnny's truce with their rivals, The Angels of Death, is shattered. As Billy leads The Lost into a gang war, Johnny grapples with loyalty amidst the gang's self-destructive path.
The second expansion for GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony runs parallel to the main campaign. It follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard striving to save his boss, legendary nightclub owner Tony Prince.
Despite Tony's prominence in Liberty City's nightlife, his businesses are failing, and he's indebted to the Ancelotti crime family. Luis endeavors to settle Tony's debts, culminating in a risky plan to acquire smuggled diamonds, which spirals into a city-wide chase to retrieve them.
Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: 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 and left for dead, Huang survives and embarks on a quest to recover the stolen sword, working with various gangs and the FIB. His journey uncovers a potential inside job behind the theft.
Although its exact placement on the timeline is ambiguous, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and has evolved over a decade of updates to a period well after the main campaign.
The core narrative follows a player-created criminal seeking fortune and fame in Los Santos, engaging in criminal ventures and property acquisition. Recent updates have revisited Franklin from GTA 5, involving the player in his business endeavors years after the main story.
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three criminals: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. After faking his death during a bank robbery, Michael Townley enters witness protection, relocating to Los Santos to live a life of luxury.
Michael's retirement is disrupted when he meets Franklin Clinton, a small-time criminal tasked with repossessing Michael's son's car. Their partnership leads to a jewelry store heist, drawing the attention of Michael's former associate, Trevor Phillips. Trevor's arrival in Los Santos reunites the trio for various heists, but tensions rise as past betrayals come to light.
Every GTA Game in Release Order -------------------------------A second trailer, dubbed the "biggest video launch of all time" by Rockstar, showcases a blend of cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the new trailer, including key characters and the potential impact on future game graphics. This could be one of the most significant game releases to date, and fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival.
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