"Chronological Guide to Playing Grand Theft Auto 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 controversial PlayStation 1 classic into a universally recognized cultural phenomenon, with its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.

However, the series' ascent to landmark status was not instantaneous. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted its iconic crime saga, developing hyper-immersive open worlds that captivate players long after their initial release. With over sixteen Grand Theft Auto games released since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might wonder where to begin. To assist you in diving into this crime-filled universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, helping you chart the best path through its storied timeline. Keep in mind, you'll have 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 scheduled for release in 2026.

Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the continuity of the Grand Theft Auto series. 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. Although 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 into their respective universes.

Which GTA Game Should You Play First?

If you're eager to explore the Grand Theft Auto universe before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is highly recommended. This modern masterpiece is accessible on virtually every platform, and you can also dive into GTA Online for an engaging multiplayer experience.

Grand Theft Auto V

8See it at Amazon

The Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline

Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and key plot points.

1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique for being one of only two GTA releases to bypass PlayStation consoles, 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 an unnamed criminal as they climb the ranks of London's crime families, executing jobs for a mobster named 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 the vibrant city of London.

The narrative centers on an unnamed British criminal battling various crime syndicates while forging a legendary reputation on the city's streets. Key figures include Harold Cartwright's gang, which the player joins in Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, and the nefarious Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The first entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto follows an unnamed protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three iconic locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.

Set in 1997, the criminal's journey involves executing bank heists, assassinations, and getaways to build their reputation and assist various criminal organizations. They encounter high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu along the way.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

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, a setting unlike any other in the series.

The story follows a criminal named Claude Speed, who collaborates with various crime syndicates in Anywhere City to amass wealth and gain respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting it could occur in either 1999 or 2013. Nonetheless, it marks the conclusion of the 2D timeline.

The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline

Below, we'll detail the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and key plot points.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, the PSP's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is set in 1984 and follows US military soldier Victor Vance, who, after being framed and dishonorably discharged, ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld.

With assistance from his brother Lance, Victor rises to lead a crime family, disrupting Vice City's criminal landscape and interacting with characters from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. By the game's end, Victor's narrative aligns with the beginning of Vice City.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The fourth mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, takes place 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 after being released from prison.

A botched drug deal plunges Tommy into trouble, prompting him to ally with Lance Vance and confront Vice City's crime families to retrieve the stolen drugs and money. As Tommy's influence grows, he constructs a criminal empire that draws attention from his former employers.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The fifth mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, narrates the tale 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. Reconnecting with his friends, family, and the Grove Street Families, CJ plunges back into the criminal underworld, seeking vengeance for his mother's death.

As CJ works to restore the Grove Street gang's prestige, he uncovers a web of corruption involving Officer Tenpenny 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.

Returning to Liberty City after hiding in Italy following a mafia assassination, Toni re-engages with his former boss, climbing the ranks by eliminating rival crime lords and aiding Leone's political machinations. 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, a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 released on the Gameboy Advance, follows Mike, a criminal seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's murder.

Originally planning to leave Liberty City with Vinnie, Mike's plans unravel when Vinnie is killed by a car bomb. Driven by vengeance, Mike collaborates with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, to hunt down Vinnie's killers.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first game released in the 3D era, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber left for dead by his girlfriend Catalina during a heist.

After surviving and escaping during a prison transfer, Claude becomes enmeshed in Liberty City's criminal underworld, working with various syndicates. His ultimate goal becomes revenge against Catalina, culminating in a final confrontation.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, we'll explore the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and key plot points.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

The inaugural game of the HD era, Grand Theft Auto 4, set in 2008, 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 quickly engages in criminal activities, meeting allies like Little Jacob and facing threats from the Russian mafia after killing Vlad Glebov. Amidst navigating Liberty City's criminal politics, Niko pursues a personal vendetta against a former comrade who betrayed him.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

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

Upon the return of the gang's President, Billy Grey, from rehab, tensions arise as Billy breaks a truce with rival gang The Angels of Death, sparking a gang war. As The Lost MC faces internal strife and dangerous situations under Billy's leadership, Johnny grapples with his loyalty.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

The second expansion for GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony, also set alongside the main campaign, follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard tasked with saving his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince.

With Tony's businesses failing and debts owed to the Ancelotti crime family, Luis navigates criminal circles to help Tony. Their plan to acquire and trade smuggled diamonds goes awry, leading Luis on a frantic quest to recover the diamonds and keep Tony's creditors at bay.

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 following his father's murder.

After being ambushed and left for dead, Huang survives and embarks on a mission to retrieve the stolen sword, working with various gangs and the FIB. His journey reveals potential internal betrayal within the Triads.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Though its exact placement on the timeline is unclear, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and has evolved over a decade of updates to occur long after the main campaign.

Players create their criminal character, navigating Los Santos to build wealth, reputation, and fame. Recent updates revisit Franklin from GTA 5, involving players in his business ventures years after the main game's events.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. After faking his death during a bank heist, Michael Townley enters witness protection and relocates to Los Santos.

Michael's retirement is disrupted when he meets Franklin Clinton, a young criminal, leading them to rob a jewelry store. The heist catches the attention of Trevor Phillips, Michael's former partner, who joins them in Los Santos for more elaborate heists. As the trio's pasts collide, tensions escalate, revealing the truth behind Michael and Trevor's history.

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 delay news has shifted GTA 6's release date to May 26, 2026. According to the game's reveal trailer, the new Grand Theft Auto will be set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.

A second trailer, hailed by Rockstar as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcases a mix 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 the anticipation is palpable as we await its arrival.