It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of the Grand Theft Auto series. From its beginnings as a controversial PlayStation 1 classic, Rockstar Games has meticulously crafted this iconic crime franchise into a cultural phenomenon. Grand Theft Auto 5, the latest entry, stands as the third best-selling game of all time, underscoring its widespread acclaim and influence.

The journey to this level of success didn't happen overnight. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has built an expansive universe through over sixteen Grand Theft Auto titles since the series' inception in 1997. For newcomers eager to dive into this sprawling crime saga, understanding where to begin can be daunting. To help you navigate, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, providing a clear path through this intricate timeline. However, fans will need 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 crucial to understand the continuity of the 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. While events across these timelines may share similarities or even be identical, Rockstar does not consider them all canon 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 explore the Grand Theft Auto universe before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a solid choice. This masterpiece is not only a testament to the series' evolution but also widely accessible across various platforms. Additionally, GTA Online offers a robust multiplayer experience that continues to evolve.

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 regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

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

2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

The first expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, this game marked the series' initial foray into London. It chronicles the journey of an unnamed British criminal navigating the city's criminal underworld, aligning with Harold Cartwright's gang and confronting the notorious Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal landscapes of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, with the protagonist interacting with key figures like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

The second mainline game, Grand Theft Auto 2 diverges significantly from its predecessor by introducing the futuristic Anywhere City. Players control Claude Speed, who navigates the city's criminal syndicates to earn money and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with references suggesting 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 summaries include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, this PSP title is set in 1984 and follows Victor Vance, a dishonorably discharged soldier who ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld. With his brother Lance, Vic rises to lead a crime family, intersecting with characters from Vice City and setting the stage for the events of that game.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Set in 1986, this fourth mainline game follows Tommy Vercetti, a gangster from Liberty City tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade in Vice City. After a botched drug deal, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to reclaim his losses and build a criminal empire, drawing the attention of his former employers.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Set in 1992, this fifth mainline game follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson as he returns to Los Santos to avenge his mother's murder. Reconnecting with the Grove Street Families, CJ navigates betrayal, corrupt law enforcement, and rival factions across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Set in 1998, this prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. Returning to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy, Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's gang, setting the stage for the events of GTA 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Set in 2000, this Gameboy Advance prequel to GTA 3 follows Mike, who seeks vengeance for his partner Vinnie's murder. Working with various GTA 3 characters, Mike navigates Liberty City's criminal underworld to uncover the truth behind Vinnie's death.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first released in the 3D era, set in 2001, follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend Catalina. After escaping prison, Claude becomes a notorious figure in Liberty City's criminal scene, driven by a quest for vengeance 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 regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

Set in 2008, this first game of the HD era 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 delves into the city's criminal underworld, forming alliances and seeking revenge against a former comrade.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set concurrently with GTA 4, this expansion follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Upon the return of the gang's President, Billy Grey, tensions rise, leading to a gang war with The Angels of Death and internal strife within The Lost MC.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Also set during GTA 4, this expansion follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard trying to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts mount, Luis navigates Liberty City's criminal scene to secure smuggled diamonds and keep Tony afloat.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Set in 2009, this game 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 sword and uncover the betrayal within the Triads.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Set before and extending beyond the events of GTA 5, this multiplayer component follows a player-created criminal seeking fortune and fame in Los Santos. Over the years, the narrative has evolved, with recent updates involving characters like Franklin from GTA 5.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, this game follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living under witness protection, is drawn back into crime by Franklin, leading to a series of heists. The arrival of Trevor, Michael's former partner, complicates their plans as past betrayals come to light.

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 most recent delay news 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 will feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.

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.