"Grand Theft Auto: Playing Games in Chronological Order"

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 cultural phenomenon, with the latest installment, Grand Theft Auto V, securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.

However, the series' journey to becoming a landmark success wasn't an overnight phenomenon. Rockstar meticulously crafted its iconic crime saga over more than two decades, 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 be wondering where to dive in. To guide you through this expansive universe, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game, helping you navigate the best path through this crime-laden world. Just a heads up, though—you'll need to wait until 2026 for GTA 6.

Jump to:

How to Play in Chronological OrderThe 2D TimelineThe 3D TimelineThe HD TimelineGTA Release DatesThe 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 essential to understand the series' continuity. 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 according to their respective universes.

Which GTA Game Should You Play First?

If you're eager to explore the Grand Theft Auto games before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the most recent title, GTA V, is highly recommended. This game is not only a masterpiece but also widely accessible across various platforms. Plus, you can dive into GTA Online for a multiplayer experience.

### Grand Theft Auto V

8See it at AmazonThe Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline

Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers for each game, covering characters, settings, and key story points.

1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

As the second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is one of only two GTA releases that didn't make it to a PlayStation console, 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 climbing the ranks of London's crime families by fulfilling 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 introduced the series to the streets of London.

The story revolves around an unnamed British criminal navigating the city's criminal underworld, working with and against various crime syndicates to build their legend. This includes Harold Cartwright's gang, which players join in Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, as well as the menacing Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto follows an unnamed protagonist carving out a name in the criminal underworlds of three iconic locales: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.

Set in 1997, the criminal undertakes bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, building a reputation while aiding various sinister gangs. Along the way, they encounter high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 marks a significant departure from its predecessor. Set in the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City, it follows Claude Speed as he navigates the criminal landscape, working with various syndicates to earn money and respect. The game's timeline placement is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting both 1999 and 2013 as potential settings. Regardless, it's the final installment 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 for each game, covering characters, settings, and key story points.

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. After being framed by his sergeant and dishonorably discharged, Victor ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld, eventually rising to lead a crime family with the help of his brother, Lance. Their journey intersects with various characters from Vice City, culminating just before the events of that game.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

The fourth mainline game, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, is set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories. It chronicles the story of Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, sent to Vice City to expand his boss's drug trade. After a botched drug deal, Tommy is forced to navigate the city's criminal underworld with Lance Vance to reclaim lost drugs and money, eventually building his own empire.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The fifth mainline game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson in 1992 as he returns to Los Santos after his mother's murder. CJ reunites with his friends, family, and the Grove Street Families, diving back into the criminal world to seek revenge. His journey involves navigating betrayal, corrupt law enforcement, and the power struggles among the various factions in Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Set in 1998, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3. It follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone, as he returns to Liberty City after hiding in Italy. Toni climbs the ranks of Sal's gang, dealing with rival crime lords and aiding Leone's political maneuvers, setting the stage for the events of 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, who seeks revenge for the death of his partner, Vinnie. After Vinnie's murder by a car bomb, Mike teams up with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3 to unravel the conspiracy and exact vengeance.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the 3D timeline but the first released, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001. It follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed and left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina. After escaping custody, Claude becomes entrenched in Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually confronting Catalina in a quest for revenge.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries include mild spoilers for each game, covering characters, settings, and key story points.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

The first game in the HD era, Grand Theft Auto 4, is set in 2008 and follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier, as he arrives in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko turns to crime, befriending an arms dealer, Little Jacob, and clashing with the Russian mafia. Throughout his journey, Niko seeks to avenge a former comrade's betrayal.

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 and follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of the motorcycle gang, The Lost MC. After the gang's President, Billy Grey, returns from rehab and resumes leadership, tensions rise as Billy reignites a gang war with The Angels of Death, leading Johnny to question his loyalty.

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 campaign and 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 world to secure smuggled diamonds and keep Tony afloat.

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. After being ambushed and left for dead, Huang seeks to recover the sword, uncovering a potential inside job as he navigates the city's gangs and the FIB.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Although its exact timeline placement is challenging to pinpoint, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extends years beyond the main campaign. Players create their criminal persona in Los Santos, engaging in various criminal enterprises and interacting with characters like Franklin in later updates.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, under witness protection in Los Santos, is drawn back into crime after meeting Franklin. Their partnership leads to a jewelry heist, catching the attention of Trevor, Michael's former partner, who joins them in a series of heists. Tensions rise as the truth about Michael and Trevor's past comes to light.

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 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 we're all eagerly anticipating its arrival.