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 groundbreaking PlayStation 1 title to a globally recognized cultural phenomenon. Its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, stands as the third best-selling game of all time, a testament to its enduring appeal.

However, the journey to such landmark success was gradual. Over more than two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted its iconic crime saga, 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 find themselves wondering where to begin. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, guiding you through the intricate timeline of this crime-laden world. Keep in mind, you'll have 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 Grand Theft Auto series. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the franchise 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. We'll 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 universe before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a solid choice. Not only is it a masterpiece in its own right, but it's also widely accessible across various platforms. Plus, you can explore the expansive multiplayer experience of 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 descriptions contain mild spoilers, including details about 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 one of only two GTA releases not available on PlayStation consoles, exclusively offered 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, executing tasks for a mobster named Harold Cartwright.

2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

As the first expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 introduced the series to London for the first time.

The story revolves around an unnamed British criminal navigating the city's underworld, confronting various crime syndicates while building their reputation. The narrative includes interactions with Harold Cartwright's gang from the prequel, as well as the notorious Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto, tracks the exploits of a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three iconic locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.

Set in 1997, the protagonist engages in bank heists, assassinations, and escapes, forging a reputation while aligning with various criminal factions. Along the journey, 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. It transports players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City, which bears no resemblance to other GTA locations.

The storyline follows a criminal named Claude Speed, who collaborates with various crime syndicates to earn money and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013. 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 descriptions contain mild spoilers, including details about characters, settings, and story arcs.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

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

With no job prospects, Victor turns to Vice City's underworld, eventually leading a crime family with his brother, Lance. Their journey disrupts the city's criminal landscape, intersecting with characters from Vice City, and culminates 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 and follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade after his release from prison.

A botched drug deal thrusts Tommy into the city's criminal underbelly, where he allies with Lance Vance to reclaim lost assets and build his own criminal empire, drawing the attention of his former employers.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Set in 1992, the fifth mainline game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson as he returns to Los Santos following his mother's murder in a drive-by shooting intended for his brother.

Rejoining his friends, family, and the Grove Street Families, CJ seeks revenge and aims to restore the gang's former glory. His journey uncovers a web of betrayal and corruption, involving a crooked cop named Officer Tenpenny and various rival factions across 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 fleeing to Italy to escape the consequences of a mafia hit, Toni ascends the ranks of Sal's gang, eliminating rival crime lords and aiding Leone's political maneuvers. The game sets 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 Game Boy Advance. It follows Mike, a criminal seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's murder.

After a failed escape plan involving mafia jobs, Mike pursues his partner's killers, collaborating with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3 like 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

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

After escaping custody, Claude becomes entrenched in Liberty City's criminal underworld, aligning with various syndicates. His ultimate goal is revenge against Catalina, leading to a climactic confrontation.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, we’ll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These descriptions contain mild spoilers, including details about characters, settings, and story arcs.

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 arriving in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman Bellic.

Niko's dreams of American prosperity are shattered when he discovers Roman's dire financial situation. Niko quickly turns to crime, befriending an arms dealer named Little Jacob and working off Roman's debts. His actions draw the ire of the Russian mafia, leading him deeper into Liberty City's criminal politics while pursuing a personal vendetta against a former comrade.

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, Vice President of the motorcycle gang, The Lost MC.

Upon the return of The Lost MC's President, Billy Grey, from rehab, Johnny's leadership is challenged. Billy's reckless actions reignite a gang war with The Angels of Death, pushing The Lost MC towards self-destruction and forcing 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, also occurs alongside the main campaign. It follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard striving to save his boss, the 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 works to resolve Tony's financial troubles, culminating in a risky diamond deal that spirals into chaos, sending Luis on a frantic quest across the city.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

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 upon arrival, Huang survives and sets out to recover the stolen sword. His journey involves alliances with various gangs and the FIB, uncovering a potential inside job within the Triads.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

While its exact timeline placement is unclear, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extends years beyond the main campaign through numerous updates.

The story revolves around a player-created criminal seeking fortune and fame in Los Santos, engaging in criminal ventures and building a reputation. Recent updates have seen characters like Franklin return, expanding the narrative post-GTA 5.

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 heist, Michael Townley enters witness protection and relocates to Los Santos.

Michael's return to crime is triggered by his meeting with Franklin Clinton, a young criminal he mentors. Together, they execute a jewelry store heist, drawing the attention of Michael's former partner, Trevor Phillips. As Trevor joins them for more heists, old tensions resurface, threatening their partnership.

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 (2001)
• 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 delayed GTA 6's launch to May 26, 2026. According to the game's reveal trailer, GTA 6 will be set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and will feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.

A second trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time" by Rockstar, showcased a blend of cinematics and gameplay. We've analyzed numerous details from the new trailer, from notable characters to potential advancements in game graphics. With such high anticipation, GTA 6 promises to be one of the most significant game releases to date, and fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival.