"Mastering the Grand Theft Auto Series: A Step-by-Step Guide"

It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of Grand Theft Auto. From its controversial beginnings on the PlayStation 1, Rockstar's iconic crime franchise has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. With Grand Theft Auto 5 becoming the third best-selling game of all time, the series has left an indelible mark on the gaming world.

Rockstar's journey to this landmark success has been a meticulous process spanning over two decades. The franchise has masterfully crafted hyper-immersive open worlds that continue to captivate players long after their initial release. Since the first game launched in 1997, the Grand Theft Auto series has released over sixteen titles, leaving new players eager to dive in. 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 world. However, fans will 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

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. Although 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 for clarity.

Which GTA Game Should You Play First?

If you're eager to explore the Grand Theft Auto series before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a solid choice. Not only is GTA 5 a masterpiece in its own right, but it's also widely accessible across various platforms. Additionally, you can immerse yourself in the expansive world of GTA Online for a multiplayer experience.

### Grand Theft Auto V

8See it at AmazonThe Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline

Below, we'll detail the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These descriptions 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 as it was not released on a PlayStation console, being exclusive to PC players. This DLC acts as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, following a nameless criminal who climbs the ranks of London's crime families by completing jobs 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 players to the series' first foray into London. The narrative centers on a nameless British criminal navigating the city's crime syndicates and building their reputation. This includes working with Harold Cartwright's gang, introduced in the prequel, and confronting the sinister Crisp Twins.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto follows an unnamed protagonist as they carve out a name in the criminal underworlds of three iconic locales: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game features bank heists, assassinations, and daring getaways, with the protagonist interacting with high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 represents a significant departure for the series. Set in the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City, it follows a criminal named Claude Speed who navigates the city's 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 marks the end of the 2D timeline.

The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline

Below, we'll explore the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These descriptions contain 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 US military soldier dishonorably discharged after being framed by his sergeant. Victor ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld, rising to lead a crime family with his brother Lance. Their journey intersects with several characters from Vice City, culminating in a story that dovetails into the beginning of the next game.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the fourth mainline entry. It follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, tasked with expanding his boss's drug trade after being released from prison. When a drug deal goes awry, Tommy allies with Lance Vance to reclaim the stolen goods and build his criminal empire, eventually clashing with his former employers.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The fifth mainline game, set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas revolves around Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families. CJ returns to Los Santos following his mother's murder and becomes entangled in the criminal underworld, seeking vengeance. As he rebuilds his gang, he uncovers a web of corruption and betrayal, navigating the cities of 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. After returning to Liberty City from Italy, Toni ascends the ranks of the mafia, navigating rival crime lords and political intrigue, setting the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Taking place in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 released on the Gameboy Advance. It follows Mike, a criminal seeking revenge for his partner Vinnie's murder. Mike's journey involves working with various characters from Grand Theft Auto 3 as he hunts down Vinnie's killers.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final game in the 3D timeline but the first released in the 3D era, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001. It follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend Catalina during a heist. After escaping prison, Claude delves into Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually seeking revenge against Catalina.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

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

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

The first game of the HD era, set in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier who arrives in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin Roman. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko engages in criminal activities to help, navigating the city's criminal landscape and seeking revenge against a former comrade.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, this expansion follows Johnny Klebitz, the Vice President of the motorcycle gang The Lost MC. After 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.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

The second expansion for GTA 4, set concurrently with the main game, follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard trying to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts mount, Luis navigates the criminal underworld to keep Tony afloat, culminating in a high-stakes diamond heist.

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 the stolen sword, uncovering betrayal and working with various factions.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Although its exact placement on the timeline is fluid, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and has evolved over a decade of updates. Players create their criminal avatar in Los Santos, engaging in various criminal enterprises, with recent updates revisiting characters like Franklin years after the events of GTA 5.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, presumed dead after a bank robbery, is lured back into crime after meeting Franklin. Their partnership draws the attention of Trevor, Michael's former partner, leading to a series of heists and escalating tensions.

• 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?

A second trailer, hailed by Rockstar as the "biggest video launch of all time," features 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. With high anticipation, GTA 6 is poised to be one of the most significant game releases to date, and fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival.