"Mastering GTA: Play Order Guide"

It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the profound impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar Games' legendary crime saga has evolved from a contentious PlayStation 1 title to a globally recognized cultural phenomenon, with its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, securing its position as the third best-selling game of all time.

The journey to becoming a landmark series wasn't instantaneous. Over the past two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted its iconic crime series, 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 wonder where to begin. To assist you in navigating this expansive universe, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every GTA game in chronological order, helping you chart the perfect path through this crime-laden saga. Unfortunately, fans will need to wait until 2026 for the next installment, GTA 6.

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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 eagerly anticipated Grand Theft Auto game, GTA 6, is scheduled for release in 2026.

Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the continuity across the GTA series. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the series is divided into three distinct timelines: the 2D timeline, the 3D timeline, and the HD timeline. Although events within these timelines may overlap or be similar, 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 dive into the Grand Theft Auto series before the arrival of GTA 6, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is highly recommended. This masterpiece is not only a testament to the series' evolution but also widely accessible across various platforms. Plus, you can immerse yourself in the dynamic world of GTA Online for multiplayer experiences.

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, touching on characters, settings, and key story elements.

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 exclusively available to PC players. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal as they climb the ranks within London's criminal underworld, working under the notorious mobster Harold Cartwright.

2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

As the first expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 marked the series' initial foray into the vibrant streets of London. The narrative revolves around a nameless British criminal battling various crime syndicates, including Harold Cartwright's gang and the sinister Crisp Twins, as they build their reputation in the city.

3. Grand Theft Auto

The inaugural entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto, introduces players to a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of three distinct locations: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the story involves bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, as the protagonist aids various criminal factions and encounters high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2

The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2, takes a bold step away from its predecessor by setting the action in the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. Players assume the role of Claude Speed, a criminal working with various crime syndicates to gain wealth and respect. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013, marking it as the final game 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 contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and key story elements.

1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories unfolds in 1984 and follows US military soldier Victor Vance. After being framed and dishonorably discharged, Victor dives into Vice City's criminal underworld, rising to become the head of a crime family alongside his brother Lance. Their journey intersects with many characters from Vice City, setting the stage for the next game.

2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City. Sent to oversee his boss's drug trade in Vice City, Tommy finds himself embroiled in chaos after a drug deal goes awry. Teaming up with Lance Vance, Tommy navigates the city's criminal underworld, building his empire and confronting his former employers.

3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas tells the story of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families. Returning to Los Santos after his mother's murder, CJ seeks revenge and aims to restore the gang's former glory. Amidst betrayal and corrupt law enforcement, CJ navigates the complexities of Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Set in 1998, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories acts as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, following Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. After returning from Italy, Toni climbs the ranks of the mafia, engaging in murders and political maneuvers that solidify the Leone family's power, setting the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3.

5. Grand Theft Auto Advance

Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 and follows Mike, a criminal seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. As Mike navigates Liberty City, he collaborates with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen, in pursuit of justice.

6. Grand Theft Auto 3

The final entry in the 3D timeline and the first game of the 3D era by release date, Grand Theft Auto 3 is set in 2001 and follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend Catalina. After escaping prison, Claude becomes entrenched in Liberty City's criminal underworld, working with various syndicates and ultimately seeking revenge against Catalina.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline

Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and key story elements.

1. Grand Theft Auto 4

Set in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 introduces 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 becomes involved in the city's criminal activities, forming alliances and pursuing a personal vendetta against a former comrade.

2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned

Set concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and The Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Upon the return of the gang's President, Billy Grey, from rehab, tensions rise as Billy's reckless decisions lead to a violent gang war with their rivals, The Angels of Death.

3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

Also set during the events of Grand Theft Auto 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard working for nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis embarks on a perilous journey to secure smuggled diamonds and save his boss.

4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, who arrives in Liberty City to deliver an ancient sword to his uncle. After being ambushed and left for dead, Huang seeks to recover the sword, navigating the city's criminal landscape and uncovering a potential betrayal within his own family.

5. Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand Theft Auto Online's timeline is somewhat fluid, beginning shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extending years after the main campaign through numerous updates. Players create their own criminal character, engaging in various ventures and interacting with characters like Franklin, whose story continues to evolve post-GTA 5.

6. Grand Theft Auto 5

Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows the intertwined stories of Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, under witness protection after faking his death, is drawn back into crime through his friendship with Franklin. The trio's heists attract the attention of Michael's old friend Trevor, whose return reignites past tensions and leads to a dramatic climax.

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 updates have shifted GTA 6's release date to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer has confirmed its setting in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and introduced us to the dual protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. The second trailer, dubbed the "biggest video launch of all time," showcased a blend of cinematics and gameplay, revealing numerous details about characters and hinting at the future of game graphics. With such anticipation, GTA 6 is poised to be one of the most significant game releases to date, and fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival.