by Sebastian May 21,2025
It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the profound impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar’s iconic crime franchise has evolved from a groundbreaking PlayStation 1 title to a cultural phenomenon, with its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.
The series didn't become an overnight sensation. Rockstar meticulously crafted its legendary crime saga over more than two decades, creating deeply immersive open worlds that captivate players long after their initial release. With over sixteen Grand Theft Auto games released since the franchise's inception in 1997, new players might wonder where to begin. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game, allowing you to chart the perfect course through its criminal landscape. However, fans will need to wait until 2026 for the next chapter, GTA 6.
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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 Grand Theft Auto game, GTA 6, is slated for release in 2026.
Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the overall continuity of the Grand Theft Auto 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. Although events across these timelines may overlap or be similar, Rockstar does not consider them all canon to each other. Therefore, we will categorize the games according to their respective universes.
If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto series before GTA 6 arrives, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a smart move. Not only is it a masterpiece in its own right, but it's also widely available across various platforms. Additionally, you can enjoy the multiplayer experience through GTA Online.
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.
The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique as it's one of only two GTA releases not available on PlayStation, 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 within London's crime families, undertaking tasks for a mobster named Harold Cartwright.
The inaugural expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 marked the series' first foray into London.
The narrative centers on an unnamed British criminal navigating the city's criminal underworld and forging alliances with various crime syndicates, including Harold Cartwright's gang from Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, and the notorious Crisp Twins.
The first entry in the mainline series, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City.
Set in 1997, the protagonist engages in bank heists, assassinations, and getaways, building their reputation and working with high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2 diverges significantly from its predecessor. It transports players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City, a setting distinct from any other in the series.
The game follows a criminal named Claude Speed, who collaborates with various crime syndicates in Anywhere City to amass wealth and respect. Its timeline placement is ambiguous, with in-game references suggesting it occurs in either 1999 or 2013. Nonetheless, it marks the conclusion of the 2D timeline.
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.
A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is set in 1984 and follows Victor Vance, a US military soldier framed by his sergeant and dishonorably discharged.
With no job prospects, Victor ventures into Vice City's criminal underworld, quickly rising to lead a crime family with assistance from his brother, Lance. Together, they disrupt the city's crime scene, encountering characters from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. By the end, Victor's story aligns with the start of Vice City.
The fourth mainline installment, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories. It follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, who arrives in Vice City to expand his boss's drug trade after his release from prison.
A botched drug deal plunges Tommy into chaos, losing both drugs and money. Given a final chance to redeem himself, Tommy dives into Vice City's criminal underbelly, partnering with Lance Vance to confront the city's crime families and recover his stolen assets. As his notoriety grows, Tommy builds a criminal empire, attracting the attention of his former employers.
The fifth mainline installment, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas chronicles the story of Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families.
Set in 1992, the game follows CJ's return to Los Santos after his mother's murder in a drive-by shooting meant for his brother. Reuniting with friends, family, and his gang, CJ dives back into the criminal world, seeking vengeance for his mother's death.
As CJ works to restore the Grove Street Families' prestige, he uncovers a web of corruption and betrayal involving a corrupt cop named Officer Tenpenny. CJ navigates the power struggles among various factions across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
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, who returns to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy to escape the fallout from assassinating a mafia member.
Toni re-engages with his former boss, meeting high-ranking mafia figures and climbing the ranks by eliminating rival crime lords and aiding Leone's political maneuvers. The story culminates with the Leone family becoming one of Liberty City's most powerful crime syndicates, setting the stage for Grand Theft Auto 3.
Set 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 vengeance for the murder of his partner, Vinnie.
Planning to leave Liberty City, Mike and Vinnie undertake mafia jobs to fund their escape. However, Vinnie's death in a car bomb derails their plans, prompting Mike to hunt down the killers. Along the way, Mike collaborates with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen.
The final entry in the timeline but the first game of the 3D era by release date, Grand Theft Auto 3 takes place in 2001. It follows Claude, a bank robber shot and left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina, during a heist.
After surviving and escaping custody during a Colombian Cartel attack, Claude is drawn into Liberty City's criminal underworld, working with various syndicates. His journey culminates in a confrontation with Catalina, driven by a desire for revenge.
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story arcs.
The first game of 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, who promised wealth and success.
Discovering Roman's true financial struggles, Niko quickly turns to crime to amass wealth, working with an arms dealer named Little Jacob and paying off debts to a Russian loan shark, Vlad Glebov. After killing Vlad for betraying Roman, Niko becomes embroiled in the Russian mafia's conflicts, rising to become a feared criminal while hunting a former comrade who betrayed him.
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.
Fresh out of rehab, Johnny faces tension with the gang's President, Billy Grey, who returns and resumes leadership. Billy's actions break a truce with rival gang, The Angels of Death, igniting a gang war. As Billy leads The Lost into danger, Johnny grapples with loyalty and the gang's future.
The second expansion for GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony also unfolds during the main campaign. It follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard trying to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince, whose businesses are failing and in debt to the Ancelotti crime family.
Luis attempts to settle Tony's debts through criminal endeavors, culminating in a risky plan to acquire and trade smuggled diamonds. When the plan unravels, Luis embarks on a frantic chase across Liberty City to recover the diamonds and protect Tony.
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.
Ambushed upon arrival, Huang loses the sword and is left for dead. Surviving the attack, he joins forces with his uncle to recover the sword, navigating alliances with various gangs and the FIB, uncovering a potential betrayal within the Triads.
While its timeline is somewhat fluid, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and extends years beyond the main campaign through updates.
The story follows a player-created criminal seeking fortune and fame in Los Santos, engaging in criminal ventures and building a reputation. Recent updates have reintroduced Franklin from GTA 5, involving the player in his post-game business ventures.
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows the intertwining stories of three criminals: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, having staged his death during a bank robbery, lives in luxury in Los Santos under witness protection.
His retirement is disrupted when he befriends Franklin, a young criminal sent to repossess Michael's son's car. Together, they rob a jewelry store, drawing the attention of Michael's former partner, Trevor Phillips, who believes Michael is dead. Trevor's arrival in Los Santos leads to a series of heists, but his resentment toward Michael's past betrayal strains their partnership.
While Take-Two Interactive initially announced a fall 2025 release window, the latest updates have delayed GTA 6's release to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer indicates that it will be set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and feature two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.
A subsequent 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, highlighting key characters and discussing the potential impact on future game graphics. GTA 6 promises to be one of the most significant game releases to date, and the anticipation is palpable.
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