It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the monumental impact of the Grand Theft Auto series. Rockstar's iconic franchise has evolved from a controversial PlayStation 1 classic into a cultural phenomenon, with its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, securing its place as the third best-selling game of all time.
The journey to this landmark success was not instantaneous. Over the course of more than two decades, Rockstar meticulously crafted its renowned crime saga, developing deeply immersive open worlds that continue to captivate players long after their initial release. With a total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto games released since the series began in 1997, newcomers might find themselves wondering where to start. To guide you through this extensive timeline, we've compiled a list of every GTA game in chronological order, helping you navigate the criminal underworlds of this iconic series. However, you'll 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 upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release in 2026.
Before delving into the list, it's crucial to understand the overarching continuity of the 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. While events across these timelines may be similar or even identical, Rockstar does not consider them all canon to each other. Therefore, we will categorize the games into their respective universes.
If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto series before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is highly recommended. This masterpiece is not only accessible across various platforms but also includes the expansive world of GTA Online for multiplayer experiences.
Below, we'll list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These descriptions include mild spoilers for each game, covering characters, settings, and story beats.
The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is unique in that it never made it to a PlayStation console, being exclusively available on PC. This mission pack serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, following a nameless criminal's rise through the ranks of London's crime families under the guidance of mobster Harold Cartwright.
As the first expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 marked the series' initial foray into the streets of London. The narrative follows a nameless British criminal navigating the city's criminal underworld, aligning with Harold Cartwright's gang and confronting the notorious Crisp Twins.
The inaugural mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto introduces players to a nameless protagonist carving out a reputation across three iconic locales: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the game features a range of criminal activities from bank heists to assassinations, with encounters involving key figures like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
The second mainline game, Grand Theft Auto 2 represents a significant shift, moving to the futuristic Anywhere City. The protagonist, Claude Speed, navigates this unique setting, working with various crime syndicates. The game's timeline is ambiguous, with references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013, but it remains the concluding entry in the 2D timeline.
Below, we'll detail the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers for each game, encompassing characters, settings, and plot developments.
Set in 1984, this PSP prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows US military soldier Victor Vance. After being dishonorably discharged, Vic dives into Vice City's criminal underbelly, rising to lead a crime family alongside his brother, Lance, and setting the stage for the events of Vice City.
Taking place in 1986, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City follows Tommy Vercetti, a gangster from Liberty City, who is sent to expand his boss's drug trade. After a botched deal, Tommy teams up with Lance Vance to reclaim his losses and build a criminal empire, drawing the attention of his former employers.
Set in 1992, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas chronicles the journey of Carl 'CJ' Johnson as he returns to Los Santos to avenge his mother's murder. Amidst rebuilding the Grove Street Families, CJ uncovers a web of corruption and betrayal, navigating the criminal landscapes of Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
Set in 1998, this prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone. Returning to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy, Toni climbs the ranks of the Leone family, dealing with rival crime lords and setting the stage for the events of GTA 3.
Taking place in 2000, this Gameboy Advance prequel to GTA 3 follows Mike, who seeks vengeance for his partner Vinnie's death. Working with various GTA 3 characters, Mike navigates Liberty City's underworld to uncover the truth behind Vinnie's murder.
Set in 2001, Grand Theft Auto 3 introduces players to Claude, a bank robber betrayed by his girlfriend, Catalina. After escaping prison, Claude becomes embroiled in Liberty City's criminal world, ultimately seeking revenge against Catalina.
Below, we'll outline the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries contain mild spoilers for each game, covering characters, settings, and narrative arcs.
Set in 2008, Grand Theft Auto 4 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 dives into the city's criminal underbelly, forming alliances and seeking vengeance against a former comrade.
Set during the events of GTA 4, this expansion follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of the motorcycle gang, The Lost MC. Upon the return of their President, Billy Grey, from rehab, tensions rise, leading to a gang war and internal strife within The Lost MC.
Also set during GTA 4, this expansion follows Luis Lopez, bodyguard to nightclub owner Tony Prince. As Tony's businesses falter and debts to the Ancelotti crime family mount, Luis embarks on a perilous quest to save his boss, culminating in a high-stakes diamond deal.
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 potential betrayal within the Triads.
Although its exact placement on the timeline is fluid, Grand Theft Auto Online begins just before GTA 5 and has evolved through numerous updates. Players create their criminal avatar, navigating Los Santos to build a reputation and empire, with recent updates revisiting characters like Franklin years after the events of GTA 5.
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living in witness protection, is drawn back into crime by Franklin, leading to a reunion with his former partner, Trevor. Together, they orchestrate heists, but tensions and past betrayals threaten their partnership.
While Take-Two Interactive initially announced a fall 2025 release window, the most recent updates have delayed GTA 6's launch to May 26, 2026. According to the reveal trailer, the game will be set in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and will feature two protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. A subsequent trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time," showcased 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. GTA 6 is poised to be one of the most significant game releases ever, and fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival.
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