Every GTA Game in Order: The Complete Grand Theft Auto Series Timeline
Grand Theft Auto is one of the best-selling video game series ever made, and with GTA 6 on the horizon, many new players want to know where it all started. This guide lists every main GTA game and handheld spin-off in release order, with the setting, the main character and the platforms each one launched on.
How the GTA series is organised
Fans usually split the series into three “universes”, each with its own version of the cities and its own continuity:
- 2D universe: the top-down games from 1997 to 1999.
- 3D universe: GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas and their handheld prequels.
- HD universe: GTA IV, GTA V, GTA Online and the upcoming GTA 6.
Stories rarely carry over between universes. Liberty City in GTA III and Liberty City in GTA IV are different interpretations of the same New York-inspired city.
The 2D era (1997–1999)
Grand Theft Auto (1997)
The first game was developed by DMA Design, the Scottish studio that later became Rockstar North. It used a top-down view and featured three cities: Liberty City, San Andreas and Vice City. It launched on PC and later on the original PlayStation.
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1999)
An expansion pack set in a stylised version of 1960s London. It was followed by a smaller free add-on for PC, London 1961.
Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
Set in “Anywhere City”, GTA 2 introduced a gang respect system that changed how rival factions treated the player.
The 3D era (2001–2006)
Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
GTA III moved the series into full 3D on PlayStation 2 and changed open-world games forever. Players control a silent protagonist, Claude, in Liberty City.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
Set in 1986 in a Miami-inspired city, Vice City starred Tommy Vercetti and became famous for its neon style and 1980s soundtrack. Vice City returns as the main city in GTA 6, which is why the 2002 game is getting renewed attention. Our GTA 6 map guide explains how the modern version fits into the state of Leonida.
Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004)
A top-down Game Boy Advance game set in Liberty City before the events of GTA III.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
San Andreas followed Carl “CJ” Johnson in 1992 across an entire state with three cities: Los Santos, San Fierro and Las Venturas. It added character stats, gang territories and a huge countryside.
Liberty City Stories (2005) and Vice City Stories (2006)
Two prequels originally released on PSP and later ported to PlayStation 2. They returned to the cities of GTA III and Vice City with new stories.
The HD era (2008–today)
Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
GTA IV reimagined Liberty City with a more realistic tone and physics. Players follow Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant chasing the American dream. It launched on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with a PC version later.
The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009)
Two story expansions for GTA IV, starring biker Johnny Klebitz and nightclub fixer Luis Lopez. They were also sold together as Episodes from Liberty City.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)
A handheld game for Nintendo DS, later PSP and mobile, following Huang Lee in Liberty City.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
GTA V returned to Los Santos and introduced three playable protagonists: Michael, Franklin and Trevor. It launched on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in September 2013, then came to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, and later to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It became one of the best-selling games of all time.
GTA Online (2013)
Launched shortly after GTA V, GTA Online is a constantly updated multiplayer world set in Los Santos and Blaine County. Rockstar has supported it with heists, businesses and many free updates. Read our GTA Online guide to see how to play it today.
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (2021)
Remastered versions of GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas for modern platforms.
Grand Theft Auto VI
Rockstar Games officially revealed GTA 6 with its first trailer in December 2023. The game returns to Vice City in the fictional state of Leonida and stars two protagonists, Lucia and Jason. It is announced for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. For release timing, platforms and everything else Rockstar has confirmed, see our GTA 6 everything you need to know hub.
In which order should you play the GTA games?
You do not need to play the games in order, because each one tells a self-contained story. A practical approach for new players:
- start with GTA V, which is the most modern and easiest to access;
- play Vice City to see the original version of GTA 6’s setting;
- try San Andreas for its large map and classic story;
- play GTA IV if you enjoy a darker, more grounded tone.
Frequently asked questions
What was the first GTA game?
The first game was simply called Grand Theft Auto and was released in 1997 by DMA Design.
How many main numbered GTA games are there?
There are five released numbered games: GTA, GTA 2, GTA III, GTA IV and GTA V. GTA 6 will be the sixth.
Which GTA games are set in Vice City?
Grand Theft Auto (1997), Vice City (2002), Vice City Stories (2006) and GTA 6.
Is GTA Online a separate game?
GTA Online started as part of GTA V and has also been sold as a standalone purchase on newer consoles. Check your platform’s store for current options.