Grand Theft Auto is one of the world’s biggest video game franchises. It’s had a massive influence on modern gaming and pop culture as we know it, with Rockstar’s iconic crime series spawning several hit titles over the last 25+ years.
The latest main instalment — 2013’s Grand Theft Auto V — is the second best-selling game of all time. And with the highly anticipated follow-up (Grand Theft Auto 6) on the horizon, we thought it’d be helpful to give new players a heads up on where to start. Or maybe, you’re a GTA geek who wants to learn a little more about the game’s history?
From DMA Design’s early 2D offerings from the late ‘90s to Rockstar’s huge open world action-adventures of the last two decades. We’re going to cover everything.
GTA games in order of release date
Before we break down the timelines, let’s look at the full history of GTA. Below is every single Grand Theft Auto game released since 1997. The titles in bold are the main instalments in the franchise:
Grand Theft Auto (1997) — PC, PS1, Game Boy Color
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1999) — PC, PS1
Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 (1999) — PC, PS1
Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999) — PC, PS1, Dreamcast, Game Boy Color
Grand Theft Auto III (2001) — PC, PS2, Xbox, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Fire OS
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) — PC, PS2, Xbox, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Fire OS
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) — PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Oculus Quest 2
Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004) — Game Boy Advance
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) — PSP, PS2, Android, iOS, Fire OS
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006) — PSP, PS2
Grand Theft Auto IV (2008) — PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned (2009) — PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009) — Nintendo DS, PSP, Android, iOS, Fire OS
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009) — PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Grand Theft Auto V (2013) — PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (2021) — PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
How to play GTA games in chronological order
Instead of tackling each game in order of release, you’d be better off looking at the three main timelines. In 2011, Rockstar all but confirmed that the Grand Theft Auto series is split into three unique “universes” — 2D, 3D and HD. Having said that, they don’t really consider these timelines to be canon to one another. It’s just a loose way of grouping their games together.
We’ve separated them into these three timelines so you can play the games in chronological order. But bear in mind that you can pick up pretty much any GTA title and make sense of it!
Grand Theft Auto 2D timeline
If you really want to go back and enjoy the earliest GTA games — the 2D timeline is where they’re at. These button-mashers don’t offer much in terms of immersion, but they provide all those old-school arcade thrills.
Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
That’s right. GTA starts in the early sixties, when the Kray twins were at large and causing havoc in London’s East End. Figuratively speaking, of course — they weren’t depicted in the game!
Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 was the second, freeware mission pack released for the original Grand Theft Auto game. A prequel to GTA’s first expansion (coming up next on our list), GTA: London 1961 has you playing a criminal who must complete jobs for cockney mobster Harold Cartwright.
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
GTA’s first expansion pack takes you back in time to the Swinging Sixties. And when you don’t hear blaring horns, skidding tires or rapid gunfire — the jazzy soundtrack behind it all ain’t half bad. This time round, you’ve got eight British bandits to choose from and play. From Sid Vacant to Maurice Caine!
Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 had you in hard-nut Harold’s pocket. But in this game set eight years later — he’s now a formidable foe. And there are plenty more crime syndicates to bring down, including the dastardly Crisp Twins. Okay, now we see where they got the inspiration. Just don’t get nicked like the Krays did.
Grand Theft Auto
The OG, as they say. Grand Theft Auto is the game that started it all. It was controversial but oh so irresistible — letting you get away with murder, robbery, and more criminal acts without any real-world repercussions. It’s only a game… right?
In the first main GTA game, you play a wannabe lawbreaker trying to rise through the ranks of the criminal underworld. And you’re not locked in London either. You get to make your mark in three fictional US cities based on real locations — Liberty City (New York City), San Andreas (San Francisco) and Vice City (Miami). Toppling crime lords and gangs is the aim of the game in this ’97-set caper.
Grand Theft Auto 2
The sequel to Grand Theft Auto is a standout in the GTA series. There’s no real-world inspired setting in this title — you have to explore a futuristic metropolis known as Anywhere City instead. Grand Theft Auto 2 is also the only GTA game to feature live-action scenes in its intro. Did they gel with the 2D gameplay? No, not really — but they’re still cool.
GTA 2 puts you in the shoes of Claude Speed, who must undertake dangerous tasks and side-hustles for mobs across the city’s three districts — Downtown, Residential, and Industrial. Make money, earn respect, and keep your wits about you. Oh, and try to keep your crime on the down-low too. That’s because Grand Theft Auto 2 was the first GTA game to feature the ‘Wanted Level’, where police try to arrest or kill you depending on how naughty you’ve been!
Grand Theft Auto 3D timeline
The GTA franchise really found its feet in its 3D era. With tech improving and next-gen consoles delivering more power, Rockstar could bring their 2D formula into an immersive three-dimensional world. We’re talking cinematic-style production, A-list voice actors, and third-person gameplay that makes you really feel like a part of the action.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
A prequel to GTA: Vice City, the PSP best-seller Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (set in 1984) lets you play ex-soldier Victor Vance. After being framed and dishonourably discharged by his shady sergeant, Vance turns to crime to make ends meet.
Partnering up with his brother Lance, the pair quickly make waves in Vice City and soon head up an established crime family. With “empire” ambitions, you must complete manic missions and recruit supporting characters to get your way. You’ll end up seeing a few of these faces in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City too…
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
The GTA series’ fourth main instalment is a franchise highlight. Combining a Scarface-inspired story with a Miami-style map featuring an airport, marinas, and a mall — it’s a winning crime-action cocktail. And when you throw in the pumping ‘80s soundtrack and the iconic voice of the late Ray Liotta, it’s no wonder why Vice City is a fan favourite.
In this game, you take control of the down-on-his-luck gangster Tommy Vercetti. Fresh out of prison and new to Vice City, Vercetti gets caught up in a drug trade tangle that puts his life on the line with his employer. Looking for redemption, you must dive head-first into Vice City’s underworld to recover the stolen drugs and money.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
If you love that early ‘90s gangsta rap era, then Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the game for you. The story follows Carl "CJ" Johnson, who heads back home after his mother's murder and gets drawn back into his former life of crime. It’s one of the most dramatic games in the GTA franchise — referencing real-life events like the 1992 LA riots and the tense street gang rivalries of the time.
Offering a much bigger map than Vice City, San Andreas places you in a fictional state based on California and Nevada. Seeking revenge for his mother’s death, you must deal with corrupt cops, betrayal, and violent thugs across three major cities — Los Santos (inspired by Los Angeles), San Fierro (San Francisco) and Las Venturas (Las Vegas).
One of the best aspects of San Andreas is its ‘Gang Warfare’ feature. This is where you can earn more respect and money by taking over an enemy gang’s territory. Once you kill enough gang members and take control, those neighbourhoods then become safer for CJ to travel through and do business in.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Liberty City Stories is another ’90s nostalgia trip, set in 1998 and acting as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 (coming up in a bit). You play as Toni Cipriani, a former member of the Leone crime family. After spending time in hiding for assassinating a made man, Toni returns to Liberty City to help the Leone family reclaim their turf from rival gangs.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is easily one of the grittiest entries in the GTA franchise, and an easy hit if you’re a fan of The Godfather and other Mafia movies. If they were to make a film based on one of the GTA games — this would be a top contender.
Grand Theft Auto Advance
Grand Theft Auto Advance is not a 3D thriller. But as it’s another prequel for GTA 3 (set in 2000 instead), it makes more sense to belong in this timeline. The game puts players in the shoes of a low-level criminal named Mike. Ready to leave Liberty City behind, Mike’s partner Vinnie is suddenly murdered — leading you on crime-fuelled rampage to avenge his death.
Along the way, you’ll team up with a few characters from Grand Theft Auto 3. Including Asuka Lasen and 8-Ball. But you’ll get to know them a little better in the main game…
Grand Theft Auto III
GTA 3 is one of the most important games in the history of the series — and possibly video games in general! It’s the last title in this timeline chronologically (set in 2001), but it was the first ever 3D Grand Theft Auto game. Although it came out more than twenty years ago, the game mechanics still hold up today. And it really set the tone for all future GTA releases.
Grand Theft Auto III’s got a juicy storyline too. It’s revolved around bank robber Claude (not the same character from GTA 2), who gets shot and left for dead during a heist by his girlfriend, Catalina. Looking at life in jail, Claude manages to escape en route and becomes involved in the Leone Mafia family. Coming across Yakuza, Triads, and more unsavoury criminals in Liberty City’s underworld — vengeance is still Claude’s main goal.
Grand Theft Auto HD timeline
Time to look at Grand Theft Auto’s modern era. The HD timeline comprises the most realistic GTA titles and all the major releases from the last fifteen years. If you’re new to the series and want to pick up its most immersive and impressive games — you’ll find them all here.
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV was the first GTA game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 — and it really made a statement. Putting previous entries to shame with its gloriously sharp graphics and fast refresh rate, 2008’s GTA 4 takes you back to Liberty City but in the shoes of a brand-new character.
The story follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier pursuing the “American Dream”. However, it soon turns into a nightmare. Niko’s cousin Roman isn’t doing as well as he made out in the States, owning a crummy apartment and a failing business. But Liberty City isn’t a place short of quick-cash crime, and Bellic inevitably gets sucked into dangerous illegal dealings to clear Roman’s debts.
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned
It’s a dramatic title for a dramatic expansion pack. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned takes place alongside the fourth game’s core campaign but offers a whole new tale that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
The main character you’ll control is Johnny Klebitz, the vice president of The Lost MC motorbike gang. He did a lot of good work while the group’s leader, Billy Grey, was away in rehab — including reaching a truce with a rival gang. But when Billy returns, he soon breaks the peace and starts an all-out war. Will Johnny stay loyal or rebel? You’ll have to play to find out.
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony
The Ballad of Gay Tony is another expansion pack for GTA 4. The eponymous character, Tony Prince, is a big player in Liberty City’s nightlife scene. But with failing businesses and a large debt to the Ancelotti crime family — he’s in hot water.
In this spin-off, you’ll play Tony’s loyal bodyguard Luis Lopez as he risks it all to save his boss. You’ll come across some familiar faces along the way. And the smuggled diamonds storyline is so good that we wouldn’t be surprised if Guy Ritchie wrote it.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Chintown Wars belongs in the HD timeline due to its story. But it falls short on the graphics front as it was released on PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS. That’s not a bad thing though, as it’s semi top-down perspective is a cool throwback to the original games. And the cartoonish styling makes it a pretty unique entry in the franchise!
Set in 2009, GTA Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee — the son of a murdered Triad leader. He travels to Liberty City to deliver an ancient sword to his uncle but is ambushed upon arrival. The assailants steal the artefact and shoot Huang, but he survives the ordeal and reunites with his uncle to retrieve the sword — working with various gangs and the FIB on their quest.
Grand Theft Auto Online
Grand Theft Auto Online expands GTA 5 (more on that next), which is an already enormous game. It’s been a huge success for Rockstar, and probably the biggest reason why we’ve waited so long for Grand Theft Auto VI. Evolving over the years, this massive multiplayer universe mostly takes place before the main campaign in Grand Theft Auto 5. But some of the latest updates have you completing missions set afterwards.
GTA Online follows a player-created criminal with big aspirations in Los Santos. You’re one of up to thirty players roaming across the huge open world from the main game, and you can team up with your friends to complete risky heists and side-hustles. Earn money, buy property, track career progress, customise cars, and much more in this ever-growing crime community. It’s becoming scarily close to a full-on life simulator!
Grand Theft Auto V
The biggest and arguably the best GTA game to date. Grand Theft Auto V is a masterpiece. Offering stellar graphics, a humongous map, a captivating story, and endless side-missions — this game is virtually impossible to get bored with. It’s been out for more than a decade and released on just about every console in that time. But it still holds up, and GTA 6 has a very tough act to follow.
In GTA 5, the fictional state of San Andreas is your oyster. You can explore countryside, desert, mountains, and the city streets of Los Santos. There are also three playable characters to freely switch between — retired bank robber Michael De Santa, gangster Franklin Clinton, and gunrunner Trevor Philips. The game kicks off with a failed heist in 2004, with Michael spiralling back into the world of crime after years in a witness protection programme.
What’s next for Grand Theft Auto?
Grand Theft Auto VI is coming soon. In fact, as early as Spring 2024 according to some rumours! With confirmation of the first trailer for GTA 6 arriving in December, we don’t expect Rockstar to keep fans waiting for more than a few months after that lands. It’s already been more than ten years since GTA 5 — so fans are chomping at the bit for more crime capers to complete.
