The Grand Theft Auto series stands as a titan in the open-world genre. From its humble 2D beginnings to the sprawling 3D metropolises of later entries, each installment has pushed boundaries and captivated players. With the anticipation surrounding GTA 6 reaching fever pitch, now is the perfect time to revisit the legacy of this iconic franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer eager to explore its history, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of every Grand Theft Auto game, ordered by both release date and chronological setting.
The main character from GTA 3 walking with a gun.
Experiencing the series in release order offers a fascinating glimpse into Rockstar’s evolution as a developer, showcasing the technological and narrative advancements that have defined the open-world genre. Witnessing the franchise’s growth from top-down chaos to the intricate narratives and immersive worlds of later titles is a journey worth taking. This guide will ensure you don’t miss any entries, even the often overlooked spin-offs.
Grand Theft Auto Games by Release Date
We recommend experiencing the GTA saga in its release order. This method allows players to appreciate the series’ progression from its 1997 origins to its current status as a gaming behemoth. The evolution is remarkable, highlighting Rockstar’s pioneering role in shaping the open-world genre. This list, based on original release dates (excluding DLCs), provides a clear roadmap for your GTA journey:
- 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: Chinatown Wars (2009)
- Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013)
- Grand Theft Auto 6 (2026)
Grand Theft Auto Games in Chronological Order
Lucia and her partner rob a store in GTA 6.
While each GTA game boasts a unique cast and storyline, recurring locations and characters weave a subtle tapestry connecting the narratives. Playing through the series chronologically offers a unique perspective on this interconnected world, allowing you to experience the evolution of familiar locales like Vice City and Los Santos. Although playing chronologically doesn’t drastically alter the individual game experiences, it provides a fascinating lens through which to view the GTA universe’s history.
Here’s the chronological order for the Grand Theft Auto games:
- Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 (1961)
- Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1969)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (1984)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (1986)
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (1992)
- Grand Theft Auto (1997)
- Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (1998)
- Grand Theft Auto 2* (1999 or 2013)
- Grand Theft Auto Advance (2000)
- Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001)
- Grand Theft Auto 4 (2008)
- Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)
- Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013)
- Grand Theft Auto 6 (TBD but expected to be 2026)
Whether you choose to embark on a journey through release dates or delve into the chronological narrative, exploring the Grand Theft Auto series is a rewarding experience. Each game offers a unique slice of open-world mayhem, contributing to a legacy that continues to influence the gaming landscape.
