16 GTA Games in Order: Complete Series Guide (2026)

• It all started in 1997 with the original
• Grand Theft Auto
• . Then
• GTA III
• went 3D,
• Vice City
• brought the ’80s excess,
• San Andreas
• delivered the crime epic, and
• GTA IV
• through
• GTA VI
• pushed the series into blockbuster territory. Let’s break down all
• GTA

games in order.

Jump to:

• Our Top Picks for Grand Theft Auto Games
• Can’t Wait for GTA 6? Start With the Trilogy
• 16 GTA Games in Order of Release Date
• The Grand Theft Auto 2D Universe Timeline
• Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
• Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
• Grand Theft Auto
• Grand Theft Auto 2
• The Grand Theft Auto 3D Universe Timeline
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
• Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
• Grand Theft Auto Advance
• Grand Theft Auto III
• The Grand Theft Auto HD Universe Timeline
• Grand Theft Auto IV
• Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned
• Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony
• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
• Grand Theft Auto Online
• Grand Theft Auto V
• The GTA Handheld and PS2 Games You Might Have Missed
• GTA Games on PSP & PS2 and other handhelds – Quick List
• What’s Next for Grand Theft Auto? GTA VI is on the Horizon
• Our
• Top Picks for Grand Theft Auto Games

When it comes to Grand Theft Auto games, picking the best title is a rather difficult task. After all, every single one of these titles was revolutionary in its own way, which makes up for a lot of things to consider. However, based on their impact, gameplay, feeling, and sheer fun factor, I’d say it goes something like this:

Grand Theft Auto V OPEN WORLD Become a part of a huge modern-day world and an insane crime story told through its three protagonists – Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas OPEN WORLD Take on the role of one of the most iconic gaming characters, CJ, and embark on an epic crime odyssey across San Andreas.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City OPEN WORLD Put on the shoes of yet another unforgettable protagonist, Tommy Vercetti, and dive into a Scarface-style, 80s Miami vibe story.

Of course, this list could go in many different directions. These games are just that good. Thus, let’s not linger, because soon we’ll explore all of them.

Below you’ll find the full game list according to their release order, as well as another list based on which year they take place in their universe if you want to play chronologically. Shall we begin?

Can’t Wait for GTA 6? Start With the Trilogy If you’ve never played a GTA game before, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is the perfect entry point. It bundles three classics – GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas – in one package, covering the entire 3D universe in one shot. Each game builds on the last, so you get a natural progression through the era that defined the franchise.

The remastered visuals and modernized controls make it a lot more accessible than the originals, so you’re not fighting clunky mechanics from the early 2000s. We put it through its paces in our full GTA: The Trilogy review if you want the full breakdown before buying. It’s the smartest way to jump into GTA games in order without hunting down three separate titles.

GTA VI Release Date D:

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S 16 GTA Games in Order of Release Date The Grand Theft Auto series, which first blessed our computer screens in, consists of sixteen titles, including eleven full releases, four expansions, and one dedicated multiplayer game.

Here’s the full list of the games lined up according to their release date:

All of these games are officially divided into three different eras and exist in their own shared separate universes:

2D Universe, 3D Universe, and HD Universe. However, if you want to play the game chronologically, the earlier released games might not come first in that order.

If that’s what you’re after, below you’ll find three lists for all the different universes and their respective timelines. Enjoy!

The Grand Theft Auto 2D Universe Timeline The 2D era is where GTA games in order all begin – and it’s the wildest timeline of the GTA timeline. Spanning from 1961 to 1999, there’s no deep lore, no iconic characters, and no overarching plot.

Just faceless criminals doing dirty work across Liberty City, Vice City, San Andreas, and the futuristic Anywhere City. Each game resets the world entirely. It feels lawless, arcady, and a little rough around the edges – but that’s exactly what makes it legendary.

Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

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• Genre
• Action-adventure
• PC
• June 1, 1999
• Creator/s

Rockstar North (then DMA Design)

• Average Playtime
• Under 1 hour
• GTA: London 1961
• is a weird little gem. It’s actually an expansion for
• GTA: London 1969
• , but way smaller. It came out in
• , only on PC, and you needed both the first
• GTA
• game and its first expansion,
• London 1969

, to even play it.

It’s set in – you guessed it – London, but this time, it’s 8 years earlier. You play as a nameless rising gangster, doing dirty jobs for the underworld.

The city feels a bit different, with fewer cars and more old-school vibes. The missions are pretty much classic GTA: drive here, shoot this guy, run from the cops.

The game is super short. You can finish the missions in under an hour if you’re quick. But wanna know one really cool thing about it?

Multiplayer. Yeah, it had a deathmatch mode, which was wild for the time.

It’s really just a fun little add-on rather than a full game. But in the end, it’s completely free, so if you love classic GTA, it’s worth checking out just for the retro London feel.

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

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• Genre
• Action-adventure
• PC, PS1
• March 31, 1999
• Creator/s

Rockstar North (then DMA Design)

Average Playtime 5–7 hours GTA: London 1969, the first expansion of the original GTA, is pure chaos in a retro British wrapper. You’re still looking at that top-down mayhem, but now? You’re a nameless criminal, tearing through 1960s London like a proper old-time gangster, fighting against various crime syndicates and building your legend.

It came out in 1999, and honestly, it’s got some charm. While the gameplay isn’t any different, the world is when compared to the American cities in GTA 1. You’ve got red phone booths, classic British cars like the Jaguar E-Type, and characters throwing out the most ridiculous cockney slang you’ve ever heard.

The controls are still clunky, and it’s definitely aged, but if you’re into old-school GTA and want a taste of swinging London with a criminal twist, it’s worth checking out. It’s about 5-7 hours long, which is quite decent for a DLC, and it really is a pretty wild ride.

Grand Theft Auto

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• Genre
• Action-adventure
• PC, PS1, Game Boy Color
• November 28, 1997
• Creator/s

Rockstar North (then DMA Design)

Average Playtime 10–15 hours Ahh, GTA 1 – the game that started it all. Released in, the same year that the game takes place, it was rough, chaotic, and absolutely groundbreaking for its time. That is exactly why everyone loved it.

Starting off as a nameless protagonist, you go on a grand criminal underworld adventure through Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas. Your goal is to climb the criminal ladder by any means necessary, whether completing bank heists, assassinations, getaways, building a reputation with various gangs, or anything else.

Unlike with later entries, the story is pretty straightforward. You get a job, complete it, and move on to the next one. But honestly, it’s very easy to spend much more time just messing around. Focusing on the main missions, the game takes around 10-15 hours to beat, yet the potential playtime is limitless.

There aren’t many things about GTA 1 that would be impressive by today’s standards. However, for 1997, it was insane, and it’s worth a shot just to have a taste of history.

Grand Theft Auto 2

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• Genre
• Action-adventure
• PC, PS1, Dreamcast, Game Boy, Game Boy Color
• October 22, 1999
• Creator/s

Rockstar North (then DMA Design)

Average Playtime 10–12 hours GTA 2, which blessed our PCs and gaming systems in, is arguably the most unique game in the whole series. It took the foundation laid by the first game and made some serious improvements.

The game takes us to the mysterious, cyberpunk-type futuristic Anywhere City, which itself is split into three districts. To this day it’s not completely clear whether the game takes place in 1999 or 2013.

The player takes on the role of Claude Speed – a small-time thug trying to make it big. The city is controlled by gangs. Yakuza, Russian Mafia, crazy scientists – you can work for whoever you want. Helping one earns their favor, but makes the others hate you.

It’s all about picking sides, earning respect, and not getting obliterated by the cops (or the SWAT, FBI, and military if you push far enough).It’s around 10-12 hours long, but due to its arcady nature, you can spend a whole lot more just blowing stuff up for fun. It’s absolutely an icon, so if you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend it.

“And remember… Respect is everything.”

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

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• Genre
• Action-adventure
• PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Mobile
• October 26, 2004
• Creator/s
• Rockstar North
• Average Playtime
• 30–40 hours
• GTA: San Andreas
• , the fifth mainline game in the series, was simply massive. The story took us to the

San Andreas state with three cities, a giant countryside, deserts, mountains, and a world that felt alive.

You play as Carl “CJ” Johnson, a guy who returns home to Los Santos after his mom is murdered. The city’s a mess – gang wars, crooked cops, and old friends who don’t trust you. What starts as a simple mission to rebuild your crew turns into something way bigger.

On your way to becoming the kingpin of the San Andreas, you’ll go on a massive crime odyssey. Face action, betrayal, and some of the greatest characters in gaming history, like Officer Tenpenny, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson himself.

The campaign itself is around 30-40 hours, but there was so much more to do.

San Andreas is widely accepted to be the greatest GTA game ever made, and while I might love Vice City’s feeling a bit more, this title absolutely deserves the top spot on that list. It isn’t just a game – it’s a whole world waiting to be conquered.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

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• Genre
• Action-adventure
• PSP, PS2, Mobile
• October 24, 2005
• Creator/s
• Rockstar Leeds
• Average Playtime
• 15–20 hours

A prequel to GTA III, Liberty City Stories is like stepping into a mobster movie, with the beginning straight-up reminiscing of classics like Goodfellas and The Sopranos. It takes us back to 1998 in the same dark, rainy Liberty City, but with new characters, new stories, and just as much chaos.

While all GTA protagonists are far from saints, Toni Cipriani is arguably the most evil person you get to play in the series. As a loyal hitman forced into hiding after killing a made man, you return to Liberty City, only to find it a mess.

From there, you start climbing your way to the top of the city’s crime world, dealing with corrupt politicians, gang wars, and backstabbing bosses along the way.

The game might not be the strongest entry in the series, but it’s still 15-20 hours of good old GTA chaos. If you feel like you haven’t had enough of Liberty City vibes, this is a perfect way to get your fill.

The Grand Theft Auto HD Universe Timeline The HD era is where the GTA timeline gets cinematic. Kicking off with GTA IV in 2008 and running through GTA V in 2013, this chapter trades arcade chaos for grounded, flawed characters – Niko Bellic chasing ghosts, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor imploding in slow motion.

Liberty City and Los Santos feel more alive than ever. It’s the most mature stretch of GTA games in order, and it’s still growing.

Grand Theft Auto IV

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• Genre
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• PC, PS3, Xbox 360
• April 29, 2008
• Creator/s
• Rockstar North
• Average Playtime
• 30+ hours
• Starting off the HD universe,
• GTA IV

brought a huge change to the franchise. It not only looked different, it felt like that. It was darker and more grounded. It wasn’t just about crime anymore – it was about the American Dream falling apart.

Taking place in, the same year the game was released, Liberty City had never looked more real, from its towering skyline to the trash in the streets. You play as Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant from Serbia who arrives looking to build a new life, only to quickly end up chasing the haunting shadows of his old life.

The story takes 30+ hours, and the choices you make actually matter. Combat feels weighty, driving is very realistic, and the physics are just pure fun. With no jetpacks or tanks, and with much more grounded characters and story, the game is a little less chaotic than the previous titles. But I think that this might be exactly what makes it one of the best GTA games ever.

Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned

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• Genre
• Action-adventure
• PC, PS3, Xbox 360
• February 17, 2009
• Creator/s
• Rockstar North
• Average Playtime
• 8–10 hours
• The first
• GTA IV
• expansion,
• The Lost and Damned
• , which takes place around the same time as the main game in

, gave us yet another awesomely unique perspective on the game. It ditches Niko’s immigrant story for something louder, meaner, and a whole lot messier – the world of biker gangs.

You play as Johnny Klebitz, the VP of The Lost MC, who’s been keeping things running while his reckless boss, Billy Grey, was in rehab. With Billy back, the gang begins a downward spiral into war with rivals, stupid decisions, and betrayals waiting to happen. You as Johnny get stuck choosing between loyalty and survival.

The story runs about 8-10 hours, and riding in formation with your crew feels incredible. Combat is brutal, with shotguns that hit like a truck. Despite taking place in the same game, it’s really like no other GTA title. It’s pure outlaw chaos, and I loved every second. Definitely worth checking it out, especially if you want to feel like in one of the Sons of Anarchy episodes.

Grand Theft Auto V

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• Genre
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• PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• September 17, 2013
• Creator/s
• Rockstar North
• Average Playtime
• 30–40 hours
• GTA V
• , the biggest and longest-running
• GTA

title so far, tells a crazy, twisting story about a group of criminals who should probably never have met. Michael, Franklin, and Trevor – three totally different guys, stuck in a cycle of bad decisions, big scores, and explosive consequences.

Michael is a washed-up bank robber, living in fake luxury while his family falls apart. Franklin is a young hustler, trying to escape the streets but always getting pulled back in. And last but definitely not least, Trevor – a complete lunatic, running his own drug empire and living for chaos. When their lives collide, we get one of the best gaming tales of the past decade.

The game’s story lasts around 30-40 hours, during which you get to enjoy some of the best and most creative missions in the series. The heists feel massive, with choices that change how things play out. The characters, the action, and the tension are all unforgettable. Simply put, if you never played it, you’re missing out big time.

• The GTA Handheld and PS2 Games You Might Have Missed
• Several
• GTA
• games across the series were released exclusively on handheld and older consoles, so they’re easy to miss if you’ve only played on
• PC
• or modern platforms. If you’re looking for
• GTA
• PSP games in order, the
• GTA PSP
• games list, or want a full
• PS2
• GTA

games list, here’s everything in one place.

• GTA Games on PSP & PS2 and other handhelds – Quick List
• Game
• Year
• GTA Advance
• Game Boy Advance
• GTA: Liberty City Stories
• PSP, PS2
• GTA: Vice City Stories
• PSP, PS2
• GTA: Chinatown Wars
• PSP, Nintendo DS, Mobile
• All four are fully standalone stories worth playing – and if you’re on
• PS2
• ,
• Liberty City Stories
• and
• Vice City Stories

are your best entry points.

What’s Next for Grand Theft Auto?

• GTA VI is on the Horizon
• Our Score
• TBD
• Genre
• Action-adventure
• PS5, Xbox Series X/S
• November 19, 2026
• Creator/s
• Rockstar North
• Average Playtime
• TBD
• GTA VI

is the most anticipated game in the series – and after two delays, it’s finally confirmed for November 19, 2026.

Rockstar Games is taking us back to a modern-day Vice City, set within the fictional state of Leonida, with a map reportedly twice the size of Los Santos GTA V.

The story follows Lucia and Jason, a dual-protagonist duo at the center of a high-stakes crime narrative – with Lucia marking the first playable female protagonist in the series. A new iteration of GTA Online is also expected at launch, guaranteed to keep the chaos going for years to come.

FAQs How many GTA games are there?

There are 16 GTA games in total: 11 mainline titles, 4 expansions, and 1 dedicated multiplayer game (GTA Online). The latest entry, Grand Theft Auto VI, is set to release in November 2026.

What order should you play GTA games in?

If you’re new to the series, the best order to start is GTA V → GTA San Andreas → GTA IV → GTA Vice City, then work your way back through the older titles. This gives you the best gameplay experience before diving into the more dated mechanics of the earlier games.

Which GTA game should you play first?

GTA V is the best starting point for most players; it has the most polished gameplay, the biggest world, and it’s widely available. If you want to go in chronological story order, start with GTA: London 1961, and if you want release order, start with GTA 1 (1997).

What is the first GTA game?

• The first
• Grand Theft Auto
• game was released in 1997 for PC and
• PS1
• . It was a top-down open-world crime game developed by
• DMA Design
• (now
• Rockstar North

) and was the game that started the entire franchise.

What is the GTA timeline order?

• The
• GTA
• series is split into three separate universes. The 2D Universe runs from 1961 to 1999 (
• GTA 1
• ,
• GTA 2
• ,
• London
• expansions). The 3D Universe spans 1984 to 2001 (
• Vice City
• Stories through
• GTA III
• ). The HD Universe starts in 2008 and covers
• GTA IV
• ,
• GTA V
• , and the upcoming
• GTA VI

.

What are the GTA games on PSP?

There are three GTA games available on PSP:

GTA: Liberty City Stories (2005), GTA: Vice City Stories (2006), and GTA: Chinatown Wars (2009). All three are set in the same universes as their console counterparts and are full standalone experiences.

What is the latest GTA game?

The latest released GTA game is Grand Theft Auto V (2013), with GTA Online continuing to receive updates.

Grand Theft Auto VI is the next entry in the series, set to release in 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.