Grand Theft Auto Games in Order

ver, Grand Theft Auto Games in Order (San Andreas, GTA Games, and GTA 6)

If you love the Grand Theft Auto series, you have asked this question.
What is the correct chronological order to play?
This article answers that question in depth.
Moreover, it covers all main titles and spin-offs.
In addition, it includes expansion packs and the upcoming sixth title.
You will gain a deeper understanding of the universe.
Also, you’ll follow story arcs and character developments.
Plus, you’ll see how settings evolve across generations.
This breakdown helps both new players and fans.

What’s the Story of Grand Theft Auto?

The overarching story spans decades of crime.
It involves betrayal, ambition, and the pursuit of power.
Games take place in fictional worlds inspired by real cities.
Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City return often.
Moreover, each title stands alone yet connects across timelines.
There are three timelines: 2D, 3D, and HD.
Understanding these timelines reveals recurring characters and links.

What is the Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline?

The 2D timeline includes the earliest entries.
First, the original game launched in 1997.
It used a top-down view in famous cities.
Then came two expansions: London 1969 and London 1961.
These titles brought British crime to the series.
Players tackled swinging-sixties missions in London’s streets.
They laid the foundation for open-world chaos.
Finally, the shift to 3D would transform gameplay.

Where Does GTA London Fit In?

London 1969 and London 1961 expanded the original.
They moved action from America to Britain.
Players faced gang wars in 1960s London settings.
These titles added unique vehicles and British voiceovers.
Despite limits, Rockstar innovated with expansion content.
They remain essential parts of the 2D timeline.
They shaped Rockstar’s early storytelling and design.

The Impact of Grand Theft Auto 2

Grand Theft Auto 2 ends the 2D era.
It stars Claude Speed in futuristic Anywhere City.
This entry debuted gang reputations and loyalty systems.
Moreover, it introduced missions affecting player standing.
It laid groundwork for dynamic systems in later titles.

Spotlight on Vice City Stories

Vice City Stories is a prequel set in 1984.
It follows Victor Vance, a soldier turned criminal.
Players explore Vice City before Tommy Vercetti’s rise.
The city feels rawer and less developed then.
This title adds depth and key early characters.

Vice City: The Rise of Tommy Vercetti

GTA: Vice City is set in 1986.
Tommy Vercetti is fresh out of prison.
A botched drug deal kicks off his empire-building.
Players see neon streets, drug culture, and politics.
This game explores power, corruption, and ambition’s cost.

When Is San Andreas Set?

San Andreas takes place in 1992.
It dives deep into West Coast gang culture.
CJ returns to Los Santos after his mother’s death.
He reunites with his family and Grove Street gang.
They face corrupt cops, betrayals, and escalating wars.
CJ’s journey spans San Fierro and Las Venturas.
The game captures 90s music, fashion, and themes.
San Andreas links directly to GTA 3 events.

What Happens in Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories?

Liberty City Stories is a 1998 prequel.
It follows Toni Cipriani’s return to Liberty City.
Toni works for Salvatore Leone’s crime family.
Players witness power struggles shaping later events.
Originally on PSP, it later reached other consoles.
It preserved Liberty City’s feel and deepened its lore.

Breaking Down Grand Theft Auto 3

Grand Theft Auto 3 launched the 3D era in 2001.
It follows Claude, betrayed during a bank heist.
Players explore three boroughs of Liberty City.
They take jobs from crime families and uncover betrayals.
This game defined the modern open-world format.
GTA 3 transformed video games and set future tones.

What Is the Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline?

The 3D timeline marks the shift to 3D worlds.
It begins with Vice City Stories (1984).
Then follows Vice City (1986) and San Andreas (1992).
Next is Liberty City Stories (1998).
Finally comes GTA 3 (2001).
Each entry adds context to the criminal underworld.
Together, they form the backbone of the 3D universe.
Crossovers and references enrich continuity.
Playing these on modern hardware improves experience.

What Is the Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline?

The HD timeline starts with Grand Theft Auto IV.
GTA IV brings darker stories and better graphics.
It follows Niko Bellic in Liberty City’s dangerous world.
However, the Lost and Damned explores biker Johnny Klebitz’s life.
The Ballad of Gay Tony follows nightclub boss Luis Lopez.
Chinatown Wars centers on Huang Lee’s Triad revenge.
Finally, Grand Theft Auto V (2013) stars three protagonists.
GTA Online extends the world with endless updates.

The Legacy of Chinatown Wars

Chinatown Wars is unique in the HD timeline.
It focuses on Huang Lee in handheld Liberty City.
New mechanics include drug dealing and touch-screen controls.
Therefore, despite handheld limits, it offers rich story and gameplay.

The Significance of Grand Theft Auto 4

GTA 4 is set in 2008 Liberty City.
Niko Bellic seeks a fresh start amid crime.
It features advanced physics and cinematic storytelling.
Themes include immigration, loyalty, and revenge.
This game was a turning point in the series.

Grand Theft Auto 5: A Modern Classic

In this paragraph, we dive into the last instalment. GTA V redefined open-world gaming in 2013.
It sold over 210 million copies worldwide.
Players switch between Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.
They plan heists, navigate betrayals, and build empires.
GTA Online adds custom characters and business ventures.
Therefore, frequent updates keep players engaged for years.

Inside Grand Theft Auto Online

GTA Online exists before and after GTA V.
Players create characters and join gangs or crews.
They build businesses, run missions, and pull heists.
New updates expand the world constantly.
GTA Online remains a living, evolving universe.

What Do We Know About Grand Theft Auto 6 Release Date?

Rockstar confirms GTA 6 for 2025 release.
Teasers suggest a return to Vice City.
Expect expanded maps blending past city elements.
Rumors hint at two sibling protagonists.
Fans anticipate enhanced gameplay and massive scale.

How to Play Every Grand Theft Auto Game in Order

Next, playing in order boosts immersion and story depth.

2D Timeline

1. GTA (1997)

2. GTA: London 1969

3. GTA: London 1961

4. GTA 2 (2013 setting)

3D Timeline
5. Vice City Stories (1984)
6. GTA: Vice City (1986)
7. GTA: San Andreas (1992)
8. Liberty City Stories (1998)
9. GTA III (2001)

HD Timeline
10. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
11. The Lost and Damned (2008)
12. The Ballad of Gay Tony (2008)
13. Chinatown Wars (2009)
14. GTA V (2013)
15. GTA Online (2013–present)
16. GTA VI (expected in May, 2026)

Key Takeaways from the Grand Theft Auto Timeline

In conclusion, the series spans three major timelines.
San Andreas links events from Vice City to GTA III.
Iconic cities return across multiple entries.
Each game adds new characters and references past events.
Spin-offs deepen handheld and expansion lore.
Moreover, GTA V set new open-world standards.
GTA Online remains hugely popular today.
GTA VI promises another epic chapter soon.
Rockstar consistently crafts vast, immersive game worlds.
Moreover, playing in timeline order enriches story and character depth.

Following the GTA 3D timeline gives players a stronger understanding of character arcs and city development. It also reveals Rockstar’s long-term storytelling strategy and evolution in game design. Playing on modern systems like Xbox Series X or using PS5 controllers brings new life to these classics.