Every fan of GTA knows how influential the game has been since the late 90’s. In fact, it has been a household name as one of the most recognized games in history! With the release of more than 18 game series, it’s tough for the players to know how to play GTA games in order. This guide will take you on a trip down memory lane so read till the end.
How to Play GTA Games in Order
You can play GTA games in any order you want. But to get an experience of GTA franchise evolution, playing GTA in order of release is better. The order of GTA main series games along with expansion bundles with release year is mentioned below:
1. Grand Theft Auto – 1997
Grand Theft Auto, situated in Vice City, San Andreas, and Liberty City, offers size levels. The player has to complete missions for their crime boss like stealing cars, killing cops, etc.
2. Grand Theft Auto London: 1961 & 1969 (Expansion) – 1999
The original GTA expansion is called London 1969. It made its Windows, PlayStation, and MS-DOS system debut in 1999. In this game, players assume the role of a criminal who rises to become an underworld leader in 1969 London. As a prequel tale, London 1961 places players eight years before the events of London 1969.
3. Grand Theft Auto II – 1999
Grand Theft Auto II game has a town consisting of downtown, residential, and industry. You have to answer your boss’ phone and complete the tasks given.
4. Grand Theft Auto III – 2001
Grand Theft Auto III series focuses on a set of missions to take revenge on Catalina for her disloyalty to Claude and for joining Miguel.
5. Grand Theft Auto: The Vice City – 2002
Grand Theft Auto: The Vice City is one of the most popular among the GTA series. Tommy is released from prison and gets back into this criminal world with the help of Sonny.
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6. Grand Theft Auto Advance – 2004
This game is based in Liberty City and is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3. In this part, the player named Mike is searching for the reason behind the death of Vinnie, his friend.
7. Grand Theft Auto: The San Andreas – 2004
Carl learns about the reason behind his mother’s death and other things of the past. He plans on avenging death and making things right again in Grand Theft Auto: The San Andreas.
8. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – 2005
This game is a compilation of three games of the GTA series: Grand Theft Auto 3, Grand Theft Auto Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto San Andreas.
9. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories – 2005
This game is based on three years prior to Grand Theft Auto 3 in Liberty City. The storyline is based on Toni, the main player executing a made man.
10. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories – 2008
This game involves the player following Vic, a protagonist who deals with drugs and breaks the law. It includes several new features like new cars, weapons, extensive maps, and much more.
11. Grand Theft Auto IV – 2008
Grand Theft Auto IV is situated in Liberty City in the hands of Johnny. Being the vice president of The Lost Motorcycle, a biker gang, he tries to position himself as the president.
12. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and The Damned – 2009
This game is GTA 4’s first expansion. It is based on the battle of two members of a gang, Billy and Johnny who later split into being members of individual gangs.
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13. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony – 2009
This game is based on the storyline of Tony whose bodyguard Luis tries to save his life. Tony comes up with a risky plan to clear his debt and it leads to Luis being chased in order to help.
14. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars – 2009
This game is based around the story of Huang Lee who wants to take revenge for his father’s death. It’s a kind of action series with over 100 missions.
15. Grand Theft Auto V – 2013
Grand Theft Auto V includes different characters like Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Players have to connect with each player and understand their roles.
16. Grand Theft Auto Online – 2013
This game is based on the player heading to Los Santos in order to gain a reputation, find fortune, take part in criminal activities, and much more. The player is tasked by Franklin to help him in business ventures.
17. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition – 2021
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy is a compilation of Grand Theft Auto 3 with Claude being the protagonist in Liberty City, Grand Theft Auto Vice City with Tommy Vercetti being the protagonist in Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto San Andreas with Carl Johnson being the protagonist in San Andreas.
18. Grand Theft Auto VI
To be released.
Also Read: How to Download GTA 4 on PS4
What is the Order of GTA Series? What is the Order to Play GTA?
GTA has released a number of main series, expansion bundles, and spin-offs for the players to enjoy. Here’s the complete list of the game throughout the years:
1. Grand Theft Auto -1997
2. Grand Theft Auto II – 1999
3. Grand Theft Auto London – 1999
4. Grand Theft Auto III – 2001
5. Grand Theft Auto: The Vice City – 2003
6. Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack – 2003
7. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas – 2004
8. Grand Theft Auto Advance – 2004
9. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories – 2005
10. Grand Theft Auto Trilogy – 2005
11. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories – 2006
12. Grand Theft Auto IV -2008
13. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City – 2009
14. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars – 2009
15. Grand Theft Auto IV – 2013
16. Grand Theft Auto Online – 2013
17. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy Definitive Edition – 2021
How many GTA Games are there?
There are a total of 17 GTA games with a mixture of main series, spin-offs, and bundles. It is divided into three timelines – 2D, 3D, and HD timelines.
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What is the Grand Theft Auto 2D Timeline?
The official game given to the GTA first Generation was the 2D Universe. It was first introduced in 1997 and ended with the introduction of 3D Timeline. The locations are the United States and England. It has 4 games under it:
- Grand Theft Auto
- Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
- Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
- Grand Theft Auto 2
What is the Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline?
It is the game given to the Second Generation of GTA. It was succeeded by the HD Universe. The locations are Liberty, Florida, San Andreas, and New England. It comprises 4 GTA games:
- Grand Theft Auto 3
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Grand Theft Auto Advance
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
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What is the Grand Theft Auto HD Timeline?
It is the last universe of the GTA series; its locations are Liberty City and San Andreas. It includes 5 games in it:
- Grand Theft Auto 4
- Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
- Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
- Grand Theft Auto 5
- Grand Theft Auto Online
How to Play GTA in Order of Release
Refer to the section above to play GTA in order of release.
What is the Grand Theft Auto 6 Release Date?
The official statement for the release of GTA VI came on February 2022 by Rockstar Games which is expected to be released in 2024 or 2025.
Also Read: How to Play GTA RP on Xbox One
How are GTA Games Ranked and What is the Order?
On the basis of sales figures, critical reviews and storyline, below is the ranking of the top 10 GTA games:
1. Grand Theft Auto 5
2. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from the Liberty City
3. Grand Theft Auto IV
4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
6. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
7. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
8. Grand Theft Auto III
9. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
10. Grand Theft Auto II
The GTA franchise is regarded as the most successful action-adventure genre. Each new GTA series has set up a standard. We hope that you found information on how to play the GTA series in order in this guide. Keep reading our blogs for more information and leave your queries and suggestions below.
