Grand Theft Auto has changed dramatically over the years, growing from a top-down crime game into a series of large open-world adventures. With Grand Theft Auto VI scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, players may want to revisit the games that shaped the franchise.
You do not need to play every GTA game in order to understand the next one. Most entries tell their own stories in different cities, so you can choose the era and style that interests you most.
Grand Theft Auto Games in Release Order
1. Grand Theft Auto
The original Grand Theft Auto introduced the series’ core idea: explore a city, take on criminal missions, and decide how to approach the open world. Its top-down perspective and simple presentation are very different from modern GTA, but the freedom to move around and cause chaos established the franchise’s identity.
2. Grand Theft Auto 2
Grand Theft Auto 2 continued the top-down format and added a futuristic city, rival gangs, and a reputation system. It remains a distinctive entry for players interested in the early history of the series.
3. Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto III brought the series into a fully 3D open world. Liberty City became a place players could explore from a third-person perspective, marking a major turning point for the franchise and the wider open-world genre.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Vice City followed with a colorful setting inspired by 1980s Miami. Its neon atmosphere, memorable soundtrack, and story about rising through the criminal underworld helped make it one of the best-known GTA games.
5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
San Andreas expanded the formula with a larger map, several cities, countryside, and more character customization. Players follow Carl “CJ” Johnson as he returns home and becomes involved in gang conflict and a wider criminal story.
Rockstar’s official Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition includes updated versions of GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas.
6. Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV returned to Liberty City with a more grounded story centered on Niko Bellic. Its tone and character-focused missions differ from the brighter style of Vice City and the broad scope of San Andreas.
7. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V takes place in Los Santos and follows three protagonists: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Switching between characters gives the story a different structure, while GTA Online continues to offer a separate multiplayer world.
8. Grand Theft Auto VI
Grand Theft Auto VI is set in the fictional state of Leonida, including a return to Vice City. Rockstar lists the launch date as November 19, 2026, with the game coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
For the latest confirmed date and platform information, read our Grand Theft Auto VI release date and platforms guide. Rockstar’s official GTA VI page has the company’s latest announcements.
Which GTA Games Should You Play First?
If you want to experience the modern 3D era, start with Grand Theft Auto III, then play Vice City and San Andreas. These three games are also available together in The Definitive Edition.
If you prefer newer gameplay, Grand Theft Auto V is the easiest starting point. It introduces Los Santos and its characters without requiring knowledge of earlier games.
Players mainly interested in GTA VI can read its official updates and play GTA V while waiting. The older stories are not required to follow the new adventure.
Do You Need to Play GTA in Chronological Order?
No. Release order is useful for seeing how the games and technology evolved, but the main entries generally work as separate stories. You can start with the title whose setting or gameplay appeals to you and move to another game later.
Final Verdict
The Grand Theft Auto series offers different experiences across its history: the 3D breakthrough of GTA III, the atmosphere of Vice City, the scale of San Andreas, the character-driven story of GTA IV, and the multiple protagonists of GTA V. For a quick introduction, GTA V is an accessible starting point; for a classic trilogy, try GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas. GTA VI is the next major chapter, scheduled for November 19, 2026