GTA Series in Order: Complete List of All GTA Games in Chronological and Release Order

As part of our ongoing guides covering the biggest and most beloved video game franchises, today we present a complete breakdown of the Grand Theft Auto series in order.

This guide includes:

• GTA games in order by release date
• GTA games in chronological story order
• All main entries, expansions, and spin-offs

Let’s begin with the release order list, followed by the full chronological timeline.

GTA Series in Order by Release Date

Below is the complete GTA series in order of release, including main titles, expansions, and side games.

1. Grand Theft Auto (1997)
   • GTA: London, 1969 (1999) – Expansion for GTA 1
   • GTA: London, 1961 (1999) – Expansion for GTA 1
2. Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
3. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
   • Grand Theft Auto: Advance (2004) – Spin-off
5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
   • Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy (2005) – Compilation release
   • GTA: Liberty City Stories (2005) – Spin-off
   • GTA: Vice City Stories (2006) – Spin-off
6. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
   • GTA IV: The Lost and Damned (2009) – Expansion
   • GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009) – Expansion
   • Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009) – Spin-off
7. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
   1. Grand Theft Auto Online (2013) – Multiplayer mode for GTA V
   2. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (2021) – Remastered collection
8. Grand Theft Auto VI (2026)

Now let’s look at the chronological timeline.

GTA Games in Order by Story Timeline

If you prefer to experience the series based on story chronology rather than release dates, here is the correct order including spin-offs that expand the main narrative.

1. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
6. Grand Theft Auto
7. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
8. Grand Theft Auto: Advance
9. Grand Theft Auto III
10. Grand Theft Auto IV / The Lost and Damned / The Ballad of Gay Tony
11. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
12. Grand Theft Auto 2
13. Grand Theft Auto V
14. Grand Theft Auto VI

It is worth noting that story details for GTA VI remain limited. Based on what has been revealed so far, the game appears to take place in a modern setting and does not seem directly connected to earlier titles, which supports its current placement at the end of the chronological list.

It’s important to note that Rockstar has never officially clarified GTA 2’s exact timeline placement. While some interpretations position the game in a near-future setting beyond its 1999 release date, others treat it as closer to its original era. Because of this ambiguity, GTA 2 often appears in different positions across chronological listings.

Important Note About GTA Games Timeline

The GTA series does not follow one single connected timeline. Instead, Rockstar has divided the franchise into separate universes that distinguish older titles from newer ones.

2D Universe

• GTA: London 1961
• GTA: London 1969
• Grand Theft Auto (1997)
• Grand Theft Auto 2 (futuristic setting)

3D Universe

• Vice City Stories (1984)
• Vice City (1986)
• San Andreas (1992)
• Liberty City Stories (1998)
• GTA Advance (2000)
• GTA III (2001)

HD Universe

• GTA IV / TLAD / TBOGT (2008)
• Chinatown Wars (2009)
• GTA V (2013)
• GTA VI (Modern day, likely 2020s)

A Brief Overview of Every GTA Game

Now that we have covered the GTA series in order, here is a short introduction to each major entry and how the franchise evolved over time.

Grand Theft Auto (1997)

The beginning of a gaming legend. Developed by Rockstar, the original GTA introduced players to an open-ended crime sandbox viewed from a top-down perspective. While simple by modern standards, it laid the foundation for the freedom-driven gameplay that defines the series today.

Its London expansions, particularly GTA: London 1961, serve as the earliest chronological entries in the franchise’s timeline.

Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)

GTA 2 expanded on the formula with improved mechanics and more structured criminal factions, while retaining the top-down camera style. Though it remains the second main release, its story placement differs from its launch order.

Grand Theft Auto III (2001)

This was the franchise’s true revolution. GTA III introduced full 3D open-world gameplay, redefining the industry and setting a new standard for sandbox design. It became the best-selling game of 2001 and marked the beginning of the series’ modern era.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)

One of the most iconic entries in gaming history. Vice City expanded the formula with a vibrant setting inspired by 1980s Miami, a memorable protagonist, and enhanced mechanics building upon GTA III’s foundation.

Grand Theft Auto: Advance (2004)

A spin-off developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Rockstar, this title was released exclusively for Game Boy Advance. Its story acts as a prequel to GTA III.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

Widely regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise, San Andreas introduced a massive open world, RPG elements, Hollywood-level voice acting, and a deep narrative. Even today, it remains one of the most beloved GTA titles.

In 2005, Rockstar released Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy, bundling GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas together.

GTA: Liberty City Stories (2005)

Originally released on PlayStation Portable before later arriving on PS2 and mobile platforms, this spin-off serves as a prequel to GTA III.

GTA: Vice City Stories (2006)

Another prequel entry, Vice City Stories tells the story of Victor “Vic” Vance prior to the events of Vice City. It was released on PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2.

Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)

GTA IV brought the franchise closer to realism with advanced physics, detailed environments, and a darker narrative tone. Set in Liberty City, it featured two major expansions: The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)

Designed initially for handheld devices, Chinatown Wars presented a stylized version of Liberty City with gameplay adapted for touch controls. Chronologically, it follows GTA IV.

Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

The most commercially successful entry in the franchise. GTA V introduced three playable protagonists and a vast open world. Its multiplayer component, GTA Online, became one of the most popular online experiences in gaming history.

Grand Theft Auto VI (2026)

The latest installment in the franchise. Based on early previews, GTA VI promises a larger world, more realistic visuals, and expanded systems. It is scheduled to release on May 26, 2026.

With this guide, you now have a complete understanding of the GTA series in order—both by release date and by story chronology.

Don’t forget to check:

• Best GTA Games: The Most Important Entries in the Legendary Series