In the quest for the greatest open-world game, few titles can rival the Grand Theft Auto series.Since its third installment transitioned to 3D graphics,each new release has expanded in size,quality,and popularity. Anticipation for GTA 6 suggests it could be one of the largest media launches ever. However, as time between releases stretches longer, many gamers may not have experienced earlier titles in the series. Those familiar with multiple entries know that Rockstar often revisits familiar locations across different eras. While there are fewer GTA games than Call of Duty titles, playing them in any order can be confusing. Having played through all installments ourselves, we present a guide on how to enjoy Grand Theft Auto games either by their release dates or in chronological order.
playing Grand Theft auto Games by Release Date
The best way to experience the GTA franchise is by following its release timeline. Starting from its debut in 1997, this series has transformed from simple beginnings into some of gaming's most intricate worlds. Observing this evolution highlights how Rockstar shaped modern open-world gaming as we know it today. Though, if you simply play from 1 to 6 based on release dates alone, you might overlook several key entries.
Many older games have been re-released or remastered over time; thus we will list them according to their original launch dates for clarity.
- Grand Theft Auto (1997)
- Grand theft Auto: London 1969 (1999)
- Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 (1999)
- Grand theft Auto 2 (1999)
- Grand Theft Auto 3 (2000)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
- Grand theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
- Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004)
- Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)
- Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
- Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)
- Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
- GTA VI (Expected in 2026)
Exploring Grand Theft Autos Chronologically
Some players may not realize that there is a loose timeline connecting these games despite each having unique characters and stories. Locations like Vice City and Los Santos appear across various titles along with recurring characters that create links between them.While playing through these games chronologically doesn’t considerably enhance your experience—since they are mostly standalone—it can provide an engaging ancient perspective on different eras depicted within the series.
If you're interested in experiencing GTA chronologically instead of by release date:
- GTA: London 1961 – Set in 1961
- GTA: london 1969 – Set in 1969
- GTA: Liberty City Stories – Set in 1984
- GTA: Vice City – Set in 1986
- GTA: San Andreas – Set around 1992
- GTA – Released originally in 1997
- GTA II (Timeline varies between 1999 or 2013)
- GTA Advance – Released originally as part of this era
9 . GTA III – Launched initially back then
10 . GTA IV – Released later but set after previous events
11 . chinatown Wars – Follows after IV
12 . GTAV – The latest major title released until now
13 .*GTAVI (TBD but expected around 2026*)
This structure allows players to appreciate how themes and settings evolve throughout history while enjoying gameplay experiences unique to each title within this iconic franchise.
