GameTimeline

Release & story order

Grand Theft Auto timeline

Grand Theft Auto across three Rockstar universes—2D (1997–1999), 3D (III through Vice City Stories), and HD (IV through GTA VI in May 2026)—with US release dates, in-fiction story years, and FAQ for Steam play order, GTA Online, Definitive Edition, London packs, and GTA Advance.

Updated August 2026

Start with:

Release order Story order

Release order

When Rockstar shipped each chapter—grouped here into 2D, 3D, and HD universes. Grand Theft Auto (1997) through GTA V (2013), plus London expansions, GTA Advance, PSP Stories, IV episodes, and GTA VI planned for May 26, 2026. The Trilogy – Definitive Edition remaster bundle is optional—not separate must-play titles.

  • Scan the three colored blocks—2D history, then 3D trilogy era, then HD modern path
  • Classic path → GTA III → Vice City → San Andreas → GTA IV → episodes → GTA V
  • Steam PC path → Trilogy Definitive (or originals) → IV Complete → V—see Steam FAQ
  • Full release history → start at GTA (1997); London packs and Advance are optional lore
  • PSP prequels → Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories rearrange on Story order
  • GTA VI (2026) → play through V first—likely HD universe; console-first at announce
Story order tips

Canon splits into three universes. Story order covers 3D (1984–2001, including Advance) then HD (2008–2013). 2D-era games stay on Release only. GTA VI joins Story after it ships.

  • 3D universe: Vice City Stories (1984) → Vice City (1986) → San Andreas (1992) → Liberty City Stories (1998) → Advance (2000) → GTA III (2001)
  • HD universe: GTA IV (2008) → The Lost and Damned & Ballad of Gay Tony (parallel) → Chinatown Wars → GTA V (2013)
  • 2D universe (GTA 1, London, GTA 2) does not appear on Story order
  • GTA Online extends after V—live service, not a numbered story-order title
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—click to reveal them, or turn on Show all spoilers

Timeline

Release order grouped by Rockstar universe (2D → 3D → HD). Expand an entry for platforms, US dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

2D Universe

1997–1999 top-down era — Grand Theft Auto, London expansions, and GTA 2. Separate continuity from III onward; skip for modern play paths.

Rockstar splits Grand Theft Auto into three universes (2D, 3D, HD). Read each colored block top to bottom — they are separate continuities, not one merged saga. Cities and brands recur; protagonists do not carry over.

  1. Grand Theft Auto

    Grand Theft Auto

    PCPS1ActionClassic

    Grand Theft Auto — Top-down open cities—opens the 2D universe (Liberty City, San Andreas, Vice City caricatures). Top-down satire invents the crime sandbox before 3D Liberty City exists.

    Overview
    DMA Design's satirical crime sandbox—started the franchise before the 3D revolution.
    In-game setting
    Loosely connected caricature cities—not the same canon map as GTA III onward. Caricature cities share names, not HD-universe maps.
    Should you play it?
    Opens the 2D universe block—most modern guides skip ahead to GTA III or Vice City Stories. Skip on modern paths; keep for franchise archaeology only.
    Release date
    US PC launch October 21, 1997. PS1 port June 1998.
  2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

    Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

    PCPS1ActionExpansion

    Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 — Swinging London expansion for the original GTA—mission pack, not a new mainline. Swinging London mission pack—period radio and right-hand traffic jokes.

    Overview
    Period British crime satire—new map, vehicles, and radio for the 2D engine.
    In-game setting
    Requires Grand Theft Auto (1997)—same 2D universe continuity.
    Should you play it?
    Optional franchise history—skip for 3D/HD play paths. Optional 2D footnote; requires the 1997 base game. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story.
    Release date
    PC/PS1 expansion released April 1999 (region dates vary). Expansion edition, not a standalone mainline.
  3. Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

    Grand Theft Auto: London 1961

    PCActionExpansion

    Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 — Bonus 1961 London pack bundled with London 1969 on PC.

    Overview
    Shorter companion missions in early-60s London. Open-world satire, radio culture, and wanted-level chaos remain the series craft.
    In-game setting
    Still 2D universe—no link to III-era protagonists.
    Should you play it?
    Completionist footnote—rarely needed for modern timelines. Completionist only—safe to ignore on 3D/HD runs. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    PC release June 1999 with/alongside the London 1969 pack.
  4. Grand Theft Auto 2

    Grand Theft Auto 2

    PCPS1DreamcastActionClassic

    Grand Theft Auto 2 — Anywhere City gang reputation ends the classic top-down mainline.

    Overview
    Reputation system between rival factions; last of the classic top-down mainline. Open-world satire, radio culture, and wanted-level chaos remain the series craft.
    In-game setting
    Standalone Anywhere City—no story link to Claude, Tommy, or Niko.
    Should you play it?
    Optional for completionists—skip for 3D/HD universe playthroughs; last 2D-universe mainline. Last 2D-universe numbered game—skip for III onward. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story.
    Release date
    US PC launch October 25, 1999.

3D Universe

2001–2006 — GTA III through Vice City Stories (plus GTA Advance). Same Rockstar continuity; story years rearrange on the Story tab.

  1. Grand Theft Auto III

    Grand Theft Auto III

    PS2PCXboxActionMainline

    Grand Theft Auto III — Silent Claude’s Liberty City escape invents 3D open-world GTA overnight.

    Overview
    Franchise leap to 3D open worlds—radio stations, wanted levels, and emergent chaos. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2001—opens the 3D universe Rockstar expanded for a decade.
    Should you play it?
    Common starting point for newcomers skipping the 2D universe and handheld spin-offs. Common modern start if you skip 2D and handheld entries. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US PS2 launch October 22, 2001. Remastered in The Trilogy – Definitive Edition (2021).
  2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

    Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

    PS2PCXboxActionMainline

    Grand Theft Auto: Vice City — 1980s Miami pastiche—Tommy Vercetti’s empire with period soundtrack swagger.

    Overview
    Period soundtrack, mansion assets, and stronger narrative voice for the series. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1986—despite shipping after GTA III. Use adjacent entries if you need cast or setting continuity.
    Should you play it?
    On Story, play after Vice City Stories if you want chronological Tommy setup. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch October 27, 2002. Definitive Edition in 2021 trilogy bundle.
  3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

    Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

    PS2PCXboxActionMainline

    Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas — CJ’s state-sized sandbox—Los Santos, countryside, San Fierro, Las Venturas.

    Overview
    Massive multi-city map, RPG-lite stats, and Grove Street Families arc. RPG-lite skills, gang territory, and aircraft widen the crime fantasy.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1992—largest scope of the 3D era. Story ~1992—still before III’s 2001 on chronology.
    Should you play it?
    Essential 3D chapter—Story order anchor between Vice City and Liberty City Stories. Peak 3D-universe scope; Story after Vice City. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch October 26, 2004. Definitive Edition 2021.
  4. Grand Theft Auto Advance

    Grand Theft Auto Advance

    GBAActionSpin-off

    Grand Theft Auto Advance — Top-down GBA Liberty City—3D-universe prequel set in 2000, one year before GTA III. GBA top-down Liberty City side story—optional handheld detour.

    Overview
    Handheld story with 3D-era systems (wanted levels, side missions) in a top-down view.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2000—canon 3D universe despite 2D graphics.
    Should you play it?
    Optional lore chapter—hard to find legally on modern storefronts; FAQ notes availability. Skip on console-only runs; soft 3D-universe tie. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story.
    Release date
    US GBA October 26, 2004—same window as San Andreas consoles.
  5. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

    Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

    PSPPS2ActionSpin-off

    Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories — Toni Cipriani in 1998 Liberty City—prequel to GTA III.

    Overview
    PSP flagship showing 3D Liberty City before the console trilogy wrapped on handheld.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1998—bridges San Andreas era to GTA III.
    Should you play it?
    Important for lore completionists—optional for casual III → VC → SA paths. Story before III; Release after San Andreas. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story.
    Release date
    US PSP launch October 25, 2005. PS2 port October 2006. Later PS2 port exists; PSP original is the native version.
  6. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

    Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

    PSPPS2ActionSpin-off

    Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories — Victor Vance in 1984 Vice City—earliest 3D-universe story.

    Overview
    Second PSP prequel—introduces Lance Vance's brother Victor.
    In-game setting
    Story year 1984—first on Story order chronology. Sets Vance family stakes Tommy later inherits.
    Should you play it?
    Start of strict 3D story order—skip if you only want the PS2 trilogy. Earliest Vice chronology; play before Vice City on Story. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US PSP launch October 31, 2006. PS2 port March 2007.

HD Universe

2008–present — GTA IV, episodes, Chinatown Wars, GTA V, and GTA VI (upcoming). New Liberty City / Los Santos continuity.

  1. Grand Theft Auto IV

    Grand Theft Auto IV

    PS3Xbox 360PCActionMainline

    Grand Theft Auto IV — Niko Bellic’s HD Liberty City reboot—denser satire and darker immigrant crime drama.

    Overview
    Euphoria physics, phone-centric missions, and moral weight—new HD universe begins. Euphoria physics and episodic DLC (TLAD, TBoGT) expand one city year.
    In-game setting
    Story autumn 2008—no direct character crossover with 3D-era protagonists. Episodes follow the same city timeline.
    Should you play it?
    Gateway to HD universe—play 3D games first only if you want historical context, not required. HD-universe start; ignore 3D-universe save files—new continuity.
    Release date
    US launch April 29, 2008. Complete Edition bundles episodes on modern stores.
  2. The Lost and Damned

    The Lost and Damned

    Xbox 360PS3PCExpansionMainline

    The Lost and Damned — Johnny Klebitz and the Lost MC—parallel to Niko's story. Johnny Klebitz biker episode overlapping IV’s Liberty City weeks.

    Overview
    First GTA IV episode—biker focus, darker tone, overlaps IV missions. Open-world satire, radio culture, and wanted-level chaos remain the series craft.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2008—runs concurrent with GTA IV.
    Should you play it?
    Play after starting GTA IV—before or alongside Ballad of Gay Tony. After IV campaign; before or with TBoGT per taste. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story.
    Release date
    Xbox 360 XBLA February 17, 2009; later Complete Edition bundles.
  3. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

    Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

    Nintendo DSPSPMobileActionSpin-off

    Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars — DS/PSP top-down HD-universe drug war—Huang Lee’s portable crime RPG.

    Overview
    Return to top-down view with drug-dealing mechanics and cel-shaded look.
    In-game setting
    Story set in HD Liberty City after IV events—connects to HD universe. Story ~2009 Liberty City—handheld tone, same HD continuity.
    Should you play it?
    Optional side chapter—many players skip; included for HD completionists. Optional after IV era; not required for V. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story.
    Release date
    US Nintendo DS launch March 17, 2009. Mobile and PSP ports later.
  4. The Ballad of Gay Tony

    The Ballad of Gay Tony

    Xbox 360PS3PCExpansionMainline

    The Ballad of Gay Tony — Luis Lopez in Liberty City nightlife—finale of the IV arc. Luis Lopez nightclub chaos—second IV episode with funnier heist energy.

    Overview
    Second IV episode—club scene, parachutes, and diamond heist crossover with IV. Open-world satire, radio culture, and wanted-level chaos remain the series craft.
    In-game setting
    Story late 2008 into 2009—closes Niko's Liberty City era.
    Should you play it?
    Finish IV saga here before GTA V. After IV; pairs with TLAD in Complete Edition. 3D and HD universes stay separate—do not mash Claude, Niko, and Michael into one life story.
    Release date
    Xbox 360 October 29, 2009; later multiplatform Complete Edition.
  5. Grand Theft Auto V

    Grand Theft Auto V

    PS3Xbox 360PS4Xbox OnePCPS5Xbox Series X|SActionMainline

    Grand Theft Auto V lets Michael, Franklin, and Trevor share Los Santos—peak single-player satire before Online ate the spotlight.

    Overview
    Three-protagonist structure, GTA Online launch, and record-breaking sales. Character switching and heist structure redefine the HD sandbox.
    In-game setting
    Story year 2013—same HD universe as IV with returning radio/lore nods. Story 2013 Los Santos/Blaine County—HD-universe endpoint until VI.
    Should you play it?
    Default modern entry and current finished HD campaign before GTA VI. Play IV episodes first for HD-universe context.
    Release date
    US launch September 17, 2013. Expanded PS5/XSX versions March 2022. PS3/360 2013; PS4/Xbox One 2014; PC 2015; PS5/Series 2022.
  6. Grand Theft Auto VI

    Grand Theft Auto VI

    PS5Xbox Series X|SActionMainlineUpcoming

    Grand Theft Auto VI — Upcoming Vice City return—Lucia/Jason marketing era; treat dates as announced, not played.

    Overview
    Rockstar's next mainline after an 13-year gap since V's console debut. Trailer-led hype cycle continues Rockstar’s sparse sequel cadence after V.
    In-game setting
    Trailer and marketing place modern Vice City / Leonida—likely HD universe continuation. Not playable chronology yet—keep V as the last finished HD campaign.
    Should you play it?
    Upcoming entry—dates and platforms may change; check Rockstar Newswire before buying. Placeholder Release endpoint. no separate must-play titles until launch details lock.
    Release date
    Announced for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S—verify final platforms and date at purchase time.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Steam PC path, 2D/3D/HD universes, IV episodes, remasters, and GTA Online.

Release order

Release order is when Rockstar launched each GTA in the US (1997–2026), grouped on this page into 2D, 3D, and HD universe blocks. Vice City and San Andreas shipped before their PSP prequels. Story order follows in-fiction years: Vice City Stories (1984) through GTA V (2013), with Advance in 2000 and GTA IV episodes parallel in 2008. 2D-universe games (GTA 1, London packs, GTA 2) are release-order titles only—they do not slot into the 3D/HD story chronology.

Quick modern path: GTA IV: The Complete Edition → GTA V → (wait for GTA VI). Steam PC path: same titles—see the Steam FAQ for store packages. Classic 3D path: GTA III → Vice City → San Andreas. Full 3D→HD story chronology: Vice City Stories → Vice City → San Andreas → Liberty City Stories → Advance (optional) → GTA III → GTA IV + both episodes → Chinatown Wars (optional) → GTA V. Most newcomers skip the entire 2D universe, Advance, and the PSP games on a first pass.

On Steam (and Epic), the practical Grand Theft Auto timeline is the same as console, with different store packages.

Steam play order (recommended): Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition (III → Vice City → San Andreas) → Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition (base + both episodes) → Grand Theft Auto V (includes Online).

HD-only shortcut: IV Complete → V if you skip the 3D era.

Not on modern Steam as mainline: Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories, GTA Advance, and the London packs (legacy/handheld); GTA 1–2 may appear as classic re-releases—optional 2D-universe history. GTA VI was announced for current-gen consoles first—check Rockstar for any later PC/Steam window. Store listings change—verify before buying. Hardware context → game consoles timeline.

Story & universes

Rockstar groups Grand Theft Auto into three separate continuities: - 2D universe: Grand Theft Auto (1997), London 1969, London 1961, GTA 2—top-down classics. - 3D universe: GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, GTA Advance, Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories. - HD universe: GTA IV, The Lost and Damned, The Ballad of Gay Tony, Chinatown Wars, GTA V, and likely GTA VI. Cities and brands recur but protagonists do not cross over. Radio hosts and Easter eggs reference earlier games as in-universe media—not proof of one merged timeline. Colored blocks on Release and Story order match these three groups.

Both are GTA IV episodes set in parallel during autumn 2008 in Liberty City—numbered Release and story-order titles here. Start GTA IV first, then play The Lost and Damned, then The Ballad of Gay Tony for the full HD Liberty City arc. They share crossover missions with Niko's campaign. Buy GTA IV: The Complete Edition on modern platforms for all three in one package.

Grand Theft Auto VI is planned for May 26, 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S per Rockstar's latest announcement (verify on Rockstar Newswire before launch). Trailers show a return to Vice City / Leonida with dual protagonists Lucia and Jason. It sits in the HD universe Release block as an upcoming entry—not on Story order until the game ships and story years are confirmed. Play GTA V and ideally the full HD IV arc first.

Remasters & editions

Optional & online

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.