Grand Theft Auto, widely known as GTA, is one of the most celebrated gaming franchises in history. Created by Rockstar Games, it redefined the open-world genre and set new standards in storytelling, world-building, and freedom of play. With decades of releases, multiple spin-offs, and several remasters, many players ask the same question before starting: what is the best order to play GTA games?
For some fans, the ideal way is to follow release order because it allows them to experience the growth of Rockstar’s design over time. Others argue that chronological order offers a smoother storytelling experience within the GTA universe. Both paths are valid, and your choice will depend on whether you value historical progression or narrative immersion. This guide explains both approaches and offers tips to make your playthrough enjoyable in 2025 and beyond.
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Why Order Matters in GTA
The order in which you play the games changes your experience. Grand Theft Auto is not just about fast cars and wild missions. Each title offers stories filled with complex characters, cultural references, and social satire. Playing in a particular sequence can highlight the franchise’s evolution or make the timeline flow more naturally.
Release order gives you a front-row seat to the way Rockstar advanced its design. You can feel the leap from the early 2D games to the cinematic storytelling of GTA III and beyond. On the other hand, chronological order lets the narrative unfold logically, making character arcs and world-building more consistent. Nostalgia also plays an important role, as many longtime fans prefer revisiting the series in the exact order they first played it.
Release Order: Experiencing GTA’s Growth
Choosing release order means walking the same path players did when each title launched. The series began in 1997 with the original Grand Theft Auto, followed by the London expansions and GTA II. These early entries were simple but introduced the chaos and freedom that defined the franchise.
The breakthrough came in 2001 with GTA III, which transformed the series into a fully 3D open world. Liberty City felt alive, and the missions introduced a cinematic style that inspired countless games afterward. Vice City followed in 2002, capturing the neon lights and music of the 1980s. Then San Andreas arrived in 2004 with an enormous map covering three cities and an ambitious storyline rooted in gang culture.
Spin-offs like Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories expanded on existing worlds and characters, while GTA IV in 2008 reintroduced Liberty City with a darker, more realistic tone. The HD era peaked with GTA V in 2013, which remains one of the best-selling games of all time. Experiencing these titles in release order lets you appreciate how Rockstar grew into one of gaming’s most respected studios.
Chronological Order: Following the Timeline
If you prefer a story-driven approach, chronological order may be the best route. This method arranges the games according to when their events take place in the GTA universe. It starts with Vice City Stories, set in 1984, which serves as a prequel to Vice City. That leads into the events of 1986, where Tommy Vercetti builds his empire in the neon-drenched streets of Miami-inspired Vice City.
From there, San Andreas continues the timeline in the early 1990s, with Carl Johnson returning home to Los Santos. Liberty City Stories fits in during the late 1990s, followed by GTA III in the early 2000s. The narrative then shifts to the HD era, with GTA IV and its expansions set in the late 2000s. Finally, the events of GTA V take place in 2013, showcasing the modern-day chaos of Los Santos.
This approach offers a seamless narrative flow. Characters and events feel more connected, and the overall story of the GTA universe becomes easier to follow. If you value immersion and continuity, chronological order may be the ideal choice.
The 2D Era: The Origins of GTA
The GTA franchise began with the 2D era, which included Grand Theft Auto, GTA London 1969, GTA London 1961, and GTA II. These top-down games were simple, fast-paced, and arcade-like. While many players today skip them because of their outdated graphics, they provide historical context for how the series began.
Playing them gives you insight into Rockstar’s early vision of chaotic city life. They are not essential for understanding the stories of later games, but they remain a fascinating part of gaming history. For dedicated fans who want to see the full evolution, trying these titles can be rewarding.
The 3D Era: Classics That Shaped the Series
The 3D era redefined what Grand Theft Auto could be. GTA III introduced the first fully explorable 3D Liberty City and changed the future of open-world gaming. Vice City built on this success with its stylish 1980s setting, unforgettable soundtrack, and iconic protagonist. San Andreas expanded the scope further, giving players unprecedented freedom to explore an entire state.
Spin-offs like Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories deepened the universe by acting as prequels. They added more detail to beloved cities and introduced new characters. Playing this era in order highlights Rockstar’s ambition and creativity as they pushed the limits of technology and storytelling.
The HD Era: Modern Grand Theft Auto
The HD era began with GTA IV, which introduced a darker tone and more realistic world. Its expansions, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, provided fresh perspectives on Liberty City. Chinatown Wars also arrived during this era, bringing a unique experience to handheld devices.
GTA V launched in 2013 and remains a cultural giant. With its massive world, three protagonists, and constantly updated GTA Online, it continues to attract millions of players more than a decade after release. This is often where new players start, as it is the most polished and accessible entry in the series.
Tips for Modern Players
If you are planning a complete playthrough today, there are a few things to keep in mind. Many of the older titles are available in remastered editions, such as GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. While opinions on these remasters are mixed, they offer easier access on current platforms.
On PC, mods can enhance the experience by improving graphics and fixing bugs. Console players can benefit from backward compatibility or updated versions. Since some older titles do not support cloud saves, be mindful of your platform choice before committing to a playthrough. GTA games are long, and rushing through them can take away from the experience, so plan your time carefully.
FAQs
Do I need to play every GTA game to enjoy the series?
No. Each title stands alone, although some share settings or characters. You can skip certain games and still understand the stories.
Which GTA game is best for newcomers?
Most beginners start with GTA V because it is modern and accessible. After that, exploring older titles adds depth to the experience.
Is it worth trying the 2D GTA games today?
Yes, but only if you are curious about the franchise’s roots. They are short, simple, and best viewed as history lessons.
How long does it take to play every GTA game?
A full playthrough across all titles can take several hundred hours, especially if you include side missions and exploration.
Will GTA 6 change the order?
Yes. Once GTA 6 is released, its timeline will affect chronological lists, and many players will adjust their playthrough plans.
Conclusion
The order you choose depends on what you value most in your playthrough. Release order lets you experience the franchise exactly as players did when the games first launched, highlighting Rockstar’s evolution over time. Chronological order creates a smoother story flow and makes the GTA universe feel more connected. For casual players, starting with GTA V and working backward is also a practical approach.
No matter which path you select, the key is to enjoy the journey. Grand Theft Auto is not just a video game series; it is a cultural phenomenon that shaped the gaming world. Each city, character, and soundtrack tells a story of its own, making GTA one of the most immersive franchises ever created. Play at your own pace, explore freely, and let the streets of Liberty City, Vice City, and Los Santos leave their mark on your gaming journey.
