If you are planning to dive into the world of Grand Theft Auto, one of the first questions you’ll face is: what order should I play these games in? With so many entries, spin offs, and remasters, it can feel overwhelming to start. Some players swear by release order because it shows how the series evolved, while others recommend chronological story order for a smoother narrative.
This guide breaks down the different ways you can enjoy the GTA franchise, explains why order matters, and provides helpful tips to make your playthrough more enjoyable.
Read also: Coconut Point Mall: Your 2025 Guide to Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Quick Answer: Release Order or Chronological Order?
There are two main ways to experience GTA. The first is release order, which follows the exact path players took as the games came out. The second is chronological order, which arranges the games based on when their stories happen in the GTA universe.
If you want to watch the franchise grow from its 2D roots to the massive worlds of GTA V and beyond, release order is best. But if you want to follow the characters and settings in a logical timeline, chronological order will feel more immersive. Both choices are valid; it depends on what you value more history or story.
Why Order Matters: Story, Mechanics, and Nostalgia
Grand Theft Auto is not just about stealing cars and causing chaos. Over time, the series developed deep stories, memorable characters, and iconic cities. Playing the games in order changes how you experience them.
When you follow release order, you get to see Rockstar Games improving mission design, controls, and world detail with each release. For example, moving from GTA III to Vice City and then to San Andreas shows a clear jump in ambition and scale.
When you play chronologically, you get a different benefit: the story flows in a way that makes sense within the GTA universe. Games like Vice City Stories, Vice City, and San Andreas connect together better if you play them in timeline order. Nostalgia also plays a role—many players enjoy revisiting the games in the exact way they first discovered them.
Two Recommended Routes: Release Order and Chronological Order
Let’s break down the two main approaches so you can decide which suits you best.
What You Get from Release Order
Release order takes you on a journey through gaming history. You begin with the 2D classics, move into the 3D era, and finally reach the HD era that still dominates gaming today. This route is perfect if you want to feel the leap in technology, storytelling, and music. You’ll also understand why each game felt groundbreaking at the time of release.
What You Get from Chronological Order
Chronological order is all about immersion in the GTA timeline. For example, Vice City Stories is set in the 1980s and leads directly into Vice City, which makes more sense to play back-to-back. Similarly, San Andreas is set in the early 1990s, long before GTA III, which takes place in the 2000s. If you love following events as they happen in-universe, this is the order to choose.
Practical Playthrough: Which Games to Include and in What Order
The GTA franchise is divided into three eras: the 2D era, the 3D era, and the HD era. Each one stands on its own, but together they show the full evolution of Grand Theft Auto.
2D Era: The Origins
The series began with Grand Theft Auto (1997) and its expansions, GTA London 1969 and 1961. These were top-down games with arcade-like gameplay. While many players skip them today, they are worth trying if you want to see where it all started. They are short, quirky, and give context for how far GTA has come.
3D Era: The Classics
The 3D era transformed GTA into the open-world giant we know today. Starting with GTA III (2001), players experienced Liberty City in full 3D. Then came Vice City (2002), dripping with 80s style, and San Andreas (2004), which expanded the world to a massive three-state map.
Spin-offs like Vice City Stories (2006) and Liberty City Stories (2005) added depth, serving as prequels that explained the backstory of major characters. Playing them in chronological order makes the narrative smoother: Vice City Stories, Vice City, San Andreas, Liberty City Stories, and then GTA III.
HD Era: The Modern Experience
The HD era begins with GTA IV (2008), introducing a darker, more realistic tone. Its expansions, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, deepen the Liberty City storyline with new perspectives.
Then comes GTA V (2013), one of the best-selling games of all time. With its three-protagonist system, huge map, and constant updates through GTA Online, it is still alive today. Some players also include Chinatown Wars (2009) in this era, especially if you enjoy handheld gameplay with unique mechanics.
This is the best place to start if you want a polished, modern experience.
Tips for Modern Players: Remasters, Platforms, and Saves
If you are planning a full GTA playthrough today, you should consider remasters and updated versions. Rockstar has re-released several classics in “Definitive Editions,” though their reception has been mixed. Still, they make older titles more accessible on modern platforms.
On PC, mods can fix bugs, improve graphics, and smooth out controls. On consoles, look for updated versions that run better on new hardware. Also, remember that some older games may not have cloud saves or transfer options, so be mindful of where you start.
Quick Checklist Before You Start Playing
Decide on your play order: release or chronological.
Pick your platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or handheld for the older titles.
Check if remasters or mods are available.
Plan your time GTA games are long, and rushing through will spoil the fun.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to play every GTA game to understand the story?
No. Each GTA game stands alone, though some share settings or characters. You can skip certain titles and still enjoy the main stories.
Q2: Which GTA game should I start with if I’m a beginner?
Most new players start with GTA V because it’s modern and accessible. Then, if you enjoy it, you can explore older titles for context.
Q3: Is it worth playing the 2D GTA games today?
Only if you are curious about the series’ roots. They are short and dated but fun as a history lesson.
Q4: How long does it take to play through all GTA games?
Completing the main stories of every GTA game could take several hundred hours, especially if you include side missions and exploration.
Q5: Will GTA 6 affect the recommended play order?
Yes. Once GTA 6 releases, its setting and timeline will change the conversation. Many fans will update their chronological order lists to include it.
Conclusion
The best order depends on your goals. If you want to experience GTA the way players did across history, release order is perfect. If you want a smoother narrative that makes sense in-universe, chronological order is better. For casual players, starting with GTA V and working backward is also a valid choice.
No matter which path you take, the key is to enjoy the ride. Grand Theft Auto is more than just a game series it is a cultural phenomenon that shaped open-world gaming. Play at your own pace, explore each city, and experience the wild stories Rockstar has created.
