What’s the Order of the Grand Theft Auto Video Games?

Originally published on July 15, 2026. This article lists the Grand Theft Auto video games, including main games and spinoff versions, in chronological release order.

The Grand Theft Auto, or GTA, franchise encompasses a sprawling, expansive, crime-ridden open world. Rockstar Games publishes this globally renowned action-adventure gaming series, which first began in the late ’90s. Since then, there have been seven standalone titles — with an eighth on the way this year (which is coincidentally titled Grand Theft Auto VI). But the expansion packs, remasters, and handheld games bring the release count into the double digits.

With so much GTA to play, where do you start? Where does the story start? Below, discover the chronological release dates of every single Grand Theft Auto video game. Then keep reading for a a breakdown of all GTA releases across different categories, including their resolution, medium, and main titles vs spinoffs.

The Grand Theft Auto games in order of release date

Actually, the GTA universe is split into three distinct versions based on the playable, in-game resolution, dimension, and definition. The only shared elements are brands, place names, and background characters. But continuity and protagonists are not shared between the three Grand Theft Auto versions/universes, which are 2D, 3D, and HD.

2D Universe

• Grand Theft Auto
• London 1969
• London 1961
• Grand Theft Auto 2

3D Universe

• Grand Theft Auto III
• Vice City
• San Andreas
• Advance
• Liberty City Stories
• Vice City Stories

HD Universe

• Grand Theft Auto IV
• The Lost and the Damned
• Chinatown Wars
• The Ballad of Gay Tony
• Grand Theft Auto V
• Grand Theft Auto Online
• Grand Theft Auto VI

Main Game Release Dates

• 1997 – Grand Theft Auto
• 1999 –  Grand Theft Auto 2
• 2001 – Grand Theft Auto III
• 2002 – Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
• 2004 – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
• 2008 – Grand Theft Auto IV
• 2013 – Grand Theft Auto V
• 2026 – Grand Theft Auto VI

The very first Grand Theft Auto game came out in 1997. Rockstar Games followed this huge success with multiple subsequent releases. With more than a decade-long gap between titles five (V) and six (VI), however, fans truly cannot wait for Grand Theft Auto VI, which is slated for release on November 19, 2026.

Expansion Pack/Spinoff Release Dates

• 1999 – Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
• 1999 – Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
• 2009 – Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned
• 2009 – Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony

GTA expansion packs add depth to the world and established lore. Most are released after a main title, contributing extra storytelling narratives and specialized gameplay features to the existing releases.

Handheld Games Release Dates

• 2004 – Grand Theft Auto Advance
• 2005 – Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
• 2006 – Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
• 2009 – Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

The GTA handheld games are a fun way to keep your fast-paced fandom, well, on the move! While not as popular as the other game versions, these are fun installments in the franchise that are looked back upon with much nostalgia.

Compilation and Remaster Release Dates

• 1999 – Grand Theft Auto: Director’s Cut
• 2003 – Grand Theft Auto: The Classics Collection
• 2003 – Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack
• 2005 – Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy
• 2009 – Grand Theft Auto: Double Pack
• 2009 – Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
• 2010 – Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition
• 2021 – Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition

Game graphics and software are always improving. Or, games need to be reformatted to switch platforms — like going from Playstation to PC. Grand Theft Auto has fortunately continued to update its games to bring them to modern players. Plus, the Trilogy collections help keep the classic games alive by making them accessible to newer audiences.

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