Quick answer: The GTA games in order of release are Grand Theft Auto (1997), GTA 2 (1999), GTA III (2001), Vice City (2002), San Andreas (2004), GTA IV (2008), GTA V (2013) and GTA VI (November 19, 2026). The 3D-era games are self-contained stories, so you can start with any of them, and GTA 6 does not require you to have played the others.
GTA Games in Order of Release
| Game | Year | Main setting |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto | 1997 | Liberty City, San Andreas and Vice City (top-down) |
| Grand Theft Auto 2 | 1999 | Anywhere City (top-down) |
| Grand Theft Auto III | 2001 | Liberty City |
| Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | 2002 | Vice City, 1986 |
| Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | 2004 | San Andreas state, early 1990s |
| Grand Theft Auto IV | 2008 | Liberty City |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | Los Santos and Blaine County |
| Grand Theft Auto VI | Nov 19, 2026 | Leonida |
Portable, expansion and remastered releases (for example Vice City Stories and the 2021 Definitive Edition trilogy of III, Vice City and San Andreas) sit alongside this list but are not counted as new mainline entries.
The Three Eras
The first two games are top-down 2D. GTA III in 2001 moved the series into 3D and set the template for everything after. GTA IV and V are the HD era, with far more detailed worlds and, in GTA V, three playable leads. GTA VI is the first mainline entry in over a decade, and the first to launch only on current-generation consoles (see GTA 5 vs GTA 6).
Where to Start
If you want the series’ roots, play Vice City, because GTA 6 returns to that city (read the Vice City history). If you want the closest technical comparison, play GTA V. If you just want GTA 6, start with our beginners guide.
Bottom Line
Release order is not story order. Each 3D and HD game starts a fresh story, so there is no required viewing before November 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mainline GTA games are there?
Seven released so far (GTA 1, 2, III, Vice City, San Andreas, IV and V), with GTA VI arriving November 19, 2026.
Do I need to play GTA games in order?
No. The 3D and HD games tell separate stories.
Which GTA game came first?
Grand Theft Auto in 1997.
Is GTA 6 connected to GTA 5?
It is a new story in a new setting, not a sequel to GTA 5’s plot.
Related GTA 6 Guides
- GTA 6 complete guide: release date, price, map and characters
- GTA 6 for Beginners: Do You Need to Play the Older Games First?
- GTA Vice City History: From the 2002 Classic to GTA 6
- GTA 5 vs GTA 6: Every Confirmed Difference
Sources and Disclaimer
Information in this article comes from TechRadar: official GTA 6 price, Beebom: GTA 6 map guide.
InfoBrave is an independent site and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive. Grand Theft Auto is a trademark of Take-Two Interactive. Details are drawn from official announcements and press reports and may change before or after launch. Last updated November 2026.
