Key Takeaways
- Grand Theft Auto has established the benchmark for open-world sandbox video games, offering immense freedom and occasional updates.
- In the Grand Theft Auto series, each game features a distinctive protagonist embarking on a crime-ridden odyssey, with narratives that loosely intersect within a shared universe.
- Experience the transformation of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series from 2D to 3D gameplay through a journey of different settings and eras, starting with the debut of GTA 1 in 1997 and progressing to modern times.
With no other open-world sandbox game coming close in terms of sheer scale, scope, or unadulterated entertainment value, Grand Theft Auto stands unparalleled. Even fewer video game developers attempt to deliver the same level of freedom in their worlds that Rockstar consistently achieves, let alone accomplish this feat with such remarkable polish. The wildly successful Grand Theft Auto franchise has spawned numerous imitators, yet none have come close to replicating its unparalleled impact on the gaming industry, leaving even the most ambitious copycats struggling to capture a mere sliver of its enduring popularity. Unlike behemoth franchises that release titles annually, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) games are spaced far apart, each installment a unique gem in its own right.
In the satirical realm of Grand Theft Auto, each successive iteration has introduced a fresh protagonist – or protagonists – embroiled in their distinctive criminal odyssey. While none of these video game series have a single, unified narrative like those found in traditional episodic storytelling, they do share a common universe and feature interconnected storylines through various character crossovers and shared lore. Explore the darker corners of your imagination within the virtual realm by playing the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series in chronological order, following the release dates:
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1961
Prior to its evolution into a 3D open-world phenomenon, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) began as a 2D, top-down adventure in GTA. The first expansion pack, GTA: London 1961, built upon this foundation by adding new content to the original game. Few gamers experienced this exclusive feature since it was initially released on PCs alone, leaving PlayStation enthusiasts without access to it. In this gritty tale, the protagonist rises through the ranks of a London mob by taking on various roles, showcasing their adaptability and tenacity.
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1968
Don’t assume that this timeline will remain straightforward by simply studying the year at the end of the titles. This standalone expansion offers a new dimension to the original Grand Theft Auto series, featuring subtle nods to characters from 1961 while maintaining independence from the primary storyline.
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1984
Originally conceived as a PSP adaptation, Vice City Stories evolved into a full-fledged PS2 title, preceding the original Vice City with its fresh protagonist, Victor Vance. Following his dishonorable discharge from the military, he embarked on a journey with his brother Lance to establish their own private prison enterprise. The game concludes with a surprise appearance by several key figures from Vice City, setting the stage for the next adventure to commence seamlessly.
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1986
In the midst of the 1980s’ Vice City setting and nostalgic atmosphere, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City has become a benchmark for excellence, earning a special place in many players’ hearts as their favorite GTA game of all time. In the gritty Vice Metropolis, Tony Vercetti emerges from a stint behind bars, only to be tasked by his ruthless boss in Liberty City with taking down the city’s lucrative drug trade. As events rapidly spiral out of control – a scenario all too familiar for those who dwell in this seedy underworld – Tony must navigate treacherous alliances and confront formidable gang leaders to survive.
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1992
In a departure from traditional crime approaches, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas places heightened emphasis on realistic and intense street-level gang conflicts. CJ’s back in the city, having returned after his mother’s brutal murder at the hands of a ruthless rival gang. As he joins forces with the same gang and takes an oath to avenge her killers, the protagonist finds himself entangled in a far more complex web of deceit.
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1997
The inaugural Grand Theft Auto (GTA) installment unfolds in three metropolitan hubs that would subsequently become integral to the series’ fabric: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Anonymous prisoners orchestrate a multitude of high-stakes heists, jobs, and hits on behalf of disparate gang leaders.
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1998
In addition to another PSP prequel remake, Liberty City Stories, fortunate enough to be ported to the PS2 as well, introduces Toni Cipriani, a secondary character in GTA 3, as its protagonist with an Italian-inspired title. As Michael returns to his old life within the Leone household, he’s reinitiated himself into the world of crime following the brutal murder of a respected member of the family.
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2000
GTA Advance is surprisingly disconnected from the original game’s narrative. As Mike ventures back into the gritty streets of Liberty Metropolis, a burning sense of vengeance drives him to seek justice for the brutal murder of his trusted associate, Vinnie. This portable GTA is undeniably an exciting innovation in gaming technology.
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2001
The Grand Theft Auto series truly comes into its own for many enthusiasts with GTA 3. The crown jewel of the collection was this immersive 3D experience, transporting players into a fully realized Liberty City, where they took on the role of Claude. As we decided to reacquaint ourselves with the former convict, now released from a decade-long prison stint, he embarks on a perilous path with the mafia, navigating the dark underbelly of organized crime.
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2008
When Grand Theft Auto 4 was released, it was a global phenomenon that dominated popular culture. Following a trio of phenomenal titles on the PS2 era, Grand Theft Auto IV surpassed all anticipations with its innovative gameplay and captivating narrative, capitalizing on the technological advancements of the PS3 and Xbox 360. Despite its limitations, it’s still a remarkable feat to stumble upon Liberty Metropolis and truly appreciate the experience if you’re able to do so.
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2009
Unlike its predecessors, Chinatown Wars remains available for simultaneous release on PSP, DS, and mobile devices. As you assume the role of Huang Lee, a loyal member of the Triads, you embark on a perilous journey to reclaim your family’s sacred ancestral sword, entrusted to you for safekeeping.
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1999/2013?
GTA II stands out as a notable anomaly within the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Set against the futuristic backdrop of Anywhere City, this 2D reimagining serves as a faithful reproduction of its predecessor, mimicking performance with near-identical results. In our first introduction to a named protagonist, Claude Pace, we meet a distinct individual from the GTA 3 character, who embarks on a journey to build his reputation by completing jobs for crime bosses. We’re inserting this element into the narrative without specifying the year due to the ambiguity surrounding its timing. As we gaze into the future, our reference points are rooted in milestones like 1999 and 2013; yet, as we envision a limitless horizon, we’re anchoring our thoughts to the farthest point possible.
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2013
The latest instalment in the Grand Theft Auto series is the massive GTA V. Finally, we escape Liberty City and travel to Los Santos, where the story unfolds through three distinct perspectives. With Franklin, Michael, and Trevor, each boasting unique personalities, they are unexpectedly united by a shared goal.
The “hero shooter” genre emerged in 2013 with the release of Overwatch, prompting a flurry of imitators attempting to replicate its success. Twitch-backed battle royale titles like Apex Legends and Valorant have paved the way for other massive studios to make their mark on the video game landscape. Numerous small-sized video games attempted to capitalize on the hype by releasing titles such as Knockout Metropolis, with the latest example being Harmony, whose lackluster performance suggests it may ultimately falter. In instances where a recreation didn’t replicate the hero kind exactly, it opted for “specialist” classes, mirroring contemporary implementations in games like Battlefield and Call of Duty. The beta for Marvel Rivals has finally been released. After months of hype and widespread online enthusiasm, the game’s actual performance has been met with disappointment. The game leverages the immense appeal of its IP, featuring an array of iconic Marvel characters, including the formidable Venom and the intergalactic hero Star-Lord. The maps depict iconic locations from Marvel’s rich comic history. One key aspect that sets Apex Legends apart from other hero shooters is its unique blend of strategic combat and tactical teamplay.
Not a straight path
Without considering the various spin-offs and subtitles that don’t follow a traditional numerical sequence, it is challenging to determine the correct chronological order of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series solely by examining the title names.
The following list presents the order in which items were received.
- Grand Theft Auto (and expansions)
- Grand Theft Auto 2
- Grand Theft Auto 3
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice Metropolis
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Grand Theft Auto: Advance
- What’s Your Story? Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Chronicles
- What’s Past Is Prologue: A Vice Metropolis Odyssey
- Grand Theft Auto 4
- Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
- Grand Theft Auto 5
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