GTA 6
GTA games in order, and which to play before GTA 6
You don't need to play any older GTA to enjoy Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), because each one tells its own story. If you've got time, though, a couple of them will make it even better.
The main games in order
| Year | Game | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Grand Theft Auto | Three cities |
| 1999 | Grand Theft Auto 2 | Anywhere City |
| 2001 | Grand Theft Auto III | Liberty City |
| 2002 | Vice City | Vice City |
| 2004 | San Andreas | San Andreas |
| 2008 | Grand Theft Auto IV | Liberty City |
| 2013 | Grand Theft Auto V | Los Santos and Blaine County |
| 2026 | Grand Theft Auto VI | Leonida and Vice City |
Our picks before GTA 6
- GTA 5: the closest modern comparison, and it taught players to switch characters. Start with our beginner's guide.
- Vice City: the original take on GTA 6's city, and a short, fun detour.
- Red Dead Redemption 2: not a GTA game, but the best preview of how Rockstar's worlds work now.
Do the stories connect?
Hardly. The games share a universe and some in-jokes, and GTA 6 isn't a sequel you need homework for. Lucia's Liberty City background is a nice nod to the series.
What about the spin-offs?
| Year | Game |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Liberty City Stories |
| 2006 | Vice City Stories |
| 2009 | Chinatown Wars |
These began on handheld consoles. They're fun, but you can skip them if you're short of time.
If you've only got a weekend
Don't try to play everything. Start GTA 5, get through the first few heists, and try switching characters. You'll get a feel for how modern GTA works, and that's the most useful preparation for GTA 6.
What about San Andreas?
Many fans think it's the best of the older games. It's huge and full of character, but it's also more dated, so try it because you're curious rather than as homework.
Are the Definitive Editions worth it?
The remasters of GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas had a rocky launch in 2021. If you're tempted, read recent reviews first, as they've been patched since then.
What changed in each era?
- Top-down years: the first two games were played from above, with a simple arcade feel.
- 3D years: GTA III brought the series into a full 3D city, and Vice City and San Andreas made it bigger and funnier.
- The HD era: GTA IV moved to a more serious tone, and GTA 5 added three leads and GTA Online.
- What's next: GTA 6 brings two leads together in the largest setting Rockstar has built for the series.