All GTA Games in Order of Release Date (1997-2021)

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a widely popular open-world action-adventure video game franchise developed by Rockstar Games.

It is known for its non-linear gameplay and allows players to roam freely in a vast open-world environment while completing missions and exploring various cities.

The game franchise has been praised for its unique and immersive gameplay experience, which has made it one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.

Here is a rundown of all the GTA games in order of their release date:

1. Grand Theft Auto (1997)

• Release Date: November 28, 1997,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Game Boy Color

Developed by DMA Design, it is an action-packed game that has players take on the role of a criminal who must complete various tasks and missions in a fictional city while avoiding law enforcement.

The gameplay of GTA is based on an open-world structure, which means that players can explore the city at their leisure and interact with various characters and objects in the game world. The game’s missions often involve driving cars, shooting guns, and engaging in various criminal activities such as bank robberies and drug deals.

2. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 (1999)

• Release Date: April 29, 1999,
• Available Platforms: PC, PlayStation

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 is an expansion pack for the first game and as its name suggests, it takes place in London during the year 1969.

Players take on the role of a criminal who must complete various missions in a city modeled after London in the 1960s. The game features new vehicles, weapons, and characters that are reflective of the time period.

GTA: London 1969 was well-received by critics and fans alike, and it further solidified the Grand Theft Auto franchise as a major player in the video game industry. Its success paved the way for future expansion packs and sequels, which continue to be popular among gamers today.

3. GTA: London, 1961 (1999)

• Release Date: June 1, 1999,
• Available Platform: PC, PlayStation

This is another extension for GTA (1997) and it is set in 1961 London and revolves around the player’s character, who is a member of a criminal gang. The player must complete missions to progress through the game.

Tough the first extension went well with critics, this game received mixed reviews. Some praised the game for its open-world gameplay and period setting, while others criticized it for its dated graphics and repetitive missions.

4. Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)

• Release Date: October 22, 1999,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Dreamcast, Game Boy Color

Like its predecessor, GTA 2 is an open-world game that allows players to explore the city and complete missions as a criminal. The game features a new “respect” system, where players must gain the respect of different gangs in the city by completing tasks for them. The more respect a player has, the more access they have to new missions and items.

One of the unique features of GTA 2 is the game’s three different districts, each with its distinct look and feel. Players can move between districts by driving through tunnels, and each district features different gangs, vehicles, and missions.

5. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)

• Release Date: October 22, 2001,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 2, PC, Xbox, iOS, Android

Grand Theft Auto III was a significant departure from the previous games in the series. The game was set in a 3D world and allowed players to freely roam in Liberty City. The game was praised for its graphics, sound, and non-linear gameplay.

This video game was developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released in 2001 for PlayStation 2 and later for other platforms, including Xbox and PC.

GTA III is also notable for its use of a radio station system, where players can listen to a variety of fictional radio stations that play music and commercials, as well as provide humorous commentary on the events of the game.

Upon release, GTA III received widespread critical acclaim and helped to popularize the open-world genre. Its success led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, and it remains a beloved title among gamers today. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time and a true landmark in the history of gaming.

6. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)

• Release Date: October 27, 2002,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 2, PC, Xbox, iOS, Android

The game is set in the fictional city of Vice City, which is based in Miami, Florida, in the 1980s. Players take on the role of Tommy Vercetti, a former criminal who is released from prison and sent to Vice City to carry out various missions for the local criminal organizations.

Vice City builds upon the open-world gameplay mechanics introduced in GTA III, with a larger and more detailed game world that includes new vehicles, weapons, and characters. The game also introduces new features, such as the ability to buy and operate businesses, which provides a new source of income for the player’s character.

This game became a commercial success, selling over 10 million copies. It remains a beloved title among gamers today and is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent open-world games, and it is widely regarded as a classic in the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

7. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

• Release Date: October 26, 2004,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 2, PC, Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, iOS, Android

San Andreas was set in California in the early 1990s. The game featured new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to swim and climb, and allowed players to customize their character’s appearance.

The game introduces new features, such as the ability to customize the player character’s appearance and skills, and the addition of role-playing game elements such as hunger and physical fitness.

One of the key features of San Andreas is its use of a three-city structure, with Los Santos serving as the primary setting for the first part of the game, followed by San Fierro and Las Venturas in the latter parts of the game. Each city has its distinct look and feel, and players can explore the countryside and small towns in between.

8. Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004)

• Release Date: October 26, 2004,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Apple Macintosh, Apple iOS, and Android

Grand Theft Auto Advance is a video game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Rockstar Games. It was released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, making it the only GTA game ever released on a Nintendo platform.

The game is set in Liberty City, the same fictional city as in GTA III, and follows the story of a small-time criminal named Mike. Mike is betrayed by his partners and left for dead, but he survives and sets out to seek revenge and reclaim his position in the criminal underworld.

Despite being released on a handheld platform, Grand Theft Auto Advance managed to capture much of the open-world gameplay and storyline that made the series popular. The game features a variety of missions and side quests, as well as the ability to steal cars and commit crimes throughout the city.

One interesting fact about Grand Theft Auto Advance is that it was originally intended to be a direct port of GTA III for the Game Boy Advance. However, the limitations of the handheld platform meant that the developers had to make significant changes to the game’s design and mechanics.

9. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy (2005)

• Release Date: October 19, 2005,
• Available Platforms: PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox

GTA: The Trilogy is a compilation of the three best-selling and most critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto games of all time – GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas – packaged together for the first time.

The Trilogy offers something for everyone; whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or just getting started, there’s something here for you. For newcomers, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience some of the most groundbreaking and influential video games of all time. For fans, it’s a chance to revisit these classics with updated graphics and new features.

Either way, GTA: The Trilogy is a must-have for any gaming library.

10. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)

• Release Date: October 24, 2005,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation Portable (PSP), PlayStation 2

One interesting fact about Liberty City Stories is that it was the first Grand Theft Auto game developed specifically for a handheld gaming device. Despite the limitations of the PSP hardware, the developers managed to create a game that captured much of the open-world gameplay and storytelling that had made the series popular.

One of the unique features of Liberty City Stories is its use of the PSP’s wireless connectivity. Players could connect their PSPs to others and engage in multiplayer modes, including deathmatches and races. This was a first for the series and helped to establish the PSP as a legitimate platform for gaming on the go.

11. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)

• Release Date: October 31, 2006,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation Portable (PSP), PlayStation 2

This game was set in Miami in the 1980s and featured new missions, characters, and vehicles.

Vice City Stories also introduced several new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to swim, fly helicopters, and enter buildings that were previously inaccessible in previous games. The game also featured a robust multiplayer mode, which allowed up to six players to engage in a variety of competitive and cooperative modes over the PSP’s wireless connection.

Overall, Vice City Stories was a well-received addition to the franchise and helped to further establish the series’ reputation as one of the most innovative and groundbreaking in the history of video games.

12. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)

• Release Date: April 29, 2008,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

One of the most notable changes in GTA IV was its shift in tone and storytelling. The game’s protagonist, Niko Bellic, was a much more complex and sympathetic character than the previous protagonists in the series. The game’s storyline also dealt with themes of betrayal, redemption, and the American Dream, which set it apart from earlier, more straightforward games in the series.

Another innovation was its use of a brand-new engine, called RAGE (Rockstar Advanced Game Engine). This allowed for more realistic physics, improved graphics, and more realistic animations. The game’s world was also much larger and more detailed than previous games, with more NPCs and interactive objects.

In addition to its single-player campaign, GTA IV also featured a robust multiplayer mode called “GTA Online.” This mode allowed players to engage in a variety of cooperative and competitive game modes, including races, deathmatches, and cooperative heists.

Overall, GTA IV was a major step forward for the Grand Theft Auto franchise, both in terms of its technical achievements and its storytelling. It set a new standard for open-world games and helped to establish Rockstar Games as one of the most innovative and influential developers in the video game industry.

13. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned (2009)

• Release Date: February 17, 2009,
• Available Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC

This expansion pack for GTA IV puts players in control of Johnny Klebitz, a member of the biker gang The Lost MC, who is trying to keep his gang from falling apart while dealing with rival gangs, corrupt politicians, and internal power struggles.

One of the most interesting features of The Lost and Damned was its focus on the biker subculture, which had not been explored in previous GTA games. The game featured new vehicles, weapons, and clothing items that were specific to the biker lifestyle, as well as a new soundtrack featuring rock and metal music.

14. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009)

• Release Date: October 29, 2009,
• Available Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC

GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony is another expansion pack for GTA IV. It follows the story of Luis Lopez, an assistant to nightclub owner Tony Prince (also known as “Gay Tony”), as he navigates the criminal underworld of Liberty City.

15. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)

• Release Date: March 17, 2009,
• Available Platforms: Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, Apple iOS, and Android

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is an action-adventure video game developed for the Nintendo DS, PSP, and iOS devices.

The game is set in Liberty City and follows the story of Huang Lee, a young Chinese-American gangster who is tasked with delivering an ancient sword to his uncle after his father’s death. The game features a non-linear storyline with multiple endings, and players can complete side missions and engage in various criminal activities such as drug dealing and car theft.

16. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

• Release Date: September 17, 2013,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

GTA V was set in a fictional version of Los Angeles and the surrounding countryside. The game featured three playable characters and a vast open-world environment. It was praised for its graphics, storyline, and online multiplayer mode.

Upon its release, GTA V received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its open-world environment, engaging storyline, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game has also been a commercial success, selling over 150 million copies worldwide as of 2021.

Grand Theft Auto V is a landmark entry in the series that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in an open-world action game.

17. Grand Theft Auto Online (2013)

• Release Date: October 1, 2013,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC

Two weeks after the release of Grand Theft Auto V, the online multiplayer mode for GTA V, GTA Online comes up. This game allows up to 30 players to explore the open world and engage in cooperative or competitive game modes.

18. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (2021)

• Release Date: November 11, 2021,
• Available Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, and Android

GTA Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the three classic Grand Theft Auto games: Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The remastered edition was released in 2021 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original release of Grand Theft Auto III.

In addition to the technical upgrades, The Definitive Edition also includes some new content, such as new radio stations and additional songs. The game also includes a range of bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage, concept art, and other extras.

While The Definitive Edition has been generally well-received, some fans have criticized the remastered version for various issues, such as bugs, glitches, and issues with the updated controls. However, the developers have since released several patches to address these issues and improve the overall gameplay experience.

Overall, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is a worthy tribute to the classic Grand Theft Auto games, and a great way for new players to experience these beloved games in a modern context.

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Conclusion

The Grand Theft Auto franchise has been a significant part of the gaming industry for over two decades. The series has evolved over the years, with each new release introducing new gameplay mechanics, characters, and environments.

The popularity of the series is a testament to its unique and immersive gameplay experience, and the franchise shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. From the original top-down perspective to the latest immersive open-world gameplay, the Grand Theft Auto series has something for everyone.