The GTA series is the titan of the open-world genre. Developed by Rockstar Games, the games are known for their satirical take on American culture, vast open worlds, and freedom of gameplay.
Before Niko Bellic and Michael De Santa, there were nameless protagonists and a red car that looked suspiciously like a Fiat.
Steal car → drive to mission → shoot rivals → escape police → spend money on weapons/clothes → cause random mayhem → repeat.
Would you like a detailed feature comparison between specific GTA games (e.g., San Andreas vs. V)?
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is one of the most successful and influential franchises in gaming history, known for its open-world freedom, satirical storytelling, and focus on the criminal underworld. From its 2D roots in the late 1990s to the massive technical achievements of Grand Theft Auto V and the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI
, the series has consistently pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Core Gameplay and Setting GTA Games
Each title typically features a protagonist rising through the ranks of organized crime in fictional cities modeled after real-world locations like New York City ( Liberty City ), Miami (Vice City), and Los Angeles ( Los Santos
). Players engage in a mix of linear story missions and sandbox activities, including high-speed driving, shooting, and specialized roles like stealth or racing. Campaign Playtime and Completion
The time required to finish a GTA game varies significantly by title and playstyle. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
is often cited as having the longest linear mission progression with over 100 missions. Game Title Main Story Length 100% Completion GTA: Vice City GTA: San Andreas 80+ Hours (up to 300 for full grind) ~28–32 Hours The Evolution of the Franchise
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is divided into three distinct chronological universes: Main Series & Expansions The following list is ordered by original release date: Grand Theft Auto The Ultimate Guide to Grand Theft Auto The
(1997): The original top-down 2D game set in Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. GTA: London 1969
(1999): An expansion pack for the first game set in 1960s London. GTA: London 1961 (1999): A prequel expansion to London 1969 Grand Theft Auto 2
(1999): Set in the retro-futuristic "Anywhere City" with improved 32-bit graphics. Grand Theft Auto III
(2001): The first 3D entry, following Claude in Liberty City. GTA: Vice City
(2002): Set in 1986, following Tommy Vercetti's rise to power. GTA: San Andreas Steal car → drive to mission → shoot
(2004): Featuring CJ in the early '90s across the state of San Andreas. Grand Theft Auto IV
(2008): Started the HD universe with Niko Bellic in Liberty City. The Lost and Damned (2009): First major story expansion for The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009): Second major expansion for Grand Theft Auto V
(2013): Features three protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—in modern-day Los Santos. Grand Theft Auto VI
(2026): The next major installment, expected to return to the state of Leonida (Vice City). Handheld & Spin-off Titles GTA Games in order - IMDb
Originally a bonus mode for GTA V, GTA Online has become the defining GTA games experience for millions. Launched in 2013, it has evolved into a persistent universe where players buy businesses, race supercars, fly orbital cannons, and rob casinos.
Despite criticism for microtransactions (Shark Cards), GTA Online receives constant updates—from Heists to Cayo Perico island expansions. It is the reason Rockstar has not released GTA VI yet; the money printer simply hasn't stopped.