The mainline Grand Theft Auto games are GTA 1 (1997), GTA 2 (1999), GTA III (2001), Vice City (2002), San Andreas (2004), GTA IV (2008) and GTA V (2013). GTA VI, set in a new Vice City and the State of Leonida, is scheduled for 19 November 2026.
Key takeaways
- First game: 1997.
- Vice City: first appeared in 2002.
- Most recent mainline game: GTA V (2013).
- Next: GTA VI, 19 November 2026.
GTA games in release order
| Game | Year | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto | 1997 | Liberty City, San Andreas and Vice City (top-down) |
| Grand Theft Auto 2 | 1999 | Anywhere City |
| Grand Theft Auto III | 2001 | Liberty City |
| Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | 2002 | Vice City |
| Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | 2004 | San Andreas |
| Grand Theft Auto IV | 2008 | Liberty City |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | Los Santos and Blaine County |
| Grand Theft Auto VI | 19 Nov 2026 (scheduled) | State of Leonida, including Vice City |
Spin-off and handheld titles, such as Vice City Stories (2006) and Chinatown Wars (2009), sit outside this list. The three-game 2021 remaster package is not a mainline release.
Where does Vice City fit?
Vice City first appeared in 2002 and returned in later titles. GTA 6 rebuilds it in a modern Leonida. See the map and the story hub.
What to play before GTA 6
Rockstar has not tied GTA 6 to earlier stories, so you do not need to play anything first. For fans, series background is a good start.
How the series evolved
- 2D to 3D: GTA III brought a fully 3D city.
- Bigger worlds: San Andreas widened the map.
- Realism and online: GTA IV and V added detail and a long-running online mode.
Frequently asked questions
How many GTA games are there?
Seven mainline games before GTA VI, with spin-offs on top.
When did Vice City come out?
2002.
Is GTA 6 a sequel to GTA 5?
It is the next mainline game, with a new setting and leads.
Do I need to play earlier games?
No.
Sources
We label claims Confirmed (stated by Rockstar Games, Take-Two or a platform holder), Reported (credible reporting without an official statement) or Rumour. Many details below come from news reports and store listings, so check the retailer or platform page before you spend money. How we verify