Grand Theft Auto

What makes the Grand Theft Auto series so popular?

Since the very beginning, every Grand Theft Auto game has been published by Rockstar Games and shares the same DNA: stories about criminals and their exploits, vast open cities to explore, and a healthy mix of violence, satire and humour. For more than two decades, GTA has captivated players thanks to its combination of open-world freedom and compelling storytelling. The series excels at turning your perspective upside down – gangsters become protagonists, while law enforcement often plays the role of the antagonist.

What are Grand Theft Auto games about?

From the very first title, GTA has focused on giving players maximum freedom and countless ways to interact with the world around them. The protagonist is typically a criminal driven by revenge, ambition, loyalty to family, or the desire to build a criminal empire. As a result, GTA's themes are often controversial. Murder, theft, gambling and prostitution frequently appear throughout the games, reflecting the criminal worlds in which the stories unfold

Massive Grand Theft Auto open worlds full of possibilities

One of GTA's defining features is its enormous open worlds, inspired by real cities such as New York and Miami. These bustling environments are packed with activities, side missions and vehicles ranging from sports cars and tanks to helicopters and aeroplanes. Players can customise their characters with tattoos, hairstyles and clothing, purchase properties, and use safehouses to save progress throughout the game

Did you know that the original GTA (1) was initially developed under the title Race 'n' Chase, where players were supposed to catch criminals rather than become them? The developers reportedly found that concept less exciting and reversed the roles. The result was the first GTA, released in 1997, launching what would become one of the best-selling franchises in gaming history.

Grand Theft Auto Online

If you prefer multiplayer games, GTA Online has plenty to offer. Thanks to its online mode, Grand Theft Auto V remains one of the most-played games to this day. Create your own character and dive into a world full of chaos, activities and player-created content. Plan the ultimate heist with your friends and work your way to becoming the richest player in GTA. An expansive open world packed with opportunities awaits.

GTA V – Still the latest mainline entry

Released in 2013, GTA V broke numerous records and became the second best-selling video game of all time. It remains one of the world's top-selling titles and continues to enjoy a massive player base. Much of its success can be attributed to its largest-ever open world, rich story featuring multiple endings, first-person mode and three playable protagonists. Head to the sunny streets of Los Santos and experience the personal stories of Michael, Franklin and Trevor for yourself.

• Michael is a former bank robber and an old friend of Trevor. He lives with his family in a large mansion in Los Santos.
• Franklin is a young gangster with greater ambitions than most of his peers and wants to rise higher in the criminal world.
• Trevor is a lonely, aggressive and unstable meth dealer who lives in a trailer and is also Michael’s former pal.

Grand Theft Auto IV – Chasing the American Dream

Grand Theft Auto IV puts players in the role of Niko Bellic, a war veteran from Eastern Europe who, under pressure from criminals, tries to escape his past and pursue the “American Dream”. However, his journey is far from easy, as he must work with thieves, killers and eventually faces the mafia. The map consists of three main islands that are gradually unlocked, along with the additional borough of Alderney, based on New Jersey.

As with previous entries, cheat codes are popular in GTA IV and GTA V. In GTA IV they are entered by dialing numbers on the in-game phone, while in GTA V they are typed directly into a command console. Cheats allow players to become invincible, gain large amounts of money, or avoid police attention.

Step back in time with the new Grand Theft Auto collection

The newly released Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (2021) brings together remastered versions of GTA III, GTA: Vice City and GTA: San Andreas. You can look forward to improved, more detailed graphics as well as a range of new gameplay changes, such as a modern weapon wheel, checkpoints, and an updated navigation system. However, iconic characters like CJ and Claude remain, allowing you to relive their stories in enhanced visual quality.

• Grand Theft Auto III puts you in the role of Claude, who lives in Liberty City inspired by New York. After being betrayed by his girlfriend during a bank robbery, he sets out on a revenge mission that draws him into the criminal underworld.
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in a fictional version of Miami, where you play as drug dealer Tommy Vercetti, who has served 15 years in prison and is determined to build his own drug empire.
• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas features three cities: Los Santos, San Fierro and Las Venturas. The protagonist is Carl “CJ” Johnson, who returns to his hometown and decides to bring his gang and family back together.

When will GTA VI be released?

The highly anticipated GTA VI is expected to be released on November 19, 2026. According to the developers, the wait should be worth it, as the game has been in development for over five years. Based on available information, players will explore an area called Leonida, inspired by Florida, and will be able to visit well-known locations such as Vice City.

What are the GTA games released so far?

The GTA series can be divided into main titles and spin-offs. In addition to the main games, a number of spin-offs and expansion packs have also been released, including Chinatown Wars, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony. The main titles include GTA 1, GTA 2, GTA 3, GTA 4, GTA 5, along with GTA: San Andreas and GTA: Vice City. If you’re curious about how the main Grand Theft Auto games were released in order, take a look at our table.