Are you thinking about playing some GTA games but don’t know where to start? I get it because there are a lot of games in the series. If you’re just getting into the series or trying to figure out what to play next, you picked a good time. Since GTA 6 is coming, everyone’s talking about these games again. Want to know which one is actually worth your time and money? Here is our GTA games tier list, ranked from worst to best.
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10. Grand Theft Auto (1998)
The original Grand Theft Auto might seem old-fashioned now (like seriously ancient), but it is still considered important in gaming history. It started everything and set the foundation for the entire GTA series. You could run around causing chaos in an open world, which was pretty mind-blowing back then. The graphics look terrible now, though, so unless you’re really curious about gaming history, you can probably skip this one. That’s why we put it at the last spot of our GTA games tier list.
9. Grand Theft Auto II (1999)
This one’s basically the first game, but better. Better graphics, better camerawork, and you could even play with friends in this game. GTA II still has that weird bird’s-eye view, so it’s fine, but nothing special.
8. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
When you play GTA III for the first time, you understand why it was such a big deal. It was the first GTA game in 3D (where you can actually walk around properly instead of looking down from above). And this game pretty much set the standard for every open-world game until today. The game is set in Liberty City, which is basically New York, and lets you roam around the city that actually feels alive. Something no other game really did at the time.
7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
Vice City takes you to 1986 Miami and is one of the most stylish GTA games in the series. Everything from the bright neon lights to the classic 80s music really captures the vibe of the era. You play as Tommy Vercetti in a story that feels like a mix of Scarface and Miami Vice. It builds on what GTA III started by adding stuff like motorcycles, helicopters, and more mission types. The city also feels more alive, with better character movements and detailed surroundings.
6. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)
This one was originally made for the PSP. Liberty City Stories proved that GTA could work on portable systems. You play as Tony Cipriani, working your way up in Liberty City’s criminal underworld. The game takes place before GTA III, so you will see familiar places, but earlier in time.
5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)
Another PSP game, but this one’s a prequel to Vice City. You play as Victor “Vic” Vance in 1984, building your own criminal empire in the familiar Vice City setting. It’s actually better than the original Vice City in some ways. You get more stuff to do, better missions, and you feel more in control of everything.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)
This one’s weird but in a good way. Chinatown Wars represents Rockstar’s most creative period. The game was made for Nintendo DS, so it’s back to that top-down view, but it actually works really well. You play as Huang Lee and have to deal with Liberty City’s Triad underworld. The cool part? You can use the touchscreen for everything, like putting together guns, stealing cars, all that stuff. It’s surprisingly fun.
3. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
This is the very first HD GTA game, and what a jump! Liberty City looks way more incredible here with realistic lighting and more detailed character models. It was unmatched in 2008. You are playing as Niko Bellic, a guy from Europe trying to make it in America while dealing with his dark past. A little warning, though, you will get called a lot here in the game. Your character’s phone will keep on ringing. Some people hate this feature, but it does make the city feel more alive.
2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
San Andreas is set in a massive world based on California, you play as Carl “CJ” Johnson, returning to his hometown of Los Santos. When I said the game is massive, it is seriously huge. You’ve got Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, all connected with no loading screens. So basically, you can drive everywhere.
What makes San Andreas special is how it finally adds RPG elements to the GTA formula. Your character CJ can get fat if you eat too much pizza, or get buff if you work out regularly. You can customize everything about him. Plus, you get to fly planes! And don’t even get me started on the cheats, they’re absolutely ridiculous and hilarious.
1. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
The game that tops our GTA games tier list is definitely Grand Theft Auto V. Yes, this is the best one, no contest! It’s been out for over 10 years, and people still play it like crazy. Los Santos is incredible, you’ve got city, mountains, desert, beaches, everything. It all looks amazing and feels real.
In GTA V, you play as three different guys. Michael is the smart planner, Trevor is the one who is completely insane, bringing chaos and surprises, and Franklin has great driving skills. Their stories all connect smoothly, making the overall story feel bigger and more exciting than just one character’s alone. It’s awesome.
And then, there is GTA Online, which is basically a whole separate game inside GTA V that deserves special mention. It offers tons of things to do, from heists with friends, car racing, running businesses, and even fighting other players. There is always something new to do here in the game, that’s why it’s easy to see why it’s still so popular even nowadays.
If you’re new to GTA, then I recommend you to start with GTA V. It’s got everything that makes these games great, and it’s easy for modern players to enjoy. Once you’re hooked on the game, you can go back and try the older ones to see how it all started. Trust me, each game has its own cool stuff, so the best one depends on what you like.
