What Order Should You Play GTA?
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is one of the most iconic and beloved video game franchises in the world. With numerous games in the series, many players are often confused about the best order to play them. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on the ideal order to play the GTA games.
The Grand Theft Auto 3D Timeline
Before we dive into the best order to play GTA, let’s take a look at the series’ 3D timeline:
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories: Set in 1984, this game takes place three years before GTA: Vice City.
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: Released in 2002, this game is set in 1986.
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: This 2004 game is set in 1992, two years after Vice City.
- Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories: Released in 2005, this game takes place in 1998, six years after San Andreas.
- Grand Theft Auto Advance: This 2004 game is set in 2000, three years after Liberty City Stories.
- Grand Theft Auto III: This classic game was released in 2001 and is set in 2001.
The Best Order to Play GTA
While the series’ 3D timeline provides a sense of chronology, playing the games in the correct order is crucial to experiencing the best storyline and characters. Here’s the recommended order to play GTA:
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- This game is an excellent starting point, as it introduces you to the GTA universe and its characters.
- Playing Vice City first allows you to understand the events that lead up to San Andreas.
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- San Andreas is a fan favorite and offers an immersive experience.
- Playing San Andreas after Vice City allows you to see the progression of characters and events.
- Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
- This game is set several years after San Andreas and provides a new perspective on the GTA universe.
- Playing Liberty City Stories after San Andreas helps to solidify the characters and events in your mind.
- Grand Theft Auto: Advance
- This game is not as essential as the others, but playing it after Liberty City Stories helps to fill in gaps in the timeline.
- Grand Theft Auto III
- Playing GTA III last provides a nostalgic experience and allows you to appreciate the game’s influence on the series.
Other Considerations
While playing the games in the recommended order is crucial, there are other factors to consider:
- Difficulty: If you’re new to the series, playing Vice City first might be more challenging due to its complexity.
- Graphics and Gameplay: The series’ graphics and gameplay have evolved significantly over the years. If you’re playing on a modern console, playing San Andreas or Liberty City Stories might be a better option.
- Character Connections: Playing the games in the recommended order helps to understand character connections and storylines better.
Table: GTA 3D Timeline
| Game | Release Year | Setting | Chronological Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTA: Vice City Stories | 2004 | 1984 | 3 |
| GTA: Vice City | 2002 | 1986 | 2 |
| GTA: San Andreas | 2004 | 1992 | 4 |
| GTA: Liberty City Stories | 2005 | 1998 | 5 |
| GTA Advance | 2004 | 2000 | 6 |
| GTA III | 2001 | 2001 | 1 |
Conclusion
Playing the GTA games in the correct order is essential to understanding the series’ complex storyline and characters. By following the recommended order, you’ll experience the best storyline, characters, and gameplay. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, the GTA series is an incredible journey that awaits.