What is the best order to play the GTA games in?

What is the Best Order to Play the GTA Games In?

The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series has been a beloved franchise for gamers around the world. With numerous games and expansions released over the years, it can be daunting to decide which order to play them in. Should you start with the classic games or dive straight into the modern titles? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you play the GTA games in the best possible order.

Chronological Order

For those who want to experience the story unfold in chronological order, the correct sequence is:

1. Grand Theft Auto 3 (2000) – The game that started it all, GTA 3 introduces the open-world concept that would become a hallmark of the series.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) – Set in the 1980s, Vice City follows a similar storyline to GTA 3, but with a new setting and characters.
3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) – The game takes place in the 1990s, showcasing the evolution of the series and introducing new characters and gameplay mechanics.

Release Date Order

For those who prefer to play the games in the order they were released, here’s the correct sequence:

1. Grand Theft Auto (1997) – The original game that started the franchise.
2. Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999) – The sequel to the original game, set in a different location.
3. Grand Theft Auto 3 (2000) – The game that introduced the 3D open-world concept.
4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) – The next installment in the series, set in the 1980s.
5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) – The game that brought the series to the 1990s.

Modern Era

For those who want to skip the older games and jump into the modern era, here’s the sequence:

1. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008) – The game that brought the series into the HD era.
2. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned (2009) – The first downloadable content (DLC) for GTA IV.
3. Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony (2009) – The second DLC for GTA IV.
4. Grand Theft Auto V (2013) – The game that rebooted the series and introduced a new world and characters.
5. Grand Theft Auto Online (2013) – The multiplayer component of GTA V, offering endless gameplay opportunities.

Playstyles and Personal Preference

The GTA series offers a range of playstyles and settings, making it difficult to determine a single "best" order. Here’s a breakdown of the different playstyles:

• Story-focused: Play the games in chronological order to experience the story unfold.
• Exploration-focused: Play the games in release date order to explore the evolution of the series.
• Multiplayer-focused: Jump into Grand Theft Auto Online to experience the online component.
• Gaming nostalgia: Play the older games to experience the original GTA formula.

In conclusion, the best order to play the GTA games in is subjective and depends on personal preference. Whether you prefer to play the games in chronological order, release date order, or skip to the modern era, the Grand Theft Auto series has something for everyone.

Here’s a table summarizing the best order to play the GTA games in:

Now that you know the best order to play the GTA games in, which order will you choose?