The Ultimate Ranking Of Every GTA Game Released

From the neon-lit streets of Vice City to the sprawling landscapes of San Andreas, Rockstar Games has etched a vivid universe of career criminals, lunatics, and thieves that has captured our hearts for over 25 years. The overwhelming response to the Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer is a testament to the enduring popularity of this iconic game series. In this exhilarating journey, MARKMEETS revisits the digital streets, both old and new, to curate the definitive ranking of Rockstar’s open-world crime epics. Brace yourself as we embark on the thrilling task of determining which GTA game reigns supreme.

Table of Contents

Unveiling the Rankings

15. Grand Theft Auto: Advance

In 2004, Grand Theft Auto: Advance took a nostalgic detour to the top-down roots of the series for a Game Boy spinoff. Serving as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, this handheld adventure provided a bite-sized taste of the classic car-jacking, crime-spree gameplay. While not a comprehensive GTA experience, it delivered over 300 missions, offering a nostalgic excursion into the series’ origins.

14. Grand Theft Auto: London 1969

A charming expansion for the original GTA, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 stands out by unfolding in the real city of London. Departing from fictional locales like Los Santos and Liberty City, it remains a retro relic, offering a glimpse into the series’ early experimentation with varied settings.

13. Grand Theft Auto 2

Two years post the series debut, Grand Theft Auto 2 emerged as a refined sequel set in a cyberpunk-inspired retro-futuristic city. With improved graphics and gameplay, GTA 2 hinted at the cinematic direction the series would later embrace. The eight-minute short movie crafted by Rockstar for the game’s intro cutscene showcased the evolving narrative ambitions.

12. Grand Theft Auto 1

The inaugural chapter, Grand Theft Auto 1, stands as a testament to the series’ transformative journey. With a top-down, mission-based structure, players engaged in car-stealing escapades and evaded the authorities. From its humble beginnings, the irreverent humor and wanton destruction were integral elements that shaped the series’ DNA.

11. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Venturing into the world of the Triads, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars embraced the top-down design while infusing a striking visual style inspired by iconic GTA box art. The Nintendo DS version, leveraging unique touch controls, remains a standout, offering an engaging and immersive experience.

10. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories

Breaking new ground, Liberty City Stories brought the 3D GTA experience to handheld devices. Expanding the world of GTA 3, it seamlessly integrated a sprawling open world into a handheld package. With recurring characters and a vibrant portrayal of Liberty City, this portable entry maintained the series’ ambition.

9. Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned

The inaugural expansion for Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and Damned centered around biker gang member Johnny and unfolded parallel to the base game’s events. While enhancing the narrative, it introduced more weapons and vehicles, expanding the scope of GTA 4. This expansion marked Rockstar’s venture into episodic storytelling, a trend further explored in GTA Online.

8. Grand Theft Auto 3

A groundbreaking leap into the third dimension, Grand Theft Auto 3 transformed the series into a third-person, open-world spectacle. Chronicles of Claude’s ascent in Liberty City marked a cinematic shift, echoing influences from The Sopranos and Goodfellas. While the visuals may show their age, GTA 3 laid the foundation for the series’ future evolution.

7. Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories

Returning to Rockstar’s version of Miami, Vice City Stories for PSP delivered a prequel to the 1980s-set hit. Playing as Vic, brother of Vice City’s Lance Vance, players built criminal empires in a fully-fledged 3D GTA game on the go. Technical improvements and a fresh 1980s soundtrack elevated this handheld gem.

6. Grand Theft Auto Online

The dynamic online sandbox, GTA Online, evolved from a multiplayer component for GTA 5 into a sprawling universe of its own. Beyond a chaotic sandbox, it became a virtual canvas for heists, role-playing, and unbridled mayhem. With a robust role-playing community, GTA Online became a phenomenon, influencing the delayed arrival of GTA 6.

5. Grand Theft Auto 4: The Ballad of Gay Tony

As the second DLC expansion for GTA 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony expanded on the main game’s narrative. Assuming the role of Luis, players managed Tony Prince’s nightclubs, adding a layer of depth. Regarded as one of the best DLCs of its era, it elegantly tied up loose threads in the GTA 4 story.

4. Grand Theft Auto 4

Grand Theft Auto 4 marked a high-definition milestone for the series, showcasing Rockstar’s technical prowess. The cinematic storytelling reached new heights, depicting Niko Bellic’s dark and satirical journey. As an exploration of the American dream, GTA 4 earned acclaim for its narrative depth and memorable characters.

3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Despite subsequent releases overshadowing its scale, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City remains a stylish masterpiece. Set in a fictionalized Miami, it introduced Tommy Vercetti, voiced by Ray Liotta, on a quest for criminal dominance. The vibrant storytelling showcased Rockstar’s prowess beyond violence, establishing coolness as a defining trait.

2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

A pivotal chapter, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, ushered in deep customization and rich systems. Following CJ’s return to Los Santos, the game featured a sprawling map, diverse activities, and a dynamic gang wars system. The detailed narrative, customization options, and expansive world made San Andreas one of the series’ most fully-featured entries.

1. Grand Theft Auto 5

The culmination of Rockstar’s storytelling and open-world mastery, Grand Theft Auto 5 reigns supreme. Initially released in 2013, it underwent successive enhancements for each gaming platform, showcasing the living world of Los Santos. With a criminal crew comprising Michael, Trevor, and Franklin, GTA 5’s popularity endures due to its extraordinary scope, boundless activities, and cinematic storytelling.

As we conclude this epic ranking, Grand Theft Auto’s legacy stands tall, weaving tales of crime, chaos, and charisma. Share your favorite GTA memories in the comments and stay tuned for our comprehensive coverage of Grand Theft Auto 6, unveiling 99 details from the first trailer. The journey through Rockstar’s criminal underworld continues, and we’re here for every exhilarating moment.

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