We set off on an adrenaline-charged adventure in the captivating world of Grand Theft Auto. We’ll trawl through each instalment of this legendary series, ranking the GTA games from the less stellar to the outstanding. This is why writing a ranking guide is challenging, as each has its unique quirks.
This list stands as a tribute to the trailblazing journey of Grand Theft Auto. From revolutionising the landscape of open-world games to offering narratives as audacious as the city streets we explore in these games, we welcome you to join us on this trip down memory lane. So, let’s fire up the engines and navigate the definitive ranking of all GTA games.
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10. Grand Theft Auto
Taking the bottom spot, the game that started it all, Grand Theft Auto. Debuting with a top-down perspective, it marked the inception of a franchise that would redefine open-world gaming. Its pixelated streets and satirical humour set the groundwork for what was to follow.
Despite its simplistic graphics and gameplay compared to its successors, it was a pioneering title for its time. Its audacious theme of lawlessness and exploration granted players an unprecedented level of freedom, paving the way for future instalments.
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9. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Next up, we have Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. While it successfully brought the franchise’s signature sandbox gameplay to the portable platform, it didn’t quite match up to the mainline console games. Even though the game did a commendable job of recreating Liberty City on a smaller scale, it was limited by the constraints of the PSP hardware.
The narrative didn’t push any boundaries either, sticking to the tried-and-true mafia story trope. However, its place in the series is nonetheless important, offering GTA fans a portable dose of their favourite crime simulator. It’s one of those GTA games that doesn’t touch anything good or bad.
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8. Grand Theft Auto 2
Grand Theft Auto 2 continued to build on the foundations of the inaugural title. The game retained the top-down perspective while introducing several gameplay mechanics that would become a staple in the series, such as mission variety and different gang factions.
The game did make significant strides in refining gameplay and added a layer of polish to the franchise’s already edgy attitude. However, it still fell short of the immersive narratives and fully-realised worlds that later games in the series would master.
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7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Taking the seventh spot is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. Despite its narrative not being as impactful as its big brother, Vice City, this game managed to carve out a niche for itself. It offered a fresh perspective on the vibrant city of Vice City, while also providing a deeper exploration of fan-favourite characters.
On the gameplay front, it introduced business management, a novel concept that added a new dimension to the series’ gameplay. Yet, when lined up against its counterparts, it falls a bit short of their narrative depth and groundbreaking impact.
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6. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
One of the most innovative spin-offs, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, lands at the sixth spot. As a DS title, it ingeniously utilised the handheld’s capabilities, resulting in unique gameplay elements such as interactive car thefts.
Returning to a top-down perspective, the game seamlessly blended the franchise’s traditional gameplay with a distinctive visual style. It might not have boasted the rich narratives of its console brethren, but it was a standout entry in its own right, cementing the series’ versatility.
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5. Grand Theft Auto 4
Cracking into the top five, Grand Theft Auto 4 was a substantial leap forward for the series. It introduced gamers to Niko Bellic, an immigrant trying to carve out his American Dream in Liberty City. The narrative offered a grittier, more serious tone that added depth to the traditionally satirical series.
The game represented a graphical overhaul, and introduced an evolved physics engine which led to more realistic and dynamic gameplay. However, the grim storyline and drastic departure from the series’ flamboyant style made it a divisive entry among fans.
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4. Grand Theft Auto 3
Next in line is the game that ushered in a new era for the series, Grand Theft Auto 3. It was a radical departure from its predecessors, transitioning from a top-down perspective to a fully-realised 3D world. This was a landmark moment, not just for the franchise, but for the entire gaming industry. That’s why it is one of the best games of 2001.
Its open-world design, layered narrative, and exhilarating missions raised the bar for video games. A revolution in its time, it secured a legacy that remains evident in the series and the broader gaming landscape.
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3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Hitting the bronze spot, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City delivered a pastel-soaked love letter to the 80s. With its vibrant aesthetics, memorable characters, and an unforgettable soundtrack, it was a refined and expanded version of its predecessor.
The game brought to life a city seeped in cultural references and gave the protagonist, Tommy Vercetti, a voice, adding a new layer of depth to the narrative. Its audacious charm set it apart from other titles, making it one of the most beloved games in the franchise.
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2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Just missing out on the top spot, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas took everything that made its predecessors great and amplified it. The game introduced a sprawling, diverse world and brought in RPG elements, significantly deepening gameplay mechanics.
From tackling serious themes such as race and corruption to giving players the ability to customise the protagonist, CJ, it pushed the boundaries of what an open-world game could be. San Andreas was not just a game – it was an epic journey, a cultural phenomenon that still resonates with fans. It is one of the best GTA games, if not the best.
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1. Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA Online)
Crowning our list is none other than Grand Theft Auto 5. It presented players with a sprawling recreation of Los Angeles and introduced a novel, three-protagonist system. It boasted a meticulously detailed world, laden with side activities and fleshed-out characters, pushing the series’ open-world design to new heights.
The narrative weaved between the lives of its three protagonists, delivering a multifaceted storyline filled with memorable moments. Its continued popularity, even years after its release, speaks volumes about its impact. Grand Theft Auto 5 isn’t just the best game in the series, it’s a testament to the evolution of the franchise and its lasting influence on the gaming industry.
Moreover, we mustn’t overlook GTA Online, the most profitable venture in the history of Rockstar Games. Constructed on the GTA 5 engine, this online empire remains as robust as its debut day. Millions of players persist in their enjoyment on role-playing servers. With the launch of GTA 6 looming ever nearer, it’s only fitting to afford the fifth instalment the esteem it merits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GTA Games OK for a 12-Year-Old?
No, GTA games aren’t suitable for 12 age range. However, even this age rating is somewhat open to discussion. Because the Grand Theft Auto series always contains content that is not suitable for children, such as profanity, fighting, violence, pornography, sexual acts. Due to the multiplayer mechanics of GTA Online, families should be extra careful.
When Will GTA 6 Coming Out?
While there is no official release date yet, we expect GTA 6 to launch in the second half of 2024. Thanks to the leaks about the game, we know that the development continues at full speed. It’s almost certain that Rockstar Games will release the first trailer before the end of 2023. GTA 6 will be released for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Is GTA Online Free?
No, you need to buy GTA 5 to play GTA Online. Players who buy the base game can connect to GTA Online for free. You can buy Grand Theft Auto 5 for free or very cheap on different platforms, especially Xbox Game Pass. We expect GTA Online 2 to be released after GTA 6 is released.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
