The Grand Theft Auto series stands as one of the most iconic in gaming history, a status it’s held since the first game’s release in 1997. As anticipation builds for GTA VI, it’s the perfect time to revisit the franchise’s past. Before the first trailer of the new game drops, let’s explore the sizes, real-life counterparts, and names of all GTA maps.
In anticipation of GTA VI, remember to check back soon for comprehensive content on the upcoming title. We’ll be covering every aspect of the Grand Theft Auto VI era, from rumours and leaks to our own expectations and official announcements. Stay tuned for in-depth insights into what promises to be another landmark in the GTA saga.
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All GTA Maps: Every Main Games’ Map Size
To keep this overview straightforward and focused, we’ll only be looking at the main games in the Grand Theft Auto series. This means that any DLCs or custom-made GTA Online mods released over the years won’t be included in the list below. Our aim is to provide a clear and direct look at the core experiences that have shaped the GTA universe.
Now, let’s dive into all GTA maps from the main entries in the series:
1. Grand Theft Auto (1997)
Size: 0.83 square kilometres
The first Grand Theft Auto was a trailblazer in several ways. Launched in 1997, it introduced gamers to an open-world concept with a top-down perspective. This game marked the first time players experienced such extensive freedom in a video game, setting a new benchmark in the gaming world.
GTA 1’s map is the smallest compared to all GTA maps. The technical limitations of the time played a role in this, yet the game still managed to include three different cities. Despite its size, it laid the groundwork for the expansive worlds to come in the series.
The cities featured in this first GTA game — Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas — would later become iconic in the Grand Theft Auto universe. Each city was inspired by a real-life counterpart: Liberty City by New York, Vice City by Miami, and San Andreas by San Francisco. These three cities together formed the foundation of what would become a landmark series in gaming.
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2. Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
Size: 1.77 square kilometres
Grand Theft Auto 2 stands out among all GTA maps for its uniqueness. Unlike other games in the series that are set in well-known, iconic cities, GTA 2 is based in a completely fictional city in the USA, known as “Anywhere City”. This city doesn’t share the fame of other locations in the series and marks a different departure from the norm.
Technically, GTA 2 was a step up from its predecessor. It faced fewer technical limitations, which allowed for more development freedom. However, “Anywhere City” doesn’t have a real-life counterpart or any explicit references to actual cities. Interestingly, “GTA 2 – The Movie”, available on the Rockstar Games website at the time, was filmed in New York.
GTA 2, along with its additional content, marked the end of an era for the series. Post this game, the GTA series transitioned into the 3D world with the release of GTA III, ushering in a new phase of development and storytelling in the series.
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3. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
Size: 8.12 square kilometres
Grand Theft Auto III is a revolutionary game in every aspect. Released in 2001 by Rockstar Games, it not only elevated the GTA series to new heights but also defined the open-world gaming genre. The innovations GTA III introduced have continued to influence game design to this very day, setting a precedent for the industry.
Liberty City, perhaps the most iconic of all GTA maps, was brought to life in 3D for the first time in GTA III. The city was transformed into an immersive, open world.
The game’s map consists of three islands, each mirroring real-life locations: Brooklyn/Queens, Manhattan, and New Jersey. Dan Houser, one of the game’s creators, describes this map as a “Hybrid of a generic American city”.
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4. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
Size: 9.11 Square kilometres
Just as everyone was still marvelling at GTA III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City arrived in 2002 and completely overshadowed its predecessor. Drawing inspiration from iconic films like Scarface and Miami Vice, Vice City is a masterpiece in every sense. The story of Tommy Vercetti is particularly memorable, etching itself into the minds of players.
Among all GTA maps, Vice City stands out as the first to truly feel alive. The NPCs in the city seem to lead lives of their own, adding a layer of realism and vibrancy that was unprecedented at the time. This bustling, animated environment greatly contributed to the immersive experience of the game.
Looking ahead, we’re set to return to Vice City in Grand Theft Auto VI. Naturally, there’s immense curiosity about how Rockstar Games will reimagine this fantastic city with modern technology and design principles. The prospect of exploring a contemporary version of Vice City is indeed an exciting one.
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5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
Size: 38.2 square kilometres
Nearly two decades on, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas remains a favourite among many players. Putting GTA V aside, it’s arguably the most free-form and innovative title in the series.
San Andreas stands out among all GTA maps as the first to feature three major cities, each adapted from real-life locations. These cities are Los Santos (Los Angeles), San Fierro (San Francisco), and Las Venturas (Las Vegas). Players journey through these vibrant cities while following the life of the protagonist, CJ.
While GTA V may be considered the superior game in terms of overall quality, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas holds a special place as the most unique instalment in the series. At the time of its release, it boasted the largest map of all GTA maps, a record it held until the release of GTA V.
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6. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
Size: 16.14 square kilometres
Grand Theft Auto IV is often recalled as the most severe instalment in the series. This time around, players found themselves back in Liberty City (New York) but through the eyes of Nico — an Eastern European immigrant. Following the sprawling expanse of San Andreas, the map of GTA IV was intentionally smaller.
Initially, fans of the Grand Theft Auto series had mixed reactions to GTA IV’s serious and story-driven approach. However, over time, the narrative depth of GTA IV gained appreciation. Today, while it may not be everyone’s favourite in the series, it commands a great deal of respect for its storytelling and thematic boldness.
Among all GTA maps, GTA 4’s Liberty City may be a little behind. But no matter who you ask, everyone will remember every corner of it.
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7. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Size: 75.84 square kilometres
When discussing the most iconic of all GTA maps, many would point to Vice City. However, Los Santos in GTA V stands as the standard of open-world design.
Los Santos is a living, breathing city where players embody three different characters, each offering a unique perspective and set of activities. With the addition of GTA Online, it becomes even more dynamic, arguably making it Rockstar Games’ finest urban creation. Yet, with the impending release of Grand Theft Auto VI, this might soon change.
Not only is Los Santos the largest map in the GTA series, but it also surpasses many real-life cities in terms of scale. Exploring the streets of Los Santos, modelled after Los Angeles, within the fictional state of San Andreas (Inspired by Southern California) is an unparalleled gaming experience.
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Final Thoughts
That concludes our exploration of all GTA maps, delving into their sizes, names, and real-life counterparts. Over the past 26 years, each map in this iconic series has created unique and cherished memories for players worldwide.
So, what’s next? The highly anticipated first trailer of Grand Theft Auto VI is set to drop in the first half of December 2023. This will be our first official glimpse at what Rockstar Games has been crafting over the past decade. Like many fans, we’re eager to see the modern version of Vice City.
As of now, there’s no confirmed release date for GTA VI, but predictions suggest it could be late 2024 or early 2025. When it arrives, we’ll be introduced to what could be the largest, most open, and arguably the best city among all GTA maps. The excitement for this new chapter in the GTA saga is real, and we can’t wait to experience it with you.
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