It can be tough for players to determine the best Grand Theft Auto games. It’s a series that dates all the way back to 1997 and has been dominant in the gaming industry since. From iconic protagonists like Michael De Santa to locales such as Vice City, it truly stands out. But knowing which ones are the best can be determined not just from sales. But the story, or even its meaning for players in the series. Titles like San Andreas may come to show how much they changed the series’ formulas. And while games like GTA Online are still present with updates, the classics can easily still compete. So if you are curious where we rank the best Grand Theft Auto games, look no further than the list below.
The Best Grand Theft Auto Games, Ranked
11. Grand Theft Auto Advance (2004)
You play as Mike in GTA Advance, a small-time criminal wanting to get out of Liberty City for good. However, things don’t go as planned, and he is swept up into a conflict he wasn’t expecting. Players journey across the city, meeting new and familiar faces from GTA 3 (this takes place one year before). For an entry on the Game Boy Advance, it did an okay job of giving the early GTA experience on a handheld. However, there are some unforgivable issues.
The game is rough when it comes to performance. And while it is a Game Boy Advance title, in the present time, it just plays terribly. The HUD of the game feels crowded and gets in the way. Controls are tight in a bad way, and the graphics are a step down. Overall, Grand Theft Auto Advance doesn’t feel like an innovation at all for the series. But rather a placeholder entry or a step back. One that feels worse than the entries that came out around the same time or years before it.
10. Grand Theft Auto (1997)
The first entry in the GTA Series brought the world a new type of masterpiece. Players had the freedom to explore three massive city maps, do criminal jobs, and cause chaos. When it came out, this was almost unheard of in a game. It helped propel Rockstar Games ahead. However, they didn’t develop this one; they published it. The work for this was done by DMA Design. For a PlayStation game, there was a good amount of content. You could find and use a variety of weapons, complete rampages, and destroy certain structures. All while having Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas to explore.
But as time has shown, the original game is good for being the origin of the series. While having some fun missions to do. But the age is showing through the cracks. The bird’s eye view doesn’t feel great; the driving and walking are incredibly rigid. The story is almost non-existent, and after a playthrough, it doesn’t feel like something to immediately return to.
9. Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
GTA 2 was a fun game for its time. You are an up-and-coming criminal trying to make a name for yourself. Players work for seven different gangs as they try to bring chaos to the city. Facing betrayals, chaos, and danger. All in the name of power and notoriety. It’s a simpler game than those that were released later. But it gave players on the PlayStation a much more upgraded experience than its predecessor. Featuring new cars and a different map to explore. Its upgraded lightning system and the retro-futuristic graphics were also upgrades from the first game.
While it’s a charming title to play, GTA 2 is one of those titles that hasn’t aged well over the years. Additionally, even though it’s a mainline title, it doesn’t share any connection to the other titles. Furthermore, there are only subtle names that connect, such as radio stations or corporation names.
8. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)
First released on the DS, Chinatown Wars made use of the stylus to bring a new story to the series. Return to Liberty City, Huang Lee, a member of the Triad, you work to find corruption in the syndicate. The game used unique cel-shaded artwork for the gameplay. Not just that, but the cutscenes were animated with it as well to present a clearer story for players to enjoy. Furthermore, it was the first title to launch on the Nintendo platform.
The game does a decent job of bringing new features that make use of the stylus. Such as when you have to hijack a vehicle. For a side title, it was a decent length. Taking around 20 hours or so to beat. But releasing after games like Vice City Stories, it felt like it was lacking. Additionally, the return to the bird’s eye view for a camera perspective wasn’t a great choice. Overall, there have been many better entries for players to dive into.
7. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005)
Players are transported back to Liberty City in this prequel to GTA 3. You take on the role of Tony Cipriani as you work to defend the Salvatore Mafia against its enemies. The game was a more barebones approach to the side games on PSP. Compared to the next release, Vice City Stories. While the story is good, the rest of the game doesn’t really bring anything new that GTA 3 didn’t already have. Minus the ferry system to get to other parts of the map faster.
However, if you want to revisit the map and see some familiar characters along the way, it’s not something that should be skipped. Rather, it may be good to play before GTA3, to see the difference.
6. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006)
While technically a side story, Vice City Stories is vital to the main series. Placing you in the role of Vic Vance (Lance Vance’s brother) as he is framed and takes revenge on those who did it. While building an empire in the process. The game was fun, and bringing the new empire-building mechanic was a breath of fresh air. And at first glance, the map being Vice City may seem dull, but it had changes that weren’t seen in the original title.
The story is fun, while bland at times. But seeing Lance before the events of Vice City is great to see. And what led him down the path he took. Along with some unique missions, that’s about the extent of what separates it from those above. Overall, it just feels like an extension of the original game.
5. Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001)
While it’s a very basic game at its core, GTA 3 is the foundation of the series’ shift to 3D. Players get to experience a big world at the time with Liberty City. While now it can be traversed in no time, back in the day, this was amazing to drive through. The music was great, especially the full Scarface soundtrack on Flashback FM. And the missions felt diverse as you work for the Yakuza, Mafia, real estate moguls, and various infamous characters.
A lot of this game may seem basic now compared to other entries in the series. Plus, having a mediocre story to go with it. But it helped to set the tone for the future of the series. While also propelled the PS2 by showcasing just what it was capable of doing when the game came out in 2001.
4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
San Andreas was a big change from what GTA was when it came out in 2004. Players can go on dates, hit the gym to build muscle, and even eat food to gain weight. Plus, it offers you the ability to take over territory from gangs as you work to build yours up. You step into the role of CJ as he returns home after the death of his mom. Seeing his family’s gang in shambles and corruption everywhere, he stays to fight back. And take what’s his. The story of the game is fantastic, spanning across the three islands of San Andreas, where you encounter a unique cast of characters.
The game has a lot to do, and that is part of its kryptonite. It has almost too much to do, especially when it comes to collectibles. There are well over 250 collectibles to hunt down across the map, and it can get taxing. Plus, the constant maintenance of CJ was fun to experience at first. However, as time goes on, the magic fades and starts to feel tedious. But San Andreas was a big shift by adding so much to a series, something that was unexpected.
3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
GTA: Vice City may be a blast from the past, but it’s left a lasting impression in its wake. Heading to a recreation of Miami with Vice City, you play as Tommy Vercetti. Navigating betrayal and gangs as you look to take over the city. This entry brought a stellar soundtrack, a brilliant story (sure, it took liberties from 80s gangster films), and iconic vehicles. Plus, players could buy properties and do separate missions for them. All the while, slowly taking over the city. Vice City had a star-studded lineup, such as Ray Liotta as Tommy, Danny Trejo, Burt Reynolds, and more. While the game is aged, it is a massive staple in the series.
Plus, the 80’s setting, vibes, and aesthetic all combine to make a game that struck me when first played. Not just that, but it sits with you for long after you roll credits on it. One of the few games where it’s perfect to cruise around the map with the in-game radio on. Just to soak it all in.
2. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
A very present titan in the gaming world, GTAV gave us a three-protagonist story, each with their own unique personalities. Additionally, the graphics were bumped up, and a whole new catalog of vehicles was brought into the game. Players get to experience various heists as they aim to make it out alive in Los Santos. The enhancements of shooting freely while driving, and the plethora of content from story missions to Strangers & Freaks, oddjobs, and more. Plus, the addition of massive car customization took it to the next level. If you get bored, you could use the story and side missions to manipulate the in-game stock market to boost your character’s savings. It’s a masterclass in its genre.
However, the story felt like a step back with its more comedic tone. And while GTA Online felt like a big improvement over GTAIV, it has become more or less a life simulator with upkeep on jobs rather than a fun sandbox world. And when you compare it to the more grounded and deep story of it’s predcessor, it falls just slightly short.
1. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
Grand Theft Auto IV injected the series with a surprisingly dark and grounded storyline. A protagonist that players love, with Niko Bellic, and a bustling but dense map with a reimagined Liberty City. The game had amazing physics in various ways. Niko’s running reflected that of real life. Car physics made everything about it feel heavy, including turning. Additionally, it started the trend of holding the enter/exit button to turn the vehicle off. Furthermore, the graphics and looks the environment are something that GTAV would not be able to match. Whether it was the cars or even the urban sprawl all around, this title from 2008 still stands toe to toe with the latest entry.
Furthermore, it gave way to the beginnings of GTA Online by having a fully explorable map with online players and modes to enjoy. While GTAV would come to do some improvements, GTAIV was a positive flashpoint for the series. With the addition of the Lost and the Damned and Ballad of Gay Tony expansions, it only made the story that much better. Showing the ripple effect that extends across Liberty City, while also giving us more to enjoy.
The GTA series is full of titles for players to enjoy. Both incredible and very mediocre. However, the games are a staple in entertainment, and many of them should be experienced. Unique missions and chaotic characters fill the worlds for GTA, and they show no sign of slowing down.
