The GTA (Grand Theft Auto) series is undoubtedly the most iconic and influential franchise in the history of video games. Its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and richly detailed open-world settings have set a high standard for the industry. Every new Grand Theft Auto game always pushes the boundaries of open-world gaming, and the evolving gameplay loops are a phenomenon that just keeps on delivering. So much so that it’s quite intimidating ranking all GTA games from worst to best. Be that as it may, in this list, we’ll be making this tough decision.
All GTA Games, Ranked
Today, we’ll be counting down the widely acclaimed GTA games from worst to best. The list is based on a fan’s personal preference and might differ from your opinion considering almost every game in the franchise is so good. In either case, be sure to let us know in the comments which GTA games you would rank differently.
11. Grand Theft Auto Advance
Grand Theft Auto Advance is a lesser-known but enjoyable GTA game that features vehicle-based gameplay and an appealing art style. Even though the game is a quality experience, the dated visuals, limitations, and strictly vehicle-adhering gameplay are the reasons why it ranks as the worst GTA game ever, or least popular.
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10. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories takes us back to Vice City, a fun setting from the beloved Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The cherished open-world of this fictional version of Miami, great gunplay, and an amazing crime syndicate-building system are enough reasons to give Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories a giant thumbs up – and yeah, Advance is probably the only bad GTA game.
9. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3 that shows how prequels should be done. Straightforward mission design, snappy encounters, and a solid build-up to GTA 3’s events make Liberty City one of the best GTA games to ever come out.
8. Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto marked the beginning of a revolutionary video game series. Even though it has clunky controls, the game is still a thrilling experience with its fun driving mechanics. Even today it’s still considered to be one of the best GTA games of all time.
7. Grand Theft Auto 2
Grand Theft Auto 2 is a sequel done right with its improved driving mechanics, police chase, controls, weapons, and much more. GTA 2 is considered a classic in the series and deservingly so. It’s a fun world to cause mayhem in, and despite its age, GTA 2 is a noteworthy entry in the mainline series.
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6. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is a fun and chaotic GTA spin-off game. It features the familiar top-down perspective that captures the essence of the first 2 games in the series. Its graphics are nothing special, however, it has a solid footing with the narrative and keeps things high-octane throughout the ride. You should still check it out for yourself to decide, especially if you’re looking for a GTA game available on mobile.
5. Grand Theft Auto 3
GTA 3 is the game where the series found its identity. It features some of the most iconic vehicles in the series, a great protagonist, and a revolutionary open-world that lands it a high spot among the best GTA games to date.
4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
GTA: San Andreas is one of the most celebrated games of all time. With its expansive world-building, engaging narrative, and unparalleled freedom, it solidifies its place in gaming history. Its breathtaking map and unforgettable protagonist are so iconic that it still captivates players a decade and a half later.
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3. Grand Theft Auto 4
GTA 4 takes us to the treasured world of Liberty City and introduces the most legendary protagonist in the franchise, Niko Belic. It features a deep revenge-driven story that is filled with memorable moments and possibly the most realistic driving in any GTA game.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
GTA: Vice City is undoubtedly one of the best GTA games to grace fans, mainly contributed by its stellar story. Take control of Tommy Vercetti, an iconic GTA protagonist, in a tale painted with betrayal and revenge, befitting the classic mafia feud theme the game goes for. Evading the cops and causing commotion on every other street will always give you a reason to revisit this classic.
1. Grand Theft Auto 5
GTA 5 has had the world of gaming in a chokehold ever since its release in 2013 and has been dominating video game sales charts for almost a decade. It features 3 protagonists, each of whom is are cog in a much larger and multilayered story. The game’s massive open-world is packed with many stellarly executed activities that will keep you addicted even after 100s of hours. GTA 5 is easily one of the best biggest achievements in gaming earning itself a spot as one of the best GTA games ever.
No. 1,2, Chinatown should be at the bottom. Vice City is not better than 4 or San Andreas, 5 is maybe top 3 but not 1. No one considers 1, 2, and Chinatown the greatest games ever.