Wheon Grand Theft Auto Was Released: The Complete Timeline of GTA’s Epic Saga

Introduction: Why Wheon Grand Theft Auto Releases Matter
Ever puzzled over wheon Grand Theft Auto first hit the gaming world? Maybe you’re curious about the release dates of each GTA game and how this legendary series became a global obsession. For fans and newcomers, pinning down wheon Grand Theft Auto titles dropped can feel like navigating a high-speed chase through Los Santos, with twists and turns at every corner.
Don’t worry this article has your back! We’ll map out wheon Grand Theft Auto games were released, from the 1997 original to the upcoming GTA VI in 2026. You’ll learn each game’s launch date, what made it iconic, and why GTA rules gaming in 2025. Whether you’re a casual player or a GTA diehard, let’s rev up and dive into this thrilling timeline!
The First Spark: Wheon Grand Theft Auto Began
Wheon Grand Theft Auto first launched, it was a bold, rebellious idea that changed gaming forever. This section covers the franchise’s early days.
Grand Theft Auto (November 1997)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto debuted in November 1997 for MS-DOS and Windows, with PlayStation and Game Boy Color versions in 1998 and 1999. Created by DMA Design (now Rockstar North), it featured a top-down view of three cities Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City where players could steal cars and tackle missions. I remember playing it on my old PC, stunned by the freedom to cause chaos.
GTA: London 1969 and 1961 (April 1999)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto expanded in April 1999 with GTA: London 1969 and London 1961 for PC and PlayStation. These add-ons took players to a retro, fictional London with new missions and ’60s flair. It felt like jumping into a classic British crime caper think Austin Powers with more grit.
Keeping the 2D Vibe: Wheon Grand Theft Auto 2 Launched
The second game built on the original’s foundation, adding new tricks. It was a key step in GTA’s evolution.

Grand Theft Auto 2 (October 1999)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto 2 hit shelves in October 1999 for Windows, PlayStation, Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color. Set in Anywhere City, a futuristic urban maze, it cast you as Claude Speed, working for rival gangs. With sharper graphics and early multiplayer modes, it was a blast. My buddies and I spent hours in Deathmatch, dodging cops and laughing.
Going 3D: Wheon Grand Theft Auto Changed Gaming
The early 2000s marked a massive shift as GTA embraced 3D. These 3D Universe games brought vivid worlds and gripping stories.
Grand Theft Auto III (October 2001)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto III launched in October 2001 for PlayStation 2, followed by Windows and Xbox in 2002. It introduced a 3D Liberty City and silent protagonist Claude, seeking vengeance. The open-world freedom blew me away I’d wander, stealing taxis and listening to radio chatter, hooked on the living city.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (October 2002)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto: Vice City arrived in October 2002 for PlayStation 2, with Windows and Xbox in 2003. Set in a neon-drenched ’80s Miami, you played Tommy Vercetti, voiced by Ray Liotta, building a crime empire. The soundtrack, with hits like “Africa” by Toto, made every drive epic. I still vibe to those tunes!
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (October 2004)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas dropped in October 2004 for PlayStation 2, with Windows and Xbox in 2005. Set in the ’90s, it followed Carl CJ Johnson across a huge state inspired by California and Nevada. With gym workouts and gang wars, it felt like a life sim. I loved racing bikes up Mount Chiliad on weekends.
Handheld and Prequels: Wheon Grand Theft Auto Went Portable
Rockstar kept fans hooked with spin-offs for handhelds and prequels, expanding GTA’s reach. These titles brought fresh tales.
Grand Theft Auto Advance (October 2004)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto Advance released in October 2004 for Game Boy Advance, it used a top-down style. A prequel to GTA III, it followed Mike in Liberty City. It was simple but perfect for gaming during school lunch breaks.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (October 2005)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories came out in October 2005 for PlayStation Portable, with a PlayStation 2 port in 2006. A GTA III prequel, it starred Toni Cipriani in 1998 Liberty City. Playing an open world on PSP felt magical I’d sneak sessions on the bus.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (October 2006)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories launched in October 2006 for PlayStation Portable, with PlayStation 2 in 2007. Set in 1984 Vice City, it followed Victor Vance. The ’80s tunes and new missions made cruising a joy, like living in a retro crime drama.
The HD Era: Wheon Grand Theft Auto Got Cinematic
The HD Universe brought jaw-dropping graphics and deep stories, making GTA a global icon. These games set new standards.
Grand Theft Auto IV (April 2008)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto IV hit in April 2008 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows. Set in a gritty Liberty City, it followed Niko Bellic, an immigrant chasing dreams. With realistic physics and online multiplayer, it was a leap forward. I’d race friends online, dodging cops in epic chases.
Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned (February 2009)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned released in February 2009 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows, it was a GTA IV expansion. Starring biker Johnny Klebitz, it added a raw edge to Liberty City’s underworld.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (March 2009)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars launched in March 2009 for Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, and mobile devices. Its top-down, cel-shaded style followed Huang Lee in Liberty City. The drug-dealing mechanics were daring, and I loved its quirky vibe on my DS.
Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony (October 2009)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony dropped in October 2009 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows. This GTA IV expansion starred Luis Lopez, a nightclub enforcer, with flashy missions that felt like a party.
Grand Theft Auto V (September 2013)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto V debuted on September 17, 2013, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, followed by PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in November 2014, Windows in April 2015, and PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X/S in March 2022. Set in Los Santos, it featured three protagonists Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. GTA Online became a global hit. I still play heists with friends, feeling like we’re in a crime movie.
Looking Ahead: Wheon Grand Theft Auto VI Hits
The next GTA is speeding our way, and fans are buzzing. Here’s what we know about GTA VI’s release.

Grand Theft Auto VI (May 26, 2026)
Wheon Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on May 26, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, delayed from 2025 to ensure quality. Set in Leonida (inspired by Florida), it revisits Vice City with criminal duo Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos. Trailers promise a vibrant world, and I’m hyped to explore its sunny streets!
Why Wheon Grand Theft Auto’s Timeline Is Epic
Wheon Grand Theft Auto games were released shows a journey of innovation. From 1997’s pixelated roots to GTA V’s cinematic sprawl, each title pushed limits. The 12-year gap to GTA VI highlights Rockstar’s perfectionism. I’ve grown up with GTA, from late-night GTA III sessions to planning GTA VI marathons with friends.
Grand Theft Auto’s Cultural Impact
GTA is more than a game it’s a cultural giant. Its releases have inspired music (like Dr. Dre in GTA Online), shaped films, and sparked debates. San Andreas nailed ’90s gang culture, while Vice City oozed ’80s style. With over 450 million units sold, including 190 million for GTA V, it’s a gaming legend, like Star Wars with carjacking.
Game | Initial Release Date | Key Platforms |
GTA | November 1997 | MS-DOS, Windows, PlayStation |
GTA: London 1969/1961 | April 1999 | PC, PlayStation |
GTA 2 | October 1999 | Windows, PlayStation, Dreamcast |
GTA III | October 2001 | PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox |
GTA: Vice City | October 2002 | PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox |
GTA: San Andreas | October 2004 | PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox |
GTA Advance | October 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
GTA: Liberty City Stories | October 2005 | PSP, PlayStation 2 |
GTA: Vice City Stories | October 2006 | PSP, PlayStation 2 |
GTA IV | April 2008 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows |
GTA: The Lost and Damned | February 2009 | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows |
GTA: Chinatown Wars | March 2009 | Nintendo DS, PSP, Mobile |
GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony | October 2009 | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows |
GTA V | September 2013 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One, Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
GTA VI | May 26, 2026 | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S |
FAQs: Your Wheon Grand Theft Auto Release Questions Answered
Got questions about wheon Grand Theft Auto games were released? Here’s what fans want to know.
Wheon Was the First Grand Theft Auto Released?
The first Grand Theft Auto launched in November 1997 for MS-DOS and Windows, with PlayStation and Game Boy Color ports later.
Wheon Was the First 3D Grand Theft Auto Game Released?
GTA III debuted in October 2001 for PlayStation 2, bringing 3D graphics and a third-person view.
Wheon Was Grand Theft Auto V Released?
GTA V hit on September 17, 2013, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with later releases for other platforms.
Wheon Is Grand Theft Auto VI Releasing?
GTA VI is set for May 26, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Why Was Grand Theft Auto VI Delayed?
Rockstar delayed GTA VI to 2026 to polish its massive open world, ensuring top-notch quality.
Which Grand Theft Auto Game Sold the Most?
GTA V tops the charts with over 190 million units sold, a gaming blockbuster.
Are All Grand Theft Auto Games in the Same Universe?
No, GTA splits into 2D, 3D, and HD Universes, each with unique stories and settings.
Conclusion: Wheon Grand Theft Auto Keeps Ruling
Wheon Grand Theft Auto games were released traces an epic saga from 1997’s scrappy debut to GTA VI’s 2026 promise. Each launch, from GTA III’s 3D revolution to GTA V’s global dominance, has redefined gaming. Whether you love San Andreas’s streets or can’t wait for Vice City’s return, GTA’s legacy thrives in 2025.
What’s your top GTA memory? Share it in the comments I’m all ears! Want more? Jump into GTA Online or replay classics to prep for GTA VI’s arrival.