Grand Theft Auto has been a stalwart of video games. It is so massively popular that even non-gamers know exactly what it’s about. 2026 is an especially exciting year for gamers because we’re finally getting GTA: VI, after years of delays. We’re finally getting one of the most hyped games in history for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X on November 19.

So, while we are sitting on pins and needles waiting for the new Rockstar masterpiece, we decided to take a look back. There is a reason the Grand Theft Auto franchise is so popular and impactful. With absolute bangers like Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA: V, it’s an embarrassment of riches. So, join us in reviewing the 3 best GTA games of all time!

GTA: San Andreas

GTA: San Andreas is the fifth main entry and eighth game in the series, if you count all of the spin-offs. This game hit the market in 2004, and it left a lasting impact on video games as a whole. To start with, it has an absolutely massive map, which includes the cities of Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas, in addition to two separate countrysides. The map feels even bigger because there are missions, tasks, and side-quests in every corner of it.

But the map is far from the only good thing about this game. For one, the missions always feel high-stakes and entertaining. The storyline follows young Carl “CJ” Johnson as he returns to Los Santos following his mother’s death. CJ’s gang is battling for territories, as he tries to protect his family and make a better life for himself. This game lets you customize CJ’s hairstyle, tattoos, clothes, and even cars. The background characters, radio stations, and overall California vibe make the game such a hit even 22 years after its release.

GTA: IV

GTA: IV is the first Grand Theft Auto title following San Andreas. When reviewing the 3 best GTA games, this title stood out thanks to its plot. This storyline is almost completely independent of the previous games. The story follows Serbian immigrant Niko Bellic who arrives in the U.S. searching for a better life and revenge. This game happens in Liberty City, which is much more developed and detailed than it was in previous iterations in the GTA franchise.

There are four boroughs— Bohan, Broker, Dukes, and Algonquin- representing The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, respectively. You can also play in Alderney, which represents New Jersey. Gamers love this action-adventure title for its realistic physics and mechanics, especially the ragdoll effect, driving drunk, and car damage. It’s a fantastic way to explore Liberty City and immerse yourself in the GTA world.

GTA: V

GTA: V is the longest-running Grand Theft Auto game without a successor, since its release date was in 2013. That means that GTA: V got 13 years of gameplay on three different generations of consoles. That itself makes it iconic, especially with its online version and the fact that you play with multiple protagonists. So, it’s no wonder that this game received a 97/100 critic score and an 8.5/10 user score on Metacritic.

GTA: V is set in Los Santos, though the map is much more massive than the one of the same city in San Andreas. You get to play as Michael, a retired bank robber, Franklin, a street gangster, and Trevor, a gun runner. Michael and Trevor share a bloody history, while Franklin unwittingly stumbles into Michael’s life. Apart from the thrilling missions and side-quests, we love this game’s world-building and character diversity. All three protagonists feel like distinct people, which is why we included this title when reviewing the 3 best GTA games.