What Order Should You Play the GTA Trilogy? A Definitive Guide for Maximum Enjoyment
So, you’re diving into the classic world of the GTA Trilogy – Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas – and want to know the best order to experience these iconic games. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, as there are a few different approaches you can take, each with its own merits.
The best order depends on what you’re looking for in your playthrough. However, a very logical and recommended way is to play them in release order. Playing the games in release order means you will be able to see the evolution of the game design and mechanics.
Here’s the most common and arguably best order:
- Grand Theft Auto III (GTA III)
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Playing in release order is recommended because it allows you to appreciate the evolution of the game mechanics, graphics, and storytelling. Starting with GTA III, you experience the foundational gameplay that the later games refined and expanded upon. Moving onto Vice City and San Andreas, you will be able to more fully enjoy the innovations introduced in each title, and also you are less likely to be disappointed by older mechanics.
Why Release Order?
- Technological Progression: GTA III established the open-world formula, but Vice City introduced vehicles like motorcycles and aircraft, along with more detailed environments. San Andreas then took the formula to the next level with character customization, RPG elements, and a much larger map. Playing in release order allows you to see these progressions naturally.
- Gameplay Refinement: Each game builds upon the previous one in terms of gameplay mechanics. Going from San Andreas back to GTA III might feel restrictive due to the lack of features like swimming or climbing.
- Story and Setting Immersion: While the stories are independent, experiencing them in release order helps you appreciate how Rockstar Games built their fictional universe and developed their storytelling skills.
Alternative Playthrough Orders
While release order is a solid choice, other options exist:
Chronological Order
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (1986)
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (1992)
- Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
Playing in chronological order of the game’s setting can offer a more cohesive narrative experience, aligning with the timeline of the stories within the GTA universe.
However, keep in mind that doing so may lead to a jarring experience going backwards in terms of gameplay innovations.
Gameplay Focus
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Grand Theft Auto III
If gameplay is your focus, starting with San Andreas – the most feature-rich game – might be ideal. You’ll get the best mechanics and then can decide whether you want to revisit earlier, more limited versions.
GTA Trilogy FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you further decide the best order for your GTA Trilogy playthrough:
Is the GTA Trilogy connected story-wise?
Yes, all three games are loosely connected. They share the same universe and sometimes reference each other. For instance, characters from GTA III are mentioned in Vice City. However, each game features a standalone story, so you won’t be lost regardless of the order you choose. The Games Learning Society studies such storytelling techniques.
Should I play GTA Vice City or GTA 3 first?
As mentioned above, it is generally recommended to play GTA III first to understand the foundational gameplay before experiencing the enhancements in Vice City. Chronologically, Vice City comes first, but release order offers a better gameplay experience.
Which GTA is the best in the Trilogy?
This is subjective, but many consider San Andreas to be the best due to its expansive map, deep customization options, and engaging storyline. However, Vice City is celebrated for its 1980s atmosphere and memorable characters, while GTA III revolutionized open-world gaming.
Which GTA is the hardest to beat in the Trilogy?
Many players find San Andreas the most challenging, primarily due to its long campaign and some notoriously difficult missions like “Wrong Side of the Tracks”.
Are the maps in the GTA Trilogy the same size?
No, the maps vary in size. San Andreas has the largest map, encompassing three major cities and a vast countryside. Vice City is smaller but more densely packed, while GTA III’s Liberty City is the smallest, focusing on urban environments.
Why couldn’t you swim in GTA 3?
The inability to swim in GTA 3 was a technical limitation of the time. The game was designed with the assumption that water was a barrier, and the developers didn’t implement swimming mechanics. This was rectified in subsequent games.
What happened to CJ after San Andreas?
The ending of San Andreas is ambiguous about CJ’s future, but it’s implied that he continued to manage his assets and rebuild Grove Street Families.
Is CJ in any other GTA games?
CJ only appears as the protagonist in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. He doesn’t make a direct appearance in other mainline GTA games, although there are Easter eggs and references that hint at his existence within the broader GTA universe.
Is GTA Vice City OK for a 13-year-old?
GTA Vice City, like other games in the series, contains mature themes, violence, and language. Parental discretion is advised. The game is rated M for Mature (17+), but some parents might allow their teenage children to play it depending on their maturity level.
Is GTA 3 a masterpiece?
Yes, Grand Theft Auto III is widely regarded as a masterpiece for its groundbreaking open-world design and its impact on the gaming industry. It revolutionized the genre and set the standard for future open-world games.
Was the GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition a flop?
The initial release of the GTA Trilogy: The Definitive Edition was met with criticism due to numerous bugs, graphical glitches, and performance issues. While later patches addressed some of these problems, the initial reception was largely negative.
Why don’t people like the GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition?
The main criticisms stemmed from the perceived low quality of the remasters, including visual glitches, character model inconsistencies, and a general lack of polish compared to the original games. Many felt that the remasters didn’t live up to the legacy of the original titles.
Did they fix the GTA Trilogy remaster?
Rockstar Games released several updates to address the issues in the GTA Trilogy: The Definitive Edition. While these patches improved the game’s stability and fixed many of the bugs, the initial negative impression lingered for many players.
Which GTA is the longest?
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is generally considered the longest game in the trilogy, due to its vast map, numerous side activities, and extensive storyline.
Is Franklin going to be in GTA 6?
Whether Franklin will appear in GTA 6 is currently unknown. Rockstar Games has not officially confirmed any character appearances beyond the core protagonists. Some rumors suggest he may make a cameo, but this remains speculation.