Grand Theft Auto may be one of the most popular game franchises globally, with Grand Theft Auto 6 anticipated as a monumental entertainment launch. However, accessing the entire back catalog of the series presents a significant challenge, as Rockstar Games has shown an inconsistent approach to making its older titles readily available.

The Grand Theft Auto series is generally segmented into three distinct eras: the "2D universe," the "3D universe," and the "HD universe." While games from the latter two eras are mostly accessible, with some exceptions, titles from the 2D universe are largely unobtainable without legacy hardware or unofficial modifications.

For players looking to jump into classic Grand Theft Auto games, the GTA Plus subscription service offers a convenient starting point. For $7.99 per month, subscribers gain access to a curated selection of classic Rockstar titles, including several Grand Theft Auto games. Currently, this roster features Grand Theft Auto 3, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Grand Theft Auto Online. Access to these games is platform-specific, limited to either console or PC, with mobile versions available where applicable.

The 2D Universe: A Challenge for Collectors

The original Grand Theft Auto, released in 1997, predates Rockstar Games itself and is not officially available for modern platforms. It was once offered as a free download on Rockstar's website but was removed in 2013. Currently considered abandonware, playing it on a modern PC typically requires modifications. The Game Boy Color version is a simplified rendition, while the PlayStation version offered a more complete experience with its included map.

Grand Theft Auto: London 1969, an expansion for the original GTA set in London, is also officially unavailable. Similar to the first game, playing it requires sourcing modified PC code or using original PlayStation discs. It was also released as a standalone title, GTA: London — Special Edition.

Its follow-up, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, a freeware PC-only expansion, shares the same accessibility issues and requires modified code for modern PCs. Grand Theft Auto 2, released in 1999, is considered a less remarkable entry and is also difficult to access officially. Players looking to experience it should seek out modified PC code or retro console versions on the Dreamcast or PlayStation, avoiding the rudimentary Game Boy Color port.

The 3D Universe: Remasters and Caveats

Grand Theft Auto 3, a pivotal title in the series, is playable via the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition, a 2021 remaster available on PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. However, this remaster, developed by Grove Street Games, faced criticism for technical issues and visual alterations that deviated from the original experience. While patches have addressed some problems, it may not satisfy purists. For a version closer to the original, the 2011 mobile port for iOS and Android remains available. Original PlayStation 2 or Xbox copies offer the most authentic experience.

The same accessibility and caveat apply to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The Definitive Edition remaster is widely available, but its faithfulness to the original is debated. The 10th-anniversary mobile port is an alternative, and original PS2 or Xbox versions are recommended for an authentic playthrough.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, another key entry, is also part of The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition. Similar to GTA 3 and Vice City, players can opt for the remaster, the 10th-anniversary mobile port, or original PS2/Xbox copies. A notable point for San Andreas is that its 10th-anniversary edition was released on PS3 and Xbox 360, with the Xbox 360 version being backward compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X, allowing play if previously owned digitally or on disc.

Grand Theft Auto Advance, a 2D-style game that serves as a prequel to GTA 3, is officially unavailable. The only method of playing this title is by acquiring an original Game Boy Advance cartridge and compatible hardware.

Handheld and Console Exclusives

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, a prequel to GTA 3 with 3D gameplay, is accessible via mobile ports released in the mid-2010s. Originally launched for the PlayStation Portable and later ported to PS2, the mobile version is the most straightforward way to play it today.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, a companion to Vice City, was released for PSP and PS2 but did not receive a mobile port. Playing this title requires either a PSP or a PS2 console, as it is no longer officially available through other means.

Grand Theft Auto 5 and its online component, Grand Theft Auto Online, remain widely available on current-generation consoles and PC.