In all these years, the Grand Theft Auto franchise has been one of the most successful titles Rockstar has launched.
Join us as we aim to rank the best GTA game in the entire GTA series, discovering which reigns at the top and which lands at the bottom.
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The Best GTA Game in All GTA Series
In this article, we searched and read numerous comments from trusted forums to determine which games players liked the most and which ones they hated.
This topic actually revolves more around the personal preferences of all the gamers out there. Some gamers liked this title because of the gameplay, while some didn’t.
You see, different gamers have different perspectives. That’s why some gamers like shooting games, and some prefer Role-playing Games.
So, how did we compile the list? It all comes down to the majority. After scouring the internet and forums, here is the list we’ve come up with:
Top 3 Best GTA Games
Note that this list is not ranked. All three games are considered equal according to gamers.
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
The story begins when Carl Johnson, also known as “CJ,” returns home after his mom’s murder and gets pulled back into his former gang life.
He clashes with corrupt officials and prominent criminals while navigating through San Andreas. His journey takes him through three primary cities: Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
Players love its engaging storyline, character depth, and themes of crime and personal growth. With diverse activities, skill development, and a fantastic soundtrack, it’s considered one of the best GTA games ever made.
Released on October 26, 2004, this is the third title in the 3D universe and on PlayStation 2. It became one of the most successful titles in GTA history.
In addition, the total number of copies sold for this game is $21.5 million, and it has gained numerous awards and nominations throughout its entire timeline.
There is also a Reddit thread that will make you realize why this game is a massive success among all gamers. Its popularity includes the gameplay, choice of music, cars, the expansive map, character customizations, and more.
2. Grand Theft Auto 5
This story follows Michael, Franklin, and Trevor as they execute heists while facing pressure from corrupt officials and powerful criminals.
Released on September 17, 2013, this game became a big hit not only because Rockstar introduced three main protagonists for the first time in the HD universe, building on the success of GTA IV, but also thanks to its realistic and incredible graphics.
The gamers’ reaction after completing this title is mixed; some loved it, and some didn’t. But do remember that the story, gameplay, and immersion are still great.
In fact, there are a lot of cool GTA 5 details that are so cool you might have missed while playing.
On top of that, it still made our list due to its massive success in sales, awards, and achievements. Actually, as of 2023, according to Wikipedia, it has sold 190 million copies with a total revenue of $8 billion worldwide.
3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
In Vice City, a Miami-like setting in 1986, Tommy Vercetti seeks revenge after being entangled in a botched drug deal.
Fresh out of prison, he works his way up and expands his criminal power by taking over other gangs in the city.
It was released on October 27, 2002, after GTA III. It was the second 3D graphical title game released in the GTA series, marking a significant milestone in its history.
It gained huge success as gamers wanted to experience another 3D GTA game, especially since it was being released on PlayStation 2, which, at that time, was a huge deal.
According to Wikipedia, the total number of copies sold of this title is $17.5 million.
A quick tip: Even though gamers have ranked these three games as their top choices, we recommend you play all the GTA games to discover which ones you liked the most.
Top 3 Worst GTA Games
Similar to the top 3 best GTA games, this list is not ranked, and all the games are equally disliked by some gamers who feel that Rockstar could have done better.
1. Grand Theft Auto Advance
The game occurs in Liberty City, the same location as Grand Theft Auto III, acting as a prequel.
It focuses on a small-time criminal named Mike trying to get revenge for his partner’s death. Just like any other GTA game, he gets caught up in gangs, crime, corruption, etc.
The title was released on October 24, 2004. What gamers dislike the most is its exclusivity to Game Boy Advance, making it the least playable GTA game in history due to its limited platform availability.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was also released in the same month and year, making it more difficult for gamers to like this title.
According to some sources, this title only sold less than 250,000 copies in its lifetime. Making it the worst sales in GTA history.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
The game is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and revolves around the ex-soldier Vic Vance as he builds a criminal empire alongside his brother Lance.
Driven by the desire to help his sick brother, Pete, Vic encounters obstacles like gangs and drug lords along the way.
Released on October 31, 2006, it was exclusively available on the PlayStation Portable at that time, thus making it impossible for gamers to play without a PSP. However, it was also released on PS2 in March 2007.
Gamers dislike the game not only for its limited platform availability but also due to the annoying side missions, as discussed in this thread.
3. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
The game is also a prequel to Grand Theft Auto III, like GTA Advance. However, it is in 3D, not in top-down gameplay.
The story takes place in 1998 and follows Toni Cipriani’s rise to power within the Leone crime family, as he navigates a power struggle among the city’s Mafia factions.
The fact gamers don’t hate the story of this game. What they’re upset about is its bad graphics, performance, and optimization. Some even are annoyed by lags and crashes.
Despite receiving a lot of criticism for its performance, this game has sold over 600,000 copies in the UK, earning it a “Double Platinum” sales award.
A quick note: Despite the three on this list making the worst impression on gamers out there, we understand that Rockstar gave their best effort to provide gamers with the best possible experience.
