Best GTA games ranked: our pick for the best GTA game ever is GTA San Andreas, and yes, many of you will disagree. This is our ranking of all seven mainline GTA games, from worst to best. It is our opinion, judged on story, world, gameplay, and legacy, with facts and review scores to back each pick.
We ranked the seven numbered games and counted Episodes from Liberty City as part of GTA 4. Spin-offs are not ranked. Ties are not allowed.
Quick Facts
- Our #1: GTA San Andreas
- Our #7: GTA 1
- Highest critic score: GTA 4, with a Metacritic score of 98
- Games ranked: GTA 1, 2, 3, Vice City, San Andreas, 4 and 5
- Last updated: October 26, 2026
How Did We Rank Every GTA Game?
We used four things: story, world design, gameplay for its time, and lasting legacy. The ranking is an opinion. Review scores come from Metacritic, as listed by Sportskeeda and Insider Gaming.
| Our rank | Game | Year | Metacritic score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GTA San Andreas | 2004 | 95 |
| 2 | GTA 5 | 2013 | 97 |
| 3 | GTA 4 | 2008 | 98 |
| 4 | GTA Vice City | 2002 | 95 |
| 5 | GTA 3 | 2001 | 97 |
| 6 | GTA 2 | 1999 | 70 |
| 7 | GTA 1 | Late 1990s | No score |
The sources do not say which console each score is for. GTA 1 has no critic score in the lists we used.
Where Does GTA 1 Rank?
Last. The original GTA is a top-down game with three cities: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. It started the series, but it is hard to enjoy today. The controls feel stiff, and the missions are short. We rate it as important history, not a game to play for fun.
Where Does GTA 2 Rank?
Sixth. GTA 2 came out in 1999 and scored 70 on Metacritic, the lowest score of any numbered game on the lists we used. It keeps the top-down view and adds gangs that like or hate you. It is a small step up from the first game, and it has no strong story. It is better to play than GTA 1 and worse than everything in 3D.
Where Does GTA 3 Rank?
Fifth. GTA 3 scored 97 and made the series 3D in 2001. Everything after it follows its idea of a living city you can explore. It ranks only fifth because later games improved on it in almost every way. The story is thin, and the hero never speaks. Want to try it again? See our GTA 3 cheat codes.
Where Does Vice City Rank?
Fourth. Vice City scored 95 and has the strongest style in the series. The 1980s setting, the radio, and the neon feel like a movie. It loses to our top three because it plays like a faster, prettier GTA 3. San Andreas does the same job with much more to do.
Where Does GTA 4 Rank?
Third. GTA 4 has the best critic score in the series, 98, and the most serious story. Niko Bellic’s story is darker than any other game here.
It is third because the world feels heavy and the fun is lower. The game also has less to do between missions than San Andreas or GTA 5. The two add-on stories, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, are very good. If you want the codes, see our GTA 4 phone number cheats.
Where Does GTA 5 Rank?
Second. GTA 5 scored 97 and has the best polish, the best-looking world, and the most players. In August 2026, reports said it had sold more than 230 million copies, based on Take-Two results.
Three heroes, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, let the story change style, and GTA Online has kept the game alive since 2013. What keeps it from first place is soul. The world is beautiful, but you do less in it than in San Andreas.
Where Does San Andreas Rank?
First. San Andreas scored 95, and it is our pick for the best GTA game. It has three cities, countryside, gangs, and a story that feels personal. You can eat, train, change your look, and fly planes.
The strongest counterpoint is that GTA 4 and GTA 5 score higher and play more smoothly. That is true. But the best game is not the smoothest one. San Andreas has the most to do, the best setting for its time, and a story people still talk about. If you want to finish it, read our San Andreas 100% checklist.
Why Does San Andreas vs. GTA 5 Divide Fans?
They want different things. San Andreas fans love the scope, the heart, and the memories. GTA 5 fans love the polish, the size of the production, and the online game.
- For San Andreas: more freedom, more things to do, a strong story
- For GTA 5: better graphics, smoother play, three heroes, and GTA Online
Our pick is San Andreas, but we see why many fans pick GTA 5.
What Is the Most Underrated GTA Game?
Our pick is GTA Chinatown Wars. It is a spin-off, so it is not ranked above. Insider Gaming lists its Metacritic score as 93, close to the big console games. Many players never tried it because it began on the Nintendo DS.
Where Does GTA 6 Fit?
GTA 6 is not ranked. It launches on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. To take our #1 spot, it must match the freedom of San Andreas with the polish of GTA 5. We will add a ranking after launch.
FAQ
What is the best GTA game of all time?
Our pick is San Andreas. This is our opinion, as argued above.
Is San Andreas better than GTA 5?
We say yes. GTA 5 has better polish, but San Andreas has more freedom and heart.
What is the worst GTA game?
Our pick is GTA 1. It is important to history but hard to enjoy today.
Will GTA 6 be the best GTA game?
It has every advantage, but we will decide after launch.
Which GTA has the best story?
We pick GTA 4 for the most serious story. San Andreas has the most personal one.
What order should I play the GTA games in?
Release order shows how the series grew. For the essentials, play San Andreas, then GTA 4, then GTA 5.
That is our GTA ranking before GTA 6. Tell us where we are wrong in the comments. If you are replaying one of them while you wait for Leonida, check out our San Andreas cheats, the GTA 5 cheat list, and the cheats players want in GTA 6.
