When Did GTA 5 Come Out? Know All GTAs Timeline

The Grand Theft Auto franchise is one of the most influential series in gaming history. From its humble beginnings in the late ‘90s to becoming a cultural powerhouse, every release has marked a major leap forward. But one question still gets asked more than any other, when did GTA 5 come out?

Let’s go through the full history of the series, explore how Rockstar built its empire, and see where GTA 5 fits within the larger Grand Theft Auto timeline.

When Did GTA 5 Come Out?

To answer the big question, GTA 5 was first released on September 17, 2013, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

It later launched on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on November 18, 2014, followed by the PC release on April 14, 2015. Finally, Rockstar released an enhanced version for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on March 15, 2022.

That means if you’re wondering “when did GTA 5 come out”, the answer depends on your platform, but it all started in 2013. Over a decade later, the game is still thriving, thanks to its massive online world and record-breaking sales.

Early Days of Grand Theft Auto

Before GTA 5, Rockstar laid the foundation with its early top-down games. The first Grand Theft Auto came out in 1997, featuring a 2D world where you played as a small-time criminal working your way up. It was raw, chaotic, and instantly controversial.

In 1999, Rockstar released GTA: London 1969 and London 1961, expanding the formula with new maps and missions. Later that same year, GTA 2 arrived, adding futuristic vibes and multiple crime syndicates to choose from.

While these titles seem simple today, they built the DNA that still defines the series, freedom, crime, and chaos.

GTA 3 to San Andreas

Everything changed in 2001 when Rockstar released Grand Theft Auto III. It brought the series into full 3D and set the standard for open-world gaming. Players could explore Liberty City freely, steal cars, take missions, and cause mayhem.

A year later, GTA: Vice City (2002) delivered a neon-soaked, 1980s crime story that remains iconic. Then came GTA: San Andreas in 2004, which blew everyone away. It featured three major cities, gang wars, RPG-style mechanics, and unforgettable characters like CJ and Big Smoke.

These three games made GTA a household name and paved the way for the modern HD era that GTA 5 now dominates.

GTA 4 and Beyond

The HD universe began in 2008 with Grand Theft Auto IV. Set in a stunningly detailed Liberty City, it followed Niko Bellic’s gritty story of revenge and survival. The game introduced a realistic physics system, better driving, and an emotional narrative that grounded the chaos.

Rockstar followed it up with two major expansions, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, both of which added depth to the world and introduced new characters.

By 2013, Rockstar was ready to launch its biggest project yet, Grand Theft Auto 5.

Arrival of GTA 5

So, when did GTA 5 come out? In September 2013, it dropped like a bombshell. It was the first GTA game to feature three playable protagonists, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, each offering a different perspective on the criminal world of Los Santos.

For the first time, you could switch between characters instantly, making every mission dynamic and unpredictable. The game’s world was enormous, stretching from the bustling city to the desert and ocean.

GTA 5 pushed the boundaries of storytelling, design, and realism. It also introduced GTA Online, a separate multiplayer mode that turned into a phenomenon on its own.

Even a decade later, players still explore Los Santos daily, which is why “when did GTA 5 come out” continues to trend every year, because people are still discovering it.

GTA 5’s Ongoing Success

Since its 2013 debut, GTA 5 has been re-released across three generations of consoles. Few games have lasted this long or stayed relevant for over ten years.

Rockstar keeps updating GTA Online, adding heists, cars, and missions that keep players hooked. Millions of people still log in weekly, making it one of the most profitable entertainment products in history.

The game has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, second only to Minecraft. That kind of success explains why fans constantly revisit when and how GTA 5 first launched. It marked a turning point for gaming as a whole.

Timeline of Main GTA Games

Each generation represents a leap in technology, storytelling, and ambition. By the time GTA 5 arrived, Rockstar had mastered the art of building immersive worlds that feel alive. 

Here’s when did GTA 5 come out and how the mainline GTA titles fit into the timeline:

• Grand Theft Auto (1997)
• GTA 2 (1999)
• GTA 3 (2001)
• GTA: Vice City (2002)
• GTA: San Andreas (2004)
• GTA 4 (2008)
• GTA 5 (2013)
• GTA 6 (Scheduled for 2026)

Long Wait for GTA 6

After GTA 5’s release, Rockstar shifted focus toward GTA Online and later Red Dead Redemption 2. That’s why there’s been such a long gap between mainline titles.

Fans have waited over a decade for GTA 6, which is confirmed to release in May 2026. It’s expected to feature a new duo of protagonists and return to Vice City, reimagined for a new generation.

If you’ve ever searched “when did GTA 5 come out”, now you know how far the franchise has come, from 2D crime chaos to fully realized living worlds. The jump to GTA 6 is shaping up to be another major milestone.

Legacy of GTA 5 Continues

Looking back, GTA 5 wasn’t just another entry in the series. So, when did GTA 5 come out, it was the moment Rockstar redefined open-world storytelling. It combined humor, violence, satire, and realism into a package that set a new standard.

Its continued relevance proves how much care went into every part of its design. Even now, players are discovering new Easter eggs, mastering heists, and building empires online.

So, the next time someone asks you, when did GTA 5 come out?, remember that its 2013 launch wasn’t just a release date. It was the day gaming changed forever.

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