How to Play Every GTA Game in 2026
Rockstar Games has not consistently made all Grand Theft Auto titles available, especially older 2D-era games, while newer entries are widely accessible through remasters and subscriptions.
The Grand Theft Auto series spans three eras, with the 2D universe games largely unavailable unless played on retro hardware or modified PC versions. Rockstar has removed some early titles from official channels, leaving only niche options like the Game Boy Color or PlayStation versions. The original 1997 game, for example, was once free to download but was taken down in 2013, making it effectively abandonware. Modifications are required to run these games on modern systems, complicating access for new players.
Expansions for the original GTA, such as GTA: London, are also officially unavailable, requiring modified PC code or original PlayStation discs. GTA 2, a 1999 sequel set in a futuristic 2013, follows the same pattern, with no official release and reliance on retro consoles or modified software. These early games are largely confined to niche platforms like Dreamcast or PlayStation, limiting their accessibility.
The 3D universe era offers more options, including the 2021 remaster of GTA 3 in Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition, available on modern consoles, PC, and mobile. However, the remaster faced criticism for technical issues and visual changes, though patches have improved it. For a more authentic experience, the 2011 mobile port remains available on iOS and Android, while original PlayStation 2 or Xbox copies are considered the best versions.
GTA Vice City and San Andreas are also playable through the 2021 remaster, though purists may prefer the 2011 mobile ports or original hardware. San Andreas has an additional option: its 10th anniversary edition is backward compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X, though it is no longer sold. Other 3D-era titles, like GTA Advance and GTA: Liberty City Stories, require retro hardware or modified software, as they lack official modern releases.