All Grand Theft Auto Spin-Offs, Ranked

Grand Theft Auto is one of the longest, ongoing franchises in the gaming industry. So far, we’ve had five mainline games: GTA (1997), GTA II (1999), GTA III (2001), GTA IV (2008), and GTA V (2013). We’re currently waiting with bated breath for GTA VI, scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026. GTA VI won the Most Anticipated Game of the Year award in 2024 and again in 2025. Bagging two awards before it’s even released is no joke, a testament to how big the GTA franchise is. It’s no surprise, then, that the franchise has so many spin-offs, expansions, and remasters, bringing the total of GTA games to a whopping 16 titles.

For today’s article, we’re ranking all Grand Theft Auto spin-offs so far. Ironing a few things out. GTA: Vice City (2002) and GTA: San Andreas (2004) are considered mainline entries because they were major releases that were full-priced. However, they do branch off from GTA III’s universe, taking place in a different era. It’s the general assumption that mainline entries are numbered titles. So, to avoid any confusion, I’ve included Vice City and San Andreas among the spin-offs listed below.

7. GTA Advance (2004)

Spin-offs often experiment with different gameplay. And in GTA Advance, it went the way of a 2D, top-down perspective, rather than the 3D universe of GTA III. More than that, it was released exclusively on the handheld Game Boy Advance. However, the story remained familiar, serving as a direct prequel to GTA III. And the same characters as well. 

But you probably don’t even know about this one because it was awful. The story, which is often strong in GTA, is weak. And the driving and shooting mechanics have terrible timing and response, in addition to technical issues.

6. GTA Online (2013)

In GTA Online’s case, Rockstar Games decided to experiment with MMO-like features off of GTA V. Sure, you could have accessed it from the main game, as both came as a bundle. But it eventually carved its own path into a standalone online multiplayer experience. You have around 30 players entering this persistent Los Santos world, taking up heists and missions together (or solo). 

You’re probably surprised GTA Online ranks this low among all Grand Theft Auto spin-offs. But the truth is, it had too many issues and complaints of long load times, random disconnects, glitches, stuttering, and so on. As a single-player experience, though, there were a ton of things to do. But on the multiplayer front, too many technical problems continue to persist.

5. GTA: Chinatown Wars (2009)

GTA: Chinatown Wars also opts for the isometric, top-down perspective, rather than 3D or HD. But even more fascinating is its cel-shaded graphics that resulted in a comic book-like effect. Further, this spin-off initially launched exclusively for the Nintendo DS and PSP consoles. Thus, it helped bring the owners of Nintendo into the GTA fold. 

But this wasn’t just any other port. It might have used the same GTA IV universe, but it went on to tell a new story following new characters. Even better, it added new gameplay mechanics that focused a lot on a deep drug dealing system, and things like hotwiring cars and fun cop takedowns. As a result, it was a spin-off that not only stood on its own feet but also helped take the franchise to another level.

4. GTA: Liberty City Stories (2005)

Another spin-off developed for the PSP is GTA: Liberty City Stories. It does look good for the console and takes you back in time in the 3D universe of GTA III. More specifically, it helps fill in the gaps of Tony Cipriani’s life story, rising within the ranks of the Leone crime family. For that reason, the spin-off is exciting, especially for fans looking to salvage all the lore they can from GTA III.

Otherwise, there isn’t much that Liberty City Stories does differently from the game that inspires it. And even in GTA III’s case, the story is largely the same rags-to-riches tale. 

3. GTA: Vice City Stories (2006)

There’s a lot that people often overlook about GTA: Vice City Stories. This spin-off from Vice City, which, in turn, is a spin-off from GTA III, expands the Vice City universe much larger, while adding more detail. It then adds more content, from new, unique missions to vehicles to ride within the fictional Florida-like world. And on top of that, gives us a riveting tale about a Corporal in the US Army, who transitions into a crime boss. 

It’s, indeed, a rollercoaster adventure that ends up being more fun than Vice City or GTA III. But on the gameplay front, it does fall short. From issues with the controls to unfair difficulty spikes and character faces looking off, you won’t have the smoothest ride playing this one. 

2. GTA: Vice City (2002)

Being considered a mainline entry is no small feat for GTA: Vice City. It simply feels like it’s complete, and could very well take on a numbered title next to its name. Even today, you can still play Vice City and enjoy its memorable characters and immersive world. At the time of release, gamers enjoyed a boatload of new features. But also improvements on GTA III, from the soundtrack to the buying and selling of vehicles and houses, so much so that Vice City ended up a deeper GTA III with so much more to do and explore.

1. GTA: San Andreas (2004)

This shouldn’t be a debate: The best game among all Grand Theft Auto spin-offs is GTA: San Andreas. It’s massive: a whopping 30 hours or so to beat the story mode. But there’s so much more to do that can easily bring your playtime to 100 hours. Exploration, missions, and side activities are all engaging and often exciting, from gang wars to completing hitman assignments. It can all be overwhelming, except everything feels balanced and natural. 

Keeping fit at the gym, getting a haircut, and going on dates all help make San Andreas a living, breathing place that feels easy and, most importantly, fun to be in.