5 Must-Play GTA Games Before GTA 6 Arrives

GTA 6 is set to launch this year, making it the 15th game in the Grand Theft Auto series. The excitement is huge, but the wait is long. While many fans keep replaying GTA 5 and GTA Online, doing the same thing again and again can feel repetitive.

The good news is that Rockstar has a rich history of amazing GTA games worth revisiting. Playing them now will not only refresh your memories but may also help you spot hidden details when GTA 6 finally releases. Here are four GTA titles you should try before stepping into the new era of Grand Theft Auto.

1. GTA Vice City (2002)

Vice City is one of the most iconic games in the series, and it’s especially important now because GTA 6’s world appears to be heavily inspired by it. The trailers for GTA 6 have already teased locations and vibes that feel like a modern version of Vice City.

By playing this classic, you’ll understand the city’s history and maybe even catch Easter eggs in GTA 6 that others miss. The story follows Tommy Vercetti through 59 missions packed with crime, betrayal, and flashy 80s style. You can also explore fun side missions and aim to collect every trophy the game offers.

2. GTA Vice City Stories (2006)

Once you finish Vice City, you should dive into Vice City Stories the prequel that explains what happened before Tommy Vercetti arrived. This time, you step into the shoes of Victor Vance, experiencing the city from a different point of view.

The game uses the same map but reveals untold events and introduces characters that will make the Vice City world feel deeper. It contains 59 main missions and plenty of side content. While it was originally released on PSP, it’s also available for PlayStation 3, making it a must-play for anyone wanting the full Vice City experience before GTA 6.

3. GTA Chinatown Wars (2009)

For those who enjoy gaming on the go, GTA Chinatown Wars is perfect. Designed for handheld consoles and smartphones, it offers a unique mix of 2D and 3D visuals along with gameplay elements that you won’t find in most other GTA titles.

You’ll follow the story of Huang Lee through 65 missions, filled with action and clever storytelling. One of the coolest parts is its comic-style cutscenes, which give it a fresh look compared to other GTA games. If you’re looking for something different yet still true to GTA’s spirit, this one is a hidden gem.

4. GTA Liberty City Stories (2005)

Liberty City Stories takes you back to the days before GTA 3, telling the tale of Toni Cipriani as he navigates the dangerous streets of Liberty City. This prequel gives you deeper insight into the city’s criminal history and connects directly to characters and events in later games.

With 70 main missions and nine types of side activities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Like Chinatown Wars, it’s also available for mobile devices, so you can enjoy it anywhere.

5. GTA San Andreas (2004)

In this list GTA San Andreas is a classic that many people still call the best GTA ever made. Its massive open world unforgettable characters and countless activities make it a perfect warm-up for GTA 6. It might not directly link to the new game map but it remains one of rockstar’s most ambitious projects. 

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