Lore · All eras
The GTA universes, explained
Same names. Different histories.
The series is commonly organized into 2D, 3D and HD continuities. This helps explain recurring city names and different versions of familiar places.
Read the continuity badge
The original GTA, the London packs and GTA 2 belong to the early era. GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, Advance and the Stories games share the 3D grouping. GTA IV, its episodes, Chinatown Wars and GTA V are in the HD grouping.
Camera perspective is not the rule
GTA Advance and Chinatown Wars use overhead perspectives but belong to later continuities. Do not infer a character’s identity or a city’s exact history from a reused name alone.
Sources & further reading
Original GTAZen introductions, with references for deeper reading. Source review date: .