Playtime for Each GTA Game

With the GTA Trilogy Remaster just around the corner, people are wondering just how much playtime is in GTA 3, GTA Vice City, and GTA San Andreas. Well, since we like to be thorough, we thought we'd give you the playtime for every single GTA game.

GTA 1 Playtime (12 hours)

The one that started it all. The first GTA is not great by today's standards, and pretty bland. In fact, it's hard to imagine that we call GTA today originated from here. Can you imagine that GTA will be as different to GTA 5 thirty years from now, as GTA 5 is different from GTA 1? Only time will tell, but, hey, maybe GTA will just turn into a VR-life-crime-sim sometime down the road. Anyway, I think few would have expected that GTA 1 turns into one of gaming's greatest franchises. Nowadays, GTA 1 is all rust, no glamour, and is a 12-hour chore these days.

GTA 2 Playtime (12 hours)

Ah, GTA 2. The game holds a nostalgic place in my heart, because it's the one that introduced me to the franchise. I still remember being in elementary school, and a friend inviting me over, all giddy about this game he knew we were not supposed to play. Of course, digital mayhem ensued, and I was hooked on the GTA franchise ever since. The official playtime for GTA 2 is 12 hours, but of course people would sink much more time into the game back in the day.

GTA 3 Playtime (16 hours)

This is the big one. The jump from 2D to 3D. The game that we can look back on now and clearly see the blueprint of what we now call GTA. Obviously, GTA 3 is part of the trilogy remaster (and will be free on Playstation), which is a testament to how modern the game still is, even 20 years later. With the jump to 3D, and away from the top-down perspective, also came a lot more story, which beefed up the playtime to 16 hours.

GTA Liberty City Stories Playtime (14 hours)

The story of Toni Cipriani followed GTA 3, and was all about storytelling. Incredibly enough, this addition to GTA 3 still clocked in at 14 hours, and truly shows how dedicated Rockstar has been to delivering quality gaming for over two decades now. I mean, who else delivers DLC like Rockstar does? Hopefully, Liberty City Stories is included in the GTA 3 Definitive Edition, since it would push the playtime for the GTA 3 Remaster to a whooping 30 hours.

GTA Vice City Playtime (19 hours)

Stylish, sexy, unique. GTA Vice City had a lot going for it when it released just under 20 years ago, and the remaster will be just as exciting to jump back into. Vice City didn't just get Miami Vice inspiration in name only. You get to play as Tommy Vercetti for 19 hours, and all the while get amazing gameplay, and even better storytelling. Some consider Vice City to be one of the best GTA games, and it's hard to argue against that.

GTA Vice City Stories Playtime (16 hours)

Just like they did with GTA 3, Rockstar expanded on GTA Vice City with GTA Vice City Stories, which added another 16 hours of gameplay. It remains to be seen whether Vice City Stories will be part of the remaster – if it is, it would push the GTA Vice City Remaster playtime to 35 hours... Insane.

GTA San Andreas Playtime (31 Hours)

GTA San Andreas is, in my opinion, the best GTA game Rockstar ever made, and it's also the longest: At 31 hours, GTA San Andreas usually takes a bit longer to beat than GTA 5, and is fun all the way through. CJ is one of the best characters in the series, and the gang warfare, themes of loyalty, betrayal, and just the entire vibe of the game... chef's kiss. GTA San Andreas is the most anticipated remasters for a reason, and we can't wait to get back to Grove Street. Also, GTA San Andreas is getting a VR version, which should be a good time too. If we were to get GTA 3, and Vice City with their expansions, then GTA San Andreas, GTA 3, and GTA Vice City combined would give the GTA Trilogy Remaster - The Definite Edition a playtime of 96 hours.

GTA Advance Playtime (7 hours)

Nintendo wanted to get in on the GTA action, and they got theirs with GTA Advance. Granted, GTA Advanced wasn't that great of a game, and only ran for about 7 hours. The story is fun enough, and lets you uncover the mystery behind a friend's death. Of course, GameBoy Advance players got much more playtime out of the game, simply by doing what we all do: Wrecking havoc.

GTA 4 Playtime (28 hours)

Arguably the most mature of all the GTA games, GTA 4 is also one of the longest, at 28 hours playtime. It's a shame that GTA 4 is not getting a remaster, but it also makes sense, since the game is not really in need of one. GTA 4 stands out with its emphasis on realism and narrative: The story of Niko Bellic trying to make it in America is maybe the most pure storyline in the series, and ready-made for the Silver Screen – if Rockstar ever decides to sway that way.

GTA Chinatown Wars Playtime (9 hours)

Another Nintendo release, and another short entry: Chinatown Wars takes GTA back to the top-down perspective, but unlike GTA 1 and GTA 2, it actually does feature a beefy story. Chinatown Wars is not exactly the best game in the series, but still a serviceable video game.

GTA Episodes from Liberty City Playtime (19 hours)

GTA 4 was so popular, it got several spin-offs in The Lost and Damned, and The Ballad of Gay Tony. The Ballad of Gay Tony in particular is Rockstar at its best, and, together, the DLCs combine for 19 extra hours in the world of GTA 4.

GTA 5 Playtime (31 Hours)

The last GTA game was also the biggest. Though the official playtime is less than that of GTA San Andreas, many gamers arguably got more hours out of it, due to its three protagonists, and, most of all, due to sheer behemoth that is GTA Online. If GTA 5 is any indication, then we can expect GTA 6 to be even bigger and longer. Currently, the latest rumor is about GTA 6 having an international setting, which would certainly contribute to a massive playtime.