Best GTA Games for Android to Play While You Wait for GTA 6

GTA 6 isn’t coming to phones any time soon (see our GTA 6 APK fact check), but you don’t need a risky APK to enjoy Grand Theft Auto on Android. Rockstar has published several classic GTA games on Google Play. Here is how they compare.

Official GTA Games on Android

1. GTA: San Andreas

The fan favourite. You play as Carl “CJ” Johnson across three cities — Los Santos, San Fierro and Las Venturas — plus countryside and desert. The mobile version adds touch controls, controller support and improved lighting. Best for: the biggest classic world and the longest story.

2. Grand Theft Auto III

The game that took GTA into 3D, set in Liberty City. Released on mobile for its 10th anniversary in 2011. Best for: players who want the original open-world experience in a shorter package.

3. GTA: Liberty City Stories

Originally made for handheld consoles, so missions are shorter and controls suit phones well. Best for: playing in short sessions on the go.

4. GTA: Chinatown Wars

A top-down GTA with touch-screen mini-games (hot-wiring cars, building weapons). Best for: smaller phones and pick-up-and-play action.

What About GTA Vice City and the Definitive Editions?

The classic mobile version of GTA: Vice City was removed from Google Play, so new players can’t buy it there. The Definitive Edition trilogy (GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas) arrived on phones through Netflix Games in December 2023, but those versions have since left the Netflix catalogue — San Andreas was the last to go in December 2025. Always check the current Google Play listing in your country.

Which GTA Should You Start With?

• Never played GTA before? Start with GTA: San Andreas — it has the most variety and the best mobile controls of the classic ports.
• Short on time? Pick Liberty City Stories; its missions were designed for handheld play.
• Older or smaller phone? Chinatown Wars is the lightest and most touch-friendly.
• Want the history? GTA III shows where the modern series began.

How These Games Connect to GTA 6

GTA 6 returns to Vice City, the neon city first seen in 2002’s GTA: Vice City, now part of a much bigger state called Leonida. Playing the classics is a fun way to see how Rockstar’s open worlds evolved — from Liberty City in GTA III to the three cities of San Andreas — before the series makes its biggest leap yet.

How to Make Sure You Get the Official Version

1. Search on Google Play and open the listing.
2. Check the developer: it must say Rockstar Games.
3. Pay the listed price — official GTA ports are paid games; “free full version” APKs are pirated or fake.
4. Let Google Play download the extra data automatically; don’t copy OBB files from ZIPs (why that’s risky).

Tips for the Best GTA Experience on Android

• Use a Bluetooth controller — driving and aiming feel far better.
• Turn on the phone’s game mode to reduce notifications and boost performance.
• Back up your saves with Rockstar Social Club / cloud save where the game supports it.
• Avoid “mod APK” versions: they often carry malware (see GTA 6 mod APK).

And for GTA 6?

When GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026, you can play it on your phone by streaming from your own PS5 or Xbox. Set it up now with our GTA 6 Android guide, and pre-load the game with our official download guide.