Grand Theft Auto (GTA) has been a favorite among gamers on all platforms for years, since it was first released way back in 1997 on PC, PlayStation, and Game Boy Color. Since then, the controversial game has seen many different editions, with the most recent installment being a compilation trilogy of three of the most popular games in the series.
Although the more modern games are available on many platforms, including PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One, many gamers prefer to play on their PC. Of course, the original games are still popular today with those who enjoy a bit of 90s nostalgia. So, maybe you’re now wondering how to play the older GTA games on your PC.
You’re in luck because this guide will take you through everything you need to know about playing any GTA game on a computer!
Download the Games on Steam
The easiest way to play most games on your PC is by downloading them on Steam. Fans of old games will be thrilled to learn the original GTA is available on Steam. In fact, most games in the series are available on this platform – right through to the more recent Grand Theft Auto V from 2015.
But, how do you play games on Steam? First things first, you’ll have to create a Steam account for yourself. This is free and won’t take long. Next, you should install Steam on your computer, using the button at the top of the page. After following the prompts to install the program and return to the Steam store.
Then, browse for the GTA game you’d like to play. After confirming your PC meets the minimum system requirements and is capable of running the game, download it. You might have to pay for it, but some are free.
When the download is complete, head to your Steam games library and look for your chosen GTA game, open it up and enjoy!
Shop on the Epic Games Store
If you don’t have a Steam account, you might prefer to shop on the Epic Games store. However, if you want to use this platform, you will first have to install the Epic Games Launcher on your PC. You can do this by clicking the button in the top corner.
Once you have the Launcher installed, head to the Library section of the Launcher. Click on your chosen game, and it will start downloading. After the game has been downloaded, you’ll find it ready to play in the Epic Games Launcher, and you’re good to go!
The only GTA game available on Epic Games at the time of writing is GTA V, so if you are looking for older games in the series, you’ll have to use Steam instead.
Best GTA Games for PC Gamers
So, now you know how to play the GTA games on a PC, which ones should you be playing?
GTA V is easily the most popular game in the series, selling well over 100 million copies since its release. So, this is the one we’d most highly recommend. The online mode is especially popular with gamers, as players can enjoy cooperative missions with friends. Speaking of missions, the tasks in GTA V are incredibly exciting, and the characters are great, too.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is another very popular installment in the series. It has an excellent storyline and a fantastic soundtrack to go along with it, making it one of the most loved GTA games. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is also excellent for PC gamers. The map in this game is massive, meaning you can play it for months without completing it.
Is There Going to be a GTA 6?
There has been a lot of talk about GTA VI recently, with interest kicking off again with the release of the new remastered trilogy. However, fans of the series will be disappointed to know that the game hasn’t even officially been confirmed yet, let alone a potential release date mentioned.
However, there were rumors in early 2020 about a game in the early stages of development. But, this means GTA VI probably won’t be released until around 2024 or 2025, so fans will have to wait quite a while to play the latest installment.
Hopefully, the game will be here sooner rather than later, as GTA remains one of the most popular video game series of all time. It’s thought that the sixth installment in the series could perhaps be set in Vice City or Liberty City again, but this is yet to be confirmed. We are also yet to hear more about the storyline of the game.
What is the New Trilogy Like?
If you can’t wait for the new installment in the GTA series to be released, you might be considering buying the new Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy in the meantime. But is it worthwhile?
First, what games from the series are included in the trilogy?
Well, it comprises three of the best-loved games; Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. It’s not just available on PC, but on most gaming platforms, including; PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch.
The games have undergone some changes since their original releases, although many favorite features are still there. The script is excellent, as are the voice actors who read it. The graphics have been updated, with the lighting being notably better.
There have been a few issues with bugs in the new release, unfortunately. And, there are still a few controversial moments, most notably, the recurring homophobia. But, fans of the original games may appreciate that as little has been changed as possible.