Rockstar’s iconic Grand Theft Auto series built its legacy on crime-driven storytelling, chaotic gameplay, and deeply interconnected characters. While the HD universe (GTA IV onward) gets plenty of attention, the 3D era—from GTA III to San Andreas—crafted a rich narrative with recurring characters, evolving cities, and layered betrayals. This timeline dives into the complete storyline of the 3D universe, bridging the chaos across Liberty City, Vice City, and San Andreas.
The Beginning of the Vance Legacy – Vice City Stories (1984)
Victor Vance, a U.S. Army soldier, finds his life derailed when he’s dishonorably discharged due to a drug and prostitution setup meant for his corrupt superior, Jerry Martinez. Back in Vice City, Vic reluctantly enters the criminal world, working for arms dealer Phil Cassidy. After killing the abusive Marty Williams and taking over his operations, Vic joins forces with his brother Lance to support their ailing sibling Pete.
However, Vic is soon dragged deeper into the drug underworld, eventually crossing paths with the Mendez brothers. After betrayals and bloodshed, Vic rescues Lance and takes down the Mendez cartel and Martinez. Despite losing his partner Louise, Vic and Lance vow to leave the drug business behind—at least for now.
Tommy Vercetti Rises – Vice City (1986)
Two years later, Tommy Vercetti is sent by mob boss Sonny Forelli to Vice City to establish a foothold in the drug trade. When a deal with the Vance brothers goes wrong, resulting in Vic’s death, Tommy is forced to uncover the culprits.
Tommy partners with survivors like Lance Vance and Ken Rosenberg, builds a criminal empire, and eliminates major players like Ricardo Diaz. Tensions with Lance boil over, especially after Sonny arrives demanding his share. Lance betrays Tommy, leading to a final showdown in which both Lance and Sonny are killed. With Vice City under his control, Tommy appoints Rosenberg as his right-hand man.
The Johnsons and the Collapse of Grove Street – San Andreas (1987–1992)
In 1987, Carl “CJ” Johnson leaves Los Santos after being blamed for his brother Brian’s death. He resurfaces in 1992 when his mother is killed in a drive-by. Reuniting with his gang, the Grove Street Families, CJ faces corruption from officers Tenpenny, Hernandez, and Pulaski, while uncovering betrayals by close allies Big Smoke and Ryder.
After rebuilding Grove Street’s strength and surviving ambushes, CJ is forced out of the city and pulled into a broader criminal world—helping Triads in San Fierro, pulling casino heists in Las Venturas, and learning to fly aircraft. Eventually, he returns to Los Santos, retakes territory, and helps bring an end to Tenpenny, whose actions had plunged the city into chaos. With Tenpenny dead and the gang restored, the Johnson family regains its footing.
The Leone Family’s Internal War – Liberty City Stories (1998)
Tony Cipriani returns to Liberty City after hiding for years, working his way back up in the Leone crime family under Salvatore Leone. After dealing with internal threats like Vincenzo and JD, Tony uncovers a larger conspiracy involving the Sicilian Mafia and corrupt city officials.
Through political assassinations, betrayals, and brutal takeovers, Tony helps Salvatore maintain power, even as they clash with the Forellis and Sindaccos. Tony finally earns his “made man” status, and the Leone family fends off Sicilian interference.
Mike’s Revenge and Vinnie’s Betrayal – GTA Advance (2000)
Mike, a small-time criminal in Liberty City, works under Vinnie until Vinnie seemingly dies in a car bombing. Fueled by vengeance, Mike unravels a web of betrayal, shifting between criminal factions like the Yardies, Yakuza, and Colombian Cartel.
In a twist, Vinnie is revealed to have faked his death to manipulate Mike. After a bloody confrontation, Mike kills him. With Liberty City swarming with enemies, Mike escapes the chaos by boarding a cartel plane, leaving behind the life that nearly consumed him.
Catalina and Claude – The Final Chapter of the 3D Universe – GTA III (2001)
After betraying Claude during a heist, Catalina flees with cartel boss Miguel. Claude survives and is arrested, but escapes during a convoy attack. Teaming up with 8-Ball, he begins working for the Leone family and later allies with the Yakuza after being double-crossed by Salvatore.
Claude’s mission becomes personal as he hunts down Catalina. Along the way, he plays factions against one another, escalates gang wars, and helps media tycoon Donald Love manipulate the city’s economy.
In a climactic battle, Claude takes down Catalina as she tries to escape in a helicopter, ending her reign of terror. The game closes with a final, ambiguous gunshot as Maria complains incessantly during their escape, marking the conclusion of the 3D saga.
A Legacy of Crime and Chaos
From Vic Vance’s unintended plunge into the underworld to Claude’s final bullet in Liberty City, the 3D era of Grand Theft Auto is a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and criminal ambition. These interconnected stories laid the groundwork for the HD universe and remain some of the most beloved moments in gaming history.