GTA VI: What are the best maps in the Grand Theft Auto series?
, by Chris
The release of GTA 6 is getting closer and closer. As of a few hours ago, players around the world can now pre-load the game on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The launch of this new instalment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise will give players the chance to discover a brand-new story, new characters, and, most importantly, an entirely new region and a new MAP! Let's take a quick look back at every playground featured in the Grand Theft Auto series as we rank the best maps in the franchise!
06) Liberty City (3D era)
We kick off this ranking with the Liberty City map featured in GTA III (2001) and GTA Liberty City Stories (2005). Liberty City has appeared in three different iterations across the franchise's 2D era (GTA 1), 3D era (GTA III and Liberty City Stories), and HD era (GTA IV). However, there's no denying that this particular map is arguably one of the weakest in the series (not counting the 2D maps).
The atmosphere is nothing particularly special, with plenty of rain and a gloomy, rather depressing cityscape. The first two islands are enjoyable enough, although they lack detail and density. The third island, on the other hand, is a real slog. Rockstar North was experimenting with 3D maps for the very first time, so we can't really hold that against the studio. Especially considering just how innovative the map was back then. Still, it hasn't aged particularly well.
05) Cayo Perico
Cayo Perico is an additional map expansion that arrived in GTA Online in 2020. When it was first announced and released, excitement was through the roof. Looking back, however, this map is rather disappointing. Small, lacking in detail, and only accessible as part of the Cayo Perico Heist... It was a decent first attempt, but we would have loved to see Rockstar take things much further.
04) Vice City
While we wait to go back to Vice City in GTA VI, 20 years after GTA Vice City Stories and 24 years after GTA Vice City, this time in a fully modernised HD version set within the wider region of Leonida, longtime fans will remember exploring the original map on PS2 and PSP. Even back then, it was already one of the best maps of the 3D era.
From iconic locations such as Ocean Beach and the shopping mall to Little Haiti and the airport, Vice City had it all. The map was significantly larger, more accessible, and more detailed than the one featured in GTA III just a year earlier. It was a night-and-day difference, with an incredible atmosphere to match. Day and night offered two completely different experiences, thanks to the neon lights and changing lighting. An absolute treat!
03) Liberty City (HD era)
Taking third place is the map from GTA IV, featuring the HD version of Liberty City, inspired by New York. The atmosphere, the overall feel, the recreation of the city, the colours, the lighting... everything comes together beautifully! Back in 2008, Rockstar delivered an incredibly realistic and believable take on New York City. Unfortunately, this map offers nothing but urban environments. No countryside, no forests, nothing. And coming just four years after the incredible map in GTA San Andreas... that's a tough act to follow!
02) Los Santos & Blaine County
The most recent map in the franchise doesn't take the top spot, settling for second place instead. The map in GTA V is still a fantastic playground (even if, after 13 years of exploring it, we're starting to get a little tired of it). Nevertheless, it remains one of the densest and most detailed maps in the entire series. Los Santos itself is beautifully recreated, with a particularly impressive sense of scale.
However, the northern part of the map, particularly Blaine County, leaves something to be desired. The entire northwestern area around Paleto Bay, and even more so the eastern section near the Humane Labs facility, feels incredibly empty and underused. The lack of atmosphere is particularly noticeable as night falls.
01) San Andreas
To this day, this remains THE ultimate map in the GTA series. Slightly smaller than the one in GTA V, it was still more than impressive in terms of scale for its time. But when it comes to variety and atmosphere, it stands head and shoulders above the rest!
The map features three iconic cities (Los Angeles / Los Santos, San Francisco / San Fierro, and Las Vegas / Las Venturas). There's also plenty of countryside, forests, and even a massive desert! Every corner of the map feels unique. And once night falls, with the fog rolling in, the entire world takes on a truly distinctive atmosphere. It's still an absolute joy to explore, even 22 years after its release!
Will the map in GTA VI live up to expectations? And will it finally dethrone San Andreas, a map that still holds a special place in our hearts, even 22 years after the game's release? We'll find out very soon!