Grand Theft Auto IV is set in 2008.
Understanding the Grand Theft Auto IV Timeline
Grand Theft Auto IV immerses players in Liberty City during the year 2008, following the journey of Niko Bellic as he seeks to escape his past and pursue the American Dream. Despite its release in the same year, the game's setting is precisely aligned with that period, reflecting the political, social, and cultural landscape of the late 2000s.
The narrative and in-game world of GTA IV and its associated expansions are firmly rooted in this specific timeframe within the overarching HD Universe continuity. The table below illustrates the setting years for key titles within this universe:
| Game Title | Release Year | In-Game Setting Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto IV | 2008 | 2008 |
| Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City | 2009 | 2008 |
| Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars | 2009 | 2009 |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | 2013 (Main Events), 2004 (Prologue) |
As shown, both Grand Theft Auto IV and its downloadable content expansion, Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City (which includes The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony), take place in 2008, providing a cohesive timeline for Niko Bellic's story and the events surrounding it. This consistent setting helps to establish a detailed and believable world for players to explore.
