Gangs have had a significant impact on the Grand Theft Auto series, often posing problems for the main characters. Nevertheless, some gangs have also proved to be valuable partners during missions. Whether they are street gangs or organized crime families, gangs have played a major role in the franchise's narratives.
In many of the games, the main character is a member of one of these gangs, providing players with a firsthand perspective on the action.
9 Altruist Cult
Survival in this world requires accepting the coexistence of street gangs and organized crime families, as they can sometimes clash and at other times collaborate seamlessly.
Situated in the wilderness of the Chiliad Mountain state, the Altruist cult stands out as one of the most unsettling gangs in Grand Theft Auto 5. This notorious group, which also appears in GTA Online, offers players the opportunity to explore their land and stumble upon a stash house. Known for their challenging raids, it is here that players may face a formidable task of retrieving stolen money.
8 Los Santos Vagos
The group is primarily comprised of elderly gentlemen who harbor a strong aversion towards technology and subsequent generations. They roam about in a state of undress, and in the narrative mode, Trevor has affiliations with them. In return for monetary incentives, he facilitates chance encounters for their benefit.The Los Santos Vagos, featured in both GTA 5 and GTA: Online, represent a prominent Mexican street gang. Renowned as the foremost Latinx street gang in Los Santos, they boast an expansive presence throughout the city.
7 Varrios Los Aztecas
They are believed to have ties to several prominent Mafia families while proudly showing their support for the LS Pounders football team. Their primary illegal operation revolves around drug trafficking, although it has become apparent that they have expanded into the realm of mid-level distribution. The Vagos exert control over the entire Rancho area and can frequently be observed in small groups on the sidewalk, indulging in marijuana consumption and alcohol consumption.
This gang is featured as the secondary antagonists in GTA: San Andreas. They aren't a major part of the story, but they did leave a lasting impression on fans.
6 Ballas
The radio recently reported that the Aztecas were engaged in a conflict with the Vagos in East Los Santos. This is particularly intriguing because that region was previously under the control of the Ballas, a gang that has the potential to be thoroughly developed in a future installment of the franchise.
The Ballas, an infamous street gang, play a significant role in both GTA 5 and GTA: San Andreas. Their nefarious activities encompass a wide range of illegal operations involving drug production and trafficking.
5 Grove Street Families
The group appears to hold a deep grudge against Franklin, frequently targeting him upon sight. Additionally, they maintain a fierce competition with various crime syndicates. Employing both firearms and blades as their weapons of choice, this gang stands out effortlessly due to their unmistakable purple ensembles.
The Grove Street Families, a popular gang in GTA: San Andreas, features CJ Johnson as one of their prominent leaders. This African American gang is famously known for their ongoing feud with the Ballas. Additionally, they share intense rivalries with the Varrios Los Aztecas and the Los Santos Vagos.
4 Los Santos Triads
can often be spotted in the more impoverished areas of the urban landscape. The presence of their emblematic green hue serves as a symbol to indicate that one has ventured into their domain, requiring vigilance to avoid engaging in any altercations.
The Los Santos Triads, the dominant Chinese criminal organization in Grand Theft Auto 5, were previously known as the Wei Cheng Triad. Alongside the Ballas and The Lost MC, they serve as the game's secondary antagonists.
Wei Cheng is the head of the organization. He ends up dead when Franklin arrives to rescue Michael after he is captured and held at Raven Slaughterhouse by the triads.
3 The Russian Mafia
The Russian Mafia serves as the primary adversaries in Grand Theft Auto 4, embodying a merciless and callous gang that disregards the well-being of others as they strive to ascend within the criminal underworld.
2 The Madrazo Cartel
One of the key figures within the Russian mafia is Dimitri Rascalov, a ruthless gangster who coerces beloved character Niko Bellic into assassinating their superior, Mikhail Faustin. Rascalov ultimately faces his long-awaited reckoning during the climactic finale of the game. His captivating presence throughout the gameplay adds ample excitement, solidifying GTA 4 as an outstanding installment within the enduring franchise.
The Madrazo Cartel, featured in both GTA 5 and GTA: Online, is a prominent drug syndicate that assumes a crucial part in the storyline. Comprising predominantly of young Hispanic males outfitted in Flying Bravo polo shirts, the gang instills terror in the hearts of San Andreas residents with their unrelenting ruthlessness.
1 The Leone Crime Family
They have deep involvement in the illicit drug trade and are also engaged in arms trafficking, alongside a small portion of their operations being dedicated to prostitution. Overseeing the entire enterprise is Martin Madrazo, who runs the business in a tightly-knit manner, treating it as a family venture. His son Miguel and cousin Javier are entrusted with the management of street-level affairs.
Salvatore Leone, the protagonist in the Grand Theft Auto series, holds a prominent position as the leader of the most influential Mafia clan in GTA 3. The Leone family exercises absolute control over every aspect and faces minimal opposition from rival gangs within the boundaries of Liberty City.
The Corleone family in The Godfather serves as the foundation for their portrayal, drawing inspiration from the renowned fictional Cosa Nostra family and their association with gambling. Their prominence in numerous installments of the franchise solidifies their position as the foremost gang within it.