How Many Guitar Hero Games Are There: Full Series Guide

There are about 20 distinct Guitar Hero games, depending on whether mobile and arcade releases count.

The answer is not as simple as counting numbered titles. The Guitar Hero series includes main console games, band-themed spin-offs, handheld releases, mobile games, and an arcade edition. This guide explains how many Guitar Hero games are there, which titles belong in each group, and why different lists show different totals.

How Many Guitar Hero Games Are There?

There are about 20 distinct Guitar Hero games under a broad and practical count. This includes the main console series, major spin-offs, handheld games, mobile releases, and Guitar Hero Arcade.

A stricter count gives a smaller number. If you count only major home-console releases, there are 15 games. If you include handheld and mobile titles, the total rises to about 20 or more.

The difference comes from how people define a “game.” Some lists count mobile versions as separate releases. Others count them as ports. Regional editions, downloadable content, and updated versions can also create confusion.

Here is the clearest breakdown:

Category	Approximate number
Main console games	8
Console spin-offs	5
Handheld games	3
Mobile games	3 to 4
Arcade release	1
Total broad count	About 20 to 21

So, when someone asks how many Guitar Hero games are there, the safest answer is about 20 distinct releases, with the exact number depending on the counting method.

The Main Guitar Hero Games

The main Guitar Hero games form the core of the franchise. These titles helped define the rhythm game genre and introduced new instruments, modes, and song systems over time.

1. Guitar Hero

Released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, the original Guitar Hero introduced the plastic guitar controller to a wide audience. It used a five-button fretboard and a strum bar to create a simple but exciting music game.

The first game focused mainly on rock songs and included tracks from bands such as The Exies, Franz Ferdinand, and Black Sabbath. Its success proved that rhythm games could reach players who did not normally play music-based games.

2. Guitar Hero II

Guitar Hero II arrived in 2006 for the PlayStation 2 and later reached the Xbox 360. It expanded the song list, added cooperative play, and improved the career mode.

Many fans still view Guitar Hero II as one of the strongest games in the series. It balanced easy songs for new players with difficult tracks that challenged experienced players.

3. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

Released in 2007, Guitar Hero III became one of the best-known entries in the series. It added online multiplayer on some platforms and featured famous guitar battles against characters such as Slash and Tom Morello.

The game also included songs such as “Through the Fire and Flames” by DragonForce. That track became a symbol of extreme rhythm game difficulty.

4. Guitar Hero World Tour

Guitar Hero World Tour launched in 2008 and expanded the series beyond guitar. Players could use guitar, bass, drums, and vocals.

This game changed Guitar Hero from a guitar-focused title into a full band experience. It also introduced a music studio where players could create and share songs.

5. Guitar Hero 5

Guitar Hero 5 arrived in 2009 with a smoother interface and stronger party features. Players could jump into songs without following a strict band setup.

The game supported flexible band play. A group could use several guitars, several microphones, or a mix of instruments. That made it easier to play casually with friends.

6. Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock

Released in 2010, Warriors of Rock returned to a more guitar-centered style. It used a fantasy-themed career mode and included a large collection of rock and metal songs.

The game also introduced special powers for each playable character. These powers changed how players earned stars and scores during songs.

7. Guitar Hero Live

Guitar Hero Live launched in 2015 after a long break in the series. It used a redesigned six-button guitar controller instead of the classic five-button layout.

The game also used live-action concert video. Players performed in front of real crowds that reacted positively or negatively to their play. This was a major change from the cartoon-style presentation of earlier games.

8. Guitar Hero Live for Mobile and Modern Platforms

Guitar Hero Live also appeared on systems such as the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and mobile devices. These versions are usually treated as one game rather than separate entries.

The game’s online GHTV mode once provided a large stream of playable songs. However, the service was shut down in 2018 after Activision closed the online feature.

Guitar Hero Spin-Off Games

The Guitar Hero spin-offs kept the same basic rhythm gameplay but changed the theme, song list, or main audience. These releases are important when calculating how many Guitar Hero games are there.

Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the ’80s

This PlayStation 2 game focused on music from the 1980s. It included songs from artists such as Twisted Sister, Ratt, and Poison.

It used the gameplay style of the first two Guitar Hero games. The smaller song list and decade-based theme made it feel like a special edition rather than a full series reset.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was the first major artist-focused game in the franchise. It followed the career of Aerosmith and included songs connected to the band’s history.

The game also featured songs from artists who influenced or performed with Aerosmith. It showed that the Guitar Hero format could support a full musical biography.

Guitar Hero: Metallica

Released in 2009, Guitar Hero: Metallica focused on the music and career of Metallica. It included songs from Metallica and other metal bands.

The game supported guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Its heavier song list made it especially popular with players who wanted a more challenging rock game.

Guitar Hero: Smash Hits

Smash Hits collected popular songs from earlier Guitar Hero games. Unlike a simple song compilation, it rebuilt many tracks for full-band play.

For example, older guitar-only songs could be played with drums, bass, and vocals. This gave longtime fans a new way to experience familiar tracks.

Guitar Hero: Van Halen

Guitar Hero: Van Halen was released in 2009. It centered on Van Halen but also included songs from other hard rock and metal acts.

The title received less attention than the Aerosmith and Metallica games. Still, it remains part of the official Guitar Hero catalog and should be included in a complete count.

Handheld Guitar Hero Games

The handheld games brought the series to Nintendo and other portable systems. They used different control systems because handheld consoles did not have the same full-size guitar hardware.

Guitar Hero: On Tour

Guitar Hero: On Tour was released for the Nintendo DS in 2008. It used a special grip accessory that plugged into the Game Boy Advance slot on compatible Nintendo DS systems.

Players held the console sideways and strummed across the accessory. The design was clever, although the small controls could feel uncomfortable during long sessions.

Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades

On Tour Decades also appeared on the Nintendo DS. It focused on songs from different periods and used the same basic guitar grip system.

The game offered a time-based progression system. Players moved through musical eras while unlocking songs and content.

Guitar Hero: On Tour Modern Hits

Modern Hits was the third main On Tour title. It focused on newer music and included songs from artists such as Foo Fighters, Paramore, and The White Stripes.

These three Nintendo DS releases are normally counted as separate Guitar Hero games. They were not simply menu updates for the original On Tour.

Guitar Hero Mobile Games

Mobile releases make the answer to how many Guitar Hero games are there more complicated. Some were full adaptations, while others were designed specifically for phones.

Known mobile releases include:

• Guitar Hero III Mobile

• Guitar Hero World Tour Mobile

• Guitar Hero 5 Mobile

• Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Mobile

These games used touch controls instead of a plastic guitar. Depending on the phone model and carrier, players tapped or held virtual fret buttons in time with the music.

Mobile editions often had smaller song lists than console games. They may also be difficult to find today because many were removed from app stores or depended on old mobile platforms.

The original iOS version of Guitar Hero is also sometimes counted separately. It used touchscreen controls and included songs designed for short play sessions.

For this reason, one list may say there are 18 Guitar Hero games, while another says there are 20 or 21. Both can be reasonable if they explain what they included.

Guitar Hero Arcade

Guitar Hero Arcade was an arcade version designed for public gaming locations. It allowed players to perform songs using a cabinet with guitar controllers.

The arcade game was not a traditional home release. It was built for quick play, public competition, and repeated sessions.

Some players leave Guitar Hero Arcade out of the total because it was not sold as a normal console game. Others include it because it is an official Guitar Hero release with its own song selection and arcade hardware.

When answering how many Guitar Hero games are there, including the arcade title gives a more complete view of the franchise.

What Does Not Count as a Guitar Hero Game?

Several music games are closely linked to Guitar Hero but should not be included in a strict count.

Band Hero

Band Hero used Guitar Hero-style instruments and technology. It focused more on pop and mainstream music, making it accessible to younger players and casual groups.

However, Band Hero is a separate brand. It is related to Guitar Hero, but it is not technically a Guitar Hero game.

DJ Hero

DJ Hero came from the same wider rhythm game family and was published by Activision. It used a turntable controller and focused on mixing music.

DJ Hero and DJ Hero 2 should be excluded when answering how many Guitar Hero games are there because they are separate series.

Downloadable Song Packs

Downloadable songs are not separate Guitar Hero games. They add music, characters, or features to an existing title.

For example, a song pack for Guitar Hero World Tour does not create a new game. It only expands the original release.

Console Ports

A PlayStation 3 version and an Xbox 360 version of the same game are usually counted as one title. Counting every platform separately would inflate the total.

This rule also applies to Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and mobile ports when they share the same core game.

Why Different Sources Give Different Numbers

The phrase how many Guitar Hero games are there has no single answer unless the counting rules are clear. The franchise was released across many platforms, and some titles had unique features or separate mobile editions.

The main reasons for different totals include:

• Whether Guitar Hero Arcade counts

• Whether mobile editions count as separate games

• Whether Guitar Hero Live mobile is treated as its own title

• Whether ports are counted separately

• Whether Band Hero is included

• Whether downloadable expansions are included

• Whether regional releases are included

A reliable list should name the titles rather than provide only one number. This avoids confusion and lets readers understand exactly what has been counted.

From a practical research standpoint, the best answer is:

• 15 major home-console Guitar Hero games

• About 18 to 20 games when handheld and mobile releases are included

• About 20 to 21 official releases when arcade and separate mobile versions are counted

How Many Guitar Hero Games Are There on PlayStation?

There are at least 15 major Guitar Hero titles available across PlayStation consoles, depending on the system and how spin-offs are counted. The PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4 each received different parts of the series.

PlayStation 2 players could play the original Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, Encore: Rocks the ’80s, Guitar Hero III, World Tour, Metallica, Smash Hits, and other releases.

PlayStation 3 players received most of the later console games, including Guitar Hero 5, Warriors of Rock, and Guitar Hero Live. Not every title appeared on every PlayStation system.

How Many Guitar Hero Games Are There on Xbox?

Xbox platforms received many of the major Guitar Hero releases, especially from Guitar Hero II onward. The Xbox 360 became one of the main systems for Guitar Hero III, World Tour, Metallica, Guitar Hero 5, and Warriors of Rock.

The Xbox One later received Guitar Hero Live. Older Xbox systems did not receive every early title, so the total depends on whether you mean all Xbox games or games available on one specific console.

Xbox players also benefited from online multiplayer in several entries. This helped Guitar Hero become a popular party and competitive game during the Xbox 360 era.

The Best Way to Start Playing Guitar Hero Today

Finding the games is harder than it was during the series’ peak. Many titles are no longer sold digitally, and compatible guitar controllers can cost more than the games themselves.

A practical starting plan is:

1. Choose a console with working instrument support.

2. Buy a compatible guitar controller.

3. Start with Guitar Hero III, Guitar Hero World Tour, or Guitar Hero 5.

4. Check that the disc, console, and controller use the same regional format when needed.

5. Test the strum bar and fret buttons before buying used equipment.

6. Explore Guitar Hero Live only if you want its different six-button control system.

Used hardware is often the biggest challenge. A game disc may work perfectly, but a worn strum bar or missing wireless receiver can make the full setup difficult.

In my view, Guitar Hero III is a strong choice for classic arcade-style play. World Tour is better for groups, while Guitar Hero 5 offers a friendly party format. Guitar Hero Live is worth considering only if you enjoy learning a new control layout.

Common Mistakes When Counting Guitar Hero Games

Many online lists mix games, ports, expansions, and related brands. That can make the final number look more certain than it really is.

Common mistakes include:

• Counting every console version as a new game

• Treating downloadable songs as separate releases

• Including Band Hero without explaining the choice

• Forgetting the Nintendo DS games

• Ignoring mobile releases

• Leaving out Guitar Hero Live

• Counting DJ Hero as part of the series

The best method is to create separate groups for main games, spin-offs, handheld releases, mobile releases, and arcade games. This produces a clear answer instead of an inflated one.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Many Guitar Hero Games Are There

How many Guitar Hero games are there in the main series?

There are eight major main-series releases if Guitar Hero Live is included. These are Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero III, World Tour, Guitar Hero 5, Warriors of Rock, and Guitar Hero Live, with the broader count depending on whether some editions are grouped together.

What is the total number of Guitar Hero games?

A broad count gives about 20 to 21 official Guitar Hero releases. The total changes when mobile versions, Guitar Hero Arcade, and handheld titles are counted separately.

Is Guitar Hero Live part of the Guitar Hero series?

Yes, Guitar Hero Live is an official Guitar Hero game. It introduced a six-button controller and live-action concert footage, which made it different from earlier entries.

Are Guitar Hero mobile games counted separately?

They can be counted separately because some were designed as standalone mobile releases. However, many lists treat them as mobile versions rather than full entries in the main series.

Is Band Hero a Guitar Hero game?

Band Hero is closely related to Guitar Hero but is officially a separate game brand. It should not be included in a strict Guitar Hero count.

Is DJ Hero included in the Guitar Hero total?

No. DJ Hero is a separate rhythm game series that uses a turntable controller. It belongs to the same broader music game market but not to the Guitar Hero series itself.

Which Guitar Hero game is best for beginners?

Guitar Hero World Tour and Guitar Hero 5 are good choices for beginners because they offer flexible difficulty settings and accessible multiplayer modes. Guitar Hero III is also enjoyable, but some of its later songs are very difficult.

Conclusion

So, how many Guitar Hero games are there? The most useful answer is about 20 distinct official releases, or 15 major home-console games if handheld, mobile, and arcade versions are excluded.

The series includes classic numbered games, artist-focused titles, Nintendo DS releases, mobile editions, Guitar Hero Arcade, and the later Guitar Hero Live reboot. Because the counting rules vary, always check which categories a list includes.

If you want to play today, start by choosing the console, game, and compatible controller before buying anything. Explore the classic catalog, compare the different control styles, and share your favorite Guitar Hero title in the comments.