Grand Theft Auto V (commonly abbreviated as GTA V or GTA 5) is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Take-Two Interactive. It is the fifth numbered entry in the Grand Theft Auto series and the fifteenth overall, marking the fifth title in the series' "HD Universe." Released in 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, its massive success led to enhanced re-releases on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and later PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.The game was met with widespread acclaim and broke numerous sales records. Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, it follows three protagonists whose criminal lives become intertwined.
The game's launch grossed $800 million on its first day and surpassed $1 billion within three days, becoming the fastest-selling entertainment product in history. By mid-2025, it had sold over 215 million copies, making it the second best-selling video game of all time. Much of this success is credited to its polished single-player experience and the ongoing evolution of Grand Theft Auto Online, which launched shortly after the base game. The game has had a lasting impact on open-world design and service-based content models, raising expectations for its successor, Grand Theft Auto VI.
Gameplay and Core Mechanics
Grand Theft Auto V introduced a new multi-protagonist system that allows players to switch between three characters - Michael, Franklin, and Trevor - at nearly any time. Each character has their own lifestyle, schedule, and unique special ability: Franklin can slow time while driving, Michael can enter bullet-time during combat, and Trevor can activate a damage-boosting rage mode.
The game world includes Los Santos and Blaine County, offering diverse urban and rural environments. The "Random Events" system introduces unscripted encounters, such as returning stolen items or intercepting thieves, enhancing immersion. A persistent vehicle ownership system ensures that purchased vehicles can be retrieved from an impound lot if lost.
Heists are central to both gameplay and narrative. Each heist offers multiple approaches and requires crew selection, with the outcome influenced by planning and personnel. This emphasis on orchestrated criminal operations marks a departure from the series' earlier focus on simple car theft. Some players have reintroduced old gameplay styles through mods like the "Car Steal Missions" mod, highlighting the game's shift in scope.
Synopsis
Setting and Timeframe
The game is set in a satirical version of Southern California1, primarily in Los Santos and the surrounding Blaine County. Rockstar described the setting as its most ambitious to date, capturing themes of materialism, fame, and economic instability. The geography includes urban sprawl, mountains, deserts, and an explorable ocean floor, surpassing the size of previous Rockstar worlds combined.
The story takes place in 2013, about five years after Grand Theft Auto IV. In-game elements such as calendars and seasonal decorations narrow the timeframe to between August and October. Environmental cues like sales ads, holiday props, and NPC dialogue provide subtle confirmations of the timeline.
Complete timeline based on in-game events:
- An advertisement on the side of a strip mall in Davis promotes a "Summer Sale on flat‑screen TVs."
- The calendar in Trevor's trailer is visibly open to August.
- When Michael reunites with Lester to come out of retirement, the calendar in Lester's house shows the month of September.
- After Franklin moves into 3671 Whispymound Drive, a bank statement sits on his sideboard: the enhanced edition reveals it's his September statement, showing August transactions.
- During the mission "Cleaning Out the Bureau", the calendar in Harvey Molina's apartment is briefly visible and set to September.
- Near the storyline's conclusion, NPCs (notably barbers in Sandy Shores) may comment that "it's October already", implying early autumn.
- Several houses display pumpkins on porches, a classic autumn visual cue.
- In the Enhanced Edition, after completing the Monkey Mosaics minigame, the Space Monkey 3D creators' text message states their film will release in the holiday season, implying events align with late summer to fall.
Characters and Plot
The narrative follows three criminals: Michael De Santa, a retired bank robber in witness protection; Franklin Clinton, an ambitious repo man seeking a better life; and Trevor Philips, Michael's erratic former partner turned rural drug lord. Their paths converge after Franklin meets Michael, who is soon pulled back into crime. Trevor later discovers Michael is alive, setting the trio on a collision course.
Together, they navigate conflicts with corrupt FIB agents and corporate villains, undertaking a series of heists. Their story critiques modern American society, touching on themes like corruption, celebrity, and familial decay, in a world where success trumps morality.
Development and Multi-Generational Releases
Announced in 2011, Grand Theft Auto V debuted in September 2013 to critical acclaim. Rockstar later re-released the game for newer platforms, each time with enhancements. The 2014 "Enhanced Edition" for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, followed by a 2015 PC release, brought improved visuals and a first-person mode. In 2022, an "Expanded and Enhanced" version launched on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, featuring 4K resolution, 60 FPS, ray tracing, and reduced load times.
These iterative upgrades contributed to the game's enduring popularity. The most recent PC version, often referred to as GTA 5 Enhanced , represents the latest iteration.
While the base game initially received some single-player bonuses, Rockstar shifted focus to Grand Theft Auto Online after 2015. All major post-launch content, including vehicles, missions, and properties, was released exclusively for the online mode, transforming the franchise into a live-service model.
Grand Theft Auto Online
Grand Theft Auto Online launched two weeks after the base game, sharing the open world of San Andreas but populated by up to 30 players. Players create their own characters and rise through criminal ranks by completing missions, heists, and races. Money and reputation unlock vehicles, weapons, and real estate.
The mode grew steadily with free content updates, adding heists, business ventures, and new areas like Cayo Perico. Its hybrid monetization model—combining base game sales, microtransactions, and the GTA+ subscription proved highly profitable. Eventually, Rockstar offered GTA Online as a standalone title.
Reception and Legacy
Grand Theft Auto V was met with universal acclaim and became one of the highest-rated games ever. Critics praised its open world, narrative innovation, and refined gameplay. It sold 11.2 million copies and generated $800 million in its first 24 hours, reaching $1 billion in three days. Its continued success across console generations made it the second best-selling game of all time.
Beyond sales, its influence reshaped industry expectations for open-world games and live services. It has been referenced and parodied across media, such as the 'GAT V' pack for Saints Row IV . However, its monetization model also sparked criticism for prioritizing profit over player experience. Regardless, Grand Theft Auto V left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, setting a high bar for Grand Theft Auto VI to meet.
