Grand Theft Auto Online, also known as GTA Online, is the online multiplayer game built on Grand Theft Auto V. Developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games, it launched on October 1, 2013, before becoming available as a standalone purchase on newer consoles in 2022. 1 5

Description

GTA Online gives players a shared version of Los Santos and Blaine County where they can explore alone or with friends, complete cooperative missions, compete in races and adversary modes, take part in Heists and build criminal businesses. 1 Properties such as apartments, clubhouses, bunkers, nightclubs and arcades unlock additional missions, businesses and planning spaces. 2

Rockstar has expanded the game through free content updates since 2013. These have added new stories, vehicles, weapons, properties, businesses, Heists, races and creator tools. Major releases are still continuing: the Kortz Center Heist arrived in July 2026. 3

The currently supported versions are available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Online services for the original PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions ended on December 16, 2021. 4

Story

Players create a character who arrives in Los Santos and begins taking jobs from local contacts. Later updates moved the online story forward and brought in returning characters alongside new criminal organizations. The Contract, for example, follows the player's work with Franklin Clinton and Dr. Dre. 10

The player character has no fixed background or spoken dialogue. Their growing collection of properties, vehicles and businesses reflects their progression from a new arrival to the leader of a large criminal operation.

Gameplay

GTA Online carries over GTA V's driving, shooting and open-world systems while adding persistent characters, ranks, money, owned vehicles and properties. Players earn GTA$ and Reputation Points through missions, businesses, Heists, races, competitive modes and Freemode activities.

Activities range from solo jobs to cooperative story missions and larger team-based modes. The Interaction Menu includes controls for organizations, vehicles, inventory and Passive Mode, while the Quick Join system provides direct access to Heists, Contact Missions, Jobs and other activities. 6

The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC Enhanced versions add newer visual and performance features, Career Builder access for new characters and content such as Hao's Special Works. 5 7

Release History

  • Initial PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 release - October 1, 2013 1
  • PlayStation 4 and Xbox One release - November 18, 2014 8
  • PC release - April 14, 2015 9
  • PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 online services ended - December 16, 2021 4
  • Standalone PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S release - March 15, 2022 5 (launch details)
  • PC Enhanced release - March 4, 2025 7

The 2022 console release accompanied Grand Theft Auto V Expanded and Enhanced and made the multiplayer game available separately from GTA V Story Mode.

See Also

References

  1. Watch the GTA Online Official Gameplay Video, Rockstar Games, published August 15, 2013. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  2. Properties, GTA Online Guides, Rockstar Games. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  3. The Kortz Center Heist Now Available in GTA Online, Rockstar Games, published July 14, 2026. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  4. End of Online Services for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Versions of Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar Support, updated April 28, 2024. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  5. GTAV and GTA Online Coming March 15 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, Rockstar Games, published March 4, 2022. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  6. Freemode Basics, GTA Online Guides, Rockstar Games. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  7. Free Upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V on PC Now Available, Rockstar Games, published March 4, 2025. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  8. Grand Theft Auto V Release Dates and Exclusive Content Details for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, Rockstar Games, published September 12, 2014. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  9. Grand Theft Auto V Is Now Available for PC, Rockstar Games, published April 14, 2015. Accessed August 11, 2026.

  10. Introducing The Contract, a New GTA Online Story Featuring Franklin Clinton and Friends, Rockstar Games, published December 8, 2021. Accessed August 11, 2026.