PlayStation users looking to dive into Grand Theft Auto Online's latest mansion update have received an unexpected bonus: they can now play the game without needing an active PlayStation Plus subscription. The free-to-play period began slightly ahead of schedule, and while unannounced, history suggests it should last approximately two weeks, giving players ample time to explore the new luxury real estate content, officially named "A Safehouse in the Hills."
For anyone unfamiliar with how online gaming works on PlayStation consoles, Sony typically requires an active PlayStation Plus subscription to access multiplayer features in most games. This paid service has multiple tiers, with the basic level costing around $10 a month or $70 annually. It's become somewhat of a barrier for casual players who want to see what else Grand Theft Auto V has to offer beyond the single-player campaign.
However, Rockstar Games and Sony periodically offer promotional periods where this requirement is waived. These free access windows typically coincide with major content updates. What's interesting about this free play period is that it happened just a day before the update drops and on a day that Rockstar is believed to have initially planned to release it anyway. As pointed out by @PLTytus on X, "someone at R" was not notified about the delay."
