Is GTA Online free – pricing explained on PC, Xbox, and PS5

Is GTA Online free – pricing explained on PC, Xbox, and PS5
Antony Terence Updated on by

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Is GTA Online free

Thanks to years of constant updates, GTA Online remains a compelling multiplayer experience that you can hop into even today. If you’re on the fence and are wondering about the cost of entry, we’ve got you covered.

Once you’re in, you can set your sights on the new GTA Online wildlife photography challenge. Next, consider getting a rare outfit from The Gooch in GTA Online.

A player riding a motorcycle in GTA Online. Image from Rockstar Games.
A player riding a motorcycle in GTA Online. Image from Rockstar Games.

Is GTA Online free

No, you need to purchase GTA 5 to play GTA Online. Console players need Xbox Game Pass Core and PS Plus subscriptions to experience heists and other activities with friends. This might come as a bummer but there are some ways to lower the cost of entry. We’ve listed them out based on the popular platforms that GTA Online is available in.

Is GTA Online free on PC

If you already own GTA 5 on PC, you can head into GTA Online right away. This is applicable across all launchers, be it the one from Rockstar, Epic Games, or Steam. GTA 5 has been given away in the past by Epic Games, meaning that you might already have it under a dusty digital shelf.

While the console versions, especially the Enhanced editions, are great, the PC version’s access to mods makes it the most compelling option. These range from visual buffs to new gameplay mechanics and characters. Note that you cannot use mods while playing online, though, for balance reasons. 

Is GTA Online free on Xbox

GTA 5 is leaving Xbox Game Pass soon. You can access GTA Online now with just the Xbox Game Pass Core subscription, even if you don’t own the base game. But once GTA 5 leaves Xbox Game Pass, you’ll need to purchase GTA 5 in the Microsoft Store to get access to GTA Online. On the latest Xbox Series X|S and PS5, you can play GTA 5 Enhanced Edition with performance upgrades and a 60 frames per second performance mode.

Is GTA Online free on PlayStation

Since GTA 5 just made its way to PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers, you can access GTA Online this way. Note that this includes the PS Plus subscription required for online multiplayer. If the game is removed from PS Plus Extra and Premium later, you’ll need the base game to enjoy GTA Online’s brand of mayhem.

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Grab the game during sales at steep discounts

Considering that the game is several years old, you can find GTA 5 at good prices during sales across all platforms. This will grant you access to GTA Online.

You’ll also need an active PlayStation Plus subscription for Grand Theft Auto V multiplayer. PS Plus Essential is available for $79.99 a year, Extra is priced at $134.99 a year, and Premium costs $159.99 a year. The PS5 version even offers DualSense controller support, 3D audio via Tempest AudioTech, HDR support, and ray tracing.

Is GTA Online worth the cost in 2024

It’s well worth the cost in 2024 thanks to constant support and improvements. If you already have access to GTA 5, dive right in. Grand Theft Auto Online from Rockstar Games continues to receive solid updates like the recent Chop Shop update and the return of peyote plants.

And the pace won’t slow down until its sequel arrives. Keep an eye out for official announcements in case the base game goes free once more. Discounts during holiday sales or regular ones can help you get the game’s multiplayer for an even lower price.

That covers if GTA Online is free. If you want to call in backup, here are all the phone numbers in GTA Online. And here are the snowman locations in GTA Online if you want to find them all. GTA Online still has a massive audience on PC, PS3, PS4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. 

GTA Online free FAQ

Was GTA Online ever free?

An Epic Games giveaway let PC players nab GTA 5 for free and granted them access to GTA Online.

Is GTA Online free on Steam?

No, GTA 5 is not free on Steam and you have to purchase it for GTA Online access.