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On an Xbox console, yes: GTA Online multiplayer requires Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate. On PlayStation, you need PlayStation Plus. On PC, the reviewed Rockstar requirements do not identify a console-style Game Pass subscription.
GTA Online subscription requirements by platform
| Platform | Subscription for online multiplayer | Other access requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S | Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate. Xbox says subscriptions are sold separately. | You also need access to GTA Online; it is listed as a standalone title. |
| PlayStation | PlayStation Plus. | You also need access to GTA Online; a standalone PS5 title is listed. |
| PC | No console Game Pass requirement is identified in the reviewed PC sources. | Rockstar Games account login, internet access, and periodic entitlement verification. Xbox app privacy settings can also prevent multiplayer access. |
Xbox: Game Pass is required for console multiplayer
Xbox’s current GTA Online listing says: “Online multiplayer on console requires XBOX Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate (subscriptions sold separately).” This requirement is separate from getting access to the game itself. Buying or owning GTA Online does not, by itself, meet the console multiplayer requirement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition (Xbox One) | $24.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $17.61 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox One) (Renewed) | $17.99 | Buy on Amazon |
PlayStation: you need PlayStation Plus
PlayStation’s GTA V support page states: “PlayStation®Plus is required for online play.” This is the PlayStation equivalent of the Xbox console multiplayer subscription requirement; Game Pass is not the PlayStation service.
PC: Rockstar account and internet access, not console Game Pass
Rockstar’s PC requirements call for a Rockstar Games account, an internet connection, and periodic entitlement verification. The reviewed PC requirements do not list an Xbox console Game Pass tier as a requirement for GTA Online.
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#1 Best Overall
- Includes the complete grand Theft Auto V story experience
If you play through the Xbox app on PC and cannot enter GTA Online, check the app’s privacy and online-safety settings. Rockstar says settings that disable multiplayer or cross-network play can block access. In this context, cross-network play means multiplayer between PC platforms; PC players cannot play GTA Online with console players.
Owning GTA Online is separate from the subscription
GTA Online is listed as a standalone title on Xbox Series X|S and PS5. That concerns access to the game, not the separate console subscription required for online multiplayer. Check that you have access to the game and, on console, the required platform subscription.
Rank #2
- The biggest, most dynamic and most diverse open world ever created and now packed with layers of new detail.
- Grand Theft Auto V blends storytelling and gameplay in new ways as players repeatedly jump in and out of the lives of the game's three lead characters, playing all sides of the game's interwoven story.
- Grand Theft Auto V also comes with Grand Theft Auto Online, the dynamic and ever-evolving Grand Theft Auto universe for multiple players.
The 2025 free trial has ended
Rockstar’s free trial for GTA Online on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S ran November 11–17, 2025. Rockstar said that after the trial ended, players would need to acquire GTA Online Standalone to continue playing and the PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass requirement would return. It is not a current subscription-free exception.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is GTA+ a substitute for Game Pass or PlayStation Plus?
No reviewed Rockstar material says GTA+ waives the console online-multiplayer requirement. Rockstar describes GTA+ as an optional membership, so do not treat it as a replacement for the required Xbox or PlayStation subscription.
Rank #3
- Experience the world of Grand Theft Auto V like never before with the power of the Xbox One.
- Explore the City of Los Santos, the countryside and even the ocean.
- Play through an epic single player experience using three very different characters.
- Join your friends in GTA Online and see what trouble you can cause.
- Play golf, tennis, see a film or call someone and just hang out.
Account requirements on console
Rockstar says a Rockstar Games account is not required for Story Mode on console, though some online features require one. On PC, Rockstar says an account is required for installation and online play.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
