October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Play GTA 5 Offline Through Epic Games

Play GTA 5 Story Mode offline through Epic Games by preparing the game online and setting Rockstar Games Launcher’s -scofflineonly launch argument.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

You can play Grand Theft Auto V Story Mode offline through Epic Games after preparing the PC game while connected to the internet. Sign in to Rockstar Games Launcher, update and launch the game online, and set Rockstar’s -scofflineonly launch argument. Epic’s Offline Mode alone does not guarantee that every game will start without a connection.

Prepare GTA 5 for offline play

Complete these steps while your PC is online. Epic’s launcher only supports offline launching for eligible games that are already installed, and Rockstar’s GTAV-specific instructions call for configuring the game in Rockstar Games Launcher.

  1. Install Grand Theft Auto V through Epic Games and open Rockstar Games Launcher. Sign in to your Rockstar account.
  2. Update Rockstar Games Launcher and GTAV to the latest available versions. Rockstar’s prerequisite guidance also calls for launching the updated game online before trying to play offline. Rockstar’s offline-mode prerequisites
  3. In Rockstar Games Launcher, open Settings, select Grand Theft Auto V in the left sidebar, and enter -scofflineonly under Launch Arguments. Type the argument exactly, including the leading hyphen.
  4. Return to Games and select Play in Rockstar Games Launcher, or start GTAV using your preferred launcher. Rockstar’s current instructions allow either approach. Rockstar’s GTAV offline-mode instructions
  5. After the game has been prepared and launched online, disconnect from the internet and try Story Mode.

Epic Games Launcher Offline Mode: what it does

Epic says its launcher switches to Offline Mode automatically when the device loses its internet connection or when the launcher starts while offline. In that mode, it can launch eligible games already installed on the device; it does not make every game playable offline. Epic’s Offline Mode guidance

An older Epic help page describes an optional setting you can enable in advance: while online, click your profile icon, open Settings, then check Enable Offline Mode Browsing under Preferences. Epic’s current guidance describes automatic Offline Mode instead, so enabling the preference is a precaution rather than a substitute for Rockstar’s GTAV-specific setup.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
  • Compatible with Windows and Android.
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
  • Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
  • Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
  • Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.

What works offline—and what still needs internet

This setup is for GTAV Story Mode. GTA Online requires an internet connection. Rockstar also notes that a connection may be needed for updates, online play, and syncing progress or save files with Rockstar Cloud. Epic warns that cloud saves, achievements, multiplayer, and other online services may be unavailable offline. Epic’s Offline Mode guidance Rockstar’s GTAV offline-mode instructions

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If GTA 5 will not start offline

Reconnect to the internet and check the preparation steps before trying again:

Rank #2
Sale
Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller | Deep Pink
  • MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
  • PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
  • SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
  • VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
  • BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
  • Confirm GTAV is installed and both the game and Rockstar Games Launcher are updated.
  • Open Rockstar Games Launcher and make sure you are signed in.
  • Launch the updated game online once, then verify the Launch Arguments field contains exactly -scofflineonly.
  • Try starting the game from Rockstar Games Launcher or the Epic Games Launcher.

These checks address the documented prerequisites, but they do not guarantee a fix for every authentication, account, or Epic-specific launch error. Rockstar’s instructions say Story Mode generally does not require an internet connection, not that every offline launch will succeed in all circumstances.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
Compatible with Windows and Android.; 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection); Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
$20.99
Rank #4
Sale
VOYEE Switch Controllers for Switch/Lite/OLED/PC, Pro Controller
  • RGB Cool Lightning Bolt & Long Battery Life: Switch controller with lightening bolt style and 9-color LED looks really cool; 4 light modes: solid lights, breathing lights, RGB strobe led light and led off; Fully charged: 3-4 hours, Runtime: 10-15 hours
  • Widly Compatible & One-key Pairing/Wake Up: The switch pro controller is compatible with Switch/Lite/OLED/PC Windows 7/8/10 (only wrok for pc under wired connection); 2 pairing ways; Support one key to wake up your switch console
  • Programmable Button & 3 Speeds Turbo: Switch controllers has simplify complex skill operations with M1/M2 key; Support single and multiple mapping; 3 adjustable burst: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s and 20 shots/s; Programming and Turbo will maximize game play
  • Sensitive Motion Control & 4-Level Nice Vibration: 6-axis gyro sensor help you react quickly, enhance experience in sports games; Buttons and joysticks are responsive, no lag; Dual vibration motors with 4-level feedback: Strong, Medium, Weak and None
  • Great Gift For All People: This cool switch controller will be great gifts for women, men, girl, boy, family and friends; Packing list: 1 X Wireless switch controller, 1 X Type-C cable, 1 X Detailed user manual, 1 X Cool gift box
Rank #3
Sale
ManbaOne Interactive Screen Wireless Gaming Controller (Black)
  • Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying)
  • Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
  • 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
  • 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
  • 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click

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.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Set Up a Satisfactory Dedicated Server: SteamCMD, Ports and Claiming (2026)Blog9min
  2. Best Satisfactory Dedicated Server Hosting in 2026: 6 Hosts Ranked2026: 6 Hosts RankedBlog8min
  3. How to Set Up a Palworld Dedicated Server: Step-by-Step for Version 1.0 (2026)Blog11min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.