The Tool Desk
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Story Mode vs. GTA Online at a glance
| What differs | Story Mode | GTA Online |
|---|---|---|
| Core experience | A scripted campaign centered on Franklin, Michael and Trevor. | An evolving online world with activities and content added over time. |
| How you play | Single-player story. | Can be played solo or with friends. Rockstar’s product page describes capacity for up to 30 players; that does not mean every activity supports solo play. |
| Access | Included in GTAV editions that specify Story Mode. Owners of standalone GTA Online may need to buy it separately. | Included in some GTAV offerings and also offered as a standalone product on specified platforms. Check the current store listing. |
| Account requirements | Rockstar says a Rockstar Games account is not required for console Story Mode. | Account and platform network-service requirements vary by platform and feature. |
| Progress | Campaign saves are separate from GTA Online characters and progress. | Character and progress transfers have applied to specific platform transitions, not as a universal migration guarantee. |
Rockstar describes GTA Online as a “dynamic and ever-evolving online universe” for up to 30 players, ready to enjoy solo or with friends on its GTA Online product page (accessed October 8, 2026).
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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IRIPLEZO Grand Theft Auto V | $24.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Grand Theft Auto V (PS4) | $26.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51fPlaA2F7L._SL160_.jpg)
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Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition - PC [Online Game Code] | $29.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Grand Theft Auto V - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $17.61 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V | $47.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What you do in Story Mode
Story Mode is the authored campaign: you follow three protagonists through connected storylines and missions. It is the choice for players who want GTA V’s narrative and a single-player structure rather than an online character-based experience.
What you do in GTA Online
GTA Online is an ongoing mode built around an online character, activities and content that evolves beyond the campaign. You can play solo or with friends, but “playable solo” is not a promise that every mission, activity or feature can be completed alone; requirements can differ by activity.
#1 Best Overall
- STUNNING VISUALS — Enhanced levels of fidelity and performance with new graphics modes featuring up to 4K resolution, up to 60 frames per second, HDR options, ray tracing, improved texture quality, and more
- FASTER LOADING — Quicker access to the action as the world of Los Santos and Blaine County load in faster than ever before.
- ADAPTIVE TRIGGERS AND HAPTIC FEEDBACK — Feel every moment through the DualSense controller, from directional damage to weather effects, rough road surfaces to explosions, and more.
- TEMPEST 3D AUDIO — Hear the sounds of the world with pinpoint precision: the throttle of a stolen supercar, the rattle of neighbouring gunfire, the roar of a helicopter overhead, and more.
- Please note that although this game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and will work on all systems, this is the European version and may differ from the local version in age rating, labeling or instructions.
Can you play GTA Online without buying Story Mode?
On platforms where Rockstar offers standalone GTA Online, it can be purchased without Story Mode. Owning that standalone version does not automatically grant the campaign: Rockstar provides separate instructions for buying Story Mode through the platform store. Offerings vary, so verify the current listing for your platform rather than assuming every GTAV or GTA Online purchase contains both modes. See Rockstar Support for the standalone-owner purchase instructions.
Which version should you buy?
- Want both experiences? Choose a GTAV edition for your platform that explicitly lists Story Mode and GTA Online.
- Want only the online mode? Check whether standalone GTA Online is currently listed for your platform, then review any platform network-service and account requirements.
- Already own standalone Online? If you want the campaign too, confirm the Story Mode add-on or purchase in your platform’s store; do not assume it is included.
- Shopping by platform name? Make sure the product page names your exact platform and spells out which modes are included. Edition contents and store availability can change.
Accounts, subscriptions and progress
Accounts and online services
Rockstar Support says a Rockstar Games account is not required for console Story Mode, while some online features require one. On PC, Rockstar says an account is required for installation, online play and certain features. Platform network-service requirements are separate and may change; check the current requirements for your system before buying or troubleshooting access.
Rank #2
- Experience the world of Grand Theft Auto V like never before with the power of the PlayStation 4.
- 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.
Separate progress and transfers
Story Mode saves and GTA Online characters and progress are distinct. Rockstar’s transfer announcements cover particular historical console and PC upgrade paths, rather than a universal or reversible transfer rule. Before moving platforms, consult the current instructions for the source and destination versions; do not assume a transfer is available or that progress will remain synchronized.
GTA+ is separate
GTA+ is an optional membership, not a third name for either mode and not a prerequisite implied by the Story Mode/Online distinction. Rockstar Support’s page updated December 1, 2025 lists availability on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and says PC Online benefits apply to GTAV Enhanced. Membership terms and benefits can change, so check Rockstar’s current GTA+ information before relying on them.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Used Book in Good Condition
Rank #4
- 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.
Rank #3
- GRAND THEFT AUTO V When a young street hustler, a retired bank robber and a terrifying psychopath land themselves in trouble, they must pull off a series of dangerous heists to survive in a city in which they can trust nobody, least of all each other.
- GRAND THEFT AUTO ONLINE Discover an ever-evolving world of choices and ways to play as you climb the criminal ranks of Los Santos and Blaine County in the ultimate shared Online experience.
- THE CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE STARTER PACK The Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack is the fastest way for new GTA Online players to jumpstart their criminal empires with the most exciting and popular content plus $1,000,000 bonus cash to spend in GTA Online - all content valued at over GTA$10,000,000 if purchased separately.
- This game will no longer support Windows 7 or 8 operating systems starting January 30, 2024.
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.
