The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rockstar added BattlEye Anti-Cheat to the PC version of GTA Online in its September 17, 2024 update. The documented option to turn BattlEye off applies to Story Mode—not GTA Online. Rockstar’s update notes also said Steam Deck did not support BattlEye for GTA Online, while Story Mode remained playable.
What changed in the September 2024 PC update?
Rockstar’s September 17, 2024 Title Update 1.69 notes say BattlEye Anti-Cheat was integrated into GTA Online on PC. The notes describe the change as applying to GTA Online; they do not say BattlEye was added to Story Mode.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51fPlaA2F7L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition - PC [Online Game Code] | $29.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V - PC | $36.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced + Great White Shark Card - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51TkvnRYNOL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced + Great White Shark Card - PC [Online Game Code] | $44.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Grand Theft Auto V | $39.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Grand Theft Auto 5 PS4 - PlayStation 4 ( GTA V Ps4) | $26.95 | Buy on Amazon |
The same notes document two ways to disable BattlEye for Story Mode. They do not describe either option as a way to play GTA Online without the anti-cheat software.
Can you disable BattlEye in GTA 5?
For Story Mode
Yes. Rockstar added an option in the Rockstar Games Launcher to disable BattlEye for Story Mode. If you use a third-party launcher, the documented launch argument is -nobattleye. Rockstar’s notes specify that this argument is for Story Mode play.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
For GTA Online
The September 2024 notes do not document a supported way to disable BattlEye and still play GTA Online. Their disable controls are specifically described for Story Mode, so do not treat them as a workaround for online play.
Does the update affect Story Mode?
Rockstar’s notes provide a way to launch Story Mode with BattlEye disabled, either through the Rockstar Games Launcher option or, with a third-party launcher, the -nobattleye argument. The notes do not say that BattlEye is required to play Story Mode.
Rank #2
- Will take full advantage of the power of new generation systems and PC to deliver across-the-board enhancements including increased resolution and graphical detail, denser traffic, greater draw distances, upgraded AI, new wildlife, and advanced weather and damage effects for the ultimate open world experience.
- 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.
- Includes Grand Theft Auto Online, the ever-evolving Grand Theft Auto universe.
- All new content and gameplay created and released since the launch of Grand Theft Auto Online including new Jobs, an arsenal of new weapons, scores of new vehicles, new properties and player customizations
What did Rockstar say about Steam Deck?
In the September 17, 2024 notes, Rockstar said Steam Deck did not support BattlEye for GTA Online, but Story Mode could be played. That is Rockstar’s statement at the time of the update, not a guarantee of present-day compatibility. Check Rockstar’s current support information and the game’s current compatibility status before relying on it.
What happened after the initial update?
Rockstar’s Title Update 1.70 notes list a December 13, 2024 PC fix for players being kicked from GTA Online after receiving a BattlEye alert. The note confirms Rockstar documented and addressed that issue; it does not state how widespread it was or whether similar issues persist today.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players.
- Welcome to Los Santos - When a young street hustler, a retired bank robber, and a terrifying psychopath find themselves entangled with some of the most frightening and deranged elements of the criminal underworld, the U.S. government, and the entertainment industry, they must pull off a series of dangerous heists to survive in a ruthless city in which they can trust nobody — least of all each other. Current PC players can transfer both GTAV Story Mode progress and GTA Online characters and progression with a one-time migration from the legacy version of GTAV to GTAV Enhanced.
- Stunning Visuals - Enhanced levels of fidelity and performance with new graphics modes including ray tracing features such as ambient occlusion and global illumination, ray traced shadows and reflections, support for AMD FSR and NVIDIA DLSS, and more.*
- Faster Loading - Quicker access to the action as the world of Los Santos and Blaine County load in faster than ever before by using SSD and DirectStorage on supported devices.
- Immersive Controls - Feel new levels of responsiveness with dynamic resistance via the Adaptive Triggers on the DualSense wireless controller, from directional damage to weather effects, rough road surfaces to explosions, and much more.*
Does the update change which PC edition to buy?
The anti-cheat update itself does not mean existing owners need to buy another copy. Rockstar’s GTAV store page distinguishes the Legacy and Enhanced PC editions and says current PC players can migrate Story Mode progress and GTA Online characters and progression from Legacy to Enhanced once. Check the current product page for edition details and requirements; Rockstar notes that requirements may change as downloadable content and programming change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box.
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.
