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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →“GTA” does not have one age rating worldwide: ratings depend on the specific game, edition and country. In the US, Grand Theft Auto V is rated Mature 17+ by the ESRB—not 18. The rating reflects its depictions of intense violence, crime, sexual content, nudity, strong language, and drug and alcohol use.
What is GTA V rated, and why?
The ESRB’s US listing for Grand Theft Auto V gives it a Mature 17+ rating and these seven content descriptors: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, and Use of Drugs and Alcohol. Its summary describes criminal missions, guns and explosives, violence against rivals and civilians, sexual material and nudity, drug and alcohol depictions, and strong profanity. See the ESRB’s GTA V rating.
| # | 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) | $17.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Grand Theft Auto V | $47.00 | Buy on Amazon |
That explains why the game is restricted to mature audiences in the US; it does not mean GTA V is rated 18 in every country. The ESRB category is 17+, while PEGI and other regional systems use their own age bands and criteria.
Why do people say GTA is rated 18?
They may be referring to a PEGI 18 rating, a different GTA release, or an age restriction in their region. “GTA” names a series, not one product, so the age label can change with the game, edition and rating system.
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#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.
A Rockstar Games manual describes PEGI age bands of 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18, with descriptors that can include violence, bad language, fear, sex, drugs, discrimination, gambling and online play. It says the age band reflects the intensity of the content. This explains the PEGI framework; it does not establish that every GTA title is PEGI 18. Read Rockstar’s manual explanation of PEGI ratings.
GTA ratings can differ by release
Even within the series, ratings are not interchangeable. ESRB listings show the original Grand Theft Auto as Mature 17+ for animated blood and strong language. One listing for the original Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is Adults Only 18+, with descriptors including blood and gore, intense violence, nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, and drug use. The surfaced San Andreas Definitive Edition listing is Mature 17+. Search ESRB’s GTA listings.
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.
To compare ratings accurately, check the exact title and edition, the country and rating body, the age category, and the listed content descriptors. An ESRB Mature 17+ label is not the same classification as PEGI 18 or ESRB Adults Only 18+.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about the UK rating?
The exact UK classification cannot be given without knowing which GTA release is meant. The available product-specific evidence here does not establish a BBFC or PEGI listing for the intended game, so the US ESRB rating for GTA V should not be presented as the reason a particular UK copy is rated 18. Check the rating printed on the specific game’s packaging or its regional product listing.
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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.
