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Can You Play GTA Online Without PS Plus?

For $79.99 a year, PS Plus is an added expense on top of the price of GTA 5 or GTA Online if you want to enjoy multiplayer.


GTA Online requires a PS Plus subscription most of the time and this has been the case for years.
GTA Online requires a PS Plus subscription most of the time and this has been the case for years.

You won’t believe how often we get asked the question, “Do you need PS Plus to play GTA Online?”.

Understanding the necessity of PlayStation Plus for playing GTA Online on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 is crucial, as it influences the overall gaming experience and the decision-making process for potential subscribers.

PlayStation Plus, offered by Sony for its PlayStation consoles, is a subscription service that adds several benefits. These benefits include access to online multiplayer gaming, free games every month, exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store, and cloud storage for game saves. This service, available in different tiers, caters to varying gamer needs and preferences.

Nobody ever said that being a wealthy delinquent and ruling the undergrounds of Los Santos ever came cheap.
Nobody ever said that being a wealthy delinquent and ruling the undergrounds of Los Santos ever came cheap.

The specific requirement of a PlayStation Plus subscription to play GTA Online on PlayStation consoles is a standard for most online multiplayer games on these platforms. This subscription enables players to connect to online servers and it allows them to join the large community of GTA Online players. Without PlayStation Plus, players can still enjoy the single-player campaign of GTA V but are barred from accessing its online multiplayer facet.

While a PlayStation Plus subscription is generally required for GTA Online, Sony occasionally offers special promotions where this requirement is waived for a limited time. These promotions, often part of specific events or collaborations, have included periods where players could access GTA Online without a PlayStation Plus subscription. However, these instances are exceptional and infrequent.

The benefits of a PlayStation Plus subscription extend beyond just allowing access to GTA Online. Subscribers receive a handful of free games every month, which can include titles from the GTA series or games of similar genres. The cloud storage is another perk, ensuring that players’ progress in GTA Online, such as character development and accumulated wealth, is securely backed up. Exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store are also available, often including discounts on in-game items, downloadable content, or even the game itself. Additionally, PlayStation Plus sometimes provides early access or beta trials for upcoming games and expansions, potentially including future content for GTA Online or other titles from Rockstar Games.

In spite of the controversies and criticism, GTA V continues to be the most successful entertainment product in history.
In spite of the controversies and criticism, GTA V continues to be the most successful entertainment product in history.

The value of a PlayStation Plus subscription for GTA Online players depends significantly on their level of engagement with the game and the PlayStation ecosystem. But, for what it’s worth, either GTA V or PS Plus are free for this month, depending on how you look at it. GTA V is part of the PS Plus Extra lineup, which is the next tier up of PS Plus.

No alternative exists for accessing GTA Online’s online features on PlayStation consoles without PS Plus. This makes the subscription a required expense for dedicated GTA Online players using Sony’s platforms.

Ultimately, the decision to subscribe should be based on individual gaming habits, preferences, and the value placed on the online component of GTA Online.

It's highly likely that GTA 6 will have the same PS Plus requirement as GTA 5.
It’s highly likely that GTA 6 will have the same PS Plus requirement as GTA 5.

Speaking of subscriptions, those with active Netflix memberships can access the GTA Remaster trilogy right now. Finally, GTA+ members can play the GTA Remaster trilogy and a pair of classic GTA titles.

Jump into our relaunched GTA forums to discuss this article along with the latest GTA 6 rumors & more!

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 265
Hooked since first hearing "Hmm...nice bike" as a kid over a decade ago, Ray provides entertaining GTA coverage blending nostalgia for the golden age with hype about the future. // Full Bio