Grand Theft Auto V · Wiki · Mode
GTA Online
The online world included with GTA V, with heists, businesses and regular free updates.
| Type | Mode |
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Data checked Oct 28, 2026
GTA Online is the persistent multiplayer world of Grand Theft Auto V. Launched on October 1, 2013, two weeks after GTA 5, it has grown over more than a decade into one of the most successful online games ever, with heists, businesses, races, properties and constant free updates. You create your own character, start with nothing in Los Santos, and work your way up to running criminal empires with friends or alone. This wiki page covers what GTA Online is, how to start, how to make money, the best businesses and heists, major updates, platforms and subscriptions, and tips for new players.
GTA Online at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Launch | October 1, 2013 |
| Included with | Grand Theft Auto V; also sold standalone on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S |
| Players per session | Up to about 30 in public lobbies |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Enhanced and Legacy); last-gen versions get limited support |
| Online subscription | PlayStation Plus on PlayStation, Game Pass Essential or higher on Xbox; none on PC |
| Crossplay | No |
| Premium membership | GTA+ on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC Enhanced |
How to start GTA Online
- Launch GTA 5 and choose GTA Online from the main menu, or buy the standalone version on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
- Create your character and finish the introduction missions with Lamar or the new Career Builder.
- The Career Builder, available on current versions for new characters, gives you a lump of money to start a business such as a nightclub owner, gunrunner, biker or executive.
- Complete contact missions and play with other players to earn money and reputation (RP).
- Buy a property, vehicles and a business, then expand from there.
You need an active online subscription on consoles. On PlayStation, that is PlayStation Plus; see GTA crossplay and PS Plus for details.
How to make money in GTA Online
| Method | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Heists | The biggest single payouts, especially Cayo Perico and the Diamond Casino Heist |
| Businesses | Passive income from the Acid Lab, Nightclub, Bunker and more |
| CEO and VIP work | Special Cargo, Vehicle Cargo and VIP missions |
| Agency contracts | Payphone hits and VIP contracts from Franklin’s agency |
| Auto Shop contracts | Car-themed robbery contracts |
| Weekly events | Double and triple money bonuses rotate every week |
For solo players, the free Acid Lab is one of the best starts. Registering as a CEO unlocks many money makers; see how to register as a CEO. You can also make quick money by selling street cars; see how to sell cars in GTA Online.
Heists
- Original Heists (2015): The Fleeca Job, The Prison Break, The Humane Labs Raid, Series A Funding and The Pacific Standard Job.
- The Doomsday Heist (2017): a three-act heist with futuristic vehicles and a story about saving the world.
- The Diamond Casino Heist (2019): planned with Lester at an arcade, with stealth, trickery and aggressive approaches.
- The Cayo Perico Heist (2020): a solo-friendly island heist planned from the Kosatka submarine, one of the best money makers.
- The Contract (2021): story missions with Franklin and Dr. Dre, plus later heist-style finales in newer updates.
Popular businesses
| Business | What it does |
|---|---|
| Executive Office (CEO) | Unlocks Special Cargo, vehicle cargo and VIP work |
| MC Clubhouse | Biker businesses such as cocaine, meth and counterfeit cash |
| Bunker | Gunrunning research and weapons sales |
| Nightclub | Passive goods from other businesses and popularity income |
| Arcade | Base for the Diamond Casino Heist |
| Kosatka | Submarine for the Cayo Perico Heist |
| Auto Shop | Robbery contracts and car customization for clients |
| Agency | Franklin’s business with security contracts and VIP work |
| Acid Lab | Free mobile drug lab, great for solo players |
Major updates
GTA Online has received dozens of free updates, including Heists, Executives and Other Criminals, Bikers, Gunrunning, Smuggler’s Run, The Doomsday Heist, After Hours, Arena War, The Diamond Casino and Resort, Cayo Perico, Los Santos Tuners, The Contract, The Criminal Enterprises, Los Santos Drug Wars, San Andreas Mercenaries, The Chop Shop, Bottom Dollar Bounties, Agents of Sabotage and Money Fronts. Rockstar usually releases a large summer update and a large winter update, with smaller drip-feed content in between.
Platforms, versions and GTA+
The current versions of GTA Online run on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC Enhanced, with newer features such as Hao’s Special Works car upgrades and the Career Builder. Older versions on PS4 and Xbox One no longer receive new content. You can migrate your character from PS4 to PS5 and from Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S, and from PC Legacy to PC Enhanced, but not between different platform families. GTA+ is a monthly membership on current platforms that gives in-game money, free cars, properties, discounts and access to the Rockstar Games catalog.
Is GTA Online crossplay?
No. GTA Online does not support crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox and PC; each platform family has its own servers. See is GTA crossplay for the full explanation.
Tips for new players
- Use the Career Builder on current platforms to start with a business.
- Do the free Acid Lab missions early.
- Play in invite-only or friends-only sessions to run businesses without griefers.
- Check the weekly update for double money activities.
- Do not buy expensive cars before you have income; invest in businesses first.
- Learn the Cayo Perico Heist; it is the most reliable big payout for solo players.
GTA Online and GTA 6
GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026. Rockstar has not confirmed whether GTA Online characters or progress will carry over to GTA 6’s online mode. See GTA 6 release date for the latest.
GTA Online FAQ
Is GTA Online free?
It is included with GTA 5 and sold standalone on current consoles, but consoles need an online subscription.
What is the best way to make money in GTA Online?
The Cayo Perico Heist and businesses such as the Acid Lab and Nightclub.
Can you play GTA Online solo?
Yes. Many heists and businesses can be done solo in private sessions.
Is GTA Online crossplay?
No.
Session types
- Public session: the default, with up to about 30 players. Great for meeting people but risky for businesses because of griefers.
- Invite-only and friends sessions: private lobbies where you can run most businesses and heist preps in peace.
- Crew sessions: lobbies limited to members of your Rockstar crew.
- Solo public session: some players create a public session alone using tricks, which allows public-only activities without other players.
Some sell missions pay a bonus in public sessions, but most players sell from private sessions for safety.
Ranks and RP
Reputation points (RP) raise your rank, which unlocks weapons, clothing, activities and vehicles. Early ranks come quickly from missions, races and heists. High rank does not make you stronger by itself, but it unlocks items and shows your experience to other players. Daily objectives and weekly challenges give extra RP and money.
Vehicles and properties
Vehicles are bought from in-game websites such as Legendary Motorsport, Southern San Andreas Super Autos, Warstock Cache and Carry and Elitas Travel, and stored in garages you own. Properties range from small apartments to high-end penthouses, yachts, facilities, nightclubs and the Kosatka. Buying the right property first matters more than buying a fast car: businesses and heist bases pay for themselves, while cars do not. Use the fastest cars guide on our site when you are ready to spend on vehicles.
New players should focus on one business at a time, learn it well, then expand. That simple plan beats spending early money on cars and clothes.
Most of all, play with friends: GTA Online is at its best in a crew working a heist together.
Enjoy the grind.
See you in Los Santos.