GTA 5 — Grand Theft Auto V — came out on September 17, 2013, launching first on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It has since been released on every major console and PC, making it one of the best-selling and longest-running games in history. Below is the full story of every GTA 5 release, what changed with each version, and where you can play it today.
The quick answer
GTA 5 first came out in 2013 — specifically September 17, 2013 on PS3 and Xbox 360. It later arrived on PS4 and Xbox One in November 2014, PC in April 2015, and received an enhanced PS5 and Xbox Series X edition in March 2022. GTA Online, the multiplayer component, launched just two weeks after the main game, on October 1, 2013, and is still actively updated as of 2026.
GTA 5 Release History
Section 1: The Original Launch — September 17, 2013
Rockstar North developed Grand Theft Auto V over several years, and the game debuted on September 17, 2013 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The open-world action game set in the fictional Los Santos (based on Los Angeles) was a massive commercial success: it generated $1 billion in sales within the first three days, a record at the time. The story followed three protagonists — Michael, Trevor, and Franklin — and introduced a world of unprecedented scale for the series.
Section 2: Next-Gen Consoles (November 2014) and PC (April 2015)
Rockstar brought GTA 5 to PS4 and Xbox One on November 18, 2014, with significantly improved visuals, a higher draw distance, and a new first-person camera mode that transformed how the game felt to play. The PC version followed on April 14, 2015, supporting up to 4K resolution, unlocked frame rates, and the Rockstar Video Editor. All three of these newer versions also carried over progress from the last-gen editions for GTA Online players.
Section 3: The PS5 and Xbox Series X Edition — March 15, 2022
Rockstar released a fully enhanced edition of GTA 5 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on March 15, 2022. This version supports up to 4K resolution at 60 fps, a ray-tracing Performance RT mode, dramatically faster SSD load times, and haptic feedback with adaptive triggers on PS5. GTA Online was also made available as a free standalone download on PS5 for the first three months after launch, which attracted millions of new players. The base game upgrade was offered free to existing PS4 owners for a limited period.
Section 4: GTA Online — October 2013 to Present
GTA Online launched on October 1, 2013, just two weeks after the main game, and has grown into a live-service game in its own right. What started as a straightforward multiplayer sandbox has expanded with regular content drops over more than a decade — including Heists (2015), After Hours (2018), the Dr. Dre-featured The Contract update (2021), and ongoing new missions and vehicles throughout 2024 and 2025. Rockstar has consistently treated GTA Online as a separate, evolving product, and it remains one of the most-played online games on any platform.
Section 5: Where to Play GTA 5 Today
As of 2026, GTA 5 is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam and the Rockstar Games Launcher). It has sold over 210 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling entertainment products of all time. PC players can pick it up on Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher. Pricing varies by platform and region but typically sits around $29.99 USD for the base game; sales are frequent. GTA Online remains free to download on PS5 — you only need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access online play.
Key facts to know
- The main game and GTA Online are separate. You can play the full story campaign offline. GTA Online requires an internet connection and, on consoles, a PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription.
- GTA Online is free on PS5. Unlike other platforms where you must own GTA 5 to access Online, PS5 players can download GTA Online independently at no extra cost (PS Plus required to play online).
- PC players have mod support. The PC version has a large modding community, though mods are only supported in single-player; online cheating is against Rockstar's terms of service.
- Progress carries over between generations on the same platform family. A PS4 GTA Online character and money can be transferred to a PS5 account (one-time transfer).
- GTA 6 is planned — Rockstar announced GTA VI for release in 2026, but GTA 5 and GTA Online will continue to be supported.
Frequently asked questions
What year did GTA 5 come out?
GTA 5 first came out in 2013. The exact date was September 17, 2013, on PS3 and Xbox 360.
When did GTA 5 come out on PC?
GTA 5 launched on PC on April 14, 2015, about 18 months after the original console debut. It is available on Steam and the Rockstar Games Launcher.
When did GTA 5 come out on PS4?
The PS4 (and Xbox One) version of GTA 5 was released on November 18, 2014. It featured improved graphics, a longer draw distance, and a new first-person mode.
When did GTA 5 come out on PS5?
The enhanced PS5 and Xbox Series X edition of GTA 5 launched on March 15, 2022. PS5 owners also received GTA Online as a free standalone download for the first three months after that date.
Is GTA 5 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. GTA 5's story mode holds up extremely well, and GTA Online is still one of the most active online worlds available. With frequent sales and a relatively low price, it remains excellent value.
Wrapping up
GTA 5 first came out on September 17, 2013, and its release history spans three console generations. From the original PS3 and Xbox 360 launch, through the PS4, Xbox One, and PC upgrades, to the PS5 and Xbox Series X enhanced edition in March 2022, Rockstar has kept the game alive and relevant for over a decade. GTA Online continues to be updated, and the franchise shows no sign of slowing down before the arrival of GTA 6.
