Play Free Until Nov 17: GTA Online on PS5 & Xbox X/S

With GTA 6 now officially delayed to November 2026, Rockstar Games seems determined to keep fans engaged while polishing its most ambitious project yet. To ease the wait and celebrate the enduring legacy of Los Santos, the studio has launched a GTA Online Free Trial for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players, available until November 17, 2025, as confirmed by Rockstar Games on X. While this limited-time offer doesn’t extend to PC users, it gives console players a perfect chance to dive back into the ever-evolving chaos and creativity of GTA Online, keeping the community buzzing as anticipation for the next chapter in the franchise continues to grow. 

What You Get in the GTA Online Free Trial

Before diving into the details, it’s worth knowing exactly what’s unlocked during this limited access period. The next-gen trial gives you the full GTA Online experience, letting you explore everything Los Santos offers without restrictions or subscription barriers. 

Game Content Included

The GTA Online free trial gives you full access to the next-gen version of GTA Online on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with all the visual upgrades you'd expect on modern hardware. Quicker loading, sharper textures, HDR support and ray-traced reflections make this the best way to play GTA 5 online free on next-gen gaming consoles. 

Here’s what’s included during the trial: 

• Full access to GTA Online multiplayer with next-gen performance and fidelity modes. 
• Faster loading, improved textures, ray-traced reflections, and HDR options during Grand Theft Auto free online play. 
• Content from over 40 major updates including The Contract, Los Santos Tuners, After Hours, and Cayo Perico. 
• GTA$4,000,000 via the Career Builder to kickstart your criminal path. 
• Eligibility for Hao’s Special Works upgrades for supported vehicles. 
• Activities such as heists, free roam missions, races, car meets, nightclubs, and arcades. 

The GTA Online free trial is incredibly useful for establishing a foothold early in the game. This next‑gen experience gives a good taste of what Rockstar’s GTA Online offers, and you can enjoy it without paying a single quid. 

Subscription Requirements Removed? (PS Plus not required) 

One of the major advantages of the GTA Online free trial offer is that you won’t need PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play. For the limited-time GTA trial, the online portion is completely open on next-gen consoles, making it easier than ever to jump into GTA 5 Online multiplayer mode with no subscription barriers in the way. Players using accessories with their PS5 Consoles or pairing their Xbox Series X|S with responsive Xbox Controllers will already be well set up to drop into Los Santos. 

How to Access GTA Online Free Trial

Installing the GTA Online PS or GTA Online Xbox version for free is straightforward, and you’ll want to ensure you pick the next-gen edition rather than an older build. 

To get started: 

1. Open the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store on your console. 
2. Search for "GTA Online" (standalone next-gen version). 
3. Select the free access option that expires 17 November. 
4. Start the download and install the game fully. 
5. Launch the game and set up your character via the Career Builder. 

What Happens After GTA5 Free Trail Period Expires on Nov 17?

When the GTA Online Free Trial comes to an end, your access to the multiplayer world will stop unless you choose to continue. To keep playing, you’ll need to purchase the standalone version of GTA Online from the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store, and the usual requirement for PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass will return for online play. 

GTA+ members get another option, GTA Online was added to the GTA+ Games Library on 6 November 2025, so an active membership lets you carry on without buying the standalone edition outright. All your progress, purchases, and character data will remain intact no matter which route you take. 

One important detail: if you bought the GTAV Story Mode add-on during the free access window, you’ll still need to purchase GTA Online separately once the trial ends in order to continue using Story Mode. Your saves are safe, but Story Mode won’t launch unless GTA Online is owned on your account. 

Storage & System Requirements for Playing GTA Online Free

GTA Online’s next-gen build needs a fair chunk of storage, so ensure you’ve got space available before downloading. A steady connection improves matchmaking and heist stability, and using top headsets for GTA Online makes co-op missions far easier, especially when coordinating tight heists. In addition to this, sharp display such as 4K monitors help you appreciate the enhanced lighting and details, while PlayStation controllers make driving and combat feel smoother thanks to adaptive triggers. 

Suggested Activities for the Trial Period

You’ve only got a short window, so focusing on high-value content is the best way to get the most out of the GTA 5 trial. Start by jumping into the Career Builder and picking one of the four criminal pathways so you can take advantage of the GTA$4,000,000 boost. From there, you can: 

• Run lucrative jobs like the Cayo Perico Heist for fast cash 
• Visit Hao’s Special Works for boosted performance upgrades 
• Race in next-gen tuned events and car meet challenges 
• Explore the nightlife circuit with clubs, bars, and After Hours events 
• Join in casual free-roam chaos with friends or solo 

For players wanting a mix of action and atmosphere, this period is the ideal chance to enjoy everything from street races to nightclub management. Even if it is your first time in Los Santos, the GTA 5 playing experience is straightforward thanks to the guided progression and the support the Career Builder provides. All of this is leading us towards GTA 6, and understanding the lessons and strategies from GTA 5 can be invaluable when preparing for GTA 6 release. 

Wrap-Up – One Week to Own the Streets of Los Santos

The GTA Online free trial is a brilliant chance to experience the game at its best on next-gen hardware, offering a full week of heists, customisation, progression, and chaos without paying a penny. With faster loading, upgraded visuals, and years of content unlocked, it’s the perfect moment to build your criminal empire or return to Los Santos with fresh eyes. Everything you earn carries forward, so whether you continue through GTA+ or purchase the standalone version afterwards, none of your progress goes to waste. Dive in, make the most of the time you’ve got, and get ready for the road that leads towards GTA 6. 

FAQs – GTA 5 Online Free Trial

Is GTA Online really free on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S until 17 November? 

Yes. The standalone next-gen version of GTA Online is completely free to download and play on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S until 17 November. Once the period ends, the game will lock unless you buy or subscribe. 

Do I need PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold to access the free trial? 

No. During this limited-time access window, you can play without PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold. Multiplayer is fully open to all next-gen players for the length of the offer. 

Can I download the free trial on PC or older consoles? 

No. The free period applies only to the next-gen versions on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. PC, PS4, and Xbox One players are not included in this promotion. 

What happens when the free trial ends - can I keep playing? 

Your access will stop when the offer expires, but all your progress, character development, purchases, and unlocks will be saved. If you choose to continue later, you will have to purchase the game or access it through a subscription, and you can pick up right where you left. 

Can I team up with friends during the free access period? 

Yes. You can squad up with friends on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S throughout the entire free access window. As long as they’re on a next-gen console too, you can run heists, races, missions, or free-roam together without any subscription requirements during the trial.