5 reasons to play GTA 5 in 2025

Despite being released back in 2013, GTA 5 is still the latest mainline title in Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto franchise. The open-world crime drama franchise is known for its expansive maps (based on American states), compelling characters, and being a chaotic third-person shooter sandbox. GTA 5 is the culmination of Rockstar's experiments with the franchise. It took over the industry at its release, and is still one of the highest-grossing video games ever developed, having sold over 200 million copies as of 2025.

On that note, here are various reasons you should play GTA 5 in 2025.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions. The entries are arranged in no particular order.

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5 reasons why you should play GTA 5 in 2025

1) Incredible third-person action gameplay

The game has one of the best gameplay in the franchise (Image via Rockstar Games)

GTA 5 features one of the best third-person shooter gameplay out there. Playing as any of the three characters in the game feels smooth, whether it be driving the various vehicles or shooting the numerous weapons in the game.

The protagonists also have special abilities unique to them, like Franklin's Driving Focus allowing him to take corners without losing speed. Michael's ability is Area Kill, allowing him to enter bullet time. Meanwhile, Trevor's is Red Mist, which works as a rage mode, allowing him to both tank and inflict more damage, making him nearly invincible.

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2) Character switching is still fun

You can freely switch between the characters when off-mission (Image via Rockstar Games)

One of the best innovations that GTA 5 essentially perfects in the franchise is the ability to switch your active character. In the open world, once you are not engaged in any mission, you can seamlessly switch between the three titular characters, and the game's presentation sells the gimmick extremely well, where they will be busy going through their daily lives before you take control of them.

However, the gimmick isn't just for show here. When participating in many main missions, you'll start off with one character, but mid-mission, you will switch to another character from the gang. This imparts a multi-dimensional and complex nature to the game's missions.

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3) Amazing heist setpieces

Robbing banks is a major aspect of the game (Image via Rockstar Games)

While the game is known for its expansive fields of Los Santos (set in the southern part of San Andreas), one of its best aspects is the various heist setpieces the three characters take part in as part of the main storyline.

Considering the game takes inspiration from one of the best heist movies of all time — Michael Mann's Heat — it makes sense why the high-octane bombastic treatment of the game's heists makes them so engrossing to play. Mixing that with the character-switching mechanic can enhance the immersion of the events manyfold.

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4) Mods can make the game extremely fun

Mods make the game way more fun to play (Image via Rockstar Games)

If you've played through all of GTA 5 and are tired of the vanilla experience, it also has one of the biggest modding scenes out there. While installing mods in the game isn't very easy, once you've installed the GTA 5 mod manager, you can manage the different mods in the title with relative ease.

Mods can add replayability to the game. Some improve the title's technical aspects — like a photorealistic San Andreas, upscaled characters, complete driving overhaul, etc. Meanwhile, there are others that simply add wacky elements to the game, like replacing character models with that of Iron Man, Rick and Morty, a giraffe, etc.

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5) Something to play while waiting for GTA 6

GTA 6 is one of the most anticipated titles in recent times (Image via Rockstar Games)

While the sixth mainline installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise is set to release in 2025, we still haven't got a confirmed release date. However, for those who cannot wait to play GTA 6, revisiting GTA 5 can be a great way to build your muscle memory for the sequel.

Considering that covering the numerous things to do in the game will be a large time investment, it can be a great way for players to shorten their wait for the title's successor. Furthermore, getting a refresher on GTA 5's story may help provide some background for the sequel's campaign.