5 reasons why GTA 6 Online might not be available from day one

GTA 6 Online may not be released when the single-player game is launched, and there are many reasons for this. Rockstar Games didn't release the multiplayer to Grand Theft Auto 5 on its launch day either, which is why they may follow a similar strategy this time around. It could also be delayed as a result of the developers taking too long to get it ready. One should also consider Grand Theft Auto Online, which will likely be around even after GTA 6 comes out.

As such, the next game may not get its multiplayer mode until some time has passed. It should be noted that Rockstar hasn't revealed much information about its upcoming game other than what the trailer showcased. We only know that the release window for the game is fall 2025.

That said, here are five speculative reasons that reinforce the notion that GTA 6 Online will not launch alongside its single-player counterpart.

Note: The article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

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Why GTA 6 Online might not release on launch day

1) Grand Theft Auto 5 didn't launch with multiplayer

Grand Theft Auto 5 was released back on September 17, 2013, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Its multiplayer game mode, however, came up later, on October 1 of the same year.

So, if Rockstar is to follow a similar pattern to Grand Theft Auto 6, GTA 6 Online may also be released a few days later. The single-player game is slated to release in fall 2025, so the release dates might be somewhat similar to that of Grand Theft Auto 5.

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2) Rockstar may continue with Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand Theft Auto Online is still going strong, with many active players for a decade-old game. Rockstar is still rolling out fresh updates frequently, with new content being added to the game. After a major DLC is launched, regular GTA Online weekly updates keep releasing vehicles, missions, and other new stuff to the game.

Rockstar will likely keep Grand Theft Auto Online even after the next game is out. As such, GTA 6 Online may not be released until the current iteration of the online mode loses its popularity.

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3) Multiplayer may take more time to prepare

There have been rumors that suggest Grand Theft Auto 6 will be delayed. While there's no basis to these rumors, the single-player version of the upcoming GTA game might not have all the features on launch day. Some may be added later, and GTA 6 Online might be one of these features.

Rockstar might currently be working on preparing single-player mode for launch day, which would end up making multiplayer an afterthought.

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4) It might come out with the PC release

Grand Theft Auto 6 still doesn't have a PC release date (Image via Rockstar Games)

Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. A PC version hasn't been announced, but fans expect Rockstar to release one after the console versions are out. This has been the case for most Rockstar Games titles to date, including their last two games, Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

As such, GTA 6 Online might also be released along with the PC release of Grand Theft Auto 6.

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5) It may not be in development right now

The Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks revealed some multiplayer elements (Image via Rockstar Games)

Although unlikely, there's a possibility Rockstar may have completely stopped the development of GTA 6 Online. The game might not even be ready before Grand Theft Auto 6 attracts a steady number of players. They may not even release it until they feel it is economically viable.

Take-Two, their parent company, is known for making such decisions, as it apparently canceled a GTA 4 remaster and even Bully 2.