5 reasons not to play GTA 5 in 2025

GTA 5 is Rockstar Games' most successful Grand Theft Auto release so far. It made a billion dollars in sales just three days after launch and has sold over 205 million units so far, making it the best-selling entry in the franchise yet.

However, the title turns 12 in 2025, and while Rockstar is still releasing updates for its multiplayer, it isn't as enjoyable as it once was.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is also on the horizon, and yes, its predecessor can keep you somewhat entertained in the meantime, but in this article, we will take a look at five reasons not to play GTA 5 in 2025.

Note: This article is subjective and only reflects the writer's opinions.

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5 reasons not to play GTA 5 in 2025

1) The gameplay design feels outdated and pretty repetitive

Grand Theft Auto 5's Trevor Philips in action (Image via Rockstar Games)

Since Rockstar never released any DLCs or updates for Grand Theft Auto 5's story mode, the gameplay design is just as it was over a decade ago. On the other hand, GTA Online received multiple DLCs over the years, but most of the missions introduced feature the usual gameplay loop, which has now become a bit stale.

For example, the GTA Online Agents of Sabotage DLC added a set of new missions, collectively called the FIB Files, in December 2024. They seem fun initially but the structure isn't any different from other heist-like missions, such as Salvage Yard Robberies or Auto Shop Contracts, and can start feeling repetitive very quickly, especially to long-term players.

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2) Potential future DLCs may not be too exciting

With Grand Theft Auto 6's release set for Fall 2025, Rockstar might prioritize the upcoming title a lot more than its decade-old predecessor. The last few Grand Theft Auto Online DLCs seem to suggest the same, as they've been smaller in scope than usual.

The Agents of Sabotage DLC is a great example of this, as it only introduced four missions under the FIB Files category, two Dispatch Work jobs, and a handful of cars. Even the DLC before that, Bottom Dollar Bounties, wasn't much fun. So, any potential future DLCs for the multiplayer might not be too exciting either.

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3) Modders and hackers still exist on PC

Modders and hackers have been a long-standing issue in GTA 5's multiplayer, and still are to this day, particularly on the PC port. Last June, Rockstar disabled The Diamond Casino Heist as well as the purchase of the Arcade property for a while to protect PC players from a vulnerability.

Although this particular issue was solved, and BattlEye anti-cheat has also been integrated now, the problems related to modders and hackers in Grand Theft Auto Online have not been eradicated completely.

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4) Check out older titles before Grand Theft Auto 6 releases

A glimpse of Vice City from Grand Theft Auto 6 (Image via Rockstar Games)

GTA 6 might be set in the series' HD Universe, just like Grand Theft Auto 4 and 5. If you've only played the 2013 title, now would be a good time to check out its predecessors and understand the full context of the HD Universe's lore before the next installment.

In fact, players should check out Grand Theft Auto Vice City in the meantime as well. Vice City will be featured in the GTA 6 map, so playing Rockstar's 2002 release would help you catch any possible references or related Easter eggs in the upcoming title.

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5) Check out other games

As mentioned, GTA 5 will be turning 12 years old later this year. Although it can still be fun to play, there are other options to try out, like Cyberpunk 2077 (and its Phantom Liberty DLC), Red Dead Redemption 2, Elden Ring, as well as Ghost of Tsushima, to name a few.

Mafia: The Old Country, currently planned to release this summer, also seems quite interesting. These titles can provide a good break from Grand Theft Auto before the sequel's release later this year.

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Also check: 5 reasons to play GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition in 2025