Do you need Xbox Live to play GTA Online

A common question among Xbox console users, usually new ones, is do you need Xbox Live to play GTA Online? For those wondering, Xbox Live, now known as Xbox Network, is an online service for Xbox consoles. While signing up for this service is free, users need to be a member of either one of Xbox Live's paid subscription tiers to play multiplayer titles like GTA Online.

This process is pretty much the same on PlayStation, as one needs to be a PlayStation Plus (or simply PS Plus) member to access Grand Theft Auto 5's multiplayer mode. With that said, here's a closer look at how an Xbox Live membership can help you play GTA Online.

Note - Xbox Live has been rebranded as Xbox Network, but the service will be referred to as the former in this article.

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Do you need Xbox Live to play GTA Online: All that you need to know

Grand Theft Auto 5's purchase page mentions that Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate is needed for online multiplayer on console (Image via Xbox.com)

As mentioned, Xbox Live is a free service, but to play GTA Online, you need an Xbox Game Pass Core (formerly known as Xbox Live Gold) or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

Both of them are paid subscription services for Xbox users, and either one is mandatory for playing Grand Theft Auto 5's multiplayer mode. So, in short, yes, you specifically need an Xbox Live Gold (Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate) subscription to access GTA Online.

This applies to all current-gen and last-gen consoles, that is the Xbox Series X/S and the Xbox One.

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Do you need Xbox Live to play GTA Online: Costs

Xbox Game Pass subscription tier costs as of this writing (Image via Xbox.com)

Xbox users opt for a monthly subscription to Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. As of this writing, the core will set you back by $9.99 per month, while the Ultimate is priced at $19.99 per month.

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Does GTA Online need to be purchased separately?

Grand Theft Auto Online as a standalone title (Image via Xbox.com)

If you have purchased Grand Theft Auto 5, then its online multiplayer, GTA Online, comes with the base game for free.

However, Rockstar Games has also made the multiplayer mode available as a standalone title on Xbox Series X/S. So, if you do not care about GTA 5 story mode and only wish to play online, you can get GTA Online separately.

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Also check: How to download GTA Online Winter DLC 2024 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation