The long-awaited release of GTA 6 is finally on the horizon in 2025, but fans of GTA Online might need to temper their expectations. While the single-player mode of GTA 6 is set to make its grand debut, there’s a strong possibility that GTA Online won’t be available right at launch. Here’s why players shouldn’t expect the multiplayer component to be ready from day one.
A History of Staggered Launches
Rockstar has a history of staggering the release of online modes after launching their main games. When GTA 5 launched in 2013, the multiplayer GTA Online was not available on day one. U4GM's 5 gta accounts boosting service xbox best helps players gain a tremendous sense of accomplishment in the game. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4GM. It came two weeks later, though it faced significant server issues and technical difficulties that made the experience frustrating for early adopters. Red Dead Redemption 2 followed a similar pattern when it launched in 2018, with the online mode, Red Dead Online, arriving a month later and spending several months in Beta before its full release in 2019.
Given the massive scale of GTA 6, it is highly probable that GTA Online will follow the same staggered launch approach. Rockstar is likely to release the single-player mode first and then bring the multiplayer experience online a few weeks or even a month later.
Why Rockstar Delays Online Releases
The decision to delay the online component is not new for Rockstar and is driven by several key factors. First, Rockstar can use this staggered approach to allow players to focus on the single-player experience without distractions, ensuring that the story mode receives undivided attention. By launching GTA Online a little later, Rockstar can create another wave of excitement and engagement, driving sales and keeping momentum going after the initial release.
In today’s gaming landscape, the live-service model has become increasingly common. Much like how Call of Duty releases its seasonal content in waves, Rockstar may choose to hold off on the online component in order to extend the game's lifecycle. This approach also helps manage the technical demands of launching a game as vast and complex as GTA 6, ensuring a smoother experience for both solo players and future online gamers.
Maximizing Impact and Sales
A staggered release gives Rockstar the chance to keep the game in the spotlight for longer. As one of the most anticipated game launches in history, GTA 6 is set to break records not only for video games but across the entire entertainment industry. By introducing GTA Online a few weeks after the launch, Rockstar can reignite interest and continue to drive sales of the game long after the initial release.
Moreover, there’s a large segment of the GTA fanbase that only engages with GTA Online. These players may have little to no interest in the story mode and will eagerly await the launch of the multiplayer component. By spacing out the releases, Rockstar can ensure that both groups of players—those interested in the story and those focusing solely on the online experience—get their moment in the spotlight.
What This Means for GTA Online Fans
If you’re hoping to jump straight into GTA Online as soon as GTA 6 launches, it’s important to manage your expectations. While the single-player mode will likely be ready for launch, the multiplayer experience may take a little longer to arrive. However, the wait may ultimately benefit both the players and Rockstar by allowing them to fine-tune the online experience and ensure a smoother rollout.
As Rockstar plans for the biggest video game launch in history, GTA Online fans may have to wait a little longer than expected, but the delay could be a strategic move to keep the hype alive and ensure a lasting experience for all players.
