Grand Theft Auto
GTA 5 has remained one of the most iconic and popular video games of all time, continuing to thrive more than a decade after its release. A big part of its ongoing success is the ever-evolving world of GTA Online, which brings players together for missions, heists, and chaos across San Andreas.
But with so many people playing on different devices, ranging from PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 5, Xbox 360 to Xbox Series X|S, and PC, one crucial question remains: Is GTA 5 online crossplay? If you’re changing platforms or want a fresh start, you can check GTA 5 accounts to get back into Los Santos instantly.
Let’s break it down.
Is GTA 5 Online Crossplay?
No, GTA 5 does not officially support cross-platform play.
As it stands, GTA Online players are limited to playing within their platform ecosystem. This means:
- Xbox users can only play with other Xbox users
- PlayStation users can only play with other PlayStation users
- PC players can only play with other PC players
There is some level of cross-generation support within the same console family. For example, PS5 users can play with PS4 players, if they’re both using the PS4 version of the game. Similarly, Xbox Series X|S users can play with Xbox One players under the same condition.
Why Isn’t GTA 5 Crossplay?
The lack of crossplay is due to several reasons:
- Technical limitations: Differences in system architecture between consoles and PC make syncing players difficult.
- Feature disparity: Updated versions like GTA V: Expanded & Enhanced offer enhanced graphics and performance that aren’t always compatible with older versions.
- Security concerns: Rockstar is known to take a cautious approach, especially with PC’s high exposure to modding and hacking.
Despite numerous fan requests over the years, Rockstar has never indicated that crossplay would be added to GTA 5.
The Unofficial Crossplay Workaround
In late 2024, some members of the GTA community discovered a loophole that technically enabled crossplay between PS4 and PC. This wasn’t a feature Rockstar offered, it was a user-created solution involving:
- A jailbroken PS4
- A developer copy of GTA 5
- A private server (known as Los Santos Online)
A video even surfaced showing two players, one on PS4 and one on PC, flying together in the same game instance. While impressive, this method is not accessible to the average player and involves questionable legality. It’s better viewed as a proof of concept rather than a viable crossplay option.
Playing Together on PS4 and PS5
While GTA 5 doesn’t offer true crossplay between different platforms, there is a way for PlayStation players to team up across generations. Thanks to backward compatibility, PS5 players can join their friends on PS4 by running the PS4 version of GTA Online.
To do this, PS5 users simply need to select the older version of the game from their library:
- Navigate to Grand Theft Auto V on your PS5 dashboard.
- Click the three-dot menu beside the game.
- Choose “Select Version” and pick the one labeled for PS4.
- Download and launch the game. You’re good to go.
This method allows for multiplayer sessions with PS4 users, but there are trade-offs. You’ll experience reduced graphics, longer loading times, and a capped 30 FPS at 1080p resolution. The same approach works for Xbox Series X|S users looking to play with friends on Xbox One.
| Platform Combination | Crossplay Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 ↔ PS5 (using PS4 version) | Yes (Cross-generation) | Requires PS5 player to run the PS4 version of the game |
| Xbox One ↔ Xbox Series X|S (using Xbox One version) | Yes (Cross-generation) | Requires Series X|S player to use the Xbox One version |
| PS4 ↔ Xbox | No | No cross-platform support |
| PS4 ↔ PC | No (Unofficial workaround only) | Jailbroken PS4 and private server setup required |
| Xbox ↔ PC | No | Platforms are isolated |
| PS5 (native) ↔ PS4 | No | Only works if using PS4 version on PS5 |
What About GTA 6?
Rockstar has confirmed that GTA 6 is in development with a projected release window of Fall 2025. While there’s no official word yet on whether it will support crossplay, the gaming community is hopeful.
If community members were able to simulate cross-platform play in GTA 5, it suggests that the concept isn’t technically impossible. With crossplay becoming increasingly common in modern multiplayer games, Rockstar may consider including it in GTA 6 to meet evolving player expectations.
Final Thoughts
So, is GTA 5 online crossplay? No, not officially. While there are limited ways to play across console generations within the same platform family, true crossplay between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC does not exist. Until Rockstar decides to change that or reveals new details about GTA 6, players will need to stay within their ecosystem.
You can also check out this guide on free modded GTA accounts if you’re looking to enhance your GTA Online experience.
Still, the future looks promising, and if crossplay becomes a core feature in GTA 6, it could change the landscape of online gaming in Los Santos forever.
