GTA 5 Is Free on Game Pass Now: Everything You Need to Kno

For gamers around the world impatiently awaiting the launch of GTA 6, there's a silver lining to ease the wait: GTA 5 is Free on Game Pass Now. That’s right—Rockstar Games’ legendary title, Grand Theft Auto V, is once again available at no additional cost for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, bringing one of the most celebrated open-world adventures right to your fingertips.

If you're wondering what this means, how to access it, and why this is such a big deal, let’s dive into everything you need to know.

A Surprise Gift from Rockstar Games

As of April 15, 2025, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can download and play GTA 5 without any additional cost. Even better, PC players are also included in the offer, as the enhanced version of GTA 5—packed with next-gen features like ray tracing, improved textures, and faster load times—is available through PC Game Pass.

This move has taken many by surprise, especially considering Rockstar Games has been relatively quiet about GTA 6 after the first trailer dropped back in December 2023. While fans were hoping for more news about the upcoming installment, Rockstar’s gift of GTA 5 on Game Pass provides a perfect opportunity to revisit Los Santos while awaiting new updates.

What's New with GTA 5 Enhanced?

The enhanced edition of GTA 5 isn’t just a basic re-release. It introduces a range of technical upgrades and content improvements, previously exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players. Here’s what you can expect in GTA 5 Enhanced:

• Ray Traced Shadows and Reflections: Enjoy more realistic lighting and shadows throughout Los Santos.

• Faster Load Times: Jump into missions and online sessions much quicker.

• Higher Traffic and Pedestrian Density: Experience a livelier city environment.

• Advanced Texture Improvements: Sharper visuals and greater environmental detail.

• PC-Specific Enhancements: Features like ray-traced ambient occlusion, global illumination, and support for AMD FSR and NVIDIA DLSS, ensuring better performance across different hardware.

• Hao’s Special Works: Access high-performance cars and exclusive vehicle upgrades.

• Career Progress Tracking: Monitor your accomplishments across both Story Mode and GTA Online more easily.

  
  

With these improvements, GTA 5 feels fresher and more polished, even after more than a decade since its original release.

How to Access GTA 5 for Free

Now that GTA 5 is Free on Game Pass Now, getting started is straightforward. Depending on your platform, here’s what you need to do:

• Xbox Console Users: If you have Game Pass Standard or Game Pass Ultimate, simply head to the Xbox Game Pass library, search for GTA 5, and download it.

• PC Users: PC Game Pass subscribers can find the enhanced version in the Xbox app or through supported platforms like Steam and the Rockstar Games Launcher.

Whether you’re a returning player or experiencing the chaos of Los Santos for the first time, there's never been a better time to dive in.

Which Game Pass Plan Do You Need?

Here’s a quick overview of the Game Pass tiers relevant for accessing GTA 5:

• Game Pass Core (£14.99/month): Basic multiplayer access and a small library of games—not including GTA 5.

• Game Pass Standard (£15/month): Includes access to GTA 5 on Xbox consoles.

• Game Pass Ultimate (£6.99/month promotion or $20/month regular): Full access to GTA 5 across console, PC, and cloud, plus benefits like online multiplayer and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

If you’re aiming for maximum flexibility and access across devices, Game Pass Ultimate is the most recommended.

Other Titles Coming with Game Pass April 2025

Of course, GTA 5 isn’t the only highlight of this month’s Game Pass updates. Subscribers also gain access to several exciting titles, such as:

• Diablo III

• Far Cry 4

• Borderlands 3

• Hunt: Showdown 1896 (for PC players)

The inclusion of these major titles means your backlog of games to explore will only get bigger—and better.

GTA Online Gets Even Better

Alongside the main story experience, GTA Online has also been given a major facelift with the Enhanced edition. Some notable features include:

• Career Builder: New players can kickstart their criminal careers by choosing from Executive, Gunrunner, Nightclub Owner, or Biker roles—with a bonus GTA$4,000,000 to jumpstart their empires.

• GTA+ Subscription Access: For players who want additional perks, GTA+ offers exclusive content, bonuses, and access to full Rockstar titles like Bully, Red Dead Redemption, and LA Noire.

New vehicles, missions, and updates like the Oscar Guzman Flies Again event ensure that GTA Online remains a thriving, ever-evolving experience for both veterans and newcomers.

A Mixed Reaction from Fans

While many fans were excited to hear that GTA 5 is Free on Game Pass Now, others expressed frustration at Rockstar’s continued silence about GTA 6. After 500 days since the first teaser, players were hoping for solid news or a second trailer.

Social media exploded with mixed reactions:

• "Again???!!! Where is GTA 6?!" wrote one fan.

• "Don’t tweet again unless it’s GTA6 news," demanded another.

• Some players joked about Rockstar "milking" GTA 5 yet again, wearing clown makeup as they wait for GTA 6 news.

Despite the disappointment, many acknowledge that having a refreshed, next-gen GTA 5 experience softens the blow—for now.

How Long Will GTA 5 Stay on Game Pass?

One thing to keep in mind is that Rockstar has added and removed GTA 5 from Game Pass multiple times before. There’s no official word yet on how long it will remain available this time around. If you’re interested, it’s wise to download it as soon as possible and lock in your access.

Additionally, players concerned about long-term access can still purchase GTA 5 Enhanced separately from stores like Fanatical or CD Keys, often at a discounted price.

Why You Shouldn't Miss This Opportunity

Even if you’ve already played GTA 5, revisiting it now offers several compelling reasons:

1. Improved Visuals and Performance: Experience Los Santos like never before with next-gen graphics.

2. Online Evolution: GTA Online has grown immensely, offering new missions, vehicles, and updates to keep you entertained.

3. Nostalgia with a Twist: Returning to Franklin, Michael, and Trevor’s chaotic lives never gets old—especially with enhanced details.

4. Free Access: Let’s be honest—GTA 5 is Free on Game Pass Now, and that’s a deal too good to pass up.

While the wait for GTA 6 continues, GTA 5 remains a masterclass in open-world game design, storytelling, and sheer fun.

In conclusion, if you were waiting for the perfect excuse to return to Los Santos, or if you’ve somehow never played GTA 5 before, now’s your chance. GTA 5 is Free on Game Pass Now, offering hours upon hours of chaotic action, gripping storytelling, and endless entertainment at your fingertips. Don't miss out—grab your Game Pass subscription and hit the streets today!