If you’ve been thinking about jumping back into Los Santos or finally trying GTA Online on current-gen consoles, this week might be the best opportunity you’ve had in years. Rockstar has opened up free access to GTA Online on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and the offer runs only through November 17. No subscriptions, no hidden requirements – just straight-up access to one of the most popular online games of the decade.
And yes, this includes players who don’t have PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass, which immediately makes this trial a big deal.
Whether you’re a newcomer, a returning player, or someone who just wants to see how GTA Online finally performs in 4K and smoother framerates on newer hardware, here’s a complete breakdown of what’s going on and why everyone’s talking about this free-play period.
Why This Free Trial Matters Right Now
GTA Online has been around for more than ten years, but it’s still one of the busiest multiplayer games every week. With all the updates, new event weeks, and the community constantly buzzing, the game doesn’t feel old by any stretch.
But the timing of this free period feels intentional.
Rockstar has been teasing upcoming content, and giving new players a chance to jump in before the next wave of major updates helps keep the community active. It also gives last-gen players – or people who skipped the PS4/Xbox One versions – a chance to finally try the game at its best, without paying for anything upfront.
This free window also arrives during one of the busiest months for gaming, so offering GTA Online for free is a clever way to pull attention back toward Los Santos.
What You Can Do During the Free Week
Once you hop in, you’re not getting some limited demo or cut-down version. You’re getting full access to GTA Online on the current consoles. That includes:
1. Playing with the improved graphics and performance
The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions include faster load times, higher resolution, smoother framerates, and features like ray tracing on supported modes. It genuinely feels like a different experience from older consoles.
2. Using the Career Builder
New players get the Career Builder option, which lets you start with a business path like Nightclub Owner, Gunrunner, Executive, or Biker. This jump-starts your character instead of making you grind from nothing.
3. Accessing all content updates
Heists, races, missions, nightclubs, new vehicles, event challenges – everything that’s been added over the years is fully unlocked during the trial.
4. Playing without PS Plus or Game Pass
For many players, this is the biggest perk. The one-week window removes subscription barriers completely, making it one of the easiest times ever to try GTA Online.
A Quick Guide: How to Access It
On PS5
Just search for GTA Online on the PlayStation Store. During this free period, it should show up as free to download and play. No PlayStation Plus is required.
On Xbox Series X|S
Look for GTA Online or GTA V in the Microsoft Store. It should appear under “Free to Play” for the week. Xbox does not require Game Pass or Xbox Live Core to join.
Important: Download early
GTA Online is large, and depending on your connection, the full installation can take a while. Downloading earlier ensures you get the most time out of the free window.
Will Your Progress Carry Over?
Yes – typically your character progress, purchased items, and money earned during the trial stay tied to your account. If you decide to buy the game later, you can pick up right where you left off.
It’s one of the reasons this free week is so appealing. You’re not wasting your time. You’re building your character for the long run if you choose to continue later.
A Few Things to Know Before Jumping In
This free period is not making GTA Online permanently free. Once November 17 passes, the game will return to its normal requirements. After that, you’ll likely need:
- A copy of GTA V or GTA Online (depending on platform setup)
- PS Plus (on PS5)
- Xbox Game Pass Core (on Xbox Series X|S)
You also need decent storage space, since the game isn’t exactly light. Make sure your console has enough room before installing.
Should You Try It?
If you’ve ever been curious about GTA Online, this is the moment. If you played years ago on PS3, PS4, or Xbox One and want to see what’s changed, this is the moment.
If you simply want something fun to play with friends but don’t want to spend a dime, this is absolutely the moment.
You’re getting full access to one of the biggest multiplayer sandboxes ever made, for zero cost, for an entire week. There’s really nothing to lose.
Create chaos, explore the upgraded city, build a criminal empire with the Career Builder, or just cruise around Los Santos for a few hours. It’s your week – make the most of it.
