Currently, we’re eagerly awaiting the release of the eighth main instalment of Grand Theft Auto – GTA VI, but its predecessor – Grand Theft Auto 5, despite being released 13 years ago, is still very much alive and widely played.
This is mainly due to its multiplayer mode, GTA Online.
If you’re a new player, you’ve probably yet to discover many surprises this title has to offer, and your first death on a GTA Online server might catch you off guard.
That’s why we’ve prepared a brief guide on Passive Mode in GTA: What is it, why was it created, and how do you disable it? Read on to find out!
What is Passive Mode?
Passive Mode automatically activates following your death on a GTA Online server. When you die, a cutscene plays where Cris Formage talks to you about “online death,” its benefits, and how you can use Passive Mode.
Benefits and Limitations of Using Passive Mode
With this mode enabled, you can still roam the streets of the city and participate in various activities, but as an invincible and immortal ghost.
Importantly, while in Passive Mode, you also cannot kill other players. This mode is perfect for those who want to enjoy the possibilities of GTA Online without engaging in PvP-related aggression.
However, as is often the case, advantages can also be disadvantages. When using Passive Mode, your character doesn’t appear to other players as it normally would – instead, others see you as a semi-translucent ghost. And vice versa. Additionally, this mode prevents you from using weapons and combat vehicles.
Interestingly, on some platforms and with certain updates, getting into a vehicle automatically disables Passive Mode – so keep this in mind, especially if you’re playing on PS3.
Why Turn Off Passive Mode?
If you want to fully enjoy ALL the features of GTA Online, including player-versus-player combat, armed robberies, etc., you might want to disable this feature.
However, be aware that once you disable it, you could quickly become a target for griefers who frequently hunt new players or those who previously hid in Passive Mode.
Additionally, remember that your character will once again be mortal, and losing your life on a GTA server isn’t hard.
How to Turn Off Passive Mode
Enabling Passive Mode isn’t necessary, as – yes, exactly – it is automatically activated upon your first death. However, you can disable it and… enable it again if needed.
To disable Passive Mode, you must:
- Access the Interaction Menu.
- Scroll Down.
- Enable/Disable Passive Mode.
The method to open this menu differs slightly across platforms. For PC, press “M” on the keyboard; Xbox players can open it by pressing the View button on the controller; on PlayStation consoles, it’s opened by pressing left on the Directional Pad on the controller.
You can also enable/disable it through the Pause Menu:
- Select Online.
- Select Options.
- Enable/Disable Passive Mode.
After disabling Passive Mode, there’s a cooldown of a few minutes before you can re-enable it. Moreover, if you kill another player after disabling it, you won’t be able to re-enable Passive Mode for a longer period.
FAQ Section
How long is the cooldown after disabling Passive Mode?
5 minutes, unless you’ve killed another player during that time.
Can you attack players immediately after turning off Passive Mode?
Yes, but you won’t be able to immediately re-enable it afterward.
Does turning off Passive Mode make you a target?
Officially, no, but some players do hunt those who have disabled Passive Mode, especially since even with it enabled, your marker shows up on the map.
How do you know if another player is in Passive Mode?
As mentioned above, a character with PM enabled appears as a semi-translucent ghost, and their marker shows up on the map.
Why am I in Passive Mode in GTA?
It’s an automatic, free feature that activates upon your character’s first death. However, you can later disable and re-enable it as needed.
Conclusion
Passive Mode was created to limit the actions of griefers, whose only entertainment often involves killing other players. It allows you to enjoy the game’s offerings in a much more peaceful manner, but it does somewhat limit the game’s wild possibilities.
If you’re more interested in a calm gameplay experience, exploration, and simple missions, and you treat this title more like a simulator – this mode is for you. However, if you’re in the mood for some violence and risk – you can disable it at any time.