GTA VI is finally coming! But one question keeps coming up: do you need to play GTA V first?
It is a fair question, especially if you have never played a Grand Theft Auto game before. The good news? You do not need GTA V to understand GTA VI, but playing it can still make the jump into Rockstar’s next open-world blockbuster even more exciting.
Main question: Do you need to play GTA V before GTA VI?
Short answer: No, but it is still worth considering.
Best for new players: Start with GTA VI if you want the newest experience.
Best for series context: Play GTA V first if you want to understand Rockstar’s modern GTA formula.
GTA VI is finally coming! But, one question keeps coming up: Do you need to play GTA V first? It’s a fair question, especially if you’ve never played a Grand Theft Auto game before.
The hype around GTA VI has brought millions of new players to the series. Some of them are worried they’ll miss important story details or returning characters by skipping GTA V, while others just don’t want to spend dozens of hours on an older game before jumping into the newest release.
The good news is that the answer is pretty simple. If you’re completely new to the franchise or haven’t played GTA V in years, here’s everything you need to know before deciding if it’s worth playing first.
Check out GTA VI on G2A.COM
Grand Theft Auto VI is available to check in preorder listings on G2A Marketplace.
If you are getting ready for the next chapter of the series, compare current GTA VI availability before launch and make sure the listed platform matches what you need.
Do GTA V and GTA VI Share the Same Story?
No, they don’t. GTA VI isn’t a direct sequel to GTA V, so you don’t need to know everything that happened in the previous game to understand the new one. Rockstar has created a brand-new story with new main characters, even though both games take place in the same fictional universe.
The biggest differences are:
- GTA V follows Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Their story takes place in Los Santos.
- GTA VI introduces new protagonists: Lucia and Jason, and their story takes place in Vice City, which has nothing to do with the main events of GTA V.
- The story is completely new and you won’t feel like you’ve missed part of the plot if you skip GTA V.
- Both games share the same universe. You may spot familiar brands, locations, jokes, and other references from previous GTA games.
- Playing GTA V gives you extra context and you’ll understand some Easter eggs and callbacks, but they aren’t important for following the main story of the game.
If you only care about the story, you can jump straight into GTA VI without any problems. Playing GTA V is a nice bonus, but it’s not required.
Grand Theft Auto V
Release Date: September 17, 2013
Genres: Action-adventure, Open World
Gameplay Differences Between GTA V and GTA VI
If you’re wondering if GTA V plays like GTA VI, the answer is: not really. Both games share the same Grand Theft Auto formula, but GTA VI improves almost EVERY part of the gameplay thanks to newer technology. Sounds great, right?
Let’s take a closer look at what’s changed:
- The graphics look far more realistic. GTA VI comes with improved lighting, more detailed environments, and character animations that feel much more lifelike.
- NPCs behave more naturally. People react in more believable ways to what you do, making the world feel more immersive and alive.
- The open world feels more alive than ever. Vice City and the surrounding areas are larger, more populated, and packed with activities, events, and things to discover.
- Combat is smoother and more polished. Shooting, movement, and overall character control feel more responsive than in GTA V.
- Driving feels more refined. Vehicles have improved handling, creating a more realistic and enjoyable driving experience.
If you play GTA V first, you’ll have a better idea of how much the series has evolved. But if you start with GTA VI, you’ll simply experience Rockstar’s most advanced version of Grand Theft Auto right away. Ultimately, it’s up to you!
Reasons to Play GTA V Before GTA VI
Still not sure what to do? Should you play GTA V first, or skip it and jump straight into GTA VI? Let’s look at both sides!
If you have some free time, playing GTA V before jumping into GTA VI is still a great idea! It’s one of Rockstar’s best games and gives you a better understanding of what makes the Grand Theft Auto series so popular.
Below, there are a few good reasons to play it first:
- You’ll experience one of the best stories in the series. The three main characters each bring something different to the game.
- You’ll get used to Rockstar’s gameplay style. Missions, driving, shooting, and exploration all follow a familiar formula that returns in GTA VI.
- You’ll appreciate how much GTA VI has improved. Playing both games makes the graphical and gameplay upgrades much easier to notice.
- You can still try GTA Online. Even after all these years, there’s plenty of content to explore if you’re interested in multiplayer.
If you enjoy story-driven open-world games, GTA V is absolutely worth your time.
Want to revisit Los Santos first?
Grand Theft Auto V is still a strong starting point if you want to learn the modern GTA rhythm before GTA VI.
Reasons You Can Skip GTA V
On the other hand, you don’t have to play GTA V before starting GTA VI. Rockstar designed the new game so both new and returning players can jump in without feeling lost.
And here are a few reasons you can skip it:
- The story is completely separate. You won’t miss any major plot points by starting with GTA VI.
- You’ll get the newest experience right away. GTA VI offers the latest graphics, gameplay improvements, and world design.
- GTA V is a long game. The main story alone takes around 30 to 50 hours, and not everyone wants to invest that much time before playing a brand-new release.
If your goal is simply to enjoy GTA VI, you can start there with confidence. You can always go back and play GTA V later if you want to see how the series has evolved. Pretty simple, right?
Grand Theft Auto VI
Release Date: November 19, 2026
Genres: Action-adventure, Open World
Is GTA Online Worth Playing Before GTA VI?
There’s one more thing you might be wondering before jumping into GTA VI.
The short answer is: you don’t have to play it, but it can still be worth your time. If you want to spend more time in the GTA universe before GTA VI arrives, GTA Online gives you plenty of things to do and lets you experience Rockstar’s take on multiplayer.
Here’s why you might want to give it a try:
- It’s still pretty active and there are lots of players, regular events, and plenty of missions, businesses, and activities to keep you busy.
- You’ll get a better feel for how GTA works. Things like driving, shooting, completing missions, and making money will be easier to pick up when you start GTA VI.
- You don’t really need it. GTA Online is fun, but you won’t miss anything important in GTA VI if you decide to skip it.
If you enjoy playing with other people, GTA Online is definitely worth checking out. But if you’re mainly here for the GTA VI story, you can skip it and jump straight into the new game without any worries.
FAQ
Still have some questions before deciding where to start? Let’s clear up the most common things players are wondering about before jumping into GTA VI.
Do I need to know the GTA V story before playing GTA VI?
No. GTA VI has a new story, so you can enjoy it without knowing what happened in GTA V. Playing GTA V only adds extra context for some references.
Is GTA V still worth playing before GTA VI?
Yes. It’s still one of Rockstar’s best games and a great way to experience the series before GTA VI.
Can I skip GTA V and start with GTA VI?
Yes. GTA VI is made for new players too, so you won’t miss anything important by skipping GTA V.
Is GTA Online connected to GTA VI?
Not directly. GTA Online is a separate multiplayer experience, so you don’t need to play it before GTA VI.
How long should I play GTA V before GTA VI?
There is no required time. You can finish the main story in around 30-50 hours or just play a few missions to learn the basics.
Will GTA V help me understand GTA VI better?
A little. You may notice more references and Easter eggs, but GTA V isn’t needed to understand GTA VI.
Which game should beginners play first: GTA V or GTA VI?
GTA V is a great introduction to the series, but GTA VI is also a good starting point if you want the newest experience.
Final Verdict: Should You Play GTA V Before GTA VI?
So, should you play GTA V before GTA VI? The simple answer is: it depends on what you want from the experience.
If you’re new to the series and have some extra time, starting with GTA V is a great choice. You’ll experience an amazing story, get familiar with how Rockstar games work, and see just how much GTA VI has improved.
But if you’re only interested in jumping into the newest Grand Theft Auto game, you can skip GTA V without any problems. GTA VI is made for both new and returning players, so you won’t miss anything important by starting there.
At the end of the day, there’s no wrong choice. GTA V is definitely worth playing, but it’s not a must. Pick the game that excites you more and enjoy the adventure!