No, you should not need PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play GTA 6. It launches as a single-player game, and PS5 and Xbox do not charge for single-player play. Estimate
A future online mode would most likely need PS Plus Essential or Game Pass Essential, like GTA Online does now.
On consoles, the paid subscriptions exist mainly to unlock online multiplayer. GTA 6 launches on 19 November 2026 as a single-player experience Official, so the story, the open world and everything else in the box should work without one. Here is the detail.
When you would need a subscription
| Situation | PS5 | Xbox Series X|S |
|---|---|---|
| Play GTA 6 single-player | No PS Plus needed | No Game Pass needed |
| Download and pre-load | No PS Plus needed | No Game Pass needed |
| Cloud save backups | PS Plus needed | Free, included |
| Future online multiplayer | PS Plus Essential, most likely | Game Pass Essential, most likely |
Subscription rules come from Sony and Microsoft and apply to all games. PlayStation keeps cloud saves inside PS Plus, while Xbox includes them for free.
PS Plus and Game Pass tiers explained
PS Plus comes in three tiers: Essential (online multiplayer, cloud saves and monthly games), Extra (adds a catalogue of games) and Premium (adds classics and cloud streaming). Xbox Game Pass now has Essential (online multiplayer and a small catalogue), Premium and Ultimate. For GTA 6, the lowest tier on each platform would be enough for any future online mode, and no tier is needed for the single-player game at launch. Extra and Premium tiers do not include GTA 6.
What is the free GTA+ month?
Digital pre-orders of GTA 6 include one free month of GTA+, Rockstar's own membership Official. It is not PS Plus or Game Pass, and it does not unlock online play on its own. The PlayStation Store terms say it renews automatically at the regular monthly price unless you cancel. Set a reminder if you do not want to keep it.
Is GTA 6 included in PS Plus or Game Pass?
No. GTA 6 is not part of the PS Plus or Game Pass game libraries at launch, so you need to buy it. See is GTA 6 on Game Pass? and the GTA 6 price page.
What about GTA Online?
GTA Online on GTA V still needs PS Plus or Game Pass Essential. GTA 6 has no online mode at launch, and Rockstar has not given a date. Read does GTA 6 have online? for the latest.
FAQ
Do I need PS Plus to play GTA 6 on PS5?
Not for the single-player game. PS Plus is needed for online multiplayer, which GTA 6 does not have at launch.
Do I need Game Pass to play GTA 6 on Xbox?
No. You buy GTA 6 and play the single-player game without a subscription.
Is GTA+ the same as PS Plus?
No. GTA+ is Rockstar's own membership. Digital pre-orders include one free month, which renews unless cancelled.
Sources
- Rockstar Games: single-player launch, GTA+ pre-order offer.
- PlayStation Store terms: GTA+ renewal.
- Sony and Microsoft subscription terms for PS Plus and Game Pass.