Today, numerous gamers are pondering a singular question: when was GTA 5 released? This curiosity stems from the prolonged anticipation surrounding the yet-to-be-released GTA 6, which has been shrouded in rumors about its development for quite some time. As the latest installment in the Grand Theft Auto franchise, GTA 5 has profoundly influenced the open-world gaming landscape for over a decade. While seasoned players may already be aware of its launch date, some might still be in the dark about this significant milestone.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of GTA 5’s release timeline across various platforms, including PC, to satisfy both new and veteran players alike.
The History of GTA 5: Over 11 Years of Influence
Since its launch, Grand Theft Auto 5 has firmly established its presence in the gaming industry. Initially released in 2013, the game quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Below is a timeline detailing the release dates for GTA 5 on different platforms:
1) Initial Release on PS3 and Xbox 360
GTA 5 officially hit the market in September 2013, initially available only on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. At that time, there were no versions for the newer PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, as those consoles had not yet been launched. However, fans of those platforms soon had something to look forward to.
2) Enhanced Editions for PS4, Xbox One, and PC
In November 2014, Rockstar Games introduced the Enhanced Edition of GTA 5 for the PS4 and Xbox One. This version boasted exclusive new content, such as Monkey Mosaics, the Wildlife Photography Challenge, and Stock Car Racing. Moreover, it was notable for the introduction of the first-person mode, a first for the series.
In April 2015, the Enhanced Edition was made available on PC, granting PC gamers the opportunity to explore the vivid landscape of Los Santos. Yet, amid the excitement, the release of GTA 6 remained elusive, leading to speculation about the future of the franchise.
3) The Latest Version on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Fast forward to March 2022, when Rockstar unveiled the Expanded and Enhanced Edition of GTA 5 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This version included even more exclusive content for the next-gen consoles, notably featuring the new HSW (how Special Works) vehicles.
As anticipation built for the next installment, Rockstar officially announced GTA 6 in December 2023, revealing a planned release window of 2025, which was later confirmed for fall 2025. In preparation, the developers made another Enhanced Edition available for PC in March 2025, ensuring PC players had access to all the exciting new features rolled out with the console versions.