Editorial staff
Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most played AAA games of all time and ranks as the second best-selling video game ever, trailing only behind Minecraft. The game has generated an estimated $10 billion in revenue for Rockstar Games, demonstrating just how well-crafted this title truly is.
However, GTA V originally launched in 2013 and has now spanned three console generations. After 12 years on the market, many potential buyers wonder if this title still justifies its price tag. The game continues to receive updates and maintains an active player base, but newer titles have arrived with improved graphics, mechanics, and features.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about GTA V in 2025, what content it offers after more than a decade, whether it's still worth buying, and alternatives for experiencing this iconic game
What Does GTA 5 Offer After 12 Years
Before determining whether GTA V is worth purchasing or not, you need to understand what content the game actually provides after 12 years of development and updates.
Story Mode
The single-player campaign remains the foundation that made GTA V an absolute cinema. The game features three distinct playable characters, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor, each with their own backgrounds, motivations, and skill sets. You'll experience their interconnected stories through missions that showcase different perspectives and gameplay styles.
The most innovative feature is the character-switching mechanic during missions. Some heists and missions allow you to switch between two or even three characters in real-time, creating dynamic scenarios where you might control a sniper on a rooftop while your partner infiltrates a building below. This mechanic delivers gameplay experiences that few other games have replicated.
The main story takes approximately 30 hours to complete, focusing solely on essential missions. This substantial campaign provides excellent value for your money, especially considering the production quality and voice acting that rival major Hollywood productions.
Online Mode
GTA Online keeps the game relevant and actively played more than a decade after its initial release. Rockstar maintains a consistent update schedule with new content, discounts, and bonuses arriving every week. These updates include new vehicles, missions, properties, and gameplay modes that expand the online experience.
The game has received several major content expansions that have significantly changed the online community. The Cayo Perico Heist introduced the first solo-friendly heist. The Casino Update added gambling mechanics and luxury penthouses, while the Money Fronts Update brought new business opportunities and criminal enterprises. These continuous updates have brought millions of players back to GTA V repeatedly.
Alternatives for Buying GTA V
Several familiar options exist beyond full retail price, including sales on official storefronts and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.
Buying pre-owned accounts has become increasingly common. This approach costs less than official storefronts and even undercuts third-party key prices. Websites like GameBoost offer GTA accounts for sale that include the base game plus significant bonuses.
These accounts come preloaded with GTA Online cash, vehicles, properties, and unlocked content. You get immediate access to high-end apartments, supercars, and businesses that would normally require dozens of hours to earn. This represents exceptional value since you're investing in both Story Mode access and a major head start in Online Mode.
The account method eliminates the notorious GTA Online grind entirely. Instead of spending weeks earning enough money for basic equipment, you start with established criminal enterprises and premium content already unlocked.
Is GTA V Still Worth Purchasing?
Rockstar Games has built a reputation as one of the industry's premier developers. Every title they release becomes a masterpiece, from L.A. Noire to Red Dead Redemption 2. Each game delivers unique experiences that modern titles struggle to replicate.
GTA V absolutely remains worth purchasing. The single-player campaign delivers a 30-hour story with exceptional voice acting and Hollywood-level production values. GTA Online extends this value through continuous weekly updates. New heists, vehicles, and activities keep appearing, turning your purchase into a long-term investment rather than a one-time experience.
However, paying full retail price makes little financial sense in 2025. The game frequently goes on sale across all platforms, often dropping to 50-70% off its original price. Digital storefronts regularly feature GTA V in their seasonal sales, and third-party key sellers offer legitimate copies at reduced rates.
Waiting for sales or seeking alternative purchasing methods represents the smart approach for budget-conscious gamers who want to experience this legendary title.
Editorial staff
