WHen the online mode of GTA released was it free?

Yes — GTA Online was not generally free when it first released ; it launched as part of Grand Theft Auto V in 2013 and was tied to owning the base game on its original platforms

. A later Rockstar notice shows there was a limited free-to-play trial for GTA Online Standalone on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S from November 11, 2025 to November 17, 2025, but that was temporary, not the original release model

What that means

• Original launch: You needed GTA V to access GTA Online on PS3 and Xbox 360, and later versions were still tied to owning the game.

• Standalone trial: Rockstar later offered a short free trial for the standalone online mode on newer consoles.

• After the trial: Players had to buy GTA Online Standalone again to keep playing once the free period ended.

Quick answer

If you mean the first release in 2013 , then no, it was not free as a standalone game.

If you mean a later promotion , then yes, Rockstar did offer a temporary free trial in 2025 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S