Few video games have enjoyed the kind of success that Grand Theft Auto V has. First released in 2013, it has been launched on three generations of consoles, become one of the best-selling video games of all time and built an online community that is still active more than a decade later. Walk into any gaming lounge, student hostel or living room with a console, and there is a good chance someone is cruising the streets of Los Santos. If you have never played it, or you are thinking about buying it for a new console, this guide explains what makes GTA 5 special, which version to choose and what to check before you buy.
What is GTA 5?
Grand Theft Auto V, developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games, is an open-world action-adventure game. It is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, which includes the sprawling city of Los Santos, inspired by Los Angeles, and the surrounding countryside of Blaine County. Players can drive, fly, swim, shop, play sports and explore a huge, detailed world at their own pace, or follow the main story missions.
The game's popularity means copies are widely available for every platform, both new and pre-owned. If you are shopping in Kenya, browsing current offers for GTA 5 is a quick way to compare prices for PS4, PS5, Xbox and PC versions, and between new sealed discs and second-hand copies. Knowing the typical price for each version helps you get a fair deal and avoid paying too much for an older edition.
The story: three protagonists, one city
One of the most original features of GTA 5 is its three playable main characters, each with a distinct personality and storyline:
- Michael De Santa: a retired bank robber living a comfortable but unhappy life with his family.
- Franklin Clinton: a young man trying to escape street life and make it big.
- Trevor Philips: Michael's unpredictable and violent former partner.
Players can switch between the three characters at almost any time, and their stories intersect in a series of elaborate heist missions. Planning and carrying out these heists, choosing crew members and approaches, is one of the highlights of the game.
GTA Online: the game that keeps going
GTA 5 includes access to GTA Online, a massive multiplayer world where players create their own characters, team up with friends, run businesses, complete heists, race cars and compete in countless activities. Rockstar has continued to add new content over the years, which is a major reason the game remains popular. On consoles, playing online generally requires a platform subscription such as PlayStation Plus or the relevant Xbox membership, so check the current requirements for your console.
Which version of GTA 5 should you buy?
PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
The versions released for current-generation consoles offer the best experience on those platforms, with improved graphics, faster loading thanks to SSD storage and performance options with higher frame rates. If you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, these editions are the best choice.
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
The PS4 and Xbox One versions are widely available and often cheaper, especially second-hand. They are the right choice if you own one of these consoles. The PS4 disc version can also be played on a PS5 with a disc drive through backward compatibility, although it will not include all the enhancements of the native PS5 version.
PC
The PC version offers the most flexibility, with support for high resolutions, a keyboard and mouse or controller, and a large community creating mods for single-player. It is usually purchased digitally through online stores. Check your computer meets the system requirements before buying.
Standard vs Premium editions
Some editions of GTA 5 include bonus content for GTA Online, such as in-game money, properties and vehicles to help new players get started. If you plan to spend most of your time online, these editions can be worth it. For single-player fans, the standard edition is enough.
Physical disc or digital download?
- Physical disc: can be resold, traded or lent to friends, and second-hand copies are often cheap. You still need to download updates, which can be large.
- Digital download: convenient and cannot be scratched or lost, and digital stores often have sales. However, you cannot resell it, and downloading the full game requires a fast connection and plenty of data.
If your internet is slow or expensive, a disc is usually the more practical choice. Remember that GTA 5 is a large game and requires significant storage space on your console or PC, plus room for updates.
Is GTA 5 suitable for children?
GTA 5 is rated for adults (18+ in many regions) because it includes strong violence, crime, drug references, strong language and sexual content. Parents should consider the age rating carefully before buying it for younger players. Most consoles offer parental controls that allow you to restrict games by age rating, limit online interactions and set screen-time limits.
Why GTA 5 is still worth playing
- A huge, detailed world: cities, deserts, mountains, beaches and oceans filled with activities and hidden details.
- Engaging story: memorable characters, humour and satire, and cinematic heist missions.
- Endless replay value: side missions, collectibles, sports, races and free exploration.
- Active online community: regular updates and a massive player base.
- Great value: it is widely available and often affordable, especially second-hand.
Getting the best experience from your setup
- Free up storage first: GTA 5 and its updates take up a lot of space, so clear room on your console or PC before installing.
- Choose the right graphics mode: on current-generation consoles, you can usually choose between a mode that prioritises image quality and one that prioritises smoother frame rates. Try both and see which you prefer.
- Use a wired connection for online play: an Ethernet cable gives a more stable connection than Wi-Fi, reducing lag and disconnections in GTA Online.
- Adjust the audio: the game's soundtrack, radio stations and effects are a big part of the experience, so a good headset or sound system adds a lot.
- Protect your console: keep it well ventilated during long sessions and use a surge protector to guard against power fluctuations.
Tips for new players
- Take your time: explore the world between missions and try side activities.
- Save regularly: use safe houses to save your progress, especially before difficult missions.
- Invest wisely: in story mode, the in-game stock market can help you earn money if you follow mission hints carefully.
- Upgrade your vehicles and weapons: visit customisation shops to improve performance.
- Learn to fly: the flight school activities help you master planes and helicopters.
- Play with friends online: GTA Online is more fun and less frustrating with a trusted crew.
How to check a used GTA 5 disc before buying
- Check the platform: make sure the disc matches your console (PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S).
- Inspect the disc surface: light scratches are usually fine, but deep scratches or cracks can prevent it from loading.
- Check for all discs: some older versions came on more than one disc, so make sure everything is included.
- Test it if possible: insert the disc into a console and make sure it installs and loads.
- Watch out for unused codes: bonus codes included in new copies are often already used in second-hand games, so do not pay extra for them.
- Check the case and manual: a complete, clean case usually indicates a well-looked-after copy.
Playing safely online
- Never share your account password or buy in-game money from unofficial sellers, as this can lead to bans or scams.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your gaming accounts.
- Use privacy settings to limit who can message and invite you.
- Report cheaters and abusive players through official tools.
- Take regular breaks and balance gaming with other activities.
What about GTA 6?
Rockstar has announced Grand Theft Auto VI, the next major instalment in the series, and anticipation is enormous. Even so, GTA 5 remains an excellent game to play now. Its story, world and online mode offer hundreds of hours of entertainment, and it is a great way to experience the series before the next chapter arrives.
The bottom line
More than a decade after its release, GTA 5 remains one of the most entertaining and complete open-world games ever made. Choose the version that matches your console, decide between a disc and a digital copy based on your internet and budget, check second-hand discs carefully and keep the age rating in mind. Whether you are a newcomer or returning to Los Santos, there is still plenty of fun waiting on its streets.
