GTA Online is free to play on Xbox this week – here’s what’s inside

Table of Content

Rockstar’s multiplayer sandbox is opening up on Xbox for a limited time. Grand Theft Auto Online is playable on Xbox without a Game Pass membership until November 17. The current-gen build emphasizes faster load-ins and visual upgrades, while newcomers can jump straight into the Career Builder with GTA$4,000,000 to set up their first enterprise. Hao’s Special Works returns as the high-end tuning destination, and the full catalog of past content updates is included. Below are the key facts players should know before jumping in.

Next‑gen visuals and performance

The Xbox Series X|S version offers three graphics modes with options that include up to 4K resolution, up to 60 frames per second, HDR settings, ray tracing, and improved texture quality. Loading has been streamlined, bringing quicker access to the action across Los Santos.

Career Builder: start with capital and pick a path

The Career Builder is available for first-time players on current-gen systems, and for anyone restarting their character. It provides GTA$4,000,000 in starting funds and a guided setup across four distinct tracks:

• Executive – build a business empire from the office upward
• Gunrunner – manage weapons manufacturing and distribution
• Nightclub Owner – run nightlife operations with connected businesses
• Biker – grow a motorcycle club and related ventures

Players can select properties, vehicles, and weaponry to kickstart their enterprise and immediately access relevant mission types tied to their chosen path.

Hao’s Special Works: unlocking high‑end tuning

Hao has taken over the LS Car Meet’s Mod Shop to offer HSW upgrades for eligible vehicles. Access requires a short in-game step:

• Answer Hao’s phone call and attempt a dedicated time trial using an HSW‑modified vehicle
• Beat the par time to unlock Hao’s Special Works in the Mod Shop
• Apply HSW performance packages and new modification options, including groundbreaking acceleration and Chameleon Paint

At a glance: what’s included on Xbox

If you need the essentials in one place, the summary below captures the headline features for the current availability window.

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All current and past updates are included

Players have access to more than 40 updates, spanning a wide range of activities and locales. Highlights include The Contract (a high-stakes search for Dr. Dre’s missing music files with Franklin Clinton), the street‑racing scene of Los Santos Tuners, Heists on Cayo Perico, and the nightlife expansions in After Hours and The Diamond Casino & Resort. Social spaces and activities such as nightclubs, arcades, penthouse parties, and car meets are also available, playable solo or with friends.

Availability and platform details

Window: playable on Xbox Series X|S without a Game Pass membership until November 17. All features listed above refer to the current-gen Xbox version.

Why it matters

This window gives Xbox players a straightforward way to sample the current‑gen rendition of GTA Online – from performance upgrades to long-term progression via the Career Builder. Whether you are restarting or dropping in for the first time, the full suite of updates and systems is on the table for a limited time.