As if it needed to be said, Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 5 is one of the most successful releases in recent memory. With the open-world action title offering up tons of in-game content ranging from its well-crafted storyline, free-roaming capabilities, and impeccable soundtrack, it's no wonder that GTA 5 has shipped more than 220 million units thus far. Plus, fans of the veritable crime simulator are rarely lacking for something to do, especially when it comes to all of the fun updates PC users can make with mods like the Iron Man Hulkbuster.

Grand Theft Auto Online – the game's massively popular multiplayer mode – also gives gamers plenty of content with its variety of heists, races, and general mayhem. In fact, Rockstar Games has given fans two free updates with the packages for Ill-Gotten Gains Parts 1 & 2 to keep people engaged. Now, developers are planning to inject the online component with completely fresh content, as the studio has announced the imminent inclusion of new events for Grand Theft Auto Online's Freemode.

While GTA Online's Freemode has mostly been an avenue for gamers to sate their desire for the experience of virtual bedlam, the forthcoming update will give fans more to do with direction going beyond Heist missions and playlists. The Freemode Events are set to be added next Tuesday, on September 15, and will incorporate gameplay elements like "King of the Castle", in which players take part in an ensuing turf war to claim a designated territory, and then defend it against opponents out to take it for themselves. The developers are also adding a rather inventive mode called "Hunt the Beast", where one fan chooses to be morphed into a faster, monster-like creature who must escape pursuers.

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Regarding Grand Theft Auto Online's new Freemode Events, Rockstar Games gives an overview of the content in a blurb on their website:

"One of these events can kick off at any given moment while in Freemode, and you can customize your session to decide exactly which ones will happen – so you can play as much or as little of this new content as you like. With countless variations on each Freemode Event, there are tons of unique new experiences, each offering new opportunities for reaping GTA$ and RP in GTA Online."

There are also new stunt challenges to attempt, such as achieving the longest wheelie, catching the most air in land transport, or performing the most near misses in a vehicle without crashing. Not to mention, two fresh Adversary Modes are in next week's update, known as Hunting Pack and Cross the Line. In the former, one team is given the task of delivering a priority vehicle primed to explode if it drops below a certain speed as opponents attempt to kill them in the process, and the latter has squads battling across a neutral zone to dominate their enemy's territory.

The Rockstar Editor will work with Freemode Events on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One with new features like an ambient audio and sound effects library, Snapmatic integration, Director Mode updates, and tons more.

With a bevy of content to explore, fans of Grand Theft Auto Online are sure to be happy causing chaos for a while, but of course, there are plenty of gamers still waiting for new story DLC. Hopefully, we'll get to see Michael, Franklin, and Trevor join forces once more in the near future, but with Take-Two Interactive's CEO being tight-lipped on the issue, there's no telling when or if lovers of GTA 5's main campaign will experience the characters' reunion any time this year.

Grand Theft Auto Online is available to play on PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

Source: Rockstar Newswire (via PC Gamer)