GTA: Online is one of the most commercially successful online experiences of all time. As part of Grand Theft Auto 5, the online mode has far exceeded the story mode from 2013. GTA: Online stands on its own, but it wasn’t always brimming with the content it has now.
Part of what makes GTA: Online so successful is the array of content they can choose from. They can spend their time enjoying racing in the Los Santos city streets, or the eccentric loop-de-loops of a stunt race. Alternatively, they can heist with friends or strangers, or just buy really weird things. The possibilities are endless, and that’s thanks to the many updates throughout the years.
10 High Life Update
As a content update, the High Life Update introduced an array of new weapons, cars, clothing, and apartments. This update was available from the 13th of May, 2014. As well to bringing players the much-beloved Bullpup Rifle, it allowed them also to own two properties simultaneously.
What makes this new feature so important is by the time 2014 rolled around, players had quite the stacked wallet to spend. By having two apartments in the game, they were allowed to flash their cash and show off to other players. It also allowed them to store more vehicles since there are so many great ones out there.
9 Content Creator
On December 10th, 2013, Rockstar released the Content Creator update. The importance of this update cannot be understated for those with the creative imagination to bring players such interesting game modes and races. It helped bring early life into the game, through players bringing other players new experiences.
This update was a job editor and allowed players to create their deathmatches and races. This ability allowed creativity to flow. Through game modes like “Rockets vs Insurgents” and a plethora of high-speed and challenging races in the skies. Rockstar allowed players the freedom to create and share with this update.
8 Executives And Other Criminals
With a release date of December 15th, 2015, the Executives and Other Criminals update was a major content update that brought players everything from weapons to cars, to helicopters, to boats. Players were able to create Criminal Organizations in free roam and invite each other to be part of their posse. They could also purchase homes in the Vinewood Hills.
The most notable part of this update was the inclusion of the Super Yachts. The ultimate flex of a player’s wealth was the Super Yacht. Players could splash the cash on a giant ship with a name of their choice. It came complete with a helicopter pad, hot tub, bartender, and rooms for all those friends to flex on.
7 Cunning Stunts
Ten new land vehicles were brought to GTA: Online on July 12th, 2016. This update brought some new fan-favorite vehicles into the fray. The RE-7B was famed for its top speeds and its race car-inspired experience. It was the vehicle to use in races, and with this update, came an abundance of those very races this car was perfect for.
Stunt Races were introduced, which featured flaming hoops, loops, and ramps that keep high in the sky. This update was a game-changer for races, as the game embraced silliness that most racing games should strive toward. Players could create their wild stunt races, making for an endless supply of creative stuns.
6 The Cayo Perico Heist
2020 saw the December 15th release of The Cayo Perico Heist. This content update introduced players to a new way to the heist, and an entirely new evolution of gameplay in GTA: Online. For the first time in the game’s history, a new island was added. The Cayo Perico island is only accessible through the heist itself.
Players can begin the heist process through purchase a Submarine, which they can freely drive around in the submerged waters. The heist itself is replayable, with many different things to pawn and steal, and tactics to use. It was the first heist to allow solo play.
5 Bikers
If players are fans of motorbikes and gangs, then this October 4th, 2016 update is for them. This content update included thirteen new land vehicles, as well as new clothing items, tattoos, and weapons. Players could also spend their in-game cash to purchase a Clubhouse, which gives them the ability to run a Motorcycle Club and start a Business.
Motorcycle Clubs were a great way to hang out with friends, as players have a base to interact with them, show off their motorbikes, and play darts. Players could purchase a Clubhouse anywhere from the desert plains of Sandy Shores, to the buzzing streets of Los Santos.
4 The Doomsday Heist
It had been two years since GTA: Online gave players new heists, and as they clamored for more great content, Rockstar delivered on the heist-front on December 12th, 2017. This update made the game glisten with new and exciting content. Fans of Back to the Future would be able to fly around in the Deluxo, an obvious homage to the DeLorean. Not only that, but they could purchase a Facility that acted as a spy base, and give them access to the Doomsday Heists.
These heists were structured in three acts and were a great addition to both money content, and story content in GTA: Online. Players assist Lester once again in more espionage, a “save the world” type of heist. These range from breaking into the Humane Lab, hijacking submarines, and stopping a nuclear launch facility.
3 The Contract
December 15th, 2021, saw the return of fan-favorite GTA 5 characters. One of the three protagonists, Franklin Clinton returned, notably aged up from his appearance in GTA 5’s story mode. He was joined by the faithful good dog, Chomp, and his best friend and occasional ball-buster, Lamar Davis. Players could purchase an Agency, and access all-new opportunities.
With an agency, players could become a part of F. Clinton and Partner, which bolstered itself as a business that deals in “celebrity solutions agency.” These story missions had fans helping none other than Dr. Dre and the mystery and retrieval of his phone.
2 The Diamond Casino And Resort
By the release date of July 23rd, 2019, players would have an abundance of cash in need of spending, or gambling. With the release of this update, players could now purchase the Master Penthouse, and become VIPs of the new Diamond Casino. As well as new story missions for the Online, 22 vehicles, and 500 new clothing items, the casino was truly the selling point.
The casino itself was highly stylized, with many things to spend that hard-earned cash on. Once a day, players could spin the wheel at the casino, and have a chance to earn the car on the podium, or something as measly as a snack. They could gamble their money on blackjack tables, simulated horse races, or slot machines.
1 Heist Update
The Heist Update was a major achievement for GTA: Online. The game had teased heists since the Online was revealed before 2013. On June 10th, 2015, it was finally here for online players. Heisting was great fun for many in GTA 5’s story mode, and the ability to plan and execute heists the players’ way, with friends, was a great success.
As well as a bounty of new vehicles for both land and sea, the inclusion of heists is what spurred so much life into GTA: Online. It was a fast, entertaining way to earn money through criminal activity. Something that has always been a part of the Grand Theft Auto DNA.