Story vs Online
- •Same game purchase. Two separate modes on the main menu.
- •Story = you alone, fixed characters, a story to finish.
- •Online = you + other players, your own character, no main story.
- •Saves do not cross over. Pick what sounds fun.
- •You can play both, just not at the same time.
Story Mode
Single-player campaign. You play as Michael, Franklin, and Trevor across 69+ missions, 5 heists, and a ending choice. No other real players. Progress is yours alone. Best if you want a movie-like crime story.
Tip: Start with Story if you've never played GTA 5 and want to learn the world without other players attacking you.
GTA Online
Multiplayer open world. You create your own character. Other real players share Los Santos with you in small groups called sessions (not all millions in one place). Make money, buy cars and properties, do heists with friends (or solo for some). No fixed story ending.
Tip: Read How Online Multiplayer Works to understand sessions, meeting players, and voice chat.
Side-by-side comparison
Players: Story = solo. Online = shared world with others. Characters: Story = Michael, Franklin, Trevor. Online = your custom character. Saves: completely separate. Goal: Story = finish the campaign. Online = earn money, rank up, buy stuff. Cost: both included in GTA 5, no extra purchase.
Which should I pick first?
Pick Story if you want a guided narrative and to learn Los Santos safely. Pick Online if you have friends who play or you like open-ended grinding. Many players do Story first, then Online. Either order works.