With everyone excited about Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) set to release in fall 2025, people aren’t talking about Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) as much. Since it came out in 2013, GTA 5 became hugely popular, known for its fun gameplay, large open world, and unforgettable characters. But the game is starting to feel a bit old.
While GTA 5 is still considered one of Rockstar Games’ top hits, there are good reasons why playing it in 2025 might not be the best idea, especially when its new sequel is almost here.
Outdated gameplay mechanics and repetitive content
When GTA 5 first came out, it changed open-world gaming with its amazing mechanics and fun story. But now, over ten years later, those features seem old. Rockstar never added any new story content for single-player mode, so it’s been the same since 2013. This lack of change makes the story mode feel boring compared to new games that keep updating with new stories.
Even though GTA Online, the game’s multiplayer part, has stayed active with constant updates, the quality of new stuff isn’t as good. Recent DLCs like Agents of Sabotage come with missions, like the FIB Files. They’re fun at first but use the same old gameplay you’ve seen before. Missions often feel like heists, similar to older ones like Salvage Yard Robberies or Auto Shop Contracts, making it hard for longtime players to stay interested.
Plus, the game mechanics that were once cutting-edge now feel outdated when compared to newer open-world games. From awkward combat systems to limited interaction choices, GTA 5 struggles against new games that offer smoother and more engaging experiences. Since GTA 6 promises fresh gameplay, playing GTA 5 in 2025 might feel like going backwards.
Declining updates and persistent technical issues
Another big reason to skip GTA 5 in 2025 is the drop in update quality. With Rockstar focusing on GTA 6, updates to GTA Online are expected to come less often and be less impressive. Recent additions haven’t been very exciting. For example, the Agents of Sabotage DLC only brought in a few missions, some cars, and small cosmetic updates, which don’t compare to the bigger expansions from before. This means future updates probably won’t bring any exciting new content, making it tough for the game to stay popular.
Technical issues are still a big problem, especially on PC. Modders and hackers have been a persistent issue, ruining the online multiplayer experience. Even though Rockstar has tried to fix these issues by cutting off high-profile missions like The Diamond Casino Heist, the anti-cheat efforts haven’t fully solved the problem.
Players often face unfair cheats, like characters being changed without consent and game sessions being disrupted, which makes the game less fun to play. These annoyances are unlikely to be completely fixed, especially as Rockstar’s main focus shifts to releasing its next major game.
Takeaway
Even though GTA 5 was impressive when it first came out, it’s not as exciting now, especially with the hype of GTA 6 on the horizon. The old game mechanics, repeated storylines, and ongoing technical problems make GTA 5 less appealing in 2025. With so many new and classic games out there, there’s not much reason to keep playing GTA 5.
With GTA 6 set to bring a fresh wave of excitement to open-world games, it’s a great time to get excited about what’s next. Whether you want to enjoy other great Rockstar games or try something completely new, 2025 is the year to move on from GTA 5 and get ready for the next big thing in Grand Theft Auto.
