With the announcement of the official prices of Grand Theft Auto VI (€79.99 for the Standard Edition and €99.99 for the Ultimate Edition), many players are wondering if Rockstar Games’ GTA+ subscription service (with a cost of €7.99 per month) can be an economic alternative to access the game or its multiplayer advantages.
We analyze exactly what Rockstar’s subscription service offers, how much money it costs to maintain it over time compared to the one-time payment for the base game, and which is the smartest option for each player profile.
What is GTA+ and what does it include?
GTA+ is Rockstar Games’ premium monthly subscription service exclusive to next-generation consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S). Its main features include:
- Monthly cash bonus: 500,000 GTA$ automatically transferred each month to your in-game bank account, with extra bonuses during special events.
- Free properties and vehicles: Free access to certain garages, workshops, and selected luxury cars within the online ecosystem.
- Experience and money boosters: Permanent reputation (RP) multipliers and double or triple payouts on specific missions and activities.
- Rockstar classic game library: Access while the subscription is active to rotating titles such as Red Dead Redemption, GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, Bully, or L.A. Noire.
Important: GTA 6 is not a free game within GTA+
A common mistake among some users is to assume that GTA+ works exactly like Xbox Game Pass, where the company’s own titles are fully included from day one. Take-Two Interactive has made it clear that GTA VI is a full commercial purchase product (€79.99 / €99.99).
The GTA+ subscription is designed as a premium add-on for the multiplayer experience, not as a substitute for the main game.
Economic comparison: Subscription vs buying the game
| Time period | Accumulated cost of GTA+ (€7.99/month) | Standard Edition Purchase (One-time payment) | Ultimate Edition Purchase (One-time payment) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | €7.99 | €79.99 | €99.99 |
| 3 months | €23.97 | €79.99 | €99.99 |
| 6 months | €47.94 | €79.99 | €99.99 |
| 10 months | €79.90 (Break-even point) | €79.99 | €99.99 |
| 12 months (1 year) | €95.88 | €79.99 (Game is yours forever) | €99.99 |
| 24 months (2 years) | €191.76 | €79.99 | €99.99 |
As seen in the comparison table, from the tenth month of subscription onwards, the expense in monthly GTA+ fees exceeds the total cost of purchasing the full Standard Edition. If you maintain the subscription during a two-year life cycle of the game, you will have invested more than €190 in digital benefits.
The free month of GTA+ in pre-orders
Rockstar Games has established a commercial incentive for early buyers: all GTA VI purchases made before November 20, 2026 include the Vintage Vice City Pack and 1 free month of GTA+.
This promotional month allows all players to:
- Try all the advantages of the subscription at no additional cost during the first month of the game’s life.
- Unlock exclusive vehicles and initial launch bonuses.
- Decide later if they wish to maintain the €7.99 monthly fee or cancel it while keeping the base game without paying more.
Which option is best for you?
1. You should buy only the base game (€79.99) if:
- Your main interest is to enjoy Jason and Lucia’s single-player narrative campaign in the state of Leonida.
- You play at your own pace and prefer final ownership of the product without recurring fees.
- You play the multiplayer mode casually with friends without the need to accumulate accelerated economic advantages in the online game.
2. You should buy the Ultimate Edition (€99.99) if:
- You want to have from day one the iconic vehicles (‘95 Grotti Cheetah, ‘67 Vapid Dominator Buggy) and exclusive businesses in Vice City (Stock 305, Sara’s Hair Salon).
- You prefer a one-time payment with permanent advantages for the campaign instead of a monthly fee.
3. You should keep GTA+ (€7.99/month) if:
- You are an intensive online multiplayer gamer looking to progress quickly in clans, racing vehicles, and commercial properties.
- You regularly take advantage of the catalog of classic Rockstar Games video games included in the service.
Final verdict
For 90% of users, purchasing the Standard Edition at €79.99 (or the Ultimate at €99.99) is the most profitable and safe financial decision. The GTA+ subscription only makes economic sense as a temporary supplementary service for those who will dedicate hundreds of hours to the online multiplayer ecosystem after finishing the main story.