The potential removal of Grand Theft Auto V from Xbox Game Pass marks a significant moment for gamers and collectors alike, highlighting the evolving dynamics of digital game access in a market that continues to prioritize exclusivity.
Xbox has been at a competitive disadvantage in the console market against industry giants Nintendo and Sony since the launch of the Xbox One. The introduction of Xbox Game Pass has been a crucial element in maintaining the relevance of the Xbox Series X/S, providing subscribers with an impressive selection of titles. However, the impending departure of one of its flagship games threatens to diminish this value proposition.
Grand Theft Auto V is a cornerstone of modern gaming, being among the best-selling titles of all time. Released in 2013 by Rockstar, it has achieved monumental success, ranking as the third-best-selling game behind Tetris and Minecraft. Up until now, players with Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate subscriptions have enjoyed access to this iconic game without additional cost, but this will soon change.
On April 15, 2026, just under two weeks from this report, Grand Theft Auto V will officially leave Xbox Game Pass. Those who have relied solely on the subscription service to play this title must now consider purchasing one of the 225 million available copies of the game if they wish to continue their experience.
This decision by Microsoft could be motivated by the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, expected to launch on November 19, 2026, adding further weight to the anticipation surrounding it. As the gaming community turns its attention to the next installment, both Microsoft and Rockstar Games appear to be directing their marketing efforts towards this new entry rather than the previous one.
Notably, with Grand Theft Auto IV also absent from Xbox Game Pass, the service will soon lack any titles from the acclaimed series. Despite the ample library available to Premium and Ultimate subscribers, the loss of these popular games will undoubtedly stir conversations among gamers and collectors regarding the value of subscriptions in the long term.
The commercial performance of GTA V is a testament to its enduring legacy, boasting sales figures that overshadow many other titles on Game Pass. Its impressive Metacritic rating of 97 places it among the highest-rated games, with only the classic Perfect Dark sharing this accolade on the platform, which may not possess the same appeal to modern players.
For those still wishing to experience Grand Theft Auto V, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will receive a 20% discount on the outright purchase of the game, presenting a slightly more affordable entry point amidst its dwindling availability on the service. Given its affordability in 2026, many fans will find that acquiring the game is a practical choice.
Grand Theft Auto V remains available on a variety of platforms, including PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, ensuring that collectors have multiple routes to enjoy this iconic title.
Based on reporting by Emma Singer. Read the full story at https://www.cbr.com/xbox-game-pass-gamepass-grand-theft-auto-v/.