Can you play grand theft auto online without completing the story?
Quick Answer
Yes, Grand Theft Auto Online can be played independently without completing the story mode of Grand Theft Auto V. The game operates as a standalone online multiplayer experience set in the same fictional world.
Explanation
Grand Theft Auto Online is a separate online multiplayer game that functions as the online component of Grand Theft Auto V. The provided evidence confirms it was released as a standalone title and allows players to explore the open world of San Andreas and Los Santos without requiring completion of the single-player story. While the game shares the same fictional universe and some mechanics with GTA V's story mode, these are distinct experiences. Players can access GTA Online directly without any narrative prerequisites from the single-player campaign. The game supports up to 30 players in cooperative or competitive modes, with no mention in the evidence of any story completion requirement for access.