Can you play gta online independently of story mode?

Grand Theft Auto V includes both a single-player story mode and GTA Online, which functions as a standalone multiplayer experience. GTA Online does not require players to finish or even start the single-player campaign to access its features. The online mode operates independently with its own progression system, allowing players to create a character and immediately join public or private sessions to complete missions, participate in activities, and engage in multiplayer gameplay. While both modes share the same game world (Los Santos and San Andreas), they are fundamentally separate experiences with distinct objectives and mechanics.