Can you play gta online without finishing gta v story mode?

GTA Online operates as a standalone multiplayer mode separate from GTA V's single-player campaign. Players gain access to Online mode after completing the prologue mission and establishing their first safe house, which occurs within the first hour of gameplay. The story mode's narrative progress is not a prerequisite for accessing Online features, character progression, or multiplayer activities. Many players choose to dive directly into GTA Online for cooperative and competitive multiplayer experiences without investing time in the single-player storyline. The two modes offer distinct gameplay experiences with separate progression systems, characters, and objectives.