Can you play gta online without finishing story mode?

Grand Theft Auto Online, released as part of Grand Theft Auto V, can be accessed without completing the full single-player story mode. However, all players must complete a mandatory prologue mission before entering GTA Online. This prologue serves as an introductory segment that introduces core mechanics and is required regardless of whether a player chooses to continue with the story mode or immediately transition to online play. While the single-player campaign includes multiple chapters and a lengthy narrative, the prologue is the only prerequisite for accessing GTA Online's multiplayer features, which include cooperative and competitive game modes within an open-world environment spanning Los Santos and San Andreas.