Can you play gta online without playing story mode?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can play GTA Online without playing GTA V's story mode; GTA Online is a separate multiplayer component that connects to your Rockstar Games Social Club account rather than requiring a completed single-player campaign.
Explanation
Grand Theft Auto V includes both a single-player story mode and GTA Online, a separate multiplayer mode. GTA Online does not require players to complete the single-player campaign or even play through story mode first. Instead, GTA Online connects to your Rockstar Games Social Club account, allowing you to access the multiplayer world of Los Santos directly from the main menu regardless of your progress in the single-player story. You can create your own character and join friends in GTA Online immediately after launching the game, making the story mode entirely optional for accessing the online features.