Do i need to complete gta v story mode to play gta online?
Quick Answer
No, you do not need to complete Grand Theft Auto V's story mode to play Grand Theft Auto Online; both games are separate components that can be accessed independently.
Explanation
Grand Theft Auto Online is a standalone online multiplayer game that functions as the online component of Grand Theft Auto V. The Wikipedia evidence confirms that GTA Online was released as a separate multiplayer experience, allowing players to explore the fictional state of San Andreas and Los Santos without requiring completion of the single-player story mode. While both games share the same game world and some mechanics, they are distinct products with separate launch dates, and GTA Online does not mandate story mode progression for access. Players can typically purchase and launch GTA Online directly through their game library or platform store without finishing any portion of the main story campaign.