Do you need to complete story mode to play gta online?

Grand Theft Auto Online is described as the online multiplayer component of Grand Theft Auto V, released across multiple platforms starting in 2013. The evidence confirms it operates as a standalone open-world environment within the fictional San Andreas state, supporting up to 30 players. However, the provided text contains no information about prerequisites for accessing GTA Online, including whether the single-player story mode must be completed. Without explicit confirmation in the source material, this detail cannot be verified from the given evidence.