The Quick Answer
No GTA game has ever featured split-screen multiplayer, and GTA 6 is not expected to change that.
GTA 6 Online will support online multiplayer with friends, including heists, free roam, and more.
Some rumors suggest select story missions could support online co-op, but nothing has been confirmed by Rockstar.
Why No Split Screen?
GTA has never offered split-screen play, and GTA 6's technical demands make it even less likely:
- Technical demands — GTA 6's open world pushes PS5 and Xbox Series X to their limits running a single instance. Rendering two independent viewpoints of Leonida simultaneously would require halving visual quality, NPC density, and draw distance.
- Open-world complexity — Unlike linear co-op games, GTA's open world allows players to be anywhere on the map at any time. Two players in different parts of Leonida would require streaming two completely different areas simultaneously.
- Franchise precedent — 29 years, 15+ GTA games, zero split-screen modes. Rockstar has never prioritized local multiplayer in the GTA series.
- Online focus — GTA Online generates billions in revenue. Rockstar's multiplayer investment is entirely in the online experience, not local play.
Your Multiplayer Options
While split-screen isn't happening, here's how you can play GTA 6 with friends:
GTA 6 Online (Late 2026)
The primary multiplayer experience. Free roam with up to 32+ players, heists with 2-4 friends, races, deathmatches, and business co-op. Expected to launch 2-4 weeks after the single-player campaign. Requires each player to own a copy and have their own console.
Crossplay (Expected)
PS5 and Xbox Series X players are widely expected to be able to play together. PC crossplay (when the PC version launches in 2027) may be optional due to modding and cheating concerns. See our GTA 6 Online page for details.
Share Play (PlayStation)
PlayStation's Share Play feature lets a friend watch or even control your game remotely for up to one hour per session. It's not true multiplayer, but it's the closest thing to "playing together on one copy" that PS5 offers.
Pass-the-Controller
The classic couch co-op workaround. Alternate turns playing the single-player story — one person plays as Jason, the other as Lucia. The dual-protagonist system actually makes this more natural than previous GTA games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two people play GTA 6 on the same console?
Not simultaneously. GTA 6 is a single-player experience on one console. For multiplayer, each player needs their own console, copy of the game, and internet connection for GTA 6 Online.
Will GTA 6 have couch co-op?
Almost certainly not. No GTA game has ever offered couch co-op, and the technical requirements of GTA 6's open world make it impractical on current hardware.
Can you play the story with a friend online?
Unconfirmed. The single-player campaign is designed as a solo experience with character switching. However, some rumors suggest select missions might support online co-op — we'll update this page if Rockstar confirms anything.
How many players in GTA 6 Online?
Expected to support 32+ players per session, up from GTA Online's current 30. Next-gen hardware and dedicated servers (replacing the old peer-to-peer system) enable larger lobbies.
Do I need PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play online?
Yes. GTA 6 Online will require an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate subscription, just like GTA Online currently does. The base game and single-player campaign do not require a subscription.