GTA 5 Set to Exit Xbox Game Pass Again in Ongoing Subscription Shuffle
Grand Theft Auto V is once again on its way out of Xbox Game Pass, continuing a stop-start pattern that has left many players frustrated.
The blockbuster title will leave the platform on April 15, alongside other games such as Ashen, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery. However, GTA 5’s departure stands out due to how frequently it rotates in and out of subscription services.
Over the past six years, Rockstar’s flagship game has appeared on Game Pass multiple times – in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025 – often staying for just a few months before being removed. Its current run, which began in April 2025, has been its longest stretch yet.
The pattern isn’t limited to Xbox. The game has also had an inconsistent presence on PlayStation Plus Extra, appearing and disappearing across 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Unlike first-party titles, whose availability is largely controlled by platform owners like Microsoft and Sony, third-party games operate under different dynamics. In this case, Rockstar Games holds significant leverage due to the enduring popularity of GTA 5.
The result is an unpredictable experience for subscribers, where access to major titles can be temporary rather than guaranteed.
For players seeking long-term access, the repeated cycle underscores a simple reality: buying GTA 5 outright may be more reliable than depending on subscription services. The same applies to other Rockstar titles, including Red Dead Redemption 2, which has followed a similar pattern.
