GTA 6 Online Gameplay Leaves Fans Torn, And We See Why

18 hours ago 9

Published Jun 8, 2026, 10:00 PM EDT

Matthew Danielson is a Senior Gaming Staff Writer for Screen Rant, using their expertise in fighting games, RPGs, and action titles to provide insight into your favorite experiences.

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Theories about the gameplay behind Grand Theft Auto 6 are still one of the most discussed topics on the internet right now, especially as the game's impending release gets closer and closer. Fans have a number of ideas about how Rockstar's huge sandbox project could play, but there are also many concerns. From returning mechanics to new innovations, some players wonder how GTA 6 will measure up in some areas.

A post by Reddit user Sharp_Elderberry_704 on the r/GTA6 page brought up an interesting point about the game, specifically in ties to the inevitable GTA Online mode. Sharing an X post quoting a user's "biggest GTA 6 fear," concerns were brought up regarding how GTA Online might change to chase trends. Fans seem to be worried that GTA Online will have far more live service models than ever before.

GTA Online In GTA 6 Might Ditch Its Sandbox For Limited Servers

Fan Rumors Reach Fever Pitch In Different Discussions

The primary conversation on Reddit revolves around the original X post's concerns, which include a worry that "instead of an open world crime sandbox with various criminal activities, stories, and jobs - Rockstar tries to chase the Fortnite/Roblox/FiveM bag by making it a litany of user-generated servers and content focused on mini games or RP." Many players would rather have an open world they can mold into whatever they want, rather than restricted worlds shuffled into servers.

One of the biggest concerns regarding GTA Online for GTA 6 is how it will likely include more live service features, from a Battle Pass to an item shop that ties the mode to spending real money.

This comes after the waves of popularity behind RP servers in GTA 6, or ones where audiences gather on a server with a very distinct purpose. These were created naturally, with large audiences and communities being born from finding common meaning in a GTA Online world. However, user-generated content is another story entirely, creating an entire ecosystem in which players paid money to customize their GTA Online experience.

Fans Are Divided On How GTA Online Will Look

Gameplay Details Could Go One Way Or Another

Jason Duval holds a firearm while sitting on his green motorcycle under palm trees in GTA 6.

The discussion about GTA Online's possible gameplay has many fans in dispute, with one saying, "Anybody expecting radical changes to GTA Online just doesn't know how corporations think." On the other hand, some fans say that "I totally believe Rockstar's goal is to make like Fortnite, Roblox, Minecraft, only updating forever," reflecting the live service concerns behind user-generated servers.

Part of fan concerns are fueled by Rockstar's acquisition of FiveM, a group that created user-generated content for GTA 5's Online mode, offering players a marketplace to make, sell, and buy custom assets, maps, vehicles, and other items.

For the most part, fans are in agreement that they want or expect GTA Online to remain the same due to its prior success. Many players do agree that GTA Online could use an overhaul, but they wish for a lot of the natural sandbox to return. Building an empire of your own through engaging with what you want to engage with in a larger world is where most of the appeal of GTA Online comes from.

Many players fear that GTA Online will focus so hard on the market for user-generated content, that the mode itself becomes a pile of low-effort mini-games and half-baked ideas that take away from the original sandbox feel. Cheap and infinite content would be the most disappointing direction for a mode that plenty of fans want to be upgraded, not downgraded. Although some fans want needed innovation to Grand Theft Auto 6's Online mode, many are convinced it will remain the same, much to their satisfaction.