Single-player in GTA 5 is fun, but it’s even more exciting when you play with friends. So, in September 2013, developers added the first multiplayer mode to the game – GTA Online. And this is where the history of GTA 5 multiplayer begins. There are many multiplayer options, but which one to choose? In this article, we will compare four of the most popular multiplayer modes for GTA 5: GTA Online, FiveM, RAGE MP, and alt:V.
What multiplayer options exist for GTA 5?
GTA Online
The first official multiplayer that appeared for GTA 5 is GTA Online. It was developed by Rockstar Games and regularly updated adding new content.
In it, you can:
- Create your own character in GTA Online.
- Earn money and buy property, cars, and other items for your characters in GTA Online.
- Join various organizations and groups in GTA Online.
- Participate in races, duels, fights, and other competitions in GTA Online.
- Create your own clans in GTA Online.
- Communicate in chats, share experiences and tips in GTA Online.
- Host virtual parties and events in GTA Online.
- Or engage in full-scale annihilation of everyone in the session with you in GTA Online.
How did multiplayer modes come about?
Initially, GTA Online was the main haven for cooperative gameplay.
The official multiplayer had fewer complaints and was just as enjoyable as single-player, thanks to the variety of activities and the ability to play with friends in an open world.
But as is often the case with large projects, the increasing number of players in GTA Online, frequent updates, and some “controversial” updates started to appear in the game more frequently.
From flying motorcycles with homing missiles to game modes where players typically engage in a free-for-all slaughter.
The increasing number of cheaters, the repetitiveness of modes, and players who had “bought everything” started to become tiresome.
Moreover, GTA Online didn’t allow for game modification or making it more interesting, as seen in the well-known SAMP.
So, players decided to create separate multiplayer additions within the game, where they could play “by their own rules,” and each server conveyed its understanding of what cooperative play should be.
This is how unofficial multiplayer modes emerged, allowing players to create entirely new modes and “remake” the game to their liking.
Now, these are multiplayer platforms where you can create your own servers and play “your own game,” which has gained immense popularity in the GTA 5 community.
Among such multiplayer platforms: FiveM, Alt:V, and Rage:MP.
FiveM
FiveM is the most popular multiplayer for GTA 5 with user-created servers worldwide, created by communities in different languages.
It allows players to create FiveM servers with various modes, such as role-playing, races, and generally enriches the game with any mods supported by the multiplayer.
FiveM receives frequent updates that improve performance and add new features to the game.
Thanks to good synchronization with OneSync, players can play together on FiveM in real-time with low latency.
This allows up to 2048 players to play on one server simultaneously and is one of the main advantages of FiveM over GTA Online.
Extensive possibilities for developing user servers make them very feature-rich.
You can create unique game worlds and interact with other players in various roles – this will keep you immersed in the game for a long time.
Which servers are popular, and what can you play?
Among the popular FiveM servers are No Pixel, LEGENCY BOXING, GLORIOUS TRAINING X COMMUNITY, FlashBack FA Office, Baylife RP, and others.
Each FiveM server has its unique rules and features, so players have plenty to choose from.
Can you play on FiveM with mods?
Most of the time, servers have their own modes, mods, rules, and restrictions that don’t always allow the use of mods.
Furthermore, mods supported by the multiplayer often require careful and correct installation, which is not always “convenient” for regular players.
You can use mods from the FiveMods application to change graphics, sound effects, weapons, skins, and other modifications, installing them with just one click.
Here are instructions on how to install FiveM
- To start playing FiveM, you need to download the modification to your computer. You can find FiveM on the official website and download it, following the instructions on the site.
- After installation, you can join any server and start playing with other players.
RAGE MP
What is it, and what are its features?
RAGE MP is the second most popular multiplayer for GTA 5 within it’s community. In it, you can play various game modes with your friends.
Previously, this multiplayer had synchronization issues, but they were fixed in version 1.1. Now, most servers have transitioned to this version, and playing RAGE MP is as good as playing FiveM.
Which servers are popular, and what can you play?
Unfortunately, there are few servers in RAGE MP for playing in European languages and English in particular.
While the selection is limited, there are still options available. The most popular servers are Grand RP and Majestic RP.
Installation Instructions
- To play RAGE MP, you need to download the modification from the official RAGE MP website. After installation, launch GTA 5 and start RAGE MP from the menu.
- Then, select a server from the list you want to play on and click “Connect.” Follow the on-screen instructions to join the server and start playing.
- Please be attentive, as some servers may have their own rules and requirements for players, so make sure to read the rules before starting the game.
Alt:V
What is it, and what are its features?
Alt:V is another multiplayer mod for playing GTA 5.
It is less popular than FiveM and RAGE MP, but it offers functionality and synchronization quality on par with these multiplayer platforms. Developers also continuously update it.
However, despite its development potential, some players complain about synchronization issues and a limited server selection.
The choice of servers is often the most crucial aspect when deciding where to play. Below, we provide a more detailed breakdown of the online differences.
Which servers are popular, and what can you play?
Among the popular alt:V servers are Sibaui roleplay, RedLion RP, Corrosive.eu, and others. Most servers using this mod are either Russian or German.
Installation Instructions
- To play on alt:V, you also need to download the mod from the official website. Then, select a server and connect to it in the GTA 5 game.
- Make sure to familiarize yourself with the server’s rules and settings before starting to play.
Multiplayer Comparison: Which is the Best?
Comparing GTA 5 multiplayer options can help you determine which mod is best for you.
Here are the key criteria to consider when deciding which multiplayer is more suitable for you:
| Characteristic | GTA Online | FiveM | RAGE MP | alt:V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Online | Official information is not available, but there are many players | ~ 200 k | ~ 50 k | ~ 2 k |
| Total Servers | – | 20000 | 250 | 72 |
| Number of Players on One Server | Up to 30 | Up to 2048, but mostly around 300-800 | Up to 3000, but mostly around 300-1000 | Up to 1000, but mostly 100-200 |
| Synchronization Quality | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Can You Create Custom Servers | NO | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which multiplayer is the best? It’s a question many players ask.
If you’re looking at the overall online player base, then FiveM stands out as the best multiplayer option for you.
FiveM boasts a very high total online player count and has solid technical implementation. There are numerous servers available in multiple languages, providing plenty of options to choose from.
Additionally, FiveM allows you to create custom servers with modifications.
However, GTA Online is also a good choice and offers a diverse gameplay experience. In GTA 5’s online mode, you can engage in various activities, from simple car rides to heists and races.
If you’ve already played GTA Online and are looking for something new, FiveM might be the better choice.
What game modes are available in multiplayer mods?
Multiplayer mods for GTA 5 offer a variety of interesting game modes that differ from the standard single-player gameplay.
The most fundamental ones include:
Roleplay
This is the most popular game mode where players assume the roles of characters in a virtual world and “live the life” of their character, temporarily adopting a different identity.
In Roleplay mode, you can create your own characters, define their characteristics and skills, and choose professions and occupations. For instance, you can become a police officer, a medic, a businessman, or a gangster.
Players interact with each other through chat or voice communication, engage in conversations, form groups and teams, and complete tasks and missions together.
To make the mode even more captivating, projects often create their “unique” mods that they continually refine and expand, offering a fresh gaming experience.
They also add real-world cars, functionality, interactions, and much more. Some popular projects have hundreds of thousands of active players.
In Roleplay mode, players feel like they are part of a virtual world and enjoy the game in a new format.
Freeroam
A mode in which players can freely explore the world of GTA 5 and do whatever they please. You can teleport, spawn vehicles, and entertain yourself in any way you like.
Drift
Servers focused on car-themed gameplay. Players can showcase their drifting skills and compete in races. Here, you can find cars from real manufacturers, custom tracks, and tuning and drifting features.
PVP
In this mode, players engage in battles with each other in various game modes. You can choose different types of weapons and fight on various maps. Modes like “team deathmatch” and “free-for-all” are possible.
In addition to these modes, multiplayer mods offer other gameplay modes as well, as the community creates custom servers that allow players to enjoy the game in various ways.
Do I need a license to play GTA Online, FiveM, RAGE MP, and alt:V?
Yes, to play GTA Online on a computer, you need a licensed copy of Grand Theft Auto V.
For playing FiveM, RAGE MP, and alt:V, you also need a licensed copy of GTA 5, which is installed separately from the game and is used only for multiplayer mods.
Will I get banned in GTA Online for playing on FiveM, RAGE MP, or alt:V?
No, you will not get banned in GTA Online for playing on FiveM, RAGE MP, or alt:V. These multiplayers use separate servers, so they are not connected to each other.
However, if you use cheating programs or modifications that violate the game’s rules, it can lead to a ban in both multiplayer mods and GTA Online.
Therefore, it is recommended to play fairly and not violate the rules to avoid getting banned.
Can I play FiveM, RAGE MP, or alt:V on Xbox and PlayStation?
No, these multiplayer mods are only available for the PC version of Grand Theft Auto V and are not supported on consoles.
However, you can play the original multiplayer mode – GTA Online – on Xbox and PlayStation.
Conclusion
If you’ve already exhausted of GTA Online and want to try something new, alternative multiplayer options are an excellent choice.
Various game servers and projects for GTA 5, like the multiplayer mods, are constantly evolving and adding a breath of fresh air to the game, which can keep you engaged for hundreds of hours.
Each of them offers unique features and gameplay modes. Choose the one that suits you best and enjoy playing with friends.
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