GTA Online turns eight today, and we’ve compiled a list of what the game needs before it goes into the sunset behind GTA 6.

October 1, 2013 was a great moment in the history of video games. GTA Online arrived to thunderous applause and players have been obsessed with it ever since.

Its effect on the rest of the gaming space has also been profound, as many games have attempted to emulate GTA’s games-as-a-service business model that has kept it afloat since launch.

The game has undergone many changes over the years – the number of ways to make money has grown exponentially, the focus is on street racing, and the stakes are getting higher with new ones. contents like the Cayo Perico burglary.

While they have all been welcome additions to the game, there is still a lot that could be improved before we say goodbye.

1. GTA Online Extended & Enhanced Edition map updates

Los Santos has been explored as much as possible. There isn’t much left for veteran players to be excited about the game’s localization. This could be fixed with a few quick additions though.

Even something as simple as restoring the San Andreas map to its previous size and glory would go a long way in making the game feel fresh again.

It could also open up other possibilities for characters and locations in the franchise.

2. New game modes and missions

GTA V is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X / S next year

The problem of repetition does not end with the map. Anyone who has played GTA Online for a long time will testify to the lack of variation present in the current system.

While there is a lot going on, many missions end up looking like imitated variants of each other. Whenever new content comes out, the community seems to come back in droves and give it a go, but a lack of consistent updates means the thrill of the hunt never comes as often as it needs to.

If the map were extended, Rockstar would have an easier time settling in new places and new people that players could interact with, and perhaps could alleviate some of that dreaded feeling.

3. Cross-play for console and PC

Now that GTA 5 and GTA Online are moving to the next generation, it’s time to understand cross-play.

Whether it’s allowing gamers across generations to connect with each other or a full cross-compatibility mode, the demand for this feature will only increase in the months to come.

In an age where games like Call of Duty and Apex Legends have already perfected the cross-play experience, Rockstar’s lack of enthusiasm for the feature stands out in the crowd – and not in a good way.

4. New Heists in GTA Online

Cayo Perico is home to the infamous El Rubio.

Tracking Cayo Perico is a monumental task, but it’s a task that has to happen before GTA 6.

The latest heist of the game was a real crash and that kind of quality could separate GTA Online from the pack even in its eighth year of existence.

With a perfectly unpleasant target, huge rewards, and some of the best action sequences we’ve seen so far, the plan has now been laid out and is ready to be improved upon.

5. In-game launch event for GTA 6

It wouldn’t be fair to send GTA Online without one last chance to commemorate the journey, and the open world of Los Santos is set to host the perfect leaving party.

Whether it’s all new content to tease the events of the next game or just a nostalgic journey through iconic events and locations over the years, an official farewell to a beloved title. is now available in a way that it has never been before.

This is our list of things GTA Online could do to reach its final form before GTA 6 arrives. For more GTA Online coverage, check out our main hub here.