Can PS4 and PS5 play GTA together is a big question many players ask when trying to join their friends online. If you just bought a new PlayStation 5 and your buddy still plays on a PS4, you might be wondering if the two of you can still explore Los Santos side-by-side. The answer isn’t just a simple yes or no—it depends on what version of the game you’re using. In this post, we’ll break it all down for you in very simple words, so anyone—even if you’re not super techy—can understand.
The world of GTA Online is huge, and it’s more fun with friends. But if one person has the new PS5 version and the other still plays on PS4, things can get tricky. Rockstar Games made two different versions of GTA 5 for PS5—one is the upgraded “Expanded & Enhanced” version, and one is the older PS4 version that still works on PS5. If a PS5 player uses the older version, they can play with PS4 players. But if they switch to the new, shinier version, it doesn’t work the same way. You also need to be careful with your game character. Once it’s moved to the PS5 version, you can’t use it again on the PS4 version. That’s why it’s smart to plan ahead if you still want to play with your PS4 friends.
What Does It Really Mean to Play Together on PS4 and PS5 in GTA?
Playing together on PS4 and PS5 in GTA means that friends using both consoles can enjoy the game at the same time—but only in a special way. There are two versions of GTA on PS5: a new one made for PS5 and an old one made for PS4. If the PS5 player uses the old PS4 version, they can join their PS4 friends. But if they use the new PS5 version, they can’t play with PS4 users. This is not real crossplay, but it’s called cross-generation play. It’s like both players using different types of bikes on the same road—if they pick the same kind, they can ride together. So yes, PS4 and PS5 can play together in GTA, but only under the right setup and using the older game version.
Can PS4 and PS5 Play GTA Together in 2025? Full Explanation Inside
Yes, in 2025, PS4 and PS5 players can still play GTA together—but not in the way people might think. Rockstar Games didn’t make true crossplay for GTA Online, which means PS4 and PS5 players can’t automatically join the same world. However, the PS5 can download and play the older PS4 version of GTA. If the PS5 player does this and hasn’t moved their character to the new PS5 version, they can play with PS4 friends. Once a player upgrades to the PS5 version and moves their character, they’re locked out of the PS4 world. So to play together in 2025, PS5 players must stay on the PS4 version of GTA and avoid switching. It’s a bit tricky, but it works if you follow the steps right and keep using the right version of the game.
How to Play GTA Online with Friends on PS4 and PS5 – Step-by-Step
To play GTA Online together on PS4 and PS5, follow these simple steps. First, the PS5 player must download the PS4 version of GTA from their PlayStation library. On the game screen, they’ll see three dots. Click those and choose the PS4 version. Then, install and launch that version. Next, make sure the PS5 player is using a character that hasn’t been moved to the PS5 version. Now both players should go online and join each other through invites or friend lists. This lets them explore Los Santos together, do missions, or just have fun in the open world. Just remember, this only works if the PS5 user stays on the PS4 version. If they switch to the upgraded PS5 version, they won’t be able to play with PS4 players anymore.
PS5 Players Using the PS4 GTA Version – What You Need to Know
When PS5 players use the PS4 version of GTA, they can play with PS4 friends without problems. But there are a few things they should know. First, the graphics and loading speeds will feel like the older version—no fast loading, no 4K graphics. Second, the PS5 player needs to avoid upgrading their character to the PS5 version. Once they move their GTA character to the new version, they can’t go back and use that character on the PS4 version. So, if you want to stay connected with your PS4 buddies, keep playing the PS4 version on your PS5. This is the only way to make the game work across both consoles. It’s simple, but easy to forget if you rush to upgrade everything right away.
What Happens When You Switch to the PS5 Version of GTA?
When you switch to the PS5 version of GTA, things change fast. You get better graphics, shorter loading times, and a smoother feel. But the downside is you can’t play with PS4 players anymore. Rockstar made the PS5 version a separate upgrade, and it does not connect with the PS4 version online. Also, when you move your character to this new version, that move is final. You can’t take that character back to the PS4 version. So if you switch, make sure it’s what you really want. If most of your friends are still on PS4, it might be smarter to wait. Once you go forward, there’s no going back unless you start all over with a new character.
Can You Use the Same GTA Character on PS4 and PS5?
You can use the same GTA character on both PS4 and PS5, but only once. When you first switch from PS4 to PS5, Rockstar gives you the choice to move your character. This is called a one-time migration. After this move, the character is now saved in the PS5 version and can’t go back to PS4. If you want to play on PS4 again, you’d have to start a new character. So, be careful when you transfer. If your friends still play on PS4 and you want to keep joining them, don’t move your character to PS5 yet. Just use the PS4 version of the game on your PS5 console. That way, your original character stays where your friends are.
Tips Before You Start Playing GTA with PS4 Friends on Your PS5
Before jumping into GTA with your PS4 friends on your PS5, think smart! First, download the PS4 version of GTA from your game library. Don’t play the PS5 version if you want to play with your PS4 buddies. Second, never move your GTA character to PS5 if you plan to keep playing with PS4 users. Once moved, it’s stuck on the new version. Third, expect the game to look and feel like the old version. It won’t have fast loading or shiny graphics. Last, make sure your PSN account is the same and you’re signed in. Staying on the right version helps you enjoy the game with no mix-ups. These little steps can save you a lot of stress later.
Why Rockstar Doesn’t Fully Support Crossplay for GTA Yet
Rockstar hasn’t added full crossplay to GTA because it’s not easy to do. The game was made a long time ago, way back in 2013. Adding crossplay between PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC would need a big rebuild of the game’s code. Also, Rockstar likes to keep the gameplay smooth and fair. Different systems run GTA at different speeds and graphics, which can make things unfair during missions or fights. Another reason is money—different versions of the game keep players in their own groups. Rockstar might add crossplay in the future, but for now, they’re focused on new projects like GTA 6. So GTA 5 keeps players apart, even if many want to join up across platforms.
Will GTA 6 Fix This? A Quick Look at the Future of Crossplay
Many fans hope GTA 6 will finally bring full crossplay. Rockstar knows people want to play with friends no matter the console. Since GTA 6 is being made for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, there’s a better chance that crossplay will be added from the start. Most new games today support cross-platform play, so players expect this as a normal thing. It would help bring more players together and make the online world feel bigger and more active. Rockstar hasn’t confirmed this yet, but there’s real hope. If they want to keep up with other big games, they’ll need to support crossplay. We’ll find out more once GTA 6 gets closer to launch.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Playing GTA Together Across PS4 and PS5?
If your best friend is still on PS4 and you just got a PS5, don’t worry—you can still play GTA together. But it takes a few steps and some care. Just use the PS4 version on your PS5 and don’t move your character. That way, you can still enjoy the game with your friend, even if your consoles are different.
The game might not look fancy like the PS5 version, but it’s still the same fun experience. If you want to wait before fully switching to PS5, that’s okay too. Playing together is what matters most. In the future, GTA 6 might make it all easier. For now, these small choices let you keep having fun with your PS4 pals.
FAQs
Q: Can PS4 and PS5 play GTA Online together?
A: Yes, but only if the PS5 player uses the PS4 version of the game.
Q: Will I lose my GTA character if I upgrade to the PS5 version?
A: No, but once moved to PS5, you can’t use that character on PS4 again.
Q: Is GTA 5 crossplay between PS5 and Xbox or PC?
A: No, GTA 5 does not support cross-platform play.
Q: How do I download the PS4 version on my PS5?
A: Go to your game library, click the three dots, and choose the PS4 version.
Q: Can I switch back to the PS4 version after playing on PS5?
A: Yes, but your upgraded PS5 character will not be available on PS4.