Grand Theft Auto V takes place five years after Grand Theft Auto IV and is set in Los Santos. It centers around three protagonists: Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. New to the series is that the player can switch between the three characters on the fly. They each have different missions, lives, and personalities. They also often come together, especially for heists, a complex type of mission where a large operation needs to be planned and executed by determining a strategy and hiring additional henchmen. As with previous games in the series, the gameplay involves gunfights and takes place in a sprawling, open-world city where players get around by acquiring transport (cars, boats, helicopters, etc) through less than legal means. Players can roam the game world, complete story missions, and partake in various illegal activities, including shooting civilians, robbing people, destruction of cars, and the titular act of car theft. These lead to a wanted rating of up to five stars, sending in a police force in pursuit. Continuing to resist the police will also increase it. The wanted status is lost by getting out of sight or by spraying the car.
Michael's life is marked by a botched robbery nine years earlier, which lands him in the witness protection program. He encounters Franklin, who becomes his friend after helping him with a task. Their friendship blossoms into action-packed adventures as they take on heists and other illegal activities. However, their actions lead to Michael's wife having an affair, prompting a confrontation that sets off a chain of events.
The game features a multiplayer component called GTA Online , set two months before the start of the single-player story. It allows players to join forces with up to 16 other players in competitive and co-operative activities in an open-world environment identical to the single-player world. The PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions have various enhancements and additional features, including new content, technical upgrades, and gameplay mechanics.
The later released PS4, Xbox One, and PC versions of Grand Theft Auto V offer improved graphics, new vehicles, weapons, and activities. The game also includes a first-person view for the entire game, allowing players to shoot, walk, and drive in a new way. This feature comes with new animations and fully functional interiors for vehicles.