What is GTA RP? GTA 5 roleplay servers explained

❘ Updated: 2024-05-29T20:50:34

Rockstar Games

GTA RP (GTA roleplay) is one of the most interesting mods for Rockstar’s beloved GTA 5 video game and allows players to jump into GTA Online in a completely different way. If you would like to watch it on stream or play it yourself, you have come to the right place.

The GTA V RP mod is an incredibly immersive experience where fans can create their own stories in Los Santos. Roleplaying in the game impacts how both NPCs and other players interact with you, and this makes it stand out from the normal GTA Online.

Dexerto has been covering the GTA RP scene for over five years and our reporters have been following streamers – and their journeys – during that time. Since then, a few on the team have become big fans of watching the NoPixel server on stream and playing along at home. In 2024, the game has peaked in interest once again with players flooding back to streams to watch people play it.

So, let’s run through how you can get involved.

An image of a Helicopter in GTA 5 Online.

You can drive all kinds of vehicles in GTA 5 Online.

What is GTA 5 RP? GTA V roleplay explained

GTA V roleplay is a multiplayer mod for the PC version of Grand Theft Auto V. Players who jump into one of the user-created RP servers become even more involved in the game as they take on the form of a normal NPC, which can be customized in a number of different ways.

Whether you’re a nightclub owner, taxi driver, or a criminal mastermind getting away with the perfect heist, GTA V RP is a hugely immersive experience.

The level of roleplay depends on the server. Some servers are completely hardcore roleplaying — which means players are skirting the rules if they ask for tips on how to access the game’s menus or even the button that corresponds to an action. Others are a bit less strict.

How to play GTA 5 RP:

1. Can anyone play GTA RP?

Yes, anyone with a copy of GTA V on PC can play GTA V roleplay, but it is significantly different from the normal multiplayer mode that is built into Rockstar’s hugely popular title.

You also need access to the modified game client, like FiveM or Grand Theft Multiplayer, to get the mod. Once there, you can join an RP server.

Some communities also require an invite — which players gain by proving themselves as a talented roleplayer (or a big name in the streaming space). Typically, you’ll have to play on a prove yourself server in this case, but once you shine through, you’ll get fast-tracked to the big leagues.

2. Downloading GTA RP mods

Before you can play GTA 5 RP, you will have to download the necessary mods. Though different servers will require the installation of different mods, from our observation, FiveM seems to be the most widely used mod.

To download this mod, simply go to their website and complete the following steps:

Firstly, disable any antivirus software before you attempt to download. Once installed, add FiveM to the whitelist/exclusion list of your antivirus software.
Make sure you are running the latest version of GTA 5.
Run FiveM.exe.
From your Windows start menu, start FiveM.

If the server you want to join uses a different mod, just navigate to the mod of your choice website and follow the steps above.

3. How to join a GTA roleplay server

An image of two characters on bikes in a car chase in GTA 5 Online.

GTA 5 roleplay can be action-packed or more relaxed depending on the type of character you RP.

Once you’ve got a mod installed, you’ll need to join a GTA 5 RP server before you can jump into the action. Joining a server is not incredibly hard. There are a few open servers, but they can operate like the wild west. It’s the whitelist, high-level RP servers that everyone wants to get into. These are the ones that require invites, you typically start by signing up to their forum or website and then joining them in GTA V.

GTA RP server options

There are a few popular GTA V roleplay servers out there, such as the NoPixel server. They’ve been closed to applications because of the overwhelming number of new players, and are still closed unless you are a donator. Even then, it could take up to a month to get access.

You’ve also got the likes of TwitchRP and SSB. These are still high-level servers, and they are hard to get into. However, if you prove yourself as a ‘good’ RP player (i.e. staying in character and not ruining it for others), you should quickly gain access.

We’ve got a full list of the best GTA RP servers you can check out right here, which includes overviews of popular servers like Eclipse RP, MafiaCity GTA RP, and GTA World RP.