Every GTA Online update, in order: the complete DLC timeline from 2013 to Money Fronts

GTA Online launched on October 1, 2013, two weeks after Grand Theft Auto V. Since then Rockstar has shipped more than 50 free content updates. The rhythm has been the same for years: a big update in summer (June or July), another in winter (December), and a smaller spring drop, with new weekly events every Thursday in between.

2013: Launch and the first free updates

The launch was rocky. Servers struggled for the first weeks and Rockstar gave every player a $500,000 stimulus package as an apology. The first content drops were small: new cars, guns, and clothing, plus the tools to create your own races and deathmatches.

1. Oct 1, 2013LaunchGTA Online launchesGTA Online goes live on PS3 and Xbox 360, free for every GTA V owner.
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   • Character creator based on parents and lifestyle choices (later simplified).
   • Apartments, garages, Contact Missions, races, Deathmatches, and Survivals.
   • Free roam with up to 16 players per session on last-gen consoles.
2. Nov 19, 2013ContentBeach Bum UpdateThe first free content update, with beach-themed vehicles, weapons, and clothing.
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   • New vehicles including the BF Bifta, Kalahari, and Paradise van.
   • SNS Pistol and new beachwear.
   • New Survivals, races, and Deathmatches.
3. Dec 2013ContentContent Creator and Holiday GiftsPlayers get the Deathmatch and Race Creators, then free festive items for the holidays.
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   • Build and publish your own races and Deathmatches.
   • Snow in Los Santos and festive clothing.
   • Capture modes arrive a few months later.

2014: High Life, Flight School, and Festive Surprise

2014 filled the game with things to spend money on: high-end apartments, supercars, planes, and new modes. Heists were promised for launch but did not arrive until March 2015.

1. Feb 13, 2014SeasonalValentine's Day Massacre SpecialGusenberg Sweeper, Roosevelt car, and 1920s gangster outfits.
2. Mar 4, 2014ContentThe Business UpdateBusiness-themed cars and weapons, including the Zentorno, Huntley S, and Heavy Pistol.
3. Apr 15, 2014ModeCapture UpdateFour Capture modes: GTA, Raid, Contend, and Hold.
4. May 13, 2014ContentThe High Life UpdateHigh-end apartments with heist planning rooms (before heists existed) and Co-Ownership of apartments.
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   • New Eclipse Towers and Del Perro Heights apartments.
   • Zentorno-tier supercars like the Thrust and the Massacro.
   • Ability to own two properties.
5. Jun 17, 2014ContentI'm Not a Hipster UpdateRetro vehicles, vintage pistol, and hipster clothing.
6. Jul 1, 2014SeasonalIndependence Day SpecialFireworks, the Liberator monster truck, and patriotic outfits.
7. Aug 19, 2014ContentSan Andreas Flight SchoolTen flight lessons at LSIA, new planes, and the Besra jet.
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   • Gold medals unlock cash rewards.
   • Added the Miljet, Besra, Swift, and Coquette Classic.
8. Oct 2, 2014ModeLast Team StandingElimination-style team mode plus new weapons and cars.
9. Nov 18, 2014PlatformGTA V and Online on PS4 and Xbox OneThe game comes to new consoles with 30-player lobbies and a first-person mode.
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   • Character transfer from PS3 and Xbox 360.
   • First-person camera for on foot and in vehicles.
   • Returning player bonus content.
10. Dec 18, 2014SeasonalFestive SurpriseSnow returns with festive outfits and new vehicles.

2015: Heists arrive, then PC and Lowriders

1. Mar 10, 2015Major updateHeistsFive four-player heists led by Lester Crest, including The Pacific Standard Job.
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   • The Fleeca Job, The Prison Break, The Humane Labs Raid, Series A Funding, and The Pacific Standard Job.
   • Normal payouts topped out at $1,250,000 for Pacific Standard.
   • Heist leaders set the cut for each crew member.
   • Criminal Mastermind challenge rewards up to $10,000,000 for finishing all heists in order with the same crew and no deaths.
2. Apr 14, 2015PlatformGTA V and Online on PCThe PC version adds 4K support, 60 fps, and the Rockstar Editor for video capture.
3. Jun 10, 2015ContentIll-Gotten Gains Part 1Luxury items for heist money: gold-plated weapons, the Luxor Deluxe jet, and yachts in Part 2.
4. Jul 7, 2015ContentIll-Gotten Gains Part 2More high-end cars, weapons, and clothing.
5. Sep 15, 2015ContentFreemode EventsShort events that pop up in free roam, like King of the Castle and Hunt the Beast.
6. Oct 20, 2015ContentLowridersBenny's Original Motor Works and the first story missions led by Lamar Davis.
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   • Lowrider upgrades with hydraulics.
   • Benny's became the go-to upgrade shop for custom builds.
7. Oct 23, 2015SeasonalHalloween SurpriseSlasher mode and the Lurcher hearse.
8. Dec 15, 2015Major updateExecutives and Other CriminalsThe start of the CEO era: Executive penthouses, Bodyguards, and VIP Work.
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   • Become a VIP or CEO and hire other players.
   • Stilt houses and the Executive Apartments.
   • New armored vehicles and the Supervolito helicopter.

2016: Finance and Felony, Bikers, and Import/Export

2016 built the business system that still powers the game. For the first time you could buy properties that make money while you play.

1. Jan 26, 2016ContentJanuary 2016 UpdatePegasus Lifestyle concierge vehicles and new adversary modes.
2. Feb 10, 2016SeasonalBe My ValentineThe Albany Roosevelt Valor and themed outfits.
3. Mar 15, 2016ContentLowriders: Custom ClassicsMore Benny's conversions and lowrider vehicles.
4. Jun 7, 2016Major updateFurther Adventures in Finance and FelonyCEO Offices and Special Cargo warehouses, the first real money business.
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   • Buy, source, and sell crates for profit.
   • CEO Offices at Maze Bank, Arcadius, Lombank, and Maze Bank West.
   • Associate payments for helping CEOs.
5. Jul 12, 2016ContentCunning StuntsStunt races with loops, tubes, and giant ramps.
6. Oct 4, 2016Major updateBikersMotorcycle Club clubhouses and five MC businesses: cocaine, meth, weed, counterfeit cash, and document forgery.
7. Dec 13, 2016Major updateImport/ExportVehicle Warehouses, Special Vehicles like the Ruiner 2000, and car theft missions.

2017: Gunrunning, Smuggler's Run, and Doomsday

1. Mar 14, 2017ContentSpecial Vehicle CircuitSpecial vehicle races and new Import/Export vehicles.
2. Jun 13, 2017Major updateGunrunningBunkers, weapons manufacturing, the Mobile Operations Center, and weaponized vehicles.
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   • Bunker research unlocks Mk II weapons and vehicle upgrades.
   • The MOC truck works as a mobile weapon workshop.
   • Still a top passive business years later.
3. Aug 29, 2017Major updateSmuggler's RunHangars, air cargo missions, and aircraft like the Rogue and the Hunter.
4. Dec 12, 2017HeistThe Doomsday HeistUnderground Facilities, the Avenger, the Deluxo flying car, and a three-act heist.
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   • Act I: The Data Breaches. Act II: The Bogdan Problem. Act III: The Doomsday Scenario.
   • Two-player heists for the first time, with crews of two to four.
   • Orbital Cannon added to the Facility.

2018–2019: Nightclubs, Arena War, and the Casino

1. Mar 20, 2018ContentSouthern San Andreas Super Sport SeriesTarget Assault races, Open Wheel race cars later, and Hotring Circuit vehicles.
2. Jul 24, 2018Major updateAfter HoursNightclubs, the Terrorbyte, and later the Oppressor Mk II.
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   • Real DJs: Solomun, Tale Of Us, Dixon, and The Black Madonna.
   • Nightclub warehouse collects goods from your other businesses for free.
   • Terrorbyte unlocks Client Jobs and the Oppressor Mk II workshop.
3. Dec 11, 2018Major updateArena WarArena Workshop, combat vehicle modes, and the Arena Points ladder.
4. Jul 23, 2019Major updateThe Diamond Casino & ResortThe casino, Master Penthouse, Lucky Wheel, and the podium car.
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   • Blackjack, poker, roulette, slots, and horse racing.
   • Six story missions with Agatha Baker.
   • Lucky Wheel spin once per day.
5. Dec 12, 2019HeistThe Diamond Casino HeistArcades and the Diamond Casino Heist with three approaches.
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   • Silent & Sneaky, The Big Con, and Aggressive approaches.
   • Vault contents: cash, artwork, gold, or diamonds.
   • Crews of two to four players.

2020: Summer Special and Cayo Perico

1. Aug 11, 2020ContentLos Santos Summer SpecialYacht missions, Business Battle tweaks, and Passive Mode improvements.
2. Dec 15, 2020HeistThe Cayo Perico HeistThe Kosatka submarine, a new island map, and the first heist you can play solo.
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   • Scope Out finale on Cayo Perico island.
   • Primary targets include the Panther Statue, Pink Diamond, and Madrazo Files.
   • The Music Locker nightclub opened beneath the Diamond Casino.

2021–2022: Tuners, The Contract, and next-gen

1. Jul 20, 2021Major updateLos Santos TunersThe LS Car Meet, Auto Shops, and robbery contracts.
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   • LS Car Meet membership with reputation levels.
   • Ten new Tuner cars at launch.
   • Test Track and Time Trials.
2. Dec 15, 2021Major updateThe ContractFranklin Clinton returns with the Agency and the Dr. Dre VIP Contract.
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   • Agency safe earns passive income.
   • Security Contracts and payphone hits.
   • New music from Dr. Dre and Anderson .Paak.
3. Dec 16, 2021PlatformPS3 and Xbox 360 servers shut downGTA Online ends on last-gen consoles after eight years.
4. Mar 15, 2022PlatformExpanded & EnhancedGTA V and GTA Online release on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
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   • Hao's Special Works with upgraded vehicles.
   • Career Builder for new players.
   • GTA+ subscription launched on March 29, 2022.
5. Jul 26, 2022Major updateThe Criminal EnterprisesBusiness rebalances, new IAA missions, and more content for existing properties.
6. Dec 13, 2022Major updateLos Santos Drug WarsThe Acid Lab and the First Dose story missions.
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   • The Last Dose story finale followed in March 2023.
   • The Acid Lab is cheap and easy to sell.

2023–2025: Mercenaries to Money Fronts

1. Jun 13, 2023Major updateSan Andreas MercenariesAir missions, the Avenger operations terminal, and the Pyro Fighter Jet.
2. Dec 12, 2023Major updateThe Chop ShopSalvage Yards and vehicle robberies.
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   • Weekly Salvage Yard target vehicles.
   • Towing service for passive income.
   • Also added the Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid.
3. Jun 25, 2024Major updateBottom Dollar BountiesBail Office and bounty hunting missions.
4. Dec 10, 2024Major updateAgents of SabotageThe Garment Factory and spy-themed missions.
5. Mar 4, 2025Major updateOscar Guzman Flies AgainAir-focused missions launch with the free GTA V Enhanced edition on PC.
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   • PC Enhanced adds ray tracing, DLSS 3, and FSR 3.
   • Career Builder for new PC players.
   • Character transfer from the Legacy edition.
6. Jun 17, 2025Major updateMoney FrontsMoney laundering businesses including the Hands On Car Wash, Higgins Helitours, and Smoke on the Water.
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   • Laundered money becomes clean cash over time.
   • Story missions with legitimate front businesses.

Every heist added to GTA Online

For payouts, setups, and which heist to start with, read our complete GTA Online heists guide.

Which updates matter most for money?

Want the full breakdown? Read the best businesses in GTA Online and our GTA Online money guide.