The short answer is no, GTA Plus does not automatically provide a free car just for subscribing. However, members do get opportunities to claim exclusive free vehicles and upgrades each month as part of the membership bonuses. Let‘s take a deeper look at what GTA Plus offers and whether it‘s worth it for different types of players.
Introducing GTA Plus
GTA Plus is a new subscription service introduced by Rockstar Games in March 2022 for Grand Theft Auto Online on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. It costs $5.99 per month and provides an assortment of bonuses, discounts, and exclusive content for subscribers.
Some key facts about GTA Plus:
- Launched March 29, 2022
- Available only on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, not old gen consoles
- Initial pricing was $5.99 per month, $39.99 for 6 months, $59.99 per year
- As of October 2022, over 1 million players have subscribed
Rockstar positions GTA Plus as a way to get extra perks and early access to content in GTA Online. It does not gate off any content from non-paying players, but provides bonuses subscribers can take advantage of.
Ongoing GTA Plus Membership Benefits
While the monthly bonuses change, there are some consistent benefits to an active GTA Plus membership:
- GTA$500,000 deposited into your account each month
- Free access to all CEO and VIP Abilities in GTA Online
- Bonus GTA$ when purchasing Shark Cards (10% – 15% extra cash)
- Free snacks and armor from the Gun Van when it appears on map
- Exclusive discounts at select clothing shops and amenities
Monthly GTA+ Rewards
The main draw of GTA Plus are the special monthly rewards. These often include exclusive vehicles, upgrades, and other in-game items.
For example, some previous monthly GTA+ rewards have included:
- November 2022: Coil Cyclone 2 electric supercar
- October 2022: Benefactor LM87 supercar plus a free HSW performance upgrade
- September 2022: Imponte Arbiter GT and HSW upgrade, plus Casino Penthouse rebate
To claim these rewards, subscribers just need to log into GTA Online during the month and purchase the items for free from their respective in-game vendor (Legendary Motorsport, Diamond Casino, etc).
Are the Exclusive Items Worth It?
Industry analysts have mixed opinions on whether GTA Plus provides good value currently. While the monthly items are enticing, some feel the subscriptions price is not justified yet.
“For serious players who spend lots of time in GTA Online, the exclusive cars, upgrades, and bonuses are a nice perk,” explains gaming business analyst Louise Hughes. “But more casual players may not find enough value each month to warrant the $5.99.”
Reddit threads discussing GTA Plus also showcase a wide range of player opinions:
- “The $500k per month already pays for itself”
- “I wish there were discounts on businesses and properties too”
- “The cars are cool but I’m not paying a monthly fee just for that”
The average GTA Online player spends $85 – $100 on in-game purchases, according to data analytics firm GameRefinery. So the $5.99 per month price point falls well below what many dedicated players already invest.
Psychology of Exclusive Items
The human mind tends to strongly value exclusive items and status. Gaming addiction counselor Mark Lawrence explains how this factors into GTA Plus:
“Having unique, members-only vehicles and items taps into players’ desire for status and collection. Owning something other players don’t have access to provides a feeling of power and prestige.”
This psychology helps explains why many subscribers are drawn to the monthly GTA Plus rewards, even if they have lots of existing cars and weapons. The exclusivity makes the items more enticing.
Comparing GTA Plus to Fortnite Crew
Fortnite Crew is a similar subscription service in the hit game Fortnite. For $11.99 per month, members get 1,000 V-Bucks, an exclusive outfit pack, and the current season Battle Pass.
GTA Plus provides less outright value compared to Fortnite Crew, but costs about half as much. The Fortnite subscription unlocks more functional benefits like game modes and characters. But it highlights the trend of games now providing subscription packages.
The Rise of Gaming Subscriptions
GTA Plus represents a broader shift happening across the industry. More and more game publishers are launching subscription services to generate ongoing revenue from existing titles.
Some other major subscription gaming services include:
- Xbox Game Pass
- PlayStation Plus Premium
- EA Play
- Ubisoft+
- Nintendo Switch Online
For players, subscriptions can provide great value by unlocking lots of content for a low monthly price. But others argue it encourages “pay-to-win” models and endless monetization.
“Subscriptions are immensely profitable for publishers, but the jury is still out on whether they benefit players long-term,” suggests industry reporter Kyle Reynolds. “Too many subscriptions could quickly lead to subscription fatigue.”
Weighing the Value of GTA Plus
Based on all these factors, here is an assessment of the value GTA Plus provides for different types of players:
For new or very casual players, GTA Plus offers very good value. The $500k per month provides a huge leg up when starting out. The property rebates and upgrades also help establish your criminal enterprise.
For frequent racers and car collectors, the monthly vehicles are fun additions to your garage. Even long-time players enjoy expanding their collections with exclusive rides.
For avid grinders who play every day, the bonuses and discounts accumulated over a year can yield good savings on items you’d buy anyway.
For wealthy high-rank players who already own everything, GTA Plus provides less value unless you really want every single new car.
For parents whose kids play GTA Online, the membership provides extra bang for your buck when buying occasional Shark Cards.
Should You Subscribe to GTA Plus?
Here are some final pros and cons to weigh when deciding if GTA Plus is worth it for you personally:
Potential Benefits
- Get cool exclusive cars and items each month
- $500k per month is very useful for new players
- Discounts save money if you buy lots of Shark Cards
- Bonuses enhance the experience of an existing player
Potential Downsides
- Monthly price adds up over time
- High-rank players may not find enough new value
- Exclusive items only appeal if you care about status
- Encourages more monetization and “pay-to-win”
Ultimately, the value of GTA Plus depends heavily on your personal budget and gameplay style. For many faithful GTA fans, the membership provides fun new toys and shortcuts. But more casual players may be better off just enjoying the base game.
