Microsoft confirmed that Grand Theft Auto V leaves Xbox Game Pass on April 15, 2026. The timing, just months before GTA 6's November launch, suggests Rockstar is clearing the runway for its biggest release ever.
Part 1
Microsoft confirmed on April 2, 2026, that Grand Theft Auto V is among the batch of games leaving Xbox Game Pass this month. Both the GTA V Enhanced and GTA V Legacy editions are being removed across Console, Cloud, and PC platforms on April 15.
Part 2
This is not the first time GTA V has left Game Pass. The game was removed in January 2024, then returned in April 2025, and several times before that. However, the timing of this removal is what makes it stand out — it comes just seven months before Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026.
Part 3
Removing GTA V from Game Pass in mid-April, just as the GTA 6 marketing machine is about to kick into gear, is a strategic decision that serves multiple purposes. First, it pushes players toward purchasing the game outright rather than relying on a subscription, reinforcing Rockstar's premium pricing model ahead of GTA 6's expected $70 to $80 price tag.