Is GTA an RPG?

GTA is one of the longest-running and most popular gaming franchises in the world. What started as a 2D RPG crime simulator has now turned into a full-blown top of the line 3D open-world game. GTA has always set the bar for open-world games whenever a new iteration is released and GTA V is no different. The latest installment, though 5 years old now, is still one of the most played and sought after games in the world. But there is still heavy debate around the fact if GTA is an RPG or not. Let’s take a look at it.

What is an RPG?

An RPG is a role-playing game where you get to make your own character depending on your preferences. There are certain stats and perks available to each character in the game which helps you differentiate your creation from the rest of the world. Most importantly, there are multiple endings and in-game mission choices that help define the path for your created character.

Once you finish the game with a certain character, you can replay the game with a totally different character for a whole new experience. The character will have different stats and abilities and the choices you make this time will lead to a different outcome. Let’s take a look at GTA based on this definition.

What makes GTA an RPG?

Let’s take a look at various aspects that makes GTA an RPG (like?) game.

Character customization

GTA gives you the ability to customize your character with outfits, ink, and more which pushes it in the direction of an RPG. You can virtually change everything on your character including things like hair, body size, clothes, tattoos, and more. This gives you the ability to create your own unique character.

Stats

Each character in GTA has different stats that will be improved as you progress in the game and use your abilities. These include things like Stamina, Shooting, Strength, Stealth, Flying, and more. Focusing on a particular stat will help you gain prowess in that field and improve your character’s abilities. You also get a special ability with each character which can also be improved as you progress further in the game.

Customizable outfits and equipment

As mentioned earlier, you get the ability to customize outfits in GTA and make the character your own. You can match your in-life persona or create a whole new personality for your character, it is completely up to you. You can even customize and add different types of equipment for your character including guns, vehicles, and more.

Each of these items can be further customized using in-game mod shops. For example, you can buy a particular car for your character and have it modded with aftermarket bumpers, spoilers, paint jobs, and more to make it unique to your character.

Side Quests

GTA also gives you the ability to perform multiple side quests for your characters which will not only help you improve your stats but also help you earn some extra in-game cash. You can use these side quests to level up your character before proceeding on with an important main mission. Side Quests also give you the ability to interact with different characters in the GTA universe.

Open World

GTA has been known for its vast and complicated open world since the franchise’s inception and the latest installment by Rockstar does not disappoint. You get access to the vast region of Los Santos where you can perform various side activities like stunt races, drinking, darts, snooker, watching movies, and more. You can travel virtually anywhere in the open world, drive any vehicle, and explore the limits as you like. There is virtually no restriction.

In-game choices

Apart from all these features, the new installment in the GTA series, GTA V puts you in the shoes of 3 different characters where you get to make choices for each one of them. You also get to complete missions in the story mode and affect the dynamics between the different characters in the process. This is the right step in the RPG direction.

What doesn’t make GTA an RPG?

Here’s why GTA isn’t an RPG game.

Customizable Gear does not affect stats

While you are allowed to customize your gear and clothes, these are purely for aesthetic purposes. You will not get any perks or extra abilities depending on the gear you buy and equip which drives GTA away from the RPG genre. This essentially makes grinding for priced items useless as you will not be getting any additional abilities. And while grinding for in-game weapons will give you added firepower, it will be the same as any other player in the game with the same weapon. You will not be able to upgrade your weapon by grinding.

Stats are pretty much useless when compared to a traditional RPG

While GTA gives you the ability to upgrade your stats, they do not have any major effect in the game. With all of your stats full, a novice player with enough skill can match up the same level of expertise as you due to the in-game mechanics in GTA. Unlike most RPGs, this makes grinding your character for stats pretty much useless as you are better off not worrying about them than spending hours upgrading them only to be beaten by a skilled novice player later on in the game.

No character classes

Unlike most RPGs where each character has different classes and abilities, characters in GTA are pretty much the same. Sure you get access to special abilities depending on which character you choose, there is no other major difference between the characters. They are virtually similar to each other with the same stats, and you can grind and upgrade your ability to match the special ability of another character.

No Factions

The main driving point in RPG games is the ability to create factions and clans. This allows you to run your organizations, recruit new players, and offer perks to your members. It adds a sense of personalization to the game as well as helps players stand out from other factions. Sadly, GTA does not give you the ability to create factions or clans which is a step away from the RPG genre.

Final Verdict: Is GTA an RPG?

The simple answer is Yes if you are playing online. Custom servers as well as official GTA servers allow you enough customizability and upgrades so that GTA can be easily classified as an online RPG. And although there isn’t native support for factions and clans, you can still find groups of online players with their own groups that you can join for special in-game rewards.

The long answer is No. For players that have been playing RPG genres for a long time and are looking for something on the lines of Elder Scrolls and The Witcher, GTA will be a sore disappointment for you. Although the game offers you choices in the story mode, the storyline is pretty linear and will end with the same ending one way or the other.

You can not decide which character you wish to side with nor do you get the ability to change the outcome of the story, you only get to choose which character suffers the story’s dire fate. Moreover, grinding to upgrade your character and stand out from other players is not an option. All you can do to stand out is to wear exorbitant costumes and spend lots of cash to get special equipment that offers little to no perks.

We hope this guide helped answer your questions about GTA being an RPG. If you have any more questions or would like to add your own views, feel free to reach out to us using the comments section below.