JuicyTalk
The Grand Theft Auto series has seen a few roadblocks in 2025, with the delay of GTA 6 already causing frustration to fans of the franchise. However, later this December, another unexpected obstacle for these free-roaming open world games might make players feel even more alienated. You might even lose access to some of the titles that helped this series grow in popularity in the first place.
With little to no news about Rockstar’s ongoing projects other than GTA 6, players have had to wait a long time for information about the developer’s endeavors. Although GTA Online is still getting updates, those just getting into the franchise might want to start with earlier games in the franchise instead of GTA 5. Unfortunately, older Grand Theft Auto games are set to leave subscription services soon on various platforms.
GTA Trilogy — The Definitive Edition Is Leaving PS Plus
Three PlayStation 2 Games Going Away For Subscribers
On December 16, 2025, GTA Trilogy — Definitive Edition will be removed from PS Plus, making subscribers unable to download three pivotal games from the Grand Theft Auto series. Included in the collection are these three titles:
- Grand Theft Auto 3
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
These games were the first in the franchise to adopt the series’ now iconic 3D open world style, allowing players to roam over vast maps with plenty to do. Each title also crafts excellent stories, featuring beloved protagonists that have very different events happen to them throughout each unique setting.
GTA Trilogy had a launch that was received very poorly by fans, mostly for how each of the games within it were littered with bugs and visual errors. These have been mostly addressed over time, creating a stable way for fans to enjoy each title on modern consoles.
Players looking forward to bombastic Vice City missions or San Andreas‘ grounded storyline will be disappointed to find this trilogy gone before 2026. When the collection leaves, it will be unavailable on PS Plus’ Extra, Premium, or Essential versions, but still on the PlayStation Store. You’ll have to pay for the collection to play each title again, even if you’ve already tried some of the games in it ahead of time.
Play The Games Before They Leave On December 16
Try Out At Least One Title Before They Become Harder To Play
Before GTA Trilogy leaves PS Plus, you should give at least one game in the collection a try before it vanishes from the subscription service. Each game within it has helped shape games of their respective eras, helping give rise to a multitude of other praised titles.
Since you only have roughly a week to play the GTA Trilogy remasters before they’re removed, you might want to start with Vice City since its setting is returning for next year’s GTA 6.
While obvious Rockstar projects like Red Dead Redemption wouldn’t have existed without older GTA successes, other open-world games you might love can also trace inspiration back to the series’ PS2 icons. Everything from The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim to Sleeping Dogs, Cyberpunk 2077, and Saints Row adopt some aspects of older GTA games, including how their worlds create an immersive atmosphere to explore.
Despite being harder to download in the future, there is a chance that this collection could still be on sale as the holiday season continues. This will make Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — Definitive Edition still worth grabbing on PlayStation, whether you have time to get it on PS Plus or not.
- Released
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November 11, 2021
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Lyrics
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 4
