Standard vs Ultimate Edition: Is the $20 Upgrade Worth It?
Comparing the $79.99 Standard Edition and $99.99 Ultimate Edition. What you get for the extra $20, including $1.5M in-game cash, GTA+, and car wraps.
When buying Grand Theft Auto 6, you have two main choices: the Standard Edition for $79.99 or the Ultimate Edition for $99.99.
With $20 separating the two versions, is the Ultimate Edition worth the extra money, or does the Standard Edition give you everything you need?
Here is a simple, clear look at what each version includes and which one makes the most sense for you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is how the two editions compare:
| Feature | Standard Edition ($79.99) | Ultimate Edition ($99.99) | What It Is Worth on Its Own |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Single-Player Story Mode (Lucia & Jason) | Included | Included | Core Game |
| Complete Access to GTA Online | Included | Included | Core Game |
| How You Can Buy It | Physical Box & Digital | Digital Download Only | N/A |
| Vintage Vice City Pack (Pre-Order Bonus) | Included with all pre-orders | Included with all pre-orders | Free Pre-Order Bonus |
| GTA Online Starter Money | $0 in-game cash | $1,500,000 in-game cash | ~$15 – $20 USD |
| Free Month of GTA+ | None | 1 Month Free | $7.99 USD |
| High-Roller Clothing Outfits | Not included | Included (Special outfits) | ~$5.00 USD |
| Custom Chameleon Car Paint | Not included | Included (Color-shifting finish) | ~$5.00 USD |
| Total Value of the Extras | None | Bundled for $20 extra | About $33 – $38 USD |
Doing the Math: What the Extras Are Worth
To see if the $20 upgrade is a good deal, let’s look at what each bonus would cost if you bought it separately:
1. $1,500,000 in GTA Online Cash (Worth ~$15–$20)
In GTA Online, a cash card giving $1,250,000 costs $19.99. Starting with $1.5 million in the new game gives you an immediate boost:
- Buy an apartment with a garage to store your cars.
- Buy your first business property to start earning passive income.
- Fully upgrade an entry-level sports car with turbo and armor.
If you planned to buy any in-game cash during your first month online, this alone pays for the $20 upgrade.
2. 1 Month Free of GTA+ Membership (Worth $7.99)
The Ultimate Edition includes a token for one full month of GTA+. Normally costing $7.99 a month, this gives you:
- A monthly bonus of $500,000 in-game money.
- Free vehicles to claim from the Vinewood Club.
- Bonus cash and RP on select missions.
- Access to a rotating library of classic Rockstar games.
3. Special Outfits & Chameleon Car Paint (Worth ~$10)
You also get the “High-Roller” outfit set for your online character (designer jackets, shoes, and gold accessories) and a special Chameleon car paint job that shifts colors under streetlights.
The Bottom Line on Value
Adding up the cash card value ($15–$20), the free month of GTA+ ($7.99), and the cosmetics ($10), you get around $33 to $38 worth of extras for an extra $20. If you plan to play online, it is a genuine discount.
Keep in Mind: Ultimate Edition Is Digital Only
There is one important detail if you like physical games: The Ultimate Edition is sold only as a digital download.
Rockstar is not making physical boxes or steelbooks for the Ultimate Edition. If you want a physical game box to display on your shelf, you must buy the Standard Edition ($79.99).
You Can Upgrade Later
If you buy the Standard Edition and change your mind later, you don’t have to worry. Rockstar has confirmed that a separate Ultimate Edition Upgrade pack will be sold in the PlayStation Store and Xbox Games Store after launch.
Whether you bought the physical box or the digital standard edition, you can buy the upgrade pack (expected around $20 to $25) anytime to unlock the cash, GTA+ month, and bonus items.
Which Version Should You Buy?
- If you only care about the story: Buy the Standard Edition ($79.99). The single-player adventure with Lucia and Jason is 100% identical in both editions. The Ultimate Edition extras are only for online play.
- If you plan to play online on day one: Buy the Ultimate Edition ($99.99). You save about $15 compared to buying the starter cash and GTA+ month separately.
- If you want a physical box for your shelf: Buy the Standard Edition Physical Box ($79.99). You get the case and reversible cover art, and you can always buy the digital upgrade later if you want the online perks.
For more details, check our Standard vs Ultimate comparison page or try our Edition Advisor.