Grand Theft Auto V is nearing the end of its seventh year. Despite the fact that the game has been on the market for so long, there is still a heathy GTA online community. One of the main reasons for the game's loyal concurrent player base is the existence of GTA RP servers. These servers allow people to enjoy a completely different gaming experience in Los Santos.
Instead of playing as one of the main characters in the storyline, gamers can choose to be whoever they want in the city. People can choose to be cops, gangsters, police officers, merchants, and the list goes on. This guide will cover everything players need to know about the RP servers in GTA V.
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The process of joining one of the better GTA RP servers can take some time. Many of the popular servers have a limited number of spots open, and not all of them are free to play. For example, nopixel servers have a capped number of whitelisted players every month. To join, people will need to find their Steam(Hex) ID. Players can retrieve it through Steam or use one of the many ID finder websites. Gamers should never enter anything other than their username on any website that proports to serve as an ID locator.
Next, players can shop around to see which site's server they would like to join. FiveM, RAGE.mp, The Family, nopixel, eclispe RP, and Mafia City are a few popular examples. There are dozens of different options, so players are encouraged to do their own research. However, sticking to these well known sites is definitely the safer route.
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The primary issue with trying to join a server is that the demand is high and availability is low. To get a leg up on others, most sites will prioritize applicants that provide a small donation. Unfortunately, no donation will guarantee admission. Sites like nopixel reserve spots for donators only, and at times that is the only way to get "whitelisted" or approved.
RP servers are run and monitored by individual websites, and people that join them will be subject to their specific guidelines. It is a good idea to read the guidelines and rules before continuing with the application process. Most people will not want to play in a server with rules they think will hamper their experience as a player. Similarly, by blatantly disobeying the rules or breaking them through ignorance, the admins will likely remove frequent offenders from the server. This is particularly unfortunate for those that had to donate to get in.
There are a few basic rules that the majority of servers follow. The first regards killing other players. Killing someone on a server without a justification will often result in a ban. A cop can kill a robber with a weapon, but shooting a shopkeeper for no reason is prohibited. Obviously the rules differ from server to server, but this is the general rule. Most servers also have guidelines that prevent a character from behavior that is unusual for a person of a particular profession. Bank tellers do not usually moonlight as streetwalkers, for example.
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Relying on outside information is another offense that is strictly prohibited. This is because it provides an unfair advantage for those who play without communicating off server. RP servers are about embracing the role of the character and playing the game as a fictional character hypothetically would. The strictness of the rules will vary based on the server, but the vast majority have some form of the above rules. Those looking for a role-playing experience will appreciate the level of detail and planning that goes into running a successful server. Of course, the base game is always there for people that want to revert to the five-star crime spree gameplay GTA V is famous for.
It can be more of a gamble to join an RP server on console, as modded servers are not permitted. PC RP servers are not associated with Rockstar and do not use Rockstar's online services. For that reason, the developers have not taken any steps to prevent them. However, console players put themselves in a position to be banned if they join an RP server with any modded content.
Still, there are a few good console RP servers with committed player bases. Reddit, GTAForums, and console RP Discord channels are a few ways to find some of the more reliable options for console gamers. It is important to keep in mind that there are scams out there. People looking in these places should check out the OP's profile and look at the number of comments and likes. Gamers must do their own due diligence before finding a worthwhile server.