GTA Online: How To Turn Off Passive Mode In GTA

Right now, the gaming community is counting down the days to the release of the eighth main entry in the Grand Theft Auto series – GTA VI. Yet, despite launching over 13 years ago, its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, continues to thrive with an enormous player base.

The main reason for its ongoing popularity is, of course, the multiplayer mode known as GTA Online.

If you’re just starting your adventure in Los Santos, you might still be unaware of the many unexpected twists this game holds – and your very first death in GTA Online could take you by surprise.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a quick guide to explain Passive Mode in GTA Online: what it is, why it exists, and how to disable it when you’re ready. Let’s dive in!

What is Passive Mode?

Passive Mode in GTA Online is similar in concept to Red Dead Redemption’s Friendly Free Roam mode – the easiest way to describe it is that “players cannot kill or be killed.”

After your character dies in GTA Online, Passive Mode automatically activates. During this sequence, you’ll even see a cutscene featuring Cris Formage, who gives a short speech about “online death,” its advantages, and how Passive Mode can be used to your benefit.

Benefits and Limitations of Using Passive Mode

When you enable Passive Mode, you can continue exploring Los Santos and engage in non-combat activities, but your character becomes untouchable – an invincible ghost wandering through the city.

However, keep in mind that while you’re protected from others, you also lose the ability to attack them. This system is ideal for those who prefer enjoying the open world of GTA Online without the chaos of PvP combat.

Still, like many mechanics in the game, every advantage comes with its own drawbacks. While in Passive Mode, your character appears translucent to other players, and they appear the same way to you. You’ll also be unable to use weapons or enter combat-oriented vehicles.

Interestingly, depending on your platform and game version, entering a vehicle can automatically disable Passive Mode – something to remember, particularly if you’re playing on older consoles such as the PS3.

Why Turn Off Passive Mode?

If you want to experience everything that GTA Online has to offer – from PvP fights to armed robberies and high-stakes chaos – you’ll likely want to turn Passive Mode off at some point.

However, be cautious. Once disabled, your character becomes a target again, and griefers often go after new or previously passive players. In other words, prepare for some action once you leave the safety bubble.

Also note that turning off Passive Mode makes your character mortal again, so you’ll have to stay alert – dying in GTA Online can happen faster than you think.

How to Turn Off Passive Mode

Activating Passive Mode isn’t something you usually have to do manually, as it triggers automatically after your first death. But you can freely toggle it off and back on whenever you want.

To disable Passive Mode, follow these steps:

• Open the Interaction Menu.
• Scroll down the list.
• Select Enable/Disable Passive Mode.

The method for opening the Interaction Menu depends on your platform:

• On PC, press M on your keyboard.
• On Xbox, press the View button on your controller.
• On PlayStation, press Left on the Directional Pad.

You can also toggle Passive Mode via the Pause Menu:

• Go to Online.
• Select Options.
• Choose Enable/Disable Passive Mode.

Keep in mind that once you disable Passive Mode, you’ll need to wait a few minutes before you can reactivate it. Additionally, if you attack or kill another player after turning it off, the cooldown period before you can re-enable it becomes even longer.

F.A.Q.

How long is the cooldown after disabling Passive Mode?

The cooldown lasts for around 5 minutes, but if you eliminate another player during that period, it will extend even further before you can reactivate it.

Can you attack players immediately after turning off Passive Mode?

Yes, you can start fighting right away once it’s disabled, but doing so prevents you from turning Passive Mode back on again for a certain amount of time.

Does turning off Passive Mode make you a target?

Not officially, but in practice, many players keep an eye out for those who leave Passive Mode. Your presence still appears on the map, making you more noticeable to potential attackers.

How do you know if another player is in Passive Mode?

Players using Passive Mode appear partially transparent, like a faint ghost, and their icons remain visible on the in-game map.

Why am I in Passive Mode in GTA?

It’s an automatic protection feature that activates after your first in-game death. You can switch it off or back on whenever you want using the in-game menu options.

Conclusion

Passive Mode was implemented to curb griefing – a common issue in GTA Online where some players gain enjoyment solely from harassing others. This mode lets you explore the city, complete missions, or simply relax without constant fear of being attacked.

It’s a great choice for those who prefer peaceful gameplay, focusing on exploration or lighthearted fun rather than combat. However, if you’re after excitement, danger, and full immersion in Los Santos’ chaos – you can disable Passive Mode at any time.

Whether you’re playing casually or diving deep into the criminal world, you can always grab your in-game essentials and services safely through Gamer Choice – your trusted gaming marketplace for all things GTA Online.