How to Play GTA-4 Online

Grand Theft Auto IV introduces a feature that fans of the series have been craving since its inception: online multiplayer. This open-world crime game is available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and both versions offer 14 modes of online gameplay. Up to 16 players can flood through the entirety of Liberty City and engage in deathmatches, team co-op and races.

Ensure your console is connected to high-speed Internet and logged into Xbox LIVE (Xbox 360) or the PlayStation Network (PlayStation 3). See Resources for details.

Start your Grand Theft Auto IV game. Press up on your controller’s directional pad to access the mobile phone. Select “Multiplayer” from the mobile phone menu to enter the lobby where you’ll be able to find your friends or join a ranked match.

Select “Player Match” if you want to play an unranked game just for fun. Select “Ranked” to enter a ranked match where you’ll progress up or down through the ranks of players based on how well you score. Select “Party” mode to invite up to seven of your friends to join a party for free-for-all or team-based multiplayer.

Select from one of the 14 multiplayer modes. Select “Team” to choose from team-based games such as “Team Deathmatch” or “Cops n’ Crooks.” If you’re in "Party" mode, your party will automatically register as a team.

Select “Cooperative” to play in co-op modes such as “Free Mode” or “Deal Breaker.”

Select “Competitive” for free-for-all competitive gameplay in modes such as “Deathmatch,” where up to 16 players try to rack up as many kills as possible.

Select “Race” to choose from “Race” or “GTA Race” modes. A normal race simply involves getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible, while a GTA race includes combat.