Rockstar Games published a new set of modding guidelines on September 10, 2026, outlining what creators can and cannot do with Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, and other titles ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6’s launch on November 19, 2026.
The guidelines allow single-player, non-commercial mods that respect third-party intellectual property. They ban mods that expand official storylines, combine assets from different Rockstar games, or run on platforms where a game was never officially released.
A separate support page last updated on January 6, 2025 states that Rockstar Games believes in reasonable fan creativity. It adds that Take-Two Interactive generally will not take legal action against third-party projects involving Rockstar’s PC games that are single-player, non-commercial, and respect the IP rights of third parties.
That exemption does not apply to multiplayer or online services, tools that could impact online services, the use of other Rockstar IP, or the creation of new games, stories, missions, or maps.
What the Guidelines Allow
Single-player mods remain welcome as long as they stay away from online services and do not infringe on other people’s intellectual property. Rockstar even allows modders to disable anti-cheat for Story Mode.
Modders can also monetize their work, but only through digital storefront providers approved by Rockstar Games and in compliance with the company’s Creator Platform License Agreement. Any other commercial exploitation of mods is prohibited.
What the Guidelines Ban
The new rules are divided into four sections. The first asks modders to ‘Respect Our Games.’ It states that Rockstar creates unique worlds, characters, and stories, and that the company has the right to set limits on how others can use its games and brand.
The guidelines state: ‘Do not expand or modify Rockstar Games’ official storylines, plots, missions, characters, or other elements of our established continuity.’
Another rule states: ‘Do not make mods that combine maps, locations, characters, storylines, in-game assets, or other IP from one Rockstar Games title into another title.’
Multiplayer modding is limited to Rockstar Games’ official licensed Creator Platform or as otherwise licensed directly by Rockstar Games. The company acquired the team behind FiveM and RedM in 2023 and has since moved against competing multiplayer platforms.
The guidelines also state: ‘Do not modify our games to operate on consoles, hardware devices, or other platforms where they have not been officially released by Rockstar Games.’
Rockstar further prohibits creating or sharing cheat menus that interfere with official multiplayer or online services. It also bans using Rockstar IP or logos to suggest that a mod or custom server is endorsed by or affiliated with the company.
Mods cannot use protected elements of anyone else’s intellectual property, including art, characters, music, photos, games, advertisements, brands or logos, or real-world locations. They also cannot modify or reuse voiceover performances from any Rockstar game or use any real-world person’s voice, image, or likeness without written permission.
All mods must comply with Rockstar Games User Rules and Community Guidelines. The company does not tolerate pornography, mods that endorse violent extremism, promote self-harm, physically threaten any other player, or present a risk to minor safety. Abuse, bullying, threats, and harassment of any kind are also prohibited.
The guidelines additionally ban conflict roleplay or military simulations depicting real-world armed organizations.
On monetization, the guidelines state: ‘We do not permit mods to enable real money gambling, loot boxes, gacha, or similar chance mechanics for real money. We do not permit the offering or selling of in-game virtual currency for real money. We do not permit the use or promotion of cryptocurrency or crypto assets.’
Recent Enforcement Actions
The new guidelines follow several enforcement actions against major modding projects. In January 2025, the Liberty City Preservation Project, which transplanted GTA IV’s map into GTA V, was shut down at Rockstar’s request. In March 2025, a mod recreating GTA 6’s map in GTA 5 was removed following a takedown notice from Take-Two.
In May 2026, Take-Two ordered the GTA 5 multiplayer modding platform Rage:MP to cease operations. The developers said in a forum post: ‘Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have made it clear that FiveM is the only authorized platform for GTAV multiplayer modding, as defined in their Platform License Agreement. In accordance with that policy, and at Take-Two’s request, RAGE:MP will begin a structured shutdown process.’
Server owners had until August 31, 2026 to migrate to FiveM, after which Rage:MP operations officially ceased.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar has not announced a PC version or any official modding tools for the game.