GTA Online's best update in years is bringing back a fan-favorite character
Even as more rumors swirl that Rockstar Games could be preparing another GTA 6 delay (we're losing count at this point), the gaming giant is seemingly trying to keep us distracted by dishing out content in other corners of San Andreas.
While we're eagerly anticipating a return to Leonida to see what's changed in Vice City since 2002's GTA: Vice City, Los Santos still has a few surprises up its sleeve.
The frankly brilliant brainwave to release GTA Online shortly after GTA V has seen the title become the most profitable entertainment product of all time and net nearly $10 billion.
As we literally throw our money at Shark Cards and the many rereleases, remasters, and ultimate editions, there are obvious questions about what will happen to GTA Online when GTA 6 races onto the scene.
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Whether the OG is put out to pasture or it somehow evolves into a new-gen online playground, Rockstar is keen to keep the story rolling. Alongside June's "Money Fronts" update, GTA Online brought back GTA V's Oscar Guzman in 2025.
Oscar isn't the only familiar face making a return to the franchise, with the upcoming "A Safehouse in the Hills" promising big things for GTA Online.
For years, fans have debated which ending of GTA V should be counted as canon, with most settling on the 'Deathwish' ending.
The 'option C' ending sees Franklin, Michael, and Trevor teaming up to take out their enemies (Steve Haines, Devin Weston, and Stretch), which leads to the trio surviving and neatly setting them up for GTA Online.
Michael's survival has indeed been hinted at in previous GTAO updates, but 12 years after the credits rolled on the last mainline game, we finally get to see what he's been up to.
We know that Michael actor Ned Luke has stayed close to GTA, being a regular on the convention scene and sparking numerous theories that he's going to sneak into GTA 6. While that's still possible, we're catching up with him even sooner thanks to "A Safehouse in the Hills".
Explaining what's on the way, a Rockstar blog post states: "For those who have reached the highest rungs of the criminal ladder, celebrate your triumph with a painstakingly crafted palace in one of Los Santos’ most exclusive neighborhoods, complete with breathtaking views, the finest amenities, and countless ways to customize and make it your own."
Coming to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC on December 10, "A Safehouse in the Hills" will presumably catch up with Michael after we last saw him leaving behind a life of crime and becoming a movie producer. If he's living in this exclusive neighborhood, it suggests he's doing pretty well for himself.
Michael features prominently in the latest trailer, although we expect him to have more of a background role akin to Shawn Fonteno's Franklin in 2021's "The Contract" update.
Speaking of Franklin, he's had his arc updated in several GTAO updates, while even Steven Ogg's beloved (but complicated) Trevor Philips has been referenced as going 'Vinewood' and becoming a 'lifestyle' coach. Later nods hint that Trevor Philips Enterprises has gone bust, and his whereabouts are unknown.
Assuming the GTA V gang makes it out of the next few updates alive, there's an even stronger chance they could be crossing paths with Jason and Lucia in GTA 6...if it ever releases.