New Delhi: It’s not every day you see a Rockstar title going free on mobile, but today’s that day. Grand Theft Auto III: The Definitive Edition is currently free to download on the Apple App Store for both iPhone and iPad users (use safari). There’s no official word on how long the offer will last, so players might want to act fast. The Android version, in contrast, still costs ₹1,099.
Originally spotted by users and confirmed via the App Store, the game’s free listing has surprised mobile gamers and longtime GTA fans alike. The same title on other platforms like Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 still carries a price tag.
GTA III: The Definitive Edition is now free on iPhone and iPad via the Apple App Store.
What’s new in the mobile version?
This edition isn’t just a straight port of the original PS2 title. It’s the updated remastered version, launched as part of the GTA Trilogy package a few years ago. The mobile version brings several noticeable changes that help it feel better suited for handheld play.
Key improvements include:
- Updated graphics: Smoother textures and improved visuals compared to earlier mobile versions.
- Enhanced controls: Touchscreen controls have been improved, and camera movement is more fluid.
- Classic lighting mode: A feature that lets players switch to the old lighting look from the original.
- Battery-friendly tweaks: The game is lighter on battery than some other big mobile games.
Android users still need to pay ₹1,099 for the same game on Google Play Store.
Same game, different price tag
While Apple users are enjoying the game for free, Android users still have to pay full price. On the Google Play Store, the game is listed at ₹1,099, and there are no discounts visible at the time of writing. Console players aren’t spared either. The same version costs significantly more across other platforms, with Steam, PS5, and Xbox prices hovering around USD 20 (₹1,700 approx).
No love for PC and Xbox players as GTA III only free on Apple devices
Liberty City, now in your pocket
For those who’ve never played GTA III, this is the game that truly changed open-world gaming. Set in the gritty world of Liberty City, it introduced a generation of players to Rockstar’s formula of crime, chaos, and sandbox fun. And now, it’s sitting free on your phone — at least if you’re on iOS.
There’s no official statement from Rockstar or Apple yet on how long the offer will stay up. So, if you’ve got an iPhone or iPad and haven’t played GTA III, now’s your chance.