Free Mode

GTA IV Free Mode.

Free Mode is a multiplayer mode first found in Grand Theft Auto IV and its episodes, and later greatly expanded in Grand Theft Auto Online,

Description (GTA IV)

"Kick back, Liberty City is your playground, only your playmates ain't so nice. Have fun out there."

In the mode, the entire single-player map of Liberty City is open to the player(s) (with the exception of some interiors to prevent spoilers). Weapons are also available, ranging from knives to rocket launchers (weapons may vary according to host's weapon set choice), all of which can be picked up and used by the player. Along with weapons, health packs and body armor vests can be picked up. Almost every vehicle from single-player is in Free Mode, including helicopters, and can seat multiple players or be used in different driving or combat roles effectively. Pay 'n' Sprays can be found throughout the city, which can be used to evade the police (if they are turned on in the settings) or to repair or change the color of a vehicle.

One Free Mode session can fit up to 16 players (on consoles) or 32 players (on PC). It can be started even without needing a second player. Friendly Fire can be turned on or off by the host (which will allow or disallow the killing of other players), as well as police, vehicles and pedestrians. The weather, time, auto-aim (can be allowed or disallowed) and area can also be changed to the host's liking.

Description (GTA V)

A player in their apartment in GTA Online Free Mode.

In GTA V's multiplayer, Grand Theft Auto Online, much of the concept from its earlier edition has re-appeared, the players still have the whole map for themselves to play in without disruption from missions, the features you can do in Free Mode has however been greatly expanded. The Free Mode is a 16 player lobby. From Free Mode, the player can receive jobs from Simeon Yetarian, Lamar Davis, Gerald, Lester Crest, Martin Madrazo and Ron Jakowski. They can also do Races, Deathmatches, Parachute Jumps and more.

Trivia

• In GTA IV, If only one player remains and he/she dies, he/she may spawn in random place (if location is set in Liberty City).
• In GTA IV If set on fire enter the player menu, whilst there your character cannot take damage from fire, but can still be killed by other players.
• There is a way into Blue Hell as seen here.