This guide details how to save your progress in Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) and GTA Online. Both games utilize autosave, but manual saves and forced autosaves offer additional security against data loss.
GTA 5: Saving Your Game
GTA 5's Story Mode offers two primary save methods:
Method 1: Sleeping at a Safehouse
- Locate a Safehouse (marked by a white house icon on the map).
- Approach your character's bed.
- Press 'E' (keyboard) or the Right D-pad button (controller) to sleep and initiate the save.
Method 2: Using the Cell Phone
- Access your cell phone (Up arrow key on keyboard or Up on controller's D-pad).
- Select the cloud icon to open the Save Game menu.
- Confirm the save.
GTA Online: Forcing Autosaves
GTA Online doesn't have a dedicated manual save function. However, these actions trigger autosaves:
Method 1: Changing Outfits/Accessories
- Open the Interaction Menu (M key on keyboard or touchpad on controller).
- Select "Appearance," then "Accessories."
- Change any accessory, or switch your entire outfit.
- Exit the Interaction Menu. Look for the rotating orange circle in the bottom-right corner to confirm the save. Repeat if necessary.
Method 2: Accessing the Swap Character Menu
- Open the Pause Menu (Esc key on keyboard or Start button on controller).
- Navigate to the "Online" tab.
- Select "Swap Character." You don't need to actually switch characters; accessing the menu triggers an autosave.
Remember the rotating orange circle in the bottom-right corner indicates an active autosave. While autosaves occur automatically, utilizing these manual methods provides an extra layer of protection for your game progress.