Returns in GTA 5 Online’s December 10 Update

Michael De Santa Makes His Long-Awaited Comeback

Rockstar Confirms Release Date and Reveals Major New Features

Rockstar Games has officially unveiled the next major update for Grand Theft Auto Online, arriving December 10 and bringing back fan-favorite protagonist Michael De Santa. After years of speculation, leaks, and abandoned hopes, one of GTA 5’s main characters is finally returning in a significant new storyline.

It has been twelve years since players first experienced the journey of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor in Grand Theft Auto 5. Although Rockstar once planned multiple single-player DLCs, those were ultimately cancelled as development shifted toward GTA Online and Red Dead Redemption 2. Over time, both Franklin and Trevor appeared in new online updates, leaving Michael as the only missing member of the trio until now.

New GTA Online Update Arrives December 10

Rockstar recently teased the long-rumored Mansions update, but only now has the studio provided full details through a new blog post and trailer for A Safehouse in the Hills. The update launches December 10 across PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The trailer confirmed that Michael De Santa is back, marking his first reappearance since 2013.

Michael appears multiple times throughout the footage, suggesting a role similar in scope to Franklin’s in The Contract update. Rockstar calls A Safehouse in the Hills a “monumental” expansion that introduces Prix Luxury Real Estate, allowing players to purchase high-end mansions featuring expansive outdoor areas, premium interior design, and a new AI Assistant to help manage tasks. Players can also expect new missions, vehicles, upgrades, and additional surprises.

With Grand Theft Auto 6 approaching, fans are increasingly curious about the future of GTA Online. Rockstar has yet to confirm whether player progress will carry forward, evolve alongside the new game, or be replaced entirely by a fresh version of the online experience. Answers are unlikely to arrive soon.

Originally revealed with a Fall 2025 target, GTA 6 has since faced multiple delays, first shifting to May 26, 2026 and then being pushed further. The game is now scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, assuming it avoids additional setbacks.