Sony's Latest PS5 Update Quietly Blocks a Popular Jailbreak Ahead of GTA 6

Data-mining account PlayStation Game Size has found that the upcoming GTA 6 release build will require the latest PS5 console firmware, a requirement that has effectively blocked a method previously used to jailbreak the console. Sony's 14.10.00.00 update follows the September 16 release of firmware 14.00, which was the first update to disrupt the so-called "Relapse" exploit — a method that had worked since the July 13.60 console update by using a browser vulnerability to gain deeper system access.

Sony Hasn't Named Its Target

Sony has not said the update specifically targets any particular exploit or jailbreaking method, and the October 1 patch primarily added broader security fixes.

Why the Timing Raises Questions

Rockstar Games is unlikely to comment on the issue, but some fans believe the timing is notable. Most PlayStation Network features require the latest firmware, but single-player games typically don't — leading to speculation that developers are trying to get ahead of piracy concerns before GTA 6's November 19 release. Releasing the game as digital-only on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S also works in the studio's favour, since digital storefronts can be updated more easily than physical discs, which are usually manufactured a month or more before launch and may run on older firmware.

The Bigger Picture on Piracy

Even with Relapse no longer functional, those seeking workarounds are expected to keep trying, including through a separately developing hypervisor exploit, and it remains unclear whether Sony can fully close every avenue being pursued. Emulation is also improving as a potential path to running PS5 titles on PC — GTA 5 now performs better on the KytyPS5 emulator — though GTA 6 is expected to be considerably harder to get running this way.