Good news, PC players — a free next-gen upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V is coming on March 4, bringing a host of graphical enhancements, faster loading times, and more for those with high-end PCs.
Previously available only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, this upgraded version is finally making its way to PC, offering a vastly improved experience — just in time to keep players occupied before Grand Theft Auto VI arrives.
Technical Enhancements
For those eager to dive into the technical details, one of the most significant improvements is the introduction of ray tracing features exclusive to PC. These include ambient occlusion and global illumination, alongside ray-traced shadows and reflections previously introduced on consoles.
The update also expands support for advanced upscaling technologies, including AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 1 and 3, as well as NVIDIA Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) 3, delivering sharper visuals and improved performance. Simply put, Grand Theft Auto V has never looked better.
Beyond the improved graphics, players will benefit from faster loading times, higher resolutions, expanded aspect ratios, and increased frame rates. Players who prefer using a PlayStation DualSense controller on PC can also take advantage of adaptive triggers for a more immersive experience.
To see whether your PC can support the update, check out the System Requirements:
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+ 3Grand Theft Auto Online
This free update not only optimizes performance and resolution for Grand Theft Auto V but also brings over a wealth of new content previously exclusive to the console versions of Grand Theft Auto Online.
PC players will finally gain access to some of their most requested features since launch, such as new vehicles and upgrades at Hao’s Special Works. New additions like the Coil Cyclone II (Super) and Pfister Astron Custom (SUV) will be a must-have for car enthusiasts eager to test out the latest rides.
click to enlarge + 3Additionally, those looking for premium perks in GTA Online can now sign up for a GTA+ Membership, which grants exclusive rewards and benefits both in GTA Online and beyond.
Continued Support for the Previous PC Version
Rockstar Games has confirmed that support for the previous version of Grand Theft Auto V on PC will continue. This ensures that players with potato PCs who do not meet the minimum requirements for the upgraded version can keep playing without disruption. FiveM support will also remain intact while efforts are made to extend compatibility with the upgraded edition.
However, Rockstar has clarified that the original version of GTA Online on PC will function as a separate instance. As a result, players on the older version will not be able to join sessions with those using the upgraded edition. PC players who wish to play together must ensure they are using the same version of the game.
click to enlarge + 3To ease the transition, Rockstar has assured players that both versions will remain available to anyone who upgrades, and first-time purchasers will receive access to both editions.
With the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI on the horizon, fans are eager to see what Rockstar has in store. This next-gen upgrade for GTA V seems like a smart move, ensuring players remain engaged while awaiting the highly anticipated sequel.
For now, Rockstar knows that GTA Online remains the main attraction, with a massive update set to drop next month.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Gaming News and Grand Theft Auto page.