GTA V on PC is finally getting that sweet next-gen update on March 4, 2025, and the best part? It's completely free for everyone who already owns the game! This brings PC players up to speed with what PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players have been enjoying.
Graphics getting a serious boost: If you've been jealous of console players' prettier version of Los Santos, your wait is almost over. The upgrade adds ray tracing features like ambient occlusion and global illumination that'll make the game look significantly better. According to Rockstar, PC players will actually get some ray tracing features that aren't even available on consoles!
Performance improvements: The update isn't just about looking pretty – it'll run better too. We're talking support for AMD FSR1 and FSR3, plus NVIDIA DLSS 3 for those with compatible hardware. Loading times should be much faster thanks to SSD and DirectStorage support, which is honestly a game-changer for GTA Online players tired of those legendary load screens.
Hao's Special Works finally arrives: One of the best additions is HSW, which lets you upgrade select vehicles with elite performance mods. This feature has been console-exclusive until now, and it's a pretty significant gameplay addition rather than just a visual upgrade.
New wildlife to discover: The upgrade adds ambient animals throughout the map and even includes a Wildlife Photography Challenge with daily rewards.
System requirements aren't too demanding: The minimum specs include Windows 10, an Intel Core i7-4770 or AMD FX-9590, 8GB RAM, and a 4GB GPU like the GTX 1630 or Radeon RX 6400. Most gaming PCs from the last few years should handle it fine, though you'll need a beefier system for all the ray tracing goodness.
Better online experience: The upgrade introduces kernel-based anti-cheat protection and voice chat moderation. As someone who's dealt with GTA Online hackers, this might actually be the most important upgrade of all!
GTA+ coming to PC: For the first time, PC players can subscribe to GTA+. While subscription services aren't everyone's cup of tea, the monthly GTA$500,000, exclusive vehicles, and other perks might be worth it for serious players.
New player friendly: If you're just starting GTA Online with this upgrade, you'll get a massive GTA$4,000,000 bonus to get your criminal empire off the ground – no more being broke and getting crushed by veterans in flying weaponized vehicles!
Better controller support: The upgrade adds DualSense controller features like adaptive triggers, which is great news for PC players who prefer controllers for driving games.
The old version isn't going away: If your PC can't handle the new requirements, Rockstar promises to keep supporting the original version. However, players should note that the original version of GTA Online on PC will operate separately, meaning players on different versions won't be able to play together.
All this just ahead of GTA 6: The timing is interesting, with GTA 6 set to launch on consoles later this year. PC hardware maker Corsair believes GTA 6 will hit PC in early 2026, so this GTA V upgrade might be designed to keep PC players happy during the wait.
This upgrade shows Rockstar's commitment to PC players, which hasn't always been their priority. It's a good sign for those worried about when (or if) GTA 6 will come to PC.
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