Rockstar Games has finally rolled out the long-awaited free PC upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V, bringing the 2013 title up to modern graphics capabilities with ray tracing and numerous performance improvements. Released on March 4, 2025, this update matches the console enhancements previously exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions while adding some PC-exclusive features.
What’s New in the PC Version
The upgrade introduces ray-traced shadows, reflections, ambient occlusion, and global illumination—with some ray tracing features only available on PC. These visual enhancements require modern hardware but significantly improve the game’s lighting quality.
Performance improvements include support for AMD FSR and Nvidia DLSS technologies (with Frame Generation planned for future updates), faster loading times via SSD and DirectStorage on compatible systems, and enhanced support for higher resolutions, higher aspect ratios, and improved framerates.
PC players also get DualSense controller support with adaptive triggers and enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos compatibility.
GTA Online Expands With New Content
The update brings Hao’s Special Works to PC players, adding new vehicles like the Pegassi Weaponized Ignus and Coil Cyclone II supercars, alongside the Karin S95 sports car, Imponte Arbiter GT muscle car, and Pfister Astron Custom SUV. These join the existing fleet of 20 tunable vehicles.
Other additions include Chameleon Paint options and animal ecosystem features with Ambient Animals encounters and daily Wildlife Photography Challenges.
PC players can now also subscribe to GTA+, with members able to claim a free Principe Deveste Eight supercar through May 28 as part of a special promotion.
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Accessibility and Migration
Players who already own GTA V on PC can get this upgrade for free through the Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, or Epic Games Store. First-time buyers will receive both the Enhanced and Legacy versions bundled together.
Story Mode and GTA Online progress can be migrated from the Legacy version, though Rockstar warns this is a one-way process and might take time depending on server load. During migration, GTA Online access is temporarily unavailable in both versions.
For players with older hardware that doesn’t meet the new requirements, the Legacy version remains accessible but exists in a separate player ecosystem—meaning friends must play the same version to connect online.
Anti-Cheat and Community Measures
The updated version includes kernel-based anti-cheat protections and proactive voice chat moderation, addressing long-standing concerns about fair play in GTA Online’s PC community.
Price and Availability
New players can purchase GTA V at a 50% discount (£14.99) across Steam and Epic Games Store until March 20.